EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The El Paso Chamber is urging state lawmakers to keep three “critical community assets” — Fort Bliss, the new Veterans Health Care Center and the El Paso International Airport — within the current Texas 16th Congressional District.
Under the Republicans’ proposed redistricting map, the airport and Fort Bliss would be moved into U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales’ 23rd Congresssional District. That district stretches from East El Paso to San Antonio.
In a letter sent to key state legislators, the Chamber highlighted the economic, military, health care, and transportation significance of these assets to the El Paso region. It emphasized the importance of continued representation in a locally based, urban district.
“Fort Bliss is not only the largest employer in our community, it’s a pillar of El Paso’s identity, supporting over 158,000 individuals and contributing an estimated $25.7 billion annually to the Texas economy,” said Ricardo Mora, president and CEO of the El Paso Chamber. “The VA Health Care Center and El Paso International Airport are similarly vital to our economy and quality of life. Keeping them in the 16th District ensures cohesive and responsive representation for the stakeholders they serve.”
The Chamber said its position is grounded in the need for cohesive, locally based representation that reflects the economic and civic fabric of El Paso, it said in a news release.
“Fort Bliss, the VA Health Care Center, and the El Paso International Airport are not only physically located within the city, but they are also tightly interwoven into the daily lives of its residents, businesses, and institutions. Keeping them within Texas’ 16th Congressional District ensures they remain under the representation of a member of Congress who lives, works, and governs from the same community they serve,” the Chamber said in its news release.
The Chamber also underscored its historic support for these institutions — from advocating for Fort Bliss during past Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) rounds to championing airport modernization efforts since the 1960s.
“These assets are interconnected,” said Elizabeth O’Hara, chair of the El Paso Chamber Board of Directors. “They form the backbone of our regional mobility, workforce, and health care infrastructure. Ensuring they are represented in the same congressional district strengthens our ability to advocate for the coordinated policies and investments that our community deserves.”
The Chamber said it is urging lawmakers to recognize El Paso’s unique urban identity and the critical importance of preserving continuity in representation for its core assets.
“A district rooted in El Paso is better positioned to advocate for the integrated policies, federal investments, and regional collaboration that drive the city’s growth and competitiveness,” the Chamber said.
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