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October 14, 2020

Wednesday, October 14, 2020  WEBSITE | SHARE ON:
Congressional Report


Dear Friends,

There has been a lot of uncertainty with restrictions on non-essential travel at land ports of entry and unfortunately these restrictions have negatively impacted South Texas businesses. In an attempt to strike a balance between the health of an individual and the health of the economy, I have proposed a plan to the Department of Homeland and Security (DHS) that creates a partnership between the federal government, local governments and private businesses to slowly reopen the border. 

I started last week by taking an inaugural flight to Mexico City with the City of Laredo delegation. Upon my return, I held press conferences, attended an award ceremony, and hosted a virtual event geared towards students interested in military academies.  

My staff in the District continues to attend various events throughout our nine counties.

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
Stay safe. Stay strong. And please don't forget to wear a mask. 


Rep. Cuellar Receives 2020 ALFA Award


    
This week, I received the 2020 Association of Logistics & Forwarding Agents (ALFA) Outstanding Commitment Award. I was recognized for my work in finding new ways to develop and advance international trade. I will continue this critical work by strengthening our trade relationship with our neighbor to the south. 

Pictured is Rep. Cuellar with members of ALFA.

Rep. Cuellar Holds Press Conference on Trip to Mexico City
    
On Thursday, October 8th, I held a press conference about my trip to Mexico City. I also spoke about a letter to Acting Secretary Chad Wolf urging for a new plan to partially lift COVID-19 travel restrictions for "non-essential" travelers. 

To watch the discussion, click here. 

Rep. Cuellar Takes Inaugural Aeromar Flight

    

On Monday, October 5th, I joined the City of Laredo and Aeromar to celebrate the new direct flight between Laredo and Mexico City. The nonstop flights to Mexico City will help generate economic prosperity for Laredo as well as attract tourism to the area. As Laredo’s airport continues to grow - creating jobs and providing more opportunities to residents - I will continue to work hard in order to deliver federal funding, so we are able to meet the trade and leisure demands of our city.

Pictured is the Aeromar plane landing at Laredo International Airport.

Palmview Main Street Project Unveiling

    
On Friday, October 9th, my Outreach Coordinator for Hidalgo and Starr Counties, Nicolas Cruz, attended the Palmview Main Street Project Unveiling. While there, Nicolas spoke with local stakeholders and officials to discuss how this new project will directly impact the community.

Pictured is Nicolas Cruz with Palmview City Commissioners Linda Sarabia and Joel Garcia, Palmview City Manager Michael Leo, and other representatives from the area.

La Joya Fire Prevention Parade

    
On Thursday, October 8th, my Outreach Coordinator for Hidalgo and Starr Counties, Nicolas Cruz, attended the La Joya Fire Prevention Parade. This parade was an attempt to raise public awareness within the city for ways to  prevent fires and to protect yourself during an emergency. 

Pictured are cars and fire trucks on the parade route.

Palmview Breast Cancer Awareness Parade

     

On Wednesday, my Outreach Coordinator for Hidalgo and Starr Counties, Nicolas Cruz participated in the Palmview Breast Cancer Awareness Parade. October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it's important that individuals know the signs for early detection. Through parades like these and other events raising awareness, let's take a moment to remember the lives we lost and continue to support those enduring the battle.

Pictured are cars setting up at the beginning of the parade. 


San Antonio Food Bank Distribution in Floresville

                
On Wednesday, October 7th, my Outreach Coordinator for Atascosa, Bexar and Wilson Counties, Gilbert Lafuente, attended a San Antonio Food Bank Distribution in Floresville. In total, they were able to serve around 250 vehicles! 

Pictured is Gilbert Lafuente with 
City Councilwoman Marissa Ximenez, Commissioner Paul Pfiel, and Mario Obledo of the Food Bank.

Application Deadlines Coming Up!
    
Interested in coding and putting your creativity to the test? Each year, my office hosts the Congressional App Challenge, a competition where high school students throughout TX-28 are challenged to create and submit their very own original apps. The deadline to submit your app is Oct. 19th, 2020. For more info, visit my website or congressionalappchallenge.us

Each year I have the privilege of nominating young men and women for admission to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at King's Point. This year's deadline is November 6th, 2020. For more information and the access a downloadable packet, click here. 


The Data's in... and We're Behind On the 2020 Census
    
In case you didn't know, the deadline to submit your census response is tomorrow, Oct. 15th. This means, if you haven't filled out your census, now is the time to do so. As of October 10th, our district has a response rate of 55.1%. We're still trailing behind the state's average rate of 62.6% and running out of time to respond to the 2020 Census. As always, the info you submit stays confidential and will not be shared with any other agency or organization. It's critical we improve these numbers! By taking 10 minutes or less, you can help shape the next 10 years of our district's future. We must make sure that every man, woman, and child living in TX-28 is accounted for. You can complete the Census form, by clicking here.


This Week's Grant 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 see a previous edition, click here. If you'd like to subscribe to the weekly grants newsletter, please fill out our google doc form.  


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Mask up, Lather Up, and Sleeve Up to Fight Flu

 
 
   
This season, a flu vaccine is more important than ever to reduce the risk of flu for yourself, your family and your community. It can also reduce the burden of flu illness on the health care system and save medical resources to care for people with COVID-19.

In this week's video, the CDC explains how to protect yourself and others from respiratory illnesses this flu season. 



 
Sincerely,
Henry Cuellar
 


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LATEST NEWS
10/9, Rio Grande Guardian: Cuellar: Border bridges could be reopened on Oct. 21

10/9, Laredo Morning Times: 
TAMIU’s 50th anniversary: The third decade

10/5, KGNS: 
Congressman Cuellar addresses next stimulus package

10/5, Laredo Morning Times: 
Fight for opening international bridges continues, residents express concerns

10/2, Texas Monthly: 
A Water Treaty Has Aided Mexican and U.S. Farmers for Decades. This Year, It’s Wreaking Havoc.

10/2, San Antonio Business Journal: Four Bexar County ISDs receive more than $30M in federal funds

10/1, Mission Progress Times: 
$37M in federal funds announced for La Joya, Mission and Sharyland school districts

9/30, KGNS: 
Local airport moves forward with terminal improvement plan

9/29, The Texas Tribune: 
As Texas reopens, border leaders say restrictions at international bridges should be lifted

9/27, Laredo Morning Times: 
Census extension crucial for Webb County

9/27, Laredo Morning Times: 
Virtual walk raises awareness for Alzheimer’s

9/26, Laredo Morning Times: LPD receives $59K in federal funding

9/25, Texas Border Business: Rep. Cuellar's Statement on House Victory in D.C. Court of Appeals in Border Wall Case

9/24, Texas Insider: 
“Powering Your Community – Eagle Ford & Laredo”

9/24, Laredo Morning Times: 
TAMIU to receive nearly $500K in funding for study on guns and gang violence

9/19, The Monitor: 
McAllen keeps conservative budget as international travel restrictions extended 

9/18, The Monitor: 
Mission receives $3 million from federal government 

9/18, Texas Public Radio: 
U.S. Downgrades Advisory Against Travel To Mexico, But Border Restrictions Remain For Now

9/16, KVEO: 
RGV could suffer if undocumented immigrants aren’t counted in the 2020 Census


 

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