Rep. Tony Gonzales Passes NDAA Amendment to Leverage San Antonio’s Military Strengths Ahead of Proposed Army North, South Consolidation

Today, Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) secured the approval of a bipartisan amendment to the must-pass FY26 NDAA. This amendment, supported by the entire San Antonio congressional delegation, directs the Department of Defense to take into account San Antonio's well-established military infrastructure and geographical strengths in ongoing considerations by the Pentagon to consolidate United States Army North and United States Army South into a newly formed Western Hemisphere Command.

Under this directive, the Secretary of Defense must provide Congress with a report that evaluates the fiscal, operational, and strategic strengths that San Antonio would offer in support of the newly proposed Western Hemisphere Command. This analysis must consider San Antonio's existing military infrastructure, including the presence of key entities such as NSA Texas, Air Forces Cyber, Joint Base San Antonio, and the Brooke Army Medical Center.

Congressman Gonzales' amendment improves transparency into the consolidation process of U.S. Army North and South, while ensuring the Department of Defense quantifies the many strategic and economic benefits that Military City USA offers to the proposed mission and structure of the Western Hemisphere Command.

"San Antonio, which is widely known as Military City USA, is a critical arm to our national security interests. From the mission sets underway at Joint Base San Antonio, to our proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border, to the cyber capabilities employed at 16th Air Force and NSA Texas, the existing military infrastructure in San Antonio is second to none, and should continue playing a key role in the consolidation of Army North and South into one Western Hemisphere Command," said Congressman Tony Gonzales. "Thank you to the entire San Antonio delegation for joining me on this effort. The House took a critical step forward on this matter today by including my proposal in the NDAA."

"It's an honor to represent Military USA, home to the largest joint base in the DOD. I am glad to partner with the San Antonio delegation to support this bipartisan amendment to bring transparency to the Army's proposed force structure changes. I continue to urge Secretary Hegseth and Army Secretary Driscoll to host the proposed Western Hemisphere Command at Fort Sam Houston," said Congressman Joaquin Castro.

"San Antonio has always been at the center of our nation's defense, home to vital missions, the men and women who carry them out, and their families," said Congressman Henry Cuellar. "Army North in particular supports DHS on the southern border with surveillance, logistics, engineering, and medical assistance, and moving it would weaken those efforts right when they matter most. As a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I will continue ensuring that national security decisions strengthen, not weaken, border readiness and Texas communities. This bipartisan amendment makes sure the Pentagon thoroughly reviews the tremendous benefits and strategic advantages of San Antonio before making any decision on these commands, and I'll keep working with my colleagues across the aisle to serve our troops and South Texas. I want to especially thank Congressman Tony Gonzales for his leadership and partnership on this critical issue."

To read the amendment text, click here. The amendment was introduced by Congressman Gonzales and supported by U.S. Reps. Castro, Casar, Cuellar, and Roy.