Rep. Tony Gonzales Hosts Meeting with USDA Leadership, NWS Working Group

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - Today, Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) hosted a New World Screwworm Working Group meeting and was joined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary of Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Dudley Hoskins, and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Deputy Director, Dr. Christopher Needham.

A major topic discussed among the group was the announcement of the New World Screwworm Grand Challenge. Last week, APHIS made up to $100 million available to support innovative projects that enhance sterile NWS fly production, strengthen preparedness and response strategies, and safeguard U.S. agriculture, animal health, and trade.

USDA officials also reported that current sterile fly production, which is a key driver in eliminating the NWS, stands at 100 million flies per week. Plans are underway to scale up production to 300 million. The new sterile fly dispersal center at Moore Air Base in South Texas is expected to become operational in the near future.

"Containing the New World screwworm parasite remains a national emergency that demands swift, coordinated action," said Congressman Tony Gonzales. "With USDA leadership at the table today, we are taking meaningful steps to strengthen our defenses. The launch of the New World Screwworm Grand Challenge exemplifies what this group has been working on from day one-partnering with subject matter experts to combat the deadly NWS. I appreciate the USDA joining our group this morning to share the new investments available to protect our food supply, animal health, and the agriculture industry. It's all hands-on-deck to stop the spread of the screwworm. Our working group will continue leading the way to get the job done."

Along with leaders from the USDA, Congressman Gonzales was joined by the representatives from the Office of Texas Representative Ryan Guillen (HD-31), Chairman of the Texas House Agriculture and Livestock Committee, the Office of Representative Don McLaughlin (HD-80), a member of the House Agriculture and Livestock Committee, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Animal Health Commission, Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Wildlife Association, American Livestock Markets and Dealers Association, Texas A&M Department of Entomology, and ranchers from Texas' 23^rd Congressional District.

Background on Congressman Tony Gonzales Results in Addressing the NWS Threat:

• Last year, Congressman Gonzales launched the New World Screwworm (NWS) Working Group, consisting of federal and state lawmakers, various agricultural, livestock, and wild game associations, scientists, veterinary experts, and Texas farmers and ranchers.
• Congressman Gonzales requested more information from the FDA on actions taken to authorize treatments and issue guidance for animal drugs to treat or prevent an NWS outbreak. (September 2025)

• Congressman Gonzales requested that the USDA consider economic aid and other appropriate options for the beef, livestock, and wild game industries. (September 2025)
• Congressman Gonzales joined USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and Texas Governor Greg Abbott in Austin to announce the USDA's $750 million commitment to fund and build a domestic sterile fly production facility to enhance NWS containment and eradication efforts. (August 2025)
• Congressman Gonzales penned a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., urging coordination between HHS, the USDA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and pharmaceutical manufacturers to fast-track approvals and labeling of anti-parasitic treatments for livestock.

• Congressman Gonzales joined USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins in South Texas, announcing a sweeping five-pronged plan to enhance USDA's ability to detect, control, and eliminate the NWS. (June 2025)
• Congressman Gonzales introduced the bipartisan Strengthening Tactics to Obstruct the Population of Screwworms (STOP Screwworms) Act, alongside Texas Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, to support funding for a sterile fly production facility in the United States. (May 2025)

• Through his seat on the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Gonzales secured a provision that doubled the initial funding for screwworm eradication efforts in the agriculture budget from $5.5 million to $10 million.
• Congressman Gonzales led a bipartisan initiative with 43 of his colleagues, including several U.S. Representatives seated on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, urging the USDA to expand eradication and containment efforts relating to the NWS. (March 2025)

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