March 18, 2020


	Wednesday, March 18, 2020	WEBSITE \| SHARE ON:

Congressional Report

Dear Friends,

This past week, the federal government continued to work together to address the coronavirus pandemic.

In Washington, D.C., I helped pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which will help Americans with receiving free testing (regardless of whether or not you have health insurance), paid sick leave, strong unemployment benefits‬, and expanding food assistance.

In the district, I held a public briefing with local government, health and education officials in Laredo, to address public concerns and efforts in keeping our community safe. During this time, please remember to always wash your hands, stay home if your are feeling sick, and practice social distancing.

My staff also participated in several meetings and events, including neighborhood office hours, grand openings, and presenting Congressional Certificates of Recognition.

As always, please contact one of my offices if you need assistance with any federal agency.

Rep. Cuellar Meets with Speaker of the Congress of Guatemala Allan Rodriguez

On, Thursday, March 12, I met with the Speaker of the Congress of Guatemala Allan Rodriguez to discuss ways we can work together to conserve this region, including investing in sustainable ecotourism and archaeological research. It is critical that we protect the Mirador-Calakmul Basin and its approximately 1.6 million acres of tropical forest in Guatemala for its historic, environmental, and economic significance. Pictured is Speaker Allan Rodriguez and Rep. Cuellar.

Rep. Cuellar Meets with ICE Acting Assistant Director Derek Benner

On Wednesday, March 11, I met with ICE Acting Assistant Director Derek Benner to discuss how ICE is combating the illicit cross-border movement of narcotics, illegal proceeds, and U.S. origin weapons by transnational criminal organizations. Pictured is Rep. Cuellar with Acting Assistant Director Benner and another member of ICE.

COVID-19 Public Briefing at City of Laredo Fire Administrative Building

On Friday, March 13, I held a public briefing and press conference in Laredo, with local government, health and education officials to discuss federal and local efforts to addressing coronavirus. As well as some tips and best practices that you can take to better protect yourself and your family. Pictured are public attendees.

Neighborhood Office Hours in Roma, TX

On Tuesday, March 10, my Outreach Coordinator for Starr and Hidalgo Counties, Nichole Hernandez, attended Neighborhood Office Hours in Roma, TX. Nichole was able to speak to Roma city officials and the USDA Rural Development team about grant opportunities. In particular, grants that focus on community facilities, such as: self-contained apparatuses, radios, computers, and power generators for the water plant. Pictured is Nichole with officials from the City of Roma and USDA.

Laredo Chamber of Commerce McDonald's Grand Reopening

On Tuesday, March 10, my Outreach Coordinator for La Salle, Webb, and Zapata Counties, Orlando Ramirez, attended the Laredo Chamber of Commerce McDonald's grand reopening event held in Laredo. At the event, Orlando had the opportunity to speak to members of the Laredo Chamber of Commerce and present a Congressional Certificate of Recognition to the Morasco family for their business reopening. Pictured is Orlando Ramirez and the Morasco Family.

Border Patrol Youth of the Month Ceremony

On Wednesday, March 11, my Outreach Coordinator for La Salle, Webb, and Zapata Counties, Orlando Ramirez, attended the Border Patrol Youth of the Month Ceremony held in Laredo. At the event, Orlando had the opportunity to present 11 Congressional Certificates of Academic Recognition to students from Laredo for their hard work and achievements in school. Pictured is Orlando Ramirez, other partners and sponsors of the event, and the students being recognized.

Laredo Chamber of Commerce Laredo Medical Center Sleep Center Grand Opening

On Tuesday, March 12, my Outreach Coordinator for La Salle, Webb, and Zapata Counties, Orlando Ramirez, attended the Laredo Chamber of Commerce Laredo Medical Center Sleep Center Grand Opening event held in Laredo. At the event, Orlando had the opportunity to speak to members of the Laredo Chamber of Commerce and present a Congressional Certificate of Recognition to Mr. Enrique Gallegos for the new additions to Laredo Medical Center. Pictured is Orlando Ramirez, Mr. Duran, and Mr. Enrique Gallegos.

Celebrating First Anniversary of Tiger Cheer Athletics

On Thursday, March 12, my Outreach Coordinator for Atascosa, Bexar, McMullen and Wilson Counties, Gilbert Lafuente, presented a Congressional Certificate of Recognition to the Tiger Cheer Athletics, in Converse TX. The organization celebrated their first anniversary of being open and teaching the youth cheer and discipline fundamentals. Pictured is Sabrina Meza, Gilbert Lafuente, and Coach Rosie Marie Hunter.

This Week’s Grants Newsletter

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 subscribe to the weekly grants newsletter please fill out our form here.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention: What You Need To Know About Handwashing

The coronavirus has raised a lot of concerns throughout our communities, specifically how we are going to address the issue. I want each of you to know that while the federal government is taking proper precautions and steps to combat the virus, we need your help too!

This video from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), explains the best practices for washing your hands. If we continue to practice safe hygiene, we continue to protect those around us.