Supporting Expanded Care at the Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center April 21, 2026

During today’s full committee markup of the FY2027 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill, I secured language to support continued planning at the Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center in San Antonio. This hospital serves veterans across all of South Texas. It handles complex care and supports families from across our region. It’s also part of a broader medical ecosystem in San Antonio, alongside institutions like UT Health San Antonio and others that help strengthen care del...

Strengthening Care for Veterans at the Laredo VA Clinic April 21, 2026

During today’s full committee markup of the FY2027 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill, I secured language to strengthen care at the Laredo VA clinic. I secured the construction of the Laredo VA clinic several years ago because our veterans deserved care closer to home. Today, thousands of veterans across South Texas rely on it, including more than 5,000 in Webb County alone. As our community has grown, the need for care has grown with it, and some veterans still have ...

Rep. Cuellar Questions ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons April 17, 2026

During this week’s Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, I questioned ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons about the expansion of large-scale detention facilities in San Antonio and McAllen, what many of us refer to as ICE “warehouses.” We discussed the importance of clear communication with local officials and the impact these projects have on surrounding communities, especially in South Texas. I raised concerns about these facilities moving forward without meaningful input from loca...

Rep. Cuellar Questions TSA Acting Administrator McNeill April 17, 2026

During this week's hearing, I raised concerns to TSA Acting Administrator McNeill about expanding airport screening privatization. With hundreds of smaller airports potentially impacted, including Laredo International Airport, transparency and communication with local officials and Congress are essential. TSA has indicated that further legislative details are forthcoming.

Rep. Cuellar Questions CISA Acting Director Anderson April 17, 2026

During this week's hearing, I questioned Acting Director Anderson on staffing challenges at CISA and their impact on national security. With a 40% vacancy rate in key mission areas, these shortages pose serious risks to our ability to defend infrastructure and respond to cyber threats. While efforts are underway to fill over 300 critical positions, more work remains. Cybersecurity is a frontline defense for our nation, and we must ensure CISA has the workforce it needs to protect the American pe...

Rep. Cuellar Questions USCG Admiral Lunday April 17, 2026

During this afternoon’s Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, I questioned USCG Admiral Lunday on the Coast Guard’s role in securing the southern border, particularly along the Rio Grande, where they maintain a strong presence in the Rio Grande Valley. The Coast Guard is working alongside CBP to help secure our southern border. These efforts are critical to strengthening border security and supporting law enforcement on the front lines. Border security requires a unified, strate...

Rep. Cuellar Questions USCIS Director Joseph Edlow April 17, 2026

I questioned USCIS Director Joseph Edlow about the agency’s operations and the broader proposal to expand its law enforcement role. I raised concerns about whether creating a separate enforcement function within USCIS is necessary given existing DHS capabilities, including HSI. Before expanding authorities or resources, we need to ensure we are not duplicating efforts and that current enforcement tools are being used effectively. Director Edlow committed to providing additional information on th...

Rep. Cuellar Questions CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott April 17, 2026

At this week's Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, I questioned CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott on the border wall and other matters pertaining to enforcement and projects in the district. I raised strong concerns regarding border wall construction in the district and submitted a study into the record by the Rio Grande International Study Center outlining the flood risks such a wall would create, particularly during major rain events when it could obstruct water flow, raise floo...

Meeting Recap with South Texas Leaders and Constituents in Washington April 6, 2026

Take a look behind the scenes in Congress as I met with leaders, organizations, and constituents from TX-28, including those visiting for San Antonio to D.C. week. We discussed priorities that matter at home, including health care, agriculture, housing, infrastructure, energy, the environment, immigration, the economy, and border security, and had direct conversations about the challenges facing our communities. I appreciate everyone who took the time to visit and share their perspectives. Stayi...

Rep. Cuellar Visits Smiles From Heaven in Laredo April 6, 2026

I visited Smiles From Heaven in Laredo to learn more about the important work they do supporting children with cancer and their families. I had the opportunity to tour the facility, meet with staff, and hear directly about the challenges families face and the support they provide every day. Their mission to raise awareness, provide education, advocate for families, and offer critical resources makes a meaningful difference for those going through some of the toughest moments in their lives, and ...

TX-28 Constituent Testimonial March 31, 2026

Supporting our veterans is a priority, and my office is always ready to step in when issues arise with federal agencies. Mr. Valdez reached out after experiencing issues with Veterans Affairs and DFAS. My team worked to help get the situation addressed and ensure everything was properly resolved. If you’re having trouble with a federal agency, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call us at (956) 725-0639 or visit http://cuellar.house.gov, my office is here to help!

Rep. Cuellar Weekly Recap - March 27 March 27, 2026

It was a productive week in Washington as we welcomed a large group of constituents participating in this year’s "SA to DC" fly-in. This effort brings business, nonprofit, and civic leaders from San Antonio to our nation’s capital to advocate directly for the city and communities’ needs, and I appreciated the opportunity to meet with so many individuals working to move our region forward. Building on those conversations, I advanced defense and homeland security appropriations this week, a critic...

Rep. Cuellar Weekly Recap - March 20 March 20, 2026

It was a productive week in D.C. advancing key priorities for South Texas through the appropriations process. I worked to secure direct federal investments for our communities, including support for animal shelters in Starr and Webb counties, as well as funding for community centers that will strengthen neighborhoods across TX-28. I also worked with both Democrats and Republicans to push for responsible immigration enforcement that prioritizes public safety while protecting DACA recipients and D...

Rep. Cuellar Weekly Recap - March 3 March 10, 2026

It was a productive week in Washington meeting with leaders and constituents from across South Texas. I was glad to welcome community leaders for our annual Laredo Day in Washington and to celebrate the strong partnership between our nation’s capital and the City of Laredo. Throughout the week, I met with representatives from our universities, farmers and ranchers, veterans groups, and visitors from TX-28 to discuss priorities impacting our communities, including supporting higher education, add...