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​​Congressional Report

Dear Friend,

Please take a few minutes to read my latest updates from this past week and remember to sign up for my email list here if you have not already subscribed.

Rep. Cuellar Calls for Multi-Agency Border Processing Center to Deal with Overcrowding at the Border 

In recent weeks, the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas has experienced an unprecedented influx of apprehensions, many of which are unaccompanied children. These crossings have created a resource crisis in the Rio Grande Valley that demands immediate attention from the federal government and the Appropriations Committee. 

That is one of the reasons why I sent a letter this week to Secretary Johnson and the Appropriations Committee calling for the establishment of a multi-agency processing center on the border.  It is necessary to create a central location in which all elements of the adjudication process can be completed. 

Read the full text of my letter here.  For more of my comments, please take a look at these news clips: 

NBC News (06/02/14): ​"Obama Calls for Government-Wide Response for Border Children"

The McAllen Monitor (06/02/14): ​"Federal agencies team up to address unaccompanied children in RGV border"

Houston Chronicle (05/31/14): "Flow of border immigrants overwhelming agencies"

WOAI (06/02/14): Flood of Illegal Immigrant Children into Texas Costing US Taxpayers Billions

​Rep. Cuellar Statement on Resignation of Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Veterans deserve peace of mind in their health care system and the highest level of care at any facility.  Secretary Eric Shinseki should be commended for his years of service to our country, both in the armed forces and the Administration, but this is a needed change. It is clear that a change in the culture at the VA is overdue.

Congress needs to work across the aisle to reform the VA in a way that will address deficiencies and provide better delivery of services to our veterans.  It is vital that we get to the bottom of the ongoing issues that have interfered with the VA’s mission of providing top level healthcare services.  At the end of the day, every veteran deserves the highest quality of care and I will work with colleagues to ensure that these problems are resolved.

Watch some of my comments calling for VA accountability here:

​Rep. Cuellar speaks to Univision Noticiero about the ongoing issues surrounding the VA.  He expressed concern about the allegations at various VA facilities across the country and called for a culture change at the agency.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Graduation

​Pete Arguello, my Outreach Coordinator for Bexar County, attended the Big Brothers Big Sisters program Inspire U graduation last week and presented graduation certificates on my behalf.

This week, my outreach coordinator for Bexar County, Pete Arguello, attended the graduation for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program Inspire U.  He presented the graduating students with certificates on my behalf and congratulated them on their hard work and acceptance into college.  Congratulations to all the graduates and best of luck in your next steps! 

Laredo Student Visits Rep. Cuellar Office in Washington, D.C.

​Mariana Vazquez, a student from Laredo traveled to Washington, D.C. and visited my office.  My staff showed Mariana around the Capitol and discussed her plans for the future.

Thank you Mariana Vazquez, for stopping by my Washington, DC office! Mariana is a senior at St. Augustine High School in Laredo who traveled to Washington recently. My office gave Mariana a tour of the Capitol and discussed her next steps.  

​Texas Hunger Initiative

​My office participated in the Texas Hunger Initiative, a collaborate community effort to help secure food for under-served areas of Texas.  Pictured here (L-R) are Administrator for USDA Food and Nutrition Service Audrey Rowe, my outreach coordinator Nichole Hernandez and State Senator Chuy Hinojosa

Nichole Hernandez, my Outreach Coordinator for Hidalgo County, attended the Texas Hunger Initiative, hosted by Texas A&M Health Science Center, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Baylor University, and the USDA. My office is participating in this collaborative community effort to relieve students across the state from malnutrition during the summer months.  We discussed ways in which the federal government can assist initiatives such as these through funding or other policies.  

Twitter Updates

Sincerely,

Henry Cuellar