March 25, 2020


	Wednesday, March 25, 2020	WEBSITE \| SHARE ON:

Congressional Report

Dear Friends,

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. The House also passed the GI Bill Flexibility for Student Veterans, which gives the VA the authority to continue paying GI Bill payments and monthly housing allowances at existing rates.

In the district, I held a telephone town hall with health and small business experts. We discussed how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and how to acquire loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA).

My staff continues to work with constituents in the district, as well as those stranded overseas. Below you will find more information regarding travel, small business loans, best practices to prevent the spreading of COVID-19, and much more.

As always, please contact one of my offices if you need assistance with any federal agency. To stay up to date the latest information regarding COVID-19, please follow my social media platforms and website.

Rep. Cuellar Live with KGNS TV-Digital News Desk

On, Friday, March 20, I joined the KGNS-TV Digital News Desk, to answer your questions about the efforts in Congress to contain the Coronavirus and ensure Americans stay healthy and safe during this pandemic. For the complete livestream, please click here. Pictured is Rep. Cuellar speaking to KGNS anchor Ruben Villarreal.

Rep. Cuellar Hosts a Telephone Town Hall

On Wednesday, March 18, I held a telephone town hall. I, along with our experts, discussed preventing the spread of COVID-19 and how to acquire loans from the SBA. Please feel free to call our office if you have any questions. Check out the telephone town hall here. Pictured is Rep. Cuellar

Are you or loved ones stuck abroad?

My offices and I are actively working on solutions for constituents stranded abroad. Unfortunately, the Coronavirus is creating difficult challenges when dealing with foreign governments, but I am committed to resolving these issues. If you or a loved one is stranded abroad, please check my website for a comprehensive list on what steps to take, as well as reaching out to one of my offices. To visit my website, click here.

Small Business Disaster Loan Assistance

Our small businesses are the backbone to our state and they need our help now more than ever. After working hard with State leaders and the Texas congressional delegation, the U.S. Small Business Administration approved our request to make Economic Injury Disaster Loans available to qualifying Texas small businesses. To apply, click here.

Medicare is Expanding its Telehealth Services

I am committed to ensuring the most vulnerable Americans, including our seniors, can continue to receive care during the Coronavirus pandemic. Medicare has expanded its telehealth services to benefit patients who cannot travel to their physician’s office. To learn more, click here.

Image attribution: https://bit.ly/2xfBQfo

What can we do to limit the spread of COVID-19?

COVID-19 is easily spreadable and it is critical that we continue to take the following CDC recommended actions:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Work or engage in schooling from home when possible.
Practice social distancing.
Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.
Avoid discretionary travel, such as shopping or social visits.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Stay Home and Fill Out the 2020 Census

As many of us are staying home and practicing social distancing, don't forget to take part in the 2020 Census. You can complete the census form online, by clicking here. If you want to complete it by phone, call: 1-844-330-2020. Or, you can respond through mail, once you receive your paper form.

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.