U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales Joins Democrats in Defeating Amendment

U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, a Texas Republican, proposed an amendment to the U.S. House spending bill with the intention of defunding drag shows and “Pride month” events at the Department of Defense. However, this proposal was defeated with the assistance of U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, the lone Texas Republican who sided with Democrats.

Roy’s proposal was triggered by instances where the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Air Force used rainbow-themed imagery in their social media posts during Pride Month. Despite his impassioned speech on the House floor emphasizing the importance of the American flag, the amendment was voted down 202-231, with all 213 Democrats and 18 Republicans opposing it.

Gonzales has been a controversial figure within his own party since March, when he was officially censured by the Republican Party of Texas (RPT) for multiple violations of Republican principles. His support for the “Respect for Marriage Act,” which sought to repeal the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act defining marriage as between one man and one woman, was particularly criticized.

RPT Chairman Matt Rinaldi expressed disappointment in Gonzales’ actions, stating that despite claiming to uphold traditional family values, Gonzales has strayed from these principles while in office.

Gonzales also opposed Roy’s Border Security and Enforcement Act of 2023, a piece of legislation intended to replace the expired Title 42. This public health order, issued by the Trump administration in March 2020, allowed U.S. customs officials to return illegal border-crossers from “COVID-19 impacted” areas without processing them through federal courts.

Additionally, Gonzales was the only Texas Republican in the U.S. House to support the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. This Biden-endorsed bill aims to implement stricter background checks for gun purchases.

Gonzales’ actions have led to challenges for his congressional seat in the upcoming election cycle from “Second Amendment absolutist” Brandon Herrera, former U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agent Victor Avila, and Medina County GOP Chairwoman Julie Clark.

Here is a list of Republicans who voted against defunding drag shows in military installations:
– Ken Buck
– Ken Calvert
– Lori Chavez-DeRemer
– John Curtis
– Anthony D’Esposito
– John Duarte
– Brian Fitzpatrick
– Andrew Garbarino
– Tony Gonzales
These Republicans helped defeat a measure to defund taxpayer-funded pride events, including drag shows, in the State Department. However, it is important to note that not all Republicans voted against defunding drag shows in military installations.

Source: Texas Scorecard