Rep. Cuellar Pushes for Responsible Homeland Security Investments June 9, 2026

As Ranking Member, I helped lead the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee markup of the FY2027 Department of Homeland Security funding bill. As a border state member, I support responsible investments in homeland security, border security technology, and employee support programs that strengthen public safety and support the men and women carrying out this mission. At the same time, I raised serious concerns about oversight, funding priorities, and the need to prevent unnecessary border...

Making Government Work Better for Taxpayers June 9, 2026

If we spend a dollar, we should know what we are getting for that dollar. During the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations markup, I spoke in support of language I secured to help agencies improve performance and ensure taxpayer dollars are being used effectively. Good government starts with accountability. Congress should understand what programs are working, where improvements can be made, and how agencies can deliver better results for the people they serve. I will cont...

Investing in the Nation's Largest Land Port June 9, 2026

The Port of Laredo is the number one port of entry in the United States by trade value, handling $339 billion in trade in 2024 alone. During yesterday’s Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations markup, I spoke about the importance of investing in land port of entry infrastructure and highlighted language directing the Department of Transportation to examine how existing grant programs can better support these critical gateways. Nearly 20,000 commercial trucks cross Laredo’s i...

Advancing Flood Protection for Laredo Families Along Chacon Creek May 21, 2026

During the FY27 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee markup, I highlighted key priorities I secured for South Texas. The bill includes language I fought for to move the Chacon Creek Flood Control Project in Laredo forward after more than two decades of delays and Army Corps bureaucracy. It directs the Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize the project, complete the final work, and advance it into pre-engineering and design so families living along Chacon Creek can finally rece...

Securing Support for Colonias and Southwest Border Communities May 20, 2026

During today’s FY27 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee markup, I highlighted priorities I secured to support communities along the Southwest border. The bill includes $5.5 million for the Southwest Border Regional Commission, which helps direct federal investment toward communities in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California where economic opportunity has historically lagged behind. This funding supports critical infrastructure, economic development, and job creation in u...

Rep. Cuellar Honors Fallen Officers During National Police Week May 14, 2026

On the House floor, we observed a moment of silence for the law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. As a member of the Law Enforcement Caucus, I stand with the men and women in law enforcement across the country and in #TX28. These officers put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect our communities, facing situations that most of us will never see firsthand. Their work is difficult. Their sacrifice is real. Too often, it is their families who carry the weig...

Rep. Cuellar During Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Markup Pt. 2 May 14, 2026

I spoke on two additional provisions I secured in the FY27 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill during our House Appropriations Committee hearing. The bill includes my language to review immigration court operations and help address the growing case backlog so cases can move through the system faster and more efficiently. We need an immigration system that works fairly, and this provision helps improve accountability and oversight. I also secured language supporti...

Rep. Cuellar During Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Markup Pt. 1 May 14, 2026

I highlighted several priorities I helped secure in the FY27 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill during our House Appropriations Committee hearing. The bill includes language I fought for to support regional task forces focused on cargo theft and supply chain fraud, including $2 million to help protect critical trade routes through the Port of Laredo, which facilitates nearly $340 billion in trade annually, while targeting organized criminal networks tied to drug...

Rep. Cuellar Questions Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao During Defense Budget Hearing May 13, 2026

During this week's House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee hearing on the Navy and Marine Corps budget, I questioned Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Daryl Caudle, and Marine Corps Commandant General Eric M. Smith about China’s growing military presence in Latin America and what we’re doing to push back. Earlier this year, I traveled to Mexico as part of a congressional delegation and saw firsthand how quickly China’s influence continues expanding across...

Rep. Cuellar Questions Sec. Hegseth During House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee Budget Hearing May 13, 2026

Today I questioned Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee about one of the most urgent threats along our southern border: cartels deploying advanced fiber-optic drones - the same technology reshaping the battlefield in Ukraine - that can evade current counter-UAS systems. This threat hits close to home in South Texas. TX-28 spans hundreds of miles along the border, and our families, local law enforcement officers, and servicemembers confront these chal...

Raising JBSA-Lackland Infrastructure Concerns with Defense Leaders May 5, 2026

During the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense budget hearing, I pressed Air Force Secretary Troy Meink on a fundamental responsibility: if we expect a ready force, we must address the infrastructure challenges that affect our installations and surrounding communities. I raised the ongoing wastewater pipeline issue at JBSA-Lackland and the impact it continues to have on San Antonio. Military City USA has invested heavily to support our installations and servicemembers, and our community...

Rep. Cuellar Supports South Texas Agriculture During Agriculture Appropriations Markup [2/2] May 5, 2026

During consideration of the Agriculture appropriations bill, I secured key provisions that deliver for border communities and rural areas. First, I worked to secure language on outcome-based reviews, performance management, and oversight. This is about good governance and I believe it should be applied across all departments. We need to find efficiencies and savings without cutting services and this approach helps ensure taxpayer dollars produce real results. I’ll keep pushing for this to serve ...

Rep. Cuellar Supports South Texas Agriculture During Agriculture Appropriations Markup [1/2] May 5, 2026

During the Agriculture appropriations bill markup, I spoke in support of my provisions that are critical to South Texas farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. I appreciate the bill’s strong investments in cattle health, including efforts to eradicate fever ticks and support a fencing program that help protect Texas ranchers and contain the spread of livestock disease. The bill also takes steps to address the New World screwworm and continues work to combat highly pathogenic avian influenza to...

Rep. Cuellar Advances South Texas Priorities During NSRP Appropriations Markup May 5, 2026

During the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs appropriations markup, I spoke in support of several provisions that are critical to South Texas. I appreciate the bill’s strong focus on outcome-based budgeting, oversight, performance, and accountability to help ensure taxpayer dollars produce real results. The bill makes significant investments in the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission, including funding and direction to address drought conditions, improve w...