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Dear Friends,
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I first want to acknowledge the one-year anniversary of the El Paso shooting, which took place on August 3rd, 2019. This horrific act, done in hate, took the lives of 23 innocent people. Today, El Paso is stronger than ever and we continue to honor the lives lost by working to make this a country in which everyone belongs.
It was a busy week in both DC and the District, but it's good to be back home in Laredo with my family. As we enter the month of August, there's still a lot of uncertainty and concern regarding the coronavirus and reopening the economy. I assure you that Congress is actively working to deliver relief for the millions of Americans impacted by this unprecedented crisis. In the meantime, don't forget to wear a mask in public and practice social distancing. Together, we will overcome this pandemic.
While in D.C., I voted on numerous bills, including two that will strengthen the child care industry during COVID-19. I also helped secure funds for multiple projects, such as the Chacon Creek Restoration Project, construction and repairs of federal courthouses and land ports of entry.
In the district, I attended a graduation in Laredo as well as took part in interviews and briefings. My staff volunteered at food distribution sites, took part in census events, and presented Congressional Certificates of Recognition to highly deserving individuals.
As your representative, I want to keep you up-to-date and informed at all times. I urge you to visit my website and social media pages, @repcuellar, to stay informed with the latest news.
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| 'Conversation with Cuellar' to Discuss Emergency COVID-19 Funding |
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On Monday, July 27th, I held a press conference announcing that Laredo, the Rio Grande Valley, and San Antonio will be included in Phase 3 of the COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials. Through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and other supplemental funding, I was able to help direct nearly $10 billion to vaccine and treatment development. Prior to this press conference, I took part in a call with Dr. Fauci and Dr. Collins to discuss the equitable distribution of vaccines and other concerns about health disparities in Hispanic populations. South Texas being included in these trials will help ensure that a more diverse pool of participants are being used.
For more information on the vaccine clinical trials and to watch the video of me speaking with Dr. Fauci and Dr. Collins, click here.
Rep. Cuellar Holds a Press Conference on Chacon Creek Restoration Project and a Second International Bridge
On Thursday, July 30th, I hosted a press conference with City of Laredo and Kansas City Southern to discuss the approval of KCS’s application to construct a second international rail bridge in Laredo. The approval of this application is the first step in alleviating traffic congestion in the region caused by rails. We also talked about my work in securing $52 million in authorization funding for the Chacon Creek Restoration Project in the Water Resources Development Act of 2020.
To watch the live stream, click here.
To see the remarks made on the House floor (pictured above), click here.
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Rep. Cuellar Attends Saint Augustine High School's Graduation Ceremony in Laredo
On Sunday, August 1st, I attended Saint Augustine High School's graduation ceremony for their class of 2020. It was a beautiful ceremony with an incredible group of students, whom in total received over $6 million in scholarships and grants! Whether these students choose going to college, the military or straight into the workforce, they will continue to prevail and grow as men and women of faith. Thank you for including me in such a momentous celebration and thank you to the school’s faculty and staff as well as the Diocese of Laredo for their commitment to preparing our youth for successful lives after high school.
Pictured is Rep. Cuellar with two Saint Augustine graduates.
La Joya Fire Department Food Drive
On Sunday, August 2nd, my Outreach Coordinator for Hidalgo and Starr Counties, Nicolas Cruz, attended the La Joya Fire Department Food Drive. We often take for granted the necessities we have access to in our daily lives; during these difficult times we need to come together as a community to support one another. Through these food drives we are able to provide relief to the many hard working families in our community. Thank you to the men and women of the La Joya Fire Department for all your continued efforts in ensuring that residents are properly cared for and are able to put food on their tables.
Milk Distribution and Promoting the 2020 Census
On Wednesday, July 29th, Team Cuellar attended a milk distribution event at Larga Vista Community Center in Laredo, TX. My office joined Webb County Commissioner Rosaura Tijerina, City of Laredo Councilman Vidal Rodriguez, and other volunteers to help distribute 2,000 gallons of milk and raise awareness for the 2020 census. Don't forget to shape your future and fill out the 2020 Census today, by clicking here.
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Happy Birthday Carmen Rios Plata!
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On Tuesday, July 28th, my Outreach Coordinator for Atascosa, Bexar, McMullen, and Wilson Counties, Gilbert LaFuente, presented a Congressional Certificate of Recognition to Carmen Rios Plata. Mrs. Plata celebrated her 100th birthday this past Sunday, alongside her daughter-in-law Francis Gaona and her son Jacob Gaona. Plata has done some much for her community and continues to be a beacon of joy for many of her friends and family members. Happy birthday Carmen!
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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.
Intern Spotlight: Carolina Pro
In this week's "Intern Spotlight" meet Carolina Pro. Carolina is interning at my district office in Laredo. She has become a valuable asset in assisting with constituents. Currently a Junior at Alexander High School, Carolina chose to pursue this internship to gain insight into how a congressional office functions and to learn more about how a congressional office can make a difference for constituents within their district. Following this internship, Carolina plans on finishing high school and pursuing higher education to obtain a degree in radiology. Throughout her internship she has learned how to strengthen her communication skills and that it is important to have an open mind when dealing with political viewpoints. Thank you for all your hard work Carolina and I look forward to see what your future holds.
| 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: Wear a Mask to Protect You and Your Friends - For Young Adults
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Wearing a mask is one of the best ways we can slow the spread of COVID-19. With the current state of our hospitals, we must do everything we can to help flatten the curve and keep one another healthy.
In this week's video, the CDC emphasizes the importance of wearing a mask and explains the most effective way to do so.
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| LATEST NEWS |
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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