Most of Henry Bonilla's professional career has been in television news. Having started as a reporter in San Antonio, he later became a producer for WABC, the flagship station of the ABC network in New York, then Assistant News Director for WTAF in Philadelphia, returning to KENS-TV in San Antonio in 1986 as Executive Producer/News. In 1989, Henry assumed the role of Executive Producer for Public Affairs at KENS, a position that involved heading up civic and community projects on behalf of the television station.

Henry's election in 1992 marked the first time a Hispanic Republican was elected to Congress from Texas. At the beginning of his first term, he was chosen to serve on the House Appropriations Committee, a position not held by a freshman in more than 25 years. He currently serves as chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, and is also a senior member of the Subcommittee on Defense.

Henry believes the most pressing issues affecting the 23rd District and the nation are burdensome federal regulations, and government waste and spending. He has emerged as a leader in the fight to protect private property rights and to reduce the federal burden on small business. He has 6 military bases in or near his district and has been active in defense issues and keeping our military strong.

Henry has represented the 23rd District for more than a decade. It is the largest Congressional district in Texas, accounting for more than 20 percent of the total square miles in the state. It is larger than every state east of the Mississippi and covers two time zones.

Henry is married to Sheryl Bonilla. He has two children: Alicia, age 20 and Austin, age 16.

AWARDS & HONORS
View a comprehensive list of Congressman Bonilla's awards and honors.