Congressional Report

Dear friends,

Please take a moment to read my latest update from Washington and Texas Congressional District 28.

As I continue to visit throughout the district, this past week I announced a $62 million renovation project for the Lincoln-Juarez International Bridge in Laredo that will greatly reduce traffic delays and wait times. I also announced a new partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs and Doctors Hospital of Laredo to expand inpatient and emergency room services for Webb County veterans. On Wednesday, I announced a $1.2 million grant from the Department of Education to Texas A&M International University to provide academic support and counseling for first-generation college students and students with disabilities.

In San Antonio, I met with a student at the University of the Incarnate Word to discuss the university's student exchange program with Azerbaijan.

In Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley, my outreach coordinators also met with the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio to discuss student opportunities at the Laredo Campus Extension and also met with constituents during their Neighborhood Office Hours.

Lastly, I've included a spotlight from two of our summer interns and information about applying for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Congressional Fall 2016 Internship, as well as an informational short video from the U.S. Department of Education about the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

You can stay connected by signing up for my weekly email here.
 
Rep. Cuellar Announces Multi-Million Dollar Renovation Project for Lincoln-Juarez International Bridge in Laredo

On August 18, GSA and I announced the beginning of a large-scale renovation project to the Lincoln-Juarez International Bridge, also known as Bridge II in Laredo, which will include a new bus inspection and passenger processing area to include individual bus stalls, pedestrian inspection lanes, a waiting area, restrooms and a canopy for loading and unloading buses. Construction will begin next month thanks to funds I secured during the Fiscal Year 2014 Congressional Appropriations process. Click here for more information.

Rep. Cuellar Announces Partnership between Laredo VA Outpatient Clinic and Doctors Hospital of Laredo

On August 18, I announced the expansion of health care services for veterans at the Laredo Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Outpatient Clinic. I have worked with the VA and the Laredo Outpatient Clinic for years to expand services, including local partnerships with hospitals. This new partnership between the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System, TriWest and Doctors Hospital of Laredo will allow more than 5,000 qualifying veterans in Webb County to receive inpatient surgical and emergency care services. Click here for more information.

Rep. Cuellar Announces Department of Education Grant to TAMIU

On August 19, I announced the awarding of a $1.2 million grant by the U.S. Department of Education to Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), which my office helped to secure. This grant will be used by the university’s TRiO Student Support Services program to provide academic assistance to first-generation and disadvantaged students in college. Click here for more information.

Meeting with University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio to Discuss Student Exchanges with Azerbaijan

On August 17, my daughter Christina (left) and I met with University of the Incarnate Word student Yura Galvez, (right), in San Antonio to discuss the university’s student exchange program for the study of energy with the country of Azerbaijan that I helped facilitate.

Meeting with UT Health Science Center at San Antonio to Discuss Student Opportunities in Laredo

On August 17, my outreach coordinator for La Salle, Webb and Zapata Counties, Alec Martinez, met with representatives from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio to discuss educational opportunities for medical and dental students at the Laredo Campus Extension. Pictured from left to right are:  Jaymie H. Mangelsdorf, Director of Govermental Relations; Armando Diaz, Vice President for Governmental Relations; Gilbert R. Loredo, Assistant Vice President for Governmental Relations; and Outreach Coordinator Alec Martinez.

Meeting with constituents in the Rio Grande Valley during Neighborhood Office Hours

On August 18, my southern district outreach coordinator, Nichole Hernandez, met with Efrain Pena during her Neighborhood Office Hours in San Isidro, Texas, to discuss his pending VA claim.

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Spring 2016 Congressional Internship Program
CHCI’s 2016 Spring Congressional Internship Program application is now open. Interested applicants may apply for the chance of a paid internship in a Congressional Office in Washington, D.C. Undergraduate students are eligible and all majors accepted. The internship provides housing and travel at no cost. The Spring 2016 deadline is November 6, 2015 by 11:59pm EST. Visit http://www.chci.org/internships/ to apply and learn more.

Intern Spotlight:
Leslie Martinez - Washington, D.C. Office

Leslie Martinez is a senior majoring in political science at Texas A&M International University. As a CHCI fellow, she interned in my office in Washington, D.C. this summer because she wanted to see the legislative process at work. She plans to work to bridge U.S.-Chinese relations after graduating for college.

Baldemar Garcia - Laredo District Office

Baldemar Garcia is an entering senior at Alexander High School in Laredo, Texas, and interned this summer in my Laredo District Office. He enjoys playing sports and reading and plans to study law in college.

Read more about Leslie, Baldemar and other interns in my office here.

Find out how to apply for an internship with my office either in the district or in D.C. here.

TX28 Tips
U.S. Dept of Education - Student Privacy 101: FERPA for Parents and Students

Ever have questions about your rights regarding education records? This short video from the U.S. Department of Education highlights the key points of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Sincerely,

Henry Cuellar