Good afternoon, chairman and members of the committee. Thank you for the opportunity to be here today. My name is Jovanna Rangel, and I serve as the senior director of defense and space affairs for the Greater Brownsville Economic Development Corporation, or GBEDC.
I'm here today on behalf of our president, CEO Gilberto Salinas, and our board of directors. I appreciate the committee's attention to this important interim charge and the opportunity to share what we are seeing on the ground in one of Texas' fastest-growing aerospace and defense regions. T
The Greater Brownsville EDC is a regional economic development organization responsible for attracting investment, supporting business expansion, developing industrial sites, and creating opportunities that strengthen our regional economy. Today, one of our highest priorities is building a defense and space ecosystem that positions Brownsville as a strategic asset for both Texas and our nation.
Brownsville is experiencing a transformation unlike anything we have seen before. While many people associate our growth with SpaceX, what is taking shape is much bigger than a single company. We're intentionally building an ecosystem that supports aerospace, maritime, advanced manufacturing, autonomous systems, and national defense. That includes the planning of infrastructure necessary to support the next generation of strategic industries.
One example of this momentum is the last session's House Concurrent Resolution 118 by Representative Dorazio, recognizing Saronic Technologies and the growing importance of defense innovation in Texas. It reflects the broader direction our state is heading as it continues to attract companies advancing autonomous systems, maritime technologies, and national security capabilities.
As communities like Brownsville work to recruit and support similar investments, we must also be prepared to address the infrastructure and security requirements that accompany this growth.
In addition to companies already investing in Texas, we are actively engaged with growing pipelines of aerospace, maritime, and defense-related prospects, evaluating opportunities in our region. These conversations reinforce that Brownsville is becoming increasingly attractive for industries that contribute to our nation's defense and industrial base.
To prepare for that future, the City of Brownsville and the GBEDC have established a long-term vision for a defense and space zone - a place where industry, innovation, workforce, and infrastructure come together to support both economic growth and national security objectives. As part of that effort, we have spent the last several months engaging with partners at every level of government. In Washington, D.C., We have met with the Department of Defense, including the Office of Small Business Programs, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Homeland Security, NASA, and the National Defense of Industrial Association, and other federal partners.
Here in Texas, we have also worked closely with state leadership, including members of the Legislature, the Texas Space Commission and other state partners supporting aerospace, defense, and economic development.
While each of those conversations focus on different priorities, together we reinforce a broader realization. As Brownsville attracts more aerospace and maritime defense investment, we must also begin planning for the infrastructure security considerations that accompany that growth.
When we talk about infrastructure security, we are referring to much more than cybersecurity. It includes protecting critical infrastructure, securing defense-related manufacturing, safeguarding sensitive technologies, and protecting maritime assets, ensuring that communities supporting these industries are resilient against foreign adversaries and other evolving threats.
That is why the committee's interim charge is especially meaningful to us. As Texas continues to lead the nation in aerospace, commercial space, and defense, communities like Brownsville will become increasingly important to our state’s and our nation's critical infrastructure. We have an opportunity to proactively strengthen the policies, the partnerships, and the safeguards needed to protect these emerging strategic assets before vulnerabilities become challenges.
At GBEDC, we see our role as bringing together industry, government, education, and community partners to ensure this growth is intentional. As these industries continue to expand, communities like ours will need continued guidance, technical expertise, and strong partnerships with state leadership to help protect critical technologies, industrial assets, and defense operations.
Brownsville stands ready to be a partner in that effort. We appreciate your leadership, Mr. Chairman, and the leadership to the committee, and look forward to working alongside you to ensure Texas remains the nation's leader, not only in innovation and economic development, but also in protecting the critical infrastructure that will support the next generation of aerospace, maritime, and defense industries. Thank you for your time, and I welcome any questions.
Editor’s Note: The above remarks were delivered by Jovanna Rangel, senior director of defense and space affairs for the Greater Brownsville Economic Development Corporation at a hearing of the Texas House Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans’ Affairs in Austin.
Editor's Note: Here is Texas House Concurrent Resolution 118 by Rep. Mark Dorazio:
State Rep. Mark Dorazio of San Antonio. (Photo credit: Mark Dorazio)
WHEREAS despite increased threats to national security the United States fleet of warships is shrinking and aging: and
WHEREAS President Donald Trump has called for the expansion of the nation's shipbuilding capabilities, promoting the warship manufacturing industry in Texas would result in the creation of numerous jobs and have a significant impact on the state's economy: and
WHEREAS Texas should begin taking necessary steps, including developing the work force, expanding ports, and building new facilities to advance the warship manufacturing industry: now therefore be it
RESOLVED that the 89th Legislature of the state of Texas hereby express support for expanding the warship manufacturing industry in Texas.
