Interview with Rep. Tony Gonzales on "Face the Nation," Dec. 22, 2024

Presented by CBS News

MARGARET BRENNAN: Welcome to Face the Nation. We are on the cusp of Christmas and Hanukkah, with Congress now adjourned. But the recent chaotic happenings on Capitol Hill might just foreshadow what's to come in 2025. We've got Texas Republican Tony Gonzales with us today in the studio. Good morning, Congressman.

REP. TONY GONZALES: Good morning, Margaret. Thank you for having me here.

MARGARET BRENNAN: This past week saw quite the stir when President-elect Trump and Elon Musk derailed a bipartisan agreement, calling for a new one that didn't meet sufficient Republican backing. We ended up with an emergency measure that lasts until mid-March. You were one of only 34 Republicans to oppose it. Can you explain your position?

REP. GONZALES: It's straightforward—my constituents, just like me, opposed the continuing resolution (CR). It began with a heartbreaking shooting in Madison, Wisconsin, which reinforced the importance of a strategic national plan to counteract school shootings. Yet, we faced a haphazard bill, starting as a 1500-page mammoth. The dysfunction in DC won't be cured by lengthy, pork-laden bills. President Trump deserves credit for condensing it to 116 pages, but CRs essentially stall progress. Do we truly think we'll devise a spending solution by March? I remain skeptical.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Had the government shutdown occurred, Border Patrol officers in your district would have missed their paychecks.

REP. GONZALES: That's precisely why we needed to act decisively instead of delaying. We've been down this road before: 'Give us a few more months, and we swear we'll handle it then.' It's ineffective. Solving it now during the holidays is challenging but necessary. Furthermore, agencies shouldn't be pressured to spend annual budgets within such narrow time frames.

MARGARET BRENNAN: The current confusion involves Elon Musk's tweets discouraging ranged bipartisan deals. What's his role, exactly?

REP. GONZALES: It's unusual. We have a President and Vice President, yet Elon Musk feels like an unofficial leader. I've talked to him lately—unlike elected officials, he still holds significant influence. This massive bill is a sign of dysfunction. Meanwhile, Senate Democrats busily confirm liberal judges. It's imperative House Republicans consolidate effort to advance President Trump's agenda moving forward.

MARGARET BRENNAN: House Republicans seem divided, and Speaker Johnson led this contentious deal. Do you support his leadership?

REP. GONZALES: Yes, I support Speaker Johnson. He's done impressive work maintaining unity, despite its challenges. His collaboration with President Trump and others to reduce the bill signifies leadership. But this shouldn't become the norm. Consistent order and passing individual appropriations bills are vital.

Concerns Over Congressional Leadership and Attendance

The tight Republican majority brings added scrutiny to absenteeism. Congresswoman Kay Granger's absence since July, uncovered by a local reporter, suggests she's been in a care facility. Were you aware of this?

REP. GONZALES: I wasn't aware. It's known that some members grow older and delay action until matters worsen. This isn't exclusive to Republicans; for instance, similar situations occurred in the Senate with Senators like Feinstein. We must uphold our duties or reconsider our roles.

Border Security Discussions

MARGARET BRENNAN: Moving to the border—your district covers 800 miles of it. Apprehensions last month were notably low under the Biden administration. Does this suggest the crisis is subdued before President Trump takes office?

REP. GONZALES: The problem remains substantial. While the Biden administration has made strides, Trump's approach will be comprehensive. A recent briefing highlighted international threats, including from Syria, which poses security challenges as released prisoners reenter societies. The presence of 600 Syrians apprehended at the border raises concerns about identifying and addressing potential threats.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Do you support halting refugee entry or travel from Muslim-majority countries?

REP. GONZALES: The key lies in enforcing existing laws. Our nation accepts refugees, but if adjustments are necessary, Congress must facilitate those changes. We can welcome those escaping persecution while securing against criminal elements.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Understood. Thank you, Tony Gonzales, for joining us. Merry Christmas.

REP. GONZALES: Thank you, Margaret. Merry Christmas.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Face the Nation will return shortly.