October 19, 2013

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October 19, 2013
Congressional Report
Dear Friends,

I would like to share with you several updates during my work week in Washington, D.C. 

Government Shutdown - Update

After 16 days, the government shutdown has ended this week. We have passed a clean debt limit increase and a clean continuing resolution. 

On Wednesday, I joined by colleagues across the aisle and voted to end the Republican shutdown and increase the debt ceiling.

The final vote count was 285-144, with almost two-thirds of the Republican caucus voting to keep the government closed and default on our national debt.

These past two weeks have demonstrated our failure to uphold the basic responsibilities of Congress which inevitably, delayed action on various pieces of legislation, such as the Farm Bill, Water and Transportation bills, and Comprehension Reform.

Now moving forward, I am eager to proceed with my prominent duty to represent the American people here in Washington. 

17th Annual Luncheon - Austin Hispanic Bar Association 

This Friday, I attended the 17th Annual Hispanic Heritage Luncheon in Austin, Texas, in support of the Austin Hispanic Bar Association's effort to raise money for undergraduate and law students pursuing legal careers. 

Congressman Cuellar addressing attendees at the 17th Annual Hispanic Heritage Luncheon in Austin, Texas

I addressed the government shutdown, immigration reform and the impact Hispanic leadership has had in business and policy, as well as in issues that matter most, such as affordable healthcare, quality education, and opportunities for entrepreneurship.

Atascosa Health Center, Inc. - Groundbreaking Ceremony

On Thursday, Chief of Staff, Cynthia Gaona, spoke on my behalf at the Atascosa Health Center, Inc. groundbreaking ceremony.

For over 30 years, Atascosa Health Center has provided primary health care, dental care, substance abuse, and mental health services to patients residing in Atascosa, Karnes, Live Oak and Wilson counties.

Chief of Staff, Cynthia Gaona, addressing attendees at the Atascosa Health Center's groundbreaking ceremony  in Pleasanton, Texas. 
Last year, the center acquired a $5 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Health Resources and Services Administration to help construct and expand the facility to meet the governing demand for affordable, quality health care in Atascosa and surrounding areas.


Outreach Events throughout District 28 

Earlier this week, my Chief of Staff, Cynthia Gaona, attended the San Antonio Energy/Water Nexus at Pearl Stables in San Antonio.

This forum was organized by the Mission Verde Alliance, whose mission is to serve as a catalyst for the development and the use of clean technologies for a sustainable economy for the San Antonio region through the advocacy, education and outreach.


Chief of Staff, Cynthia Gaona, with North American Development Bank's Associate Director of Public Affairs, Juan Antonio Flores at the San Antonio Energy/Water Nexus in San Antonio, Texas.

Campbellton, Texas - Atascosa County

Outreach Coordinator, Gilbert Lafuente, stopped by Campbellton in Atascosa County to meet with local business owner, Hardip Singh.

For 12 years, Campbellton residents have been living without a local gas and diesel facility in the area, until now. 

Gilbert and Mr. Singh, discussed the positive impact his store has and will have in the area. 
         
Outreach Coordinator, Gilbert Lafuente, with local business owner, Hardip Singh, in Campbellton, Texas.                       

Breast Cancer Awareness 5k Run/Walk - Edinburg

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, my Outreach Coordinator for Hidalgo County, Alexis Gallegos, participated in the 5th Annual 5k Run/Walk in Edinburg.


Outreach Coordinator, Alexis Gallegos, with participants at the 5th Breast Cancer Awareness 5k run/walk in Edinburg, Texas.

This walk was in honor of all breast cancer survivors and welcomed the community in surrounding areas to participate in this year's theme entitled, "Superheroes."


Immaculate Conception School - Rio Grande City, Texas

This Wednesday, Outreach Coordinator for Starr County, Nichole Hernandez, presented a Congressional Certificate of Recognition on my behalf, to the Immaculate Conception School Library in Rio Grande City.
                    
Outreach Coordinator, Nichole Hernandez, with Immaculate Conception School staff members at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for their newly renovated library in Rio Grande City, Texas.                           
The library recently underwent renovations and obtained new technological resources such as, iPads, for the use and advancement of their students' academic success.

District 28 - New Health Care Premiums and Plans

Recently, Healthcare.gov posted the pries for the various plans for states with Federally-Facilitated Marketplaces, such as Texas. 

Plans are priced on geographic location and are presented in 5 categories: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and catastrophic. The category the consumer chooses affects how much his or her premium costs each month and what portion of the bill the consumer pays for things like hospital visits or prescription medications.

To view the county-specific Health Insurance Marketplace Premium Plan Information click the link below: 

http://www.healthcare.gov/health-plan-information/

IMPORTANT NOTE:

The prices here doesn't reflect the lower costs an applicant may qualify for based on household size and income. Many people who apply will qualify for reduced costs through tax credits that are automatically applied to monthly premiums. These credits will significantly lower the prices shown for a majority of those applying. Final price quotes are available only after someone has completed a Marketplace application. 

Sincerely,



Congressman Henry Cuellar



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