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Dear Friends,
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| Last week, House Democrats passed an updated version of the Heroes Act. Our updated $2.2 trillion Heroes Act addresses the health and economic crisis that has worsened over time. Hard working Americans across the nation are struggling to make ends-meet and this update will help provide relief to our communities.
It was quite busy in both D.C. and the district. Not only did I hold grant announcements and participate in census discussions throughout South Texas, but I also led a bipartisan letter with U.S. Senator John Cornyn. Together, we addressed Acting Secretary of Homeland Chad Wolf expressing concern with continued travel restrictions at our southern ports of entry and demanding a plan to restore normal operations. To read the full letter, click here.
My staff in the District continues to attend various events throughout our nine counties - recognizing citizens, organizations, schools and more for their exceptional work provided in their area.
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. |
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| Rep. Cuellar Announces Over $15.8 Million in Federal Funds to Laredo International Airport |
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On Wednesday, September 30 th, I joined the City of Laredo to announce over $15.8 million in federal funds to the City of Laredo International Airport. These funds, distributed through the Federal Aviation Administration, will be used to complete the cargo apron reconstruction, transforming the apron from a 1960’s military cargo to a commercial aviation cargo ramp.
To watch the press conference, click here.
Valley Congressman Discuss the 2020 Census
Earlier that same day, I participated in a census discussion, hosted by Futuro RGV. This discussion included Reps. Vicente Gonzalez and Filmon Vela, the Census Bureau, as well as other RGV elected-officials. We spoke about the ways Congress can act to extend the U.S. Census count date. As well as the impacts of an undercount and what effects it will have on the Rio Grande Valley and our respective Congressional districts.
To watch the discussion, click here.
Ribbon Cutting for Cowboy Transit System
On Friday, October 2nd, my Outreach Coordinator for Atascosa, Bexar and Wilson Counties, Gilbert Lafuente, attended the ribbon cutting for the Cowboy Transit System. The Transit System is designed to encourage Economic Development across Atascosa County. It runs from Jourdanton to Poteet to Pleasanton, with two shuttles a day from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m; until Nov 1, 2020, the transit system is offering free rides.
Pictured is Poteet Mayor Willie Leal Jr., County Judge Bob Hurley, Pleasanton Mayor Travis Hall, Jourdanton Mayor Robert “Doc” Williams, Gilbert Lafuente.
Starr County Census Drive
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On Friday, October 2nd, my Outreach Coordinator for Hidalgo and Starr Counties, Nicolas Cruz, attended the Starr County Drive in Salineno, TX. While there, Nicolas helped assist residents who have not yet filled out their census questionnaire.
If you haven't already, don't forget to fill out the census via online, phone or mail.
Pictured is Nicolas Cruz with community members and law enforcement.
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Blue Ribbon Recipient: John Z. Leyendecker Elementary
On Friday, October 1 st, my Outreach Coordinator for La Salle, Webb, McMullen and Zapata Counties, Orlando Ramirez, delivered a congressional certificate of recognition to John Z. Leyendecker Elementary school for being recognized as a Blue Ribbon Award Recipient. At the event, Orlando had the opportunity to present Ms. Maria Oviedo a Congressional Certificate of Recognition for receiving this prestigious honor.
Pictured is Orlando Ramirez and Ms. Maria Oviedo
Blue Ribbon Recipient: Heights Elementary
On Friday, October 1 st, my Outreach Coordinator for La Salle, Webb, McMullen and Zapata Counties, Orlando Ramirez, delivered a congressional certificate of recognition to Heights Elementary school for being recognized as a Blue Ribbon Award Recipient. At the event, Orlando had the opportunity to present Ms. Adriana Padilla a Congressional Certificate of Recognition for receiving this prestigious honor.
Pictured is Orlando Ramirez and Ms. Adriana Padilla.
Certificate of Recognition to Mission Regional
On Monday, September 28th, my Outreach Coordinator for Hidalgo and Starr Counties, Nicolas Cruz, presented Mission Regional Medical Center with a Congressional Certificate for being named one of the top hospitals in the country. Congratulations Mission Regional on this wonderful achievement and thank you to all the doctors, nurses and staff for meeting providing exceptional care to those in our community.
Pictured is Nicolas Cruz with Mission Regional Medical Center CEO Kane Dawson.
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 was extended to Oct. 31. This means, if you haven't filled out your census, now is the time to do so. As of October 5th, our district has a response rate of 55.0%. We're still trailing behind the state's average rate of 62.4% 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 |
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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 a previous 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: Key Times to Wear a Mask
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It's important to wear a mask in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. Not only will you protect yourself, but you will also protect those around you.
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| LATEST NEWS |
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
9/12, Laredo Morning Times: Cuellar protests partial border shutdown, presents plan for reopening
9/12, Rio Grande Guardian: Cuellar: Trump’s memo about undocumented immigrants was designed to cause confusion
9/11, Texas Public Radio: Ahead Of Fall Shopping Season, Laredo Business Leaders Renew Calls To Ease Border Restrictions
9/9, San Antonio Express News: Under sex crime spotlight, Army didn’t take long to shake up Fort Hood command
9/4, The Monitor: Hidalgo County, La Joya housing authorities receive more than $124k
9/4, Pleasanton Express: Rep. Cuellar Announces $250,893 in Federal Funding to Atascosa Health Center
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