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Dear Friends,
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As we continue the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, we must come together and follow the precautions to keep one another healthy and safe. Please don't forget about the basic health guidelines from the Center for Disease Control & Prevention. Remember to wash your hands, practice social distancing, wear a face covering, and when possible, stay home.
In the district, I took part in various press conferences to discuss the growing concern of Fort Hood’s missing soldiers, immigration and labor legislation, as well as to discuss federal funding for the U.S.-Mexico Border Water Infrastructure Program. I also took part in interviews, briefings and more.
My staff in the District also attended various events to raise awareness for the 2020 Census as well as helped distribute resources to local communities.
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
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Texas Nursery and Landscape Association Discussion Panel
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On Friday, August 28 th, I joined Congressman Joaquin Castro and the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association to a Conressional panel on labor, foreign work visas, and immigration. We discussed the federal priorities for developing the workforce in Texas, the legislation behind the reform to foreign seasonal work visa program, and lastly the connection between immigration and labor.
Not only did I draft and co-sponsor the H-2A and H2-B amendments, which provide temporary relief to those in need, but I also supported HR 8089 to temporarily prevent the need for furloughs by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). As Vice-Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, I will continue to fight for a long-term solution for this critical federal agency to ensure the USCIS can sustain its workforce and continue to process legal immigration cases.
Pictured is Reps. Cuellar and Castro, and Ross Ramsey of the Texas Tribune.
Rep Cuellar Hosts Press Conference to Discuss Missing Fort Hood Soldiers
On Friday, August 28 th, I held a press conference with members of LULAC to discuss a conversation we had with Secretary of the Army, Ryan McCarthy and the Chief of Staff of the Army, General James McConville, about what is being done to address sexual harassment, as well as the climate and culture at Fort Hood. Since March 2020, at least eight soldiers stationed at Fort Hood have died or been found, including Spc. Vanessa Guillen.
As a senior member of the Defense Subcommittee on Appropriations, I am committed to keeping our soldiers safe at home and abroad. We need to do everything we can to prevent future tragedies.
For a link to the video, click here.
Rep. Cuellar Announces $15 Million in Federal Funds to North American Development Bank
On Thursday, August 27th, I announced $15 million in federal funds to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 for the U.S.-Mexico Border Water Infrastructure Program. These funds are provided to the North American Development Bank (NADB), which then administers them for projects in both Texas and New Mexico. Through this money, NADB will be able to support communities with the proper development activities necessary for the implementation of quality drinking water and wastewater projects.
To watch the press conference, click here.
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Rep. Cuellar Tours Local Post Office
On Wednesday, August 26th, I toured the Main Laredo Post Office to provide oversight and ensure that they are still able to offer essential services to our communities. We must guarantee the USPS is still able to deliver Social Security benefits, prescriptions, paychecks, tax returns, and ballots for the American public every day, especially as we continue to contend with the impacts of COVID-19. After my tour, I hosted a press conference with local media to discuss my findings from the tour, the Delivering for America Act, and the need for a new postal facility in south Laredo. I will continue working with local officials to make sure that south Laredo receives the help it needs in order to serve the area as well as be a hub for Rio Bravo and El Cenizo.
To watch the press conference, click here.
City of La Joya Food Drive
On Friday, August 28th, my Outreach Coordinator for Starr and Hidalgo Counties, Nicolas Cruz, attended the City of La Joya Food Drive. While there, Nicolas helped serve the community by distributing food to those in need. Thank you to the City of La Joya for hosting this event and for providing a means to support the community.
Recognizing Veteran-Owned Businesses in Converse, TX
On Friday, August 28th, my Outreach Coordinator for Atascosa, Bexar, McMullen, and Wilson Counties, Gilbert LaFuente, presented a Congressional Certificate of Recognition to Converse Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Director, Jimsi Kuborn. This certificate was to acknowledge the work that local veteran business owners are doing - specifically the work of Ernie Ward of SW Electrical Contracting Services. Mr. Ward was virtually honored at this year's 'EDC Annual Business Luncheon'. Thank you Mr. Ward and the entire EDC organization for your continued efforts in stregthening small businesses throughout the Converse area.
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Fred M. and Anita Bruni Community Center Food Delivery
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On Thursday, August 27th, my Outreach Coordinator for La Salle, Webb, and Zapata Counties, Orlando Ramirez, attended the Fred M. and Anita Community Center Food Delivery event to help people in our community during this difficult time. At the event, Orlando spoke to constituents in the Peñitas district and delivered food to them prepared by the staff of the Community Center.
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Intern Spotlight
On this week's intern spotlight, we’re taking a closer look at Abel Gonzalez from my district office in Laredo. Abel is a recent high school graduate from Alexander High School and pursued this internship because he believed it was a great opportunity to expand his horizons for college and beyond. Abel is an aspiring entrepreneur, wanting to get involved in multiple industries. Abel plans to apply the knowledge he acquires in my office apply website coding, networking, and community engagement experience into his professional and collegiate life. When he’s not interning, you can find Abel playing basketball as well as practicing website coding, programming or being creative on Tik-Tok.
The Data's in... and We're Behind On the 2020 Census
As of August 31st, our district has a response rate of 52.4%. Unfortunately, this only a .9% improvement from last week and we're still trailing behind the state's average rate of 60.3%. We are behind the state's average responses by 7.9%. In order to improve these numbers, 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. Or, you can respond through the mail, once you receive the paper form.
| 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 this week's 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: Stay Safe at the Pool or Beach
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Coronavirus has changed the way we go about our daily lives. It's not secret that the Texas heat is brutal and during these times many of us would cool off at a pool or beach. However, we must remain steadfast and serious about slowing the spread.
In this week's video, the CDC illustrates how to safely interact at the pools or beaches. Many of these tips can also come in handy in our day-to-day routines!
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| LATEST NEWS |
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’
8/19, KGNS: Congressman Cuellar proposes bridge checks
8/19, Laredo Morning Times: Congressman Cuellar holds press conference on steps of Laredo post office demanding aid for USPS
8/18, KGNS: Former fire chief honored for 30 years of service
8/18, The San Antonio Express:Laredo activists paint a street mural to protest the border wall
8/17, Texas Public Radio: The COVID-19 Vaccine: Inside America’s Race For An Answer
8/17, KURV: Federal Funds Approved For Small Business Relief
8/17, Border Report: DHS inspector general calls border wall ‘outdated’ in report critical of CBP spending
8/16, The Brownsville Herald: EDITORIAL: Reinforcements: Case backlog necessitates more immigration judges
8/16, The Monitor: $500K in federal aid secured for small businesses in Western Valley
8/14, Laredo Morning Times: Webb County Head Start programs to receive $11.6M in funding for virtual learning
8/10, Texas Border Business: Rep. Cuellar Announces $13,928 in Federal Funds to Penitas' Fire Department
8/10, NPR: Border Patrol Faulted For Favoring Steel And Concrete Wall Over High-Tech Solutions
8/07, San Antonio Express-News: Border wall: Hundreds of miles funded, 5 new miles built
8/06, Rio Grande Guardian: Cuellar: Cutting Census count efforts by a full month is reckless and dangerous
8/06, The Monitor: Cuellar hopes 100 more immigration judges will ease 1.2M case backlog
8/05, KGNS: Congressman Cuellar announces 8 new immigration judges coming to Laredo
8/03, Texas Border Business: Rep. Cuellar Helps Secure $2.8 Billion for Construction, Major RFepari and Alternations to Land Ports of Entry
8/02, The Monitor: McAllen clinic one of 89 in US to begin COVID-19 vaccine trial
8/02, Rio Grande Guardian:Podcast: Cuellar announces COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials in South Texas
7/31, KGNS: Millions of federal funds could go to Chacon Creek project
7/31, Laredo Morning Times: Laredo officials and residents react to Trump’s suggestion to delay election
7/30, Laredo Morning Times: Trump signs permit for second rail bridge in Laredo
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