Henry Cuellar RSS Articles

TMA Applauds Congressman Cuellar for Tort Reform Provisions Included in Final House Health Care Reform Bill

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

TMA STATEMENT — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 5, 2009

Texas Physicians Applaud Congressman Cuellar’s Leadership on Health System Reform

The following can be attributed to William H. Fleming III, MD, President of the Texas Medical Association. Dr. Fleming’s statement is in regard to an amendment offered by U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar to health reform legislation (HR 3962: Affordable Health Care for America Act).

“The physicians and medical students of the Texas Medical Association (TMA) applaud U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) for taking an important step to protect Texas’ landmark medical liability reforms.

“Texas’ medical liability reforms have been good for Texas and good for Texas patients. Today, sick and injured Texans have more physicians providing more services and caring for more patients with complex or high-risk problems. Physicians across the state also have found it much easier to recruit new physicians, especially those practicing high-risk specialties. It’s critical that Texas has the ability to protect these important reforms, and Congressman Cuellar’s amendment is a step in that direction.”

TMA is the largest state medical society in the nation, representing nearly 44,000 physician and medical student members. It is located in Austin and has 120 component county medical societies around the state. TMA’s key objective since 1853 is to improve the health of all Texans.

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Contact: Pam Udall (512) 370-1382; cell: (512) 413-6807; e-mail: pam.udall@texmed.org

Brent Annear (512) 370-1381; cell: (512) 656-7320; e-mail: brent.annear@texmed.org

Click here to follow TMA on Twitter. Or visit TMA on Facebook.

Statement: Congressman Cuellar on Pending Health Care Vote

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) today released this statement in advance of a health care reform vote expected to take place in the House this weekend:

“As the House nears a vote on health care reform, I continue to read and evaluate the final changes and I am deeply encouraged by what I read. From the beginning, I’ve supported health care reform, asking serious questions about what it would cost, while advocating on behalf of the needs of both the uninsured and insured.

“I share in a fundamental belief that all Americans should be treated with dignity when it comes to securing their health, and no American should be put in a position where they have nowhere to turn for health care. This is why I support reforming the private health insurance system and why I support health insurance options to improve coverage for those who have it and to provide choices for those who don’t.

“I will continue to read the final version of the House health care reform plan because it is the responsible thing for a member of Congress to do. This is a historic piece of legislation and I will consider how it answers the needs of my constituents. I will carry their concerns with me to the House floor when I vote.”

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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Government Oversight & Reform Committees in the 111th Congress. Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.

Congressman Cuellar Secures Provisions in House Health Care Bill

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) today announced that he has secured two major provisions in the final House version of health care reform. The measures were included in the Manager’s Amendment introduced Tuesday evening, which is a 42 page addendum to H.R. 3962, the “Affordable Health Care for America Act 2009” introduced last week.

The provisions will protect current and future state medical malpractice laws from federal infringement and will impose proven government accountability, performance and customer service standards on any new federal agency created by the bill, in addition to requiring periodic assessments to eliminate unnecessary rules and regulations at these agencies.

“As a supporter of the Texas malpractice reform, I wanted to be sure that these state medical liability laws would not be adversely impacted by this legislation,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This means no federal law can preempt, setback or alter a state’s tort reform laws. With this, they will stay in tact.”

Since July, Congressman Cuellar advocated for tort reform to be included in the final health care reform plan. While serving in the Texas State Legislature, he strongly supported medical malpractice laws for Texas health care providers.

“The physicians and medical students of the Texas Medical Association (TMA) applaud U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar for taking an important step to protect Texas’ landmark medical liability reforms,” said William H. Fleming III, MD, President of the Texas Medical Association. “Texas’ medical liability reforms have been good for Texas and good for Texas patients. It’s critical that Texas has the ability to protect these important reforms, and Congressman Cuellar’s amendment is a step in that direction.”

“Texas Medical Liability Trust (TMLT) and its nearly 15,000 physician policy holders greatly appreciate the efforts of Representative Henry Cuellar of Texas to include language in the current health care reform bill that attempts to protect physicians against potential increased liability exposure in H.R. 3962,” said Bob Fields, President and CEO of the Texas Medical Liability Trust. “Representative Cuellar continues to be a strong advocate for physicians and their patients.”

Congressman Cuellar also authored a provision in the amendment that will impose several performance and accountability requirements on all new agencies created under H.R. 3962. Among the provisions are requirements for agencies to produce a strategic plan every three years and conduct annual performance assessments. This is intended to help the public assess each new agency’s performance, productivity and accountability.

“I believe in governing with our eyes open,” said Congressman Cuellar. “If we are creating new agencies, we need to ensure from the outset that they are held accountable to the American people. If we’re asking Americans to be responsible for their health care we should ensure these agencies are held responsible for their actions.”

Also included in the bill are two additional “good government” provisions that will increase high-quality government customer service and reduce bureaucratic red tape.

Each new agency would be required to periodically review their customer service plans to develop improvement strategies and higher standards. This reflects goals included in legislation which Congressman Cuellar successfully passed in the House in July 2007.

Cuellar’s amendment also requires each agency to identify and eliminate any redundant rules and regulations.

“With government it’s a given: there will be red tape. This is why it’s so important to give these agencies the authority to root out redundant rules and regulations to help Americans get the care they need,” said Congressman Cuellar. “These are common sense solutions to common practice problems.”

A House vote on health care reform is expected to take place this weekend.

As a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition, Congressman Cuellar supported allowing Americans to review the final bill for 72 hours before a vote is a made, a commitment that House leadership is carrying out.

To read the Manager’s Amendment to H.R. 3962, please visit: http://docs.house.gov/rules/health/111_hr3962_dingell.pdf

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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Government Oversight & Reform Committees in the 111th Congress. Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.

Statement: Congressman Cuellar On New Health Care Reform Bill

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) today released this statement following the House introduction of the new health care reform plan:

"I am more encouraged by the new House health care reform bill introduced today. We need a health reform plan that extends health insurance coverage to the one in three uninsured Americans in my district in a responsible, cost-effective way. Beginning today, I will thoroughly evaluate this bill to determine if it is a health care reform plan I can ultimately support.

"Since serving in the Texas State Legislature, I’ve been a long-time advocate for health care reform, and I will continue to ensure the concerns of my constituents are reflected in the final bill. Most importantly, I want to make sure we can provide quality, affordable health care for all while not increasing America’s national deficit. All Americans have a stake in the future of our health care system and I encourage everyone to go online and read the entire bill, which I have already begun to do."

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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Government Oversight & Reform Committees in the 111th Congress. Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.

Congressman Cuellar Calls on Coast Guard to Study Presence Along the Rio Grande

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) today voted for the Coast Guard Authorization Act, a bill which approves Coast Guard programs for 2010 and includes a provision requiring the agency to conduct a mission analysis study to determine the Coast Guard’s presence along the Rio Grande River.

“With this study, the Coast Guard and related agencies can devise a plan to adequately determine how the Coast Guard can share in the responsibility of securing the Rio Grande River,” said Congressman Cuellar.

The Coast Guard is responsible for patrolling international waterways bordering the United States including the navigable portions of the Rio Grande.

Currently, the Coast Guard patrols a limited portion of the river, leaving local agencies and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to secure the banks of the 1,200 mile Rio Grande. For more than a year, Congressman Cuellar has been working with the Coast Guard and CBP to address this problem.

“The safety of the international border continues to be a national security concern as violence persists in neighboring Mexico,” said Cuellar. “The river is a vital international waterway. By analyzing the current mission and identifying the needs, we can address a multitude of security issues and keep our communities safe.”

The provision authored by Congressman Cuellar is designed to improve border security and address local issues along the border, including drug trafficking, human smuggling and deceased bodies floating in the river.

Congressman Cuellar recognizes the need for local agencies to collaborate with federal agencies in their efforts to secure the border, and his amendment requires the Coast Guard to:

Evaluate their current mission along the international waters of the Rio Grande River, including a personnel and assets assessment
Identify Coast Guard’s needs to increase search and rescue operations, in addition to, drug interdiction operations
Work with related agencies, including CBP and local entities, in conducting the mission analysis

Today, the Coast Guard Authorization Act passed by the House by a vote of 385-11. If passed by the Senate and signed by the President, the bill would become law.

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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Government Oversight & Reform Committees in the 111th Congress. Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.

Congressman Cuellar Calls for Colonias Study in Solar Energy Bill

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) today voted for a sweeping solar energy technology bill which would direct the Energy Secretary to create a solar energy roadmap by conducting studies nationwide, including a study on how the sun could power undeveloped areas known as Colonias.

“These studies will give us a roadmap for how to tap the most abundant natural resource we have,” said Congressman Cuellar. “And with my amendment the Energy Secretary would study communities like the Colonias who lack a traditional power structure.”

Today, the House passed by a vote of 310-106, H.R. 3585, the Solar Technology Roadmap Act, that requires the U.S. Department of Energy to create a long-term plan to guide solar energy research and its potential for widespread commercial use. The legislation also authorizes $2.25 billion for solar research over the next five years.

Congressman Cuellar successfully added an amendment to the bill that requires the Energy Department to conduct these solar studies in underpowered and underserved communities like the Colonias. Over the past several years, he’s repeatedly secured federal funding to bring electricity to the underdeveloped dwellings along the Rio Grande River.

“A little power goes a long way in the Colonias,” said Congressman Cuellar. “And as the federal government makes these dramatic new investments, they should look at our underdeveloped communities who have little if no power at all.”

This July, Congressman Cuellar secured $550,000 for the Colonias in the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act 2010, to power approximately 100 dwellings in the Colonias through a micro-grid system in coordination with Texas A&M University. A prototype currently powers twelve dwellings in La Presa Colonia in Webb County.

If passed by the Senate and signed by the President, the Solar Technology Roadmap Act would become law. For more information, please visit: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:HR3585:/

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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Government Oversight & Reform Committees in the 111th Congress. Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.

Congressman Cuellar and VA Officials Unveil New Mobile Clinics for South Texas Veterans

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Cuellar alongside Jim Hogg, Zapata and Starr County veterans today unveiled new mobile veterans clinics across South Texas. These travelling clinics will help veterans get local VA care.

Thousands of veterans enrolled in the VA's Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System will now be able to receive routine primary care, preventative care, and limited mental health services without having to travel out of town.

A strong advocate of services for veterans, Congressman Cuellar worked very closely with the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that these medical services came to South Texas.

“There is no need for our veterans to have to travel out of town to receive health services that they so desperately need. These veterans were there for us when our nation needed them most, and now we have to be there for them when they need us most,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Some of these veterans nearly gave their lives for this country. We have to treat them with the dignity and respect that they deserve. I want to thank Tim Shea for the excellent work he is doing in taking care of our veterans in rural South Texas.”

“On behalf of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Honorable Eric K. Shinseki, I thank Congressman Cuellar for his diligent support of this important initiative and tell the Veterans of rural South Texas that we are here to serve you and hope you take advantage of the services provided by the Mobile Medical Unit” said Tim Shea, Director of the VA Heart of Texas Health Care Network.

“Expanding health care services to our rural South Texas veterans is a priority of the VA and we are very proud to participate in the official Mobile Medical Unit ribbon cutting ceremony with our good friend Congressman Henry Cuellar” said Mr. Jeff Milligan, Director of the new VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System.

The mobile medical unit, which is equipped with two exam rooms, an intake and vitals area, a restroom, and a storage room, will make stops in Hebbronville, Roma, Rio Grande City and Zapata County twice a month. To schedule an appointment, call the VA Outpatient Clinic in McAllen toll free at 1-866-622-5536.

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Government Oversight & Reform Committees in the 111th Congress. Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.

Congressman Cuellar Supports 72 Hour Measure for Health Care Reform Bill

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) today announced his support for a measure requiring Congress to make the final health care reform bill publicly available online 72 hours in advance of a House vote.

“This unprecedented measure will set a new standard for transparency now and in the future as Congress considers legislation similar to the scale of health care reform,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Americans want to see the final bill before we vote.”

Last week, Congressman Cuellar co-sponsored H. Res. 554 which requires that all non-emergency legislation and conference reports be made available to the general public via the internet for 72 hours before being voted on by the House. Cuellar supports reforming the health care system to ensure the uninsured and insured have access to quality, affordable health care.

Since July, the current House proposed version of health care reform, H.R. 3200 America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009, has been available to the public online at the website of the Legislative Information System of the U.S. Congress, www.congress.gov.
Recently, the Speaker of the House indicated that she will allow 72 hours for review before any final version of health care reform is voted on by the House.

“Millions of Americans are watching and waiting and have a right to know what health care reform can do for them,” said Congressman Cuellar. “As Congress proceeds on health care reform, this measure will help inform Americans through the final hour.”

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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Government Oversight & Reform Committees in the 111th Congress. Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.

Congressman Cuellar Announces Funding for Affordable Homes of South Texas

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) today announced that 30 low-income families in Hidalgo County are closer to reaching the American dream thanks to $1 million awarded to Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc., by the U.S. Treasury Department.

With the $1 million in federal funding, Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc., a non-profit organization that serves as a subdivision developer, home builder, and mortgage company, will build 30 homes in Hidalgo County.

“For most Americans, owning a home is a dream come true, and today I am proud to say that 30 families will be able to live that dream,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I congratulate and applaud the efforts of Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc., for their tireless work in ensuring that some of the most vulnerable members of society have a safe and secure roof over their heads.”

“This award will definitely go a long way as it will give us more resources to help serve low-income families in our communities,” said Robert A. Calvillo, executive director of Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc.

Since the non-profit agency is its own builder, homes will be sold at cost, thus saving the homebuyer thousands of dollars. On average, the homeowner will pay an interest rate between 6 to 6.5 percent over 30 years.

Over the last 33 years, Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc., has provided new homes to at least 3,000 families. In order to qualify for a home, applicants must meet the Department of Housing and Urban Development criteria of low-income. For example, a family of four earning no more than $36,500 per year qualifies for the program. Interested applicants must also:

• live in Hidalgo County
• be able to provide a $2,500 down payment on the home
• have a minimum of $200 disposable income per month

The funds that Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc. received are from the Treasury Department’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Program. It was one of only 62 institutions selected nationwide from an applicant pool of 194 organizations that had collectively requested over $273 million in awards. The 62 organizations being awarded are headquartered in 24 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

All organizations are selected for an award through a competitive application process involving a Comprehensive Business Plan review.

The CDFI Program invests in and builds the capacity of existing private, for-profit and nonprofit community-based lending organizations known as CDFIs that serve rural and urban low-income people and communities across the nation that lack adequate access to affordable financial products and services.

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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Government Oversight & Reform Committees in the 111th Congress. Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.

Cuellar: San Antonio River Improvements Project Receives $3 Million in Federal Funding

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Congressmen Henry Cuellar, Ciro D. Rodriguez, Charles Gonzalez and Lamar Smith today announced $3.028 million in appropriations funding for the San Antonio River Improvements Project. The money will fund the on-going river channel improvements on the Mission Reach portion of the river on the city’s South Side.

“This funding puts San Antonio one step closer to seeing this project through,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Restoring this eight mile stretch will increase economic opportunities for the city and improve our local neighborhoods. This shows how federal dollars can have an immediate local impact, especially during these tough economic times.”

The appropriations funding is part of the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010, which passed the House Thursday by a vote of 308-114.

Tom Weaver, Board Chairman for the San Antonio River Authority, which is the lead administrator of the project, expressed appreciation for the Bexar County delegation’s work.

“We are extremely pleased and grateful for the work our federal delegation has done to secure this funding for the Mission Reach Project which is so important to the San Antonio community,” Weaver said.

“Our delegation has continued to make funding the San Antonio River Improvements Project one of our priorities and I am pleased this funding is now secured,” said Congressman Rodriguez, who sits on the House Appropriations Committee. “This project is a boon for our community, both economically and culturally, and I look forward to working with local officials to keep bringing federal resources home to Bexar County.”

Congressman Lamar Smith added: “The River, the Missions, the River Walk and the people are at the very heart of what makes San Antonio the vibrant community that it is. This funding will help to extend and perpetuate that vibrancy by opening the way for further economic and cultural development of these unique assets.”

“The San Antonio River Improvements Project has been a top priority of the city and county as well as that of my office,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “I am very pleased that these critical dollars will assist in meeting the needs of San Antonio and Bexar County and will directly result in much-needed enhancements to the San Antonio River that will continue to make the city a top tourist, business, and cultural destination. I look forward to supporting this effort further with my colleagues in Washington, D.C.”

The San Antonio River Improvements Project is an on-going comprehensive project aimed to restore and improve a 13-mile stretch of the river. The eight-mile Mission Reach project extends from South Alamo Street to Mission Espada just below Loop 140 and will transform the straightened river to replicate its original shape of flow. This restoration is aimed to increase local economic development by attracting commercial and real estate development to the southern part of the city.

In Fiscal Year 2008, $10 million was secured for the River Channel Improvements Project and again in FY09. Earlier this year, the project received $25.4 million in “stimulus” funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

For more information on the San Antonio River Improvements Project, please visit: http://www.sanantonioriver.org/overview.html

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CONGRESSMAN HENRY CUELLAR TO ANNOUNCE $190,000 FOR RIO BRAVO VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:04:36 GMT

Laredo Border Area Government Contracting Pre-Conference Training

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 20:01:49 GMT

Congressman Henry Cuellar to host Tele-Townhall Meeting

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:22:14 GMT

Laredo Border Area Government Contracting Conference

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 14:48:28 GMT

Coffee with Congressman Cuellar in Floresville

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 21:38:51 GMT

Tele Town Hall

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:44:39 GMT

Zapata Highway Expansion Grant Annoucement

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:13:56 GMT

TMC Grant Announcement - Head Start - Zapata

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:23:26 GMT

TMC Grant Announcement - Head Start - Rio Grande City

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:32:12 GMT

TMC Grant Announcement - Head Start - Roma

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:34:58 GMT