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Dear Friends,
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As our country continues to battle the coronavirus, it is apparent that the American public needs immediate relief. The House passed the Heroes Act back in May and it's time that we come together and reach a compromise in order to save lives and grow the economy.
It was a busy week in the district and I took part in various press conferences, interviews, meetings and local events, such as helping distribute food to local Webb County families.
My staff in the District also attended various events to raise awareness for the 2020 Census as well as help local communities in their time of need.
As always, if you need help with a federal agency, please contact one of my offices:
- Laredo: (956) 725-0639
- Mission: (956) 424-3942
- Rio Grande City: (956) 487-5603
- San Antonio: (210) 271-2851
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Laredo Regional Food Bank
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On Friday, August 7th, my staff and I volunteered at a Laredo Regional Food Bank distribution site in Laredo. Together, we were able to help close to 1,000 families! It is truly amazing seeing all the incredible work being done throughout the district during these trying times and I urge anyone who is in need of food assistance to seek out your local food banks. Thank you to the Laredo Regional Food Bank Executive Director Carmen Garcia, Webb County Treasurer Raul Reyes, the offices of Webb County Commissioners Wawi Tijerina and Jesse Gonzalez, Councilman Vidal Rodriguez, and the staff and volunteers who spent their Friday morning serving those in need.
Pictured Above (from Left to Right): Webb County Treasurer Raul Reyes, Councilman Vidal Rodriguez, Priscilla Pantoja, Executive Director of Laredo Regional Food Bank Carmen Garcia and Rep. Cuellar
'Conversation with Cuellar' to Discuss Immigration Judges
On Wednesday, August 5th, I hosted my weekly 'Conversation with Cuellar' press conference to discuss the FY21 Appropriations bill directing the hiring of 100 new immigration judges with support staff to reduce the backlog of immigration cases at our southern border. During the press conference we also discussed eight new immigration judges for Laredo, starting in the summer of 2021. To round out the call, I talked about the importance of our community participating in the 2020 Census.
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Back to School Drive in Zapata
On Friday, August 7th, Orlando Ramirez, my Outreach coordinator for Webb, Zapata and La Salle Counties, attended a back to school drive in Zapata. The school year is approaching rapidly and whether schools choose to have class being virtual or in-person, families require the proper supplies to help their children succeed. While there, Orlando encouraged families to take part in the 2020 Census by submitting their response through mail, online or by phone.
To respond to the Census, click here.
Mission Police Department Food Drive
On Thursday, August 6th, Nicolas Cruz, my Outreach Coordinator for Starr and Hidalgo Counties, attended the Mission Police Department Food Drive. Our community continues to remain strong and united as we work together to help others who are struggling during this difficult time. Stay strong, stay safe, and stay united South Texas.
Pictured is Nicolas Cruz with a Mission Police Chief Robert Dominguez.
Starr County Census Event
On Wednesday, August 5th, Nicolas Cruz, my Outreach Coordinator for Starr and Hidalgo Counties, attended the Jp Eloy Zarate Census Event. It is imperative that we are completely accounted for - especially in our colonias. Your response will help shape the next 10 years of federal funding, support and resources.
Pictured is Nicolas Cruz with local leaders.
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Do you know what's happening in TX-28?
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Are you staying up-to-date with all things TX-28? I'm constantly posting information about federal, state and local resources, how I'm fighting for you in D.C., and what myself and my offices are up to in the district. Don't miss out on the latest news and follow me today! You can find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram by searching @repcuellar.
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Coronavirus Resource Handbook
My office's COVID-19 Resource Handbook provides an extremely helpful list of tools and services for all those in the district. We are constantly updating the information in our handbook and you can regularly check my website for the newest edition. This wide-ranging economic rescue package provides rapid and meaningful assistance for individuals, businesses, and first responders.
Sections include: unemployment, direct payments, food assistance, homeowners and protection programs, and more. If you have any questions about the topics listed on the handbook, please contact my offices for assistance. To view the English handbook, click here. To view the Spanish handbook, click here.
The Data's in... and We're Behind On the 2020 Census
As of July 20th, our district has a response rate of 49.8%. Unfortunately, this only a .5% improvement from last week and we're still tailing behind the state's average rate of 58.2%. We behind the states responses by 8.4%. In order to improve these numbers, we must make sure that every man, woman, and child living in TX-28 are properly accounted for. You can complete the Census form, by clicking here. Or, you can respond through mail, once you receive the paper form.
| This Week's Grant Newsletter |
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Don't miss out on a grant opportunity! Attracting more federal funds to the district and region has been a top priority during my tenure in Congress. In an effort to better serve you, I want to provide you with information on a variety of open federal grant opportunities in each week's newsletter. To see this week's edition, click here. If you'd like to subscribe to the weekly grants newsletter, please fill out our google doc form.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Risks of Exposure to COVID-19
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Preventing the continued spread of the coronavirus is crucial to the health and well-being of our community. Please continue following CDC guidelines in social distancing and always remember to wear a mask when out in public.
In this week's video, the CDC illustrates the risks of exposure to COVID-19.
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| LATEST NEWS |
8/10, NPR: Border Patrol Faulted For Favoring Steel And Concrete Wall Over High-Tech Solutions
8/07, San Antonio Express-News: Border wall: Hundreds of miles funded, 5 new miles built
8/06, Rio Grande Guardian: Cuellar: Cutting Census count efforts by a full month is reckless and dangerous
8/06, The Monitor: Cuellar hopes 100 more immigration judges will ease 1.2M case backlog
8/05, KGNS: Congressman Cuellar announces 8 new immigration judges coming to Laredo
8/03, Texas Border Business: Rep. Cuellar Helps Secure $2.8 Billion for Construction, Major RFepari and Alternations to Land Ports of Entry
8/02, The Monitor: McAllen clinic one of 89 in US to begin COVID-19 vaccine trial
8/02, Rio Grande Guardian: Podcast: Cuellar announces COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials in South Texas
7/31, KGNS: Millions of federal funds could go to Chacon Creek project
7/31, Laredo Morning Times: Laredo officials and residents react to Trump’s suggestion to delay election
7/30, Laredo Morning Times: Trump signs permit for second rail bridge in Laredo
7/27, KGNS: Cuellar Calls for more COVID-19 relief funding for schools
7/27, Laredo Morning Times: Laredo chosen for potential COVID-19 vaccine study
7/27, WOAI: San Antonio one of several South Texas areas where COVID-19 vaccine will be tested
7/27, KGNS: Cuellar calls for more COVID-19 relief funding for schools
7/26, KVEO: FEMA approves Federal Emergency Declaration for Texas
7/25, Rio Grande Guardian: Cuellar: State of Texas is ‘hoarding’ $7.5 billion in CARES Act funding
7/23, Border Report: Border lawmakers push for ‘binational strategy’ in COVID-19 relief measures
7/22, KVEO: House committee OKs $500K to help ranchers continue grazing cattle along Rio Grande
7/20, KGNS: Congressman Cuellar announces additional resources to help during pandemic
7/20, FOX San Antonio: Rep. Cuellar announces more than $2.6 million in funding for San Antonio first responders
7/18, Laredo Morning Times: Battle for the border
7/18, Laredo Morning Times: Laredo to receive funds for new air and marine hangar
7/17, Nexstar: Texas lawmakers fear businesses along U.S. border could suffer with extended travel restrictions
7/16, Missouri Times: Opinion: America needs more options for meat processing
7/14, Rio Grande Guardian: Podcast: Cuellar hosts virtual meeting of US-Mexico Interparliamentary Group
7/10, Border Report: IBWC demands water Mexico owes US, otherwise Texas ranchers, communities ‘suffer’
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