HARLINGEN — U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and Karl Rove, presidential adviser to President Bush, are slated to be in Harlingen today.

Cornyn, R-Texas, is expected to first visit with city commissioners to make an announcement regarding the U.S. Senate’s effort to address the need for a veterans’ hospital in the Rio Grande Valley, according to his office.

The meeting is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. at City Hall, 118 E. Tyler.

“I’ve always supported a veterans’ hospital in the Rio Grande Valley,” Cornyn said during a conference call Thursday. “I have an important announcement to make (Friday). I’ll leave it at that.”

Meanwhile, James G. Springfield, CEO of Valley Baptist Health System, plans to host a political campaign reception for Cornyn following the announcement. Rove is the scheduled guest speaker at the reception.

“As you know, I’m running for re-election in 2008.

“Mr. Springfield is hosting a campaign event for me,” Cornyn said Thursday. “I can confirm that Karl Rove will be attending that event.”

Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell said he is excited about Cornyn coming to the city and making his announcement at City Hall.

“Any time you have people that are in a position to push legislation through, it’s a good thing to have them in your community and having the community as a backdrop,” Boswell said.

The Veterans Affairs announcement is confidential until Cornyn announces it, Boswell said.

But he explained it will be another step in the right direction to improve health services

for veterans in South Texas.

“We’re happy to work together (with Cornyn), and whatever we can do as a community to help him, we’re happy to do that,” Boswell said.