November 22, 2015

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Congressional Report

Dear Friends,

Last week, I was back in Washington reviewing and voting on the issues that matter to our nation and Texas Congressional District 28.

On Tuesday, I hosted a Tele Town Hall with constituents all over my district. Tele Town Halls are a way for you to ask me questions directly about whatever federal issue is most affecting you. I also joined Mexican Ambassador to the U.S. Miguel Basáñez Ebergenyi during a ceremony to award the Mexican Order of the Aztec Eagle to recognize the endeavors and contributions of a distinguished individual in Washington.

My staff also attended several events throughout my district to help make sure our constituents, cities and counties have the necessary information and resources to continue growing.

Finally, I have posted a video from the Department of Veterans Affairs about how veterans can take advantage of counseling services at their local Vet Centers.

I hope you share great moments and memories with your families during this Thanksgiving.

Voting for the American SAFE Act

Recently, the world watched as Paris fell victim to terrorism on a mass scale. Our prayers are with Paris and victims of terrorism everywhere. The civil war and conflict in Syria and Iraq has forced families to flee to countries where they can to be safe and free. Closer to home, we learned recently that a few Syrians were detained by Honduran authorities, as it was believed they were attempting to find a route to illegally enter the United States. This past week, two Syrian families turned themselves in at the Laredo Port of Entry. It goes without saying that this situation deserves our full attention.

As a member of Congress and also as a member of the House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee, I have constantly advocated increased assistance to our Central American friends. Securing the border starts with cooperation and teamwork with our allies to the south in Mexico and in Central America. I thank Jorge Alberto Milla Reyes, Honduras’ ambassador to the U.S., and his government, as well as the Mexican government, for their cooperation in keeping our countries safe.

This is why, last week, I voted in favor of the American SAFE Act. This bill enhances the vetting system for Syrian and Iraqi refugees being admitted to the United States. In addition to Department of Homeland Security screening, the FBI would ensure that each individual receives a background investigation before admission to the U.S. We must ensure that we do not turn our backs on those fleeing the devastation and terror in the Middle East, but we also need a tough screening process for any refugee seeking entry to the United States.


Speaking with TX28 Constituents During Tele Town Hall


On November 17, I hosted a Tele Town Hall with my constituents in Texas' 28th Congressional District to discuss important federal issues such as VA benefits, social security and Medicare/Medicaid, what I'm doing to help with trade infrastructure and border security.



Mexican Order of the Aztec Eagle Ceremony in D.C.

On November 17, I attended a ceremony to award the Mexican Order of the Aztec Eagle to Jose Villarreal (far right), consultant senior advisor for Akin Gump, by Mexican Ambassador to the U.S. Miguel Basáñez Ebergenyi at the Mexican Cultural Institute in Washington, D.C. Established by the Mexican government in 1933 to recognize the endeavors and contributions of distinguished individuals to Mexico, the Mexican Order of the Aztec Eagle is the highest honor that Mexico bestows to foreign nationals. Pictured from left to right are myself, Tatiana Beltrán with her husband Mexican Amb. to the U.S. Miguel Basáñez Ebergenyi, and Jose Villarreal.

Providing Library of Congress Books to La Vernia High School

On November 12, my outreach coordinator for Wilson County, Gilbert Lafuente, provided books from the Library of Congress to La Vernia High School to be distributed to classrooms where teachers can provide additional reading material to students. The La Vernia High School library also acts as the city's public library for the community. Pictured are La Vernia High School Librarian Nicole Ellis and Outreach Coordinator Gilbert Lafuente.

Explaining Health Care Options to Small Businesses in San Antonio

On November 17, my outreach coordinator for Bexar County, Pete Arguello, participated in a Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) workshop with the Small Business Administration to provide small business owners in the San Antonio area with information about health care options for their employees.

U.S. Border Patrol Youth of the Month Ceremony in Laredo

On November 18, my outreach coordinator for Webb County, Alec Martinez, honored 10 local high school seniors for the their great academic accomplishments during the Laredo Sector Border Patrol Youth of the Month Ceremony.


City of Roma Paving & Drainage Project Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
On November 12, my southern district outreach coordinator, Nichole Hernandez, participated in the City of Roma's Ebony Avenue Paving & Drainage Project Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. My office worked with the USDA and the City of Roma to provide $6.2 in funding for this project that will help provide the people of Roma with the proper infrastructure to provided much-needed flooding relief for the area.


Learning About Counseling at VA Vet Centers

In the video above by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, you can learn about how the Vet Centers can offer veterans counseling on many topics from marriage counseling to financial advice, Vet Centers are a great resource for eligible Vets. Explore the benefits the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has to offer, and apply today at http://explore.va.gov.



Sincerely,
Henry Cuellar


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Tuesday, November 24

Lytle City Hall
14916 Main
10:00am - 11:00am
Lytle, TX

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