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Dear Friends,
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First and foremost, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the 19th anniversary of September 11, 2001. The horrific and tragic acts of violence on that day forever changed our country. We will never forget the extraordinary heroism of our first responders and all they sacrificed to help their fellow Americans.
In the district, I held a press conference to discuss the need for nonessential travel modificiations at land ports of entry, was briefed on modern technology designed to secure our border, and toured the construction of San Antonio's new federal courthouse.
My staff in the District attended several events, including volunteering at various food distribution sites.
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 Holds Press Conference Downtown Laredo |
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On Friday, September 11 th, I held a press conference to discuss the need to ease non-essential travel restrictions at the U.S.-Mexico border. Joined by local business owners, we called for a new framework that minimizes public health risks and allows the community to resume economic activity. With the holiday season around the corner, many businesses along the border will feel the devastating economical impact of these restrictions.
To watch the press conference, click here.
Pictured is Rep. Cuellar and press conference attendees.
Meeting with Laredo Border Patrol to Tour Autonomous Surveillance Tower
Since 2018, I have worked hard to secure funding in Homeland Security appropriations for innovative border security technology including, Autonomous Surveillance Towers (AST). Modern technology is essential to help the U.S. Border Patrol secure our borders.
On Thursday, September 10th, I visited with the Laredo Sector Border Patrol Chief Matt Hudak and agents on the frontlines, as well as members of the technology and engineering-based company, Anduril, to be briefed on how these towers function.
At a cost of $100,000 per mile, the AST provides agents with situational awareness by scanning the environment with radar to detect movement within a 2 mile radius, orients a camera to the location of the movement detected by the radar, and analyzes the imagery to autonomously identify items of interest, such as people or vehicles. Agents are then able to respond to resolve the item of interest.
Pictured is Rep. Cuellar being briefed on the AST.
Update on Construction of San Antonio Federal Courthouse
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In 2018, I helped secure $117 million in the Appropriations bill for a new federal courthouse in San Antonio. On September 8th, I had the privilege of touring the construction site and seeing the progress they have made on this new federal courthouse. It is great to see the results of our hard work in Congress!
By having a state-of-the art federal courthouse for this busy judicial district, we will not only enhance safety and efficiency, but also allow for an all-around better administration of justice.
Pictured is Rep. Cuellar touring the first floor of the courthouse.
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San Antonio Food Bank Distribution in Floresville
On Wednesday, September 9th, my Outreach Coordinator for Atascosa, Bexar and Wilson Counties, Gilbert Lafuente, attended a San Antonio Food Bank Distribution in Floresville. An estimated 300 families, benefited from the Food Bank Distribution. Thank you to all the volunteers for making this event a success!
Pictured is Gilbert Lafuente with other volunteers.
Rio Grande City CISD Food Program Pick Up
On Wednesday, September 9th, my Outreach Coordinator for Starr and Hidalgo Counties, Nicolas Cruz, attended the RGCCISD Food Program Pick Up. Over 50 families picked up food for their children. During these difficult times, it's important that we continue working together as a community, in order to provide much needed relief. These efforts will be conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for the rest of the school year.
Pictured is members of the community operating the distribution site.
The 2020 Congressional App Challenge
Are you a high school student, interested in coding and putting your creativity to the test? Each year, my office hosts the Congressional App Challenge, a competition where eligible students throughout TX-28 are challenged to create and submit their very own original apps. Use your talents to inspire students across the nation and push the boundaries of computer science! For more info, visit my website, here, or visit the official Congressional App Challenge website, here.
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Applications for Service Academy Nominations
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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.
Candidates interested in seeking a nomination from my office to one of these academies must request a copy of my application packet in addition to applying directly to the Academy's Admissions office. I encourage you to contact other nominating sources, such as your U.S. Senators, to confirm their deadlines and application requirements as procedures may differ between offices.
This year's deadline is November 6th, 2020. For more information and the access a downloadable packet, click here.
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Intern Spotlight
On this week's intern spotlight, meet Marcela Delgado! She is currently in her 2nd year at Texas A&M International University, studying for a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Major in Elementary Education with EC-6 Certification and Bilingual Emphasis. Marcela interns in my Laredo office and does a great job helping out our media team with content creation and events. After this internship, Marcela hopes to apply the skills obtained in my office in other areas of her education and professional development. When she's not interning or studying for school, you can find Marcela using her experience in modeling to help boost young girl's self-esteem - by showing them that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. Marcela is also an avid coffee lover and often walks around the office with a variety of colorful coffee cups. Thank you Marcela, for the work you're doing to help TX-28!
The Data's in... and We're Behind On the 2020 Census
As of September 14th, our district has a response rate of 53.4%. We're still trailing behind the state's average rate of 61.3% and running out of time to respond to the 2020 Census. You have until September 30th, to submit your response. 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: How did COVID-19 get its name?
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On February 11, 2020, the World Health Organization announced an official name for the disease that is causing the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak. Learn how COVID-19 got its name.
In this week's video, the CDC explains how the name originated and steps you can take to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
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| LATEST NEWS |
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
9/4, Laredo Morning Times: Gateway Community Health Center receives $291K in federal funding
9/3, Brooks: BROOKS BREAKS GROUND ON CONNECTION TO SAN ANTONIO RIVER
9/3, Laredo Morning Times: Rep. Cuellar: A border wall has no home in South Texas
8/29, KRGV: Congressman, LULAC meet with U.S. Army secretary about deaths at Fort Hood
8/29, Rio Grande Guardian: Podcast: NADBank has exceeded expectations, says Rep. Hurd
8/28, Laredo Morning Times: Rep. Cuellar proposes a new post office for south Laredo
8/26, KGNS: Congressman Cuellar tours local post office
8/26, KRGV: Travelers report long wait times on international bridges
8/24, Texas Public Radio: COVID-19 Vaccine Trials On The Texas Border Bring Latino Representation, Questions For Residents
8/24, Laredo Morning Times: U.S. citizens and residents visiting Mexico may face longer lines, questioning, upon return
8/23, The Intercept: BORDER WALL CONSTRUCTION SET TO BEGIN NEAR HISTORIC CEMETERIES IN SOUTH TEXAS
8/21, KGNS: Cuellar proposes advanced health screenings at ports of entry
8/21, The Monitor: 600 CBP officers sent to border to help with “essential travelers”
8/21, The San Antonio Express: Hundreds more federal agents en route to southern border to deter crossings
8/20, KGNS: CBP and BP officials update Cuellar on border
8/19, WKRG: Drowning of leader at Mexican migrant camp spurs ‘silence and tears’
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