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Dear Friends,
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This past Friday, we lost an American hero. Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a titan, who left behind a legacy bigger than herself. Our nation is better off because of her opinions and dissents. Although there will never be another Justice Ginsburg, we can all celebrate her life and further her vision of a more perfect union, by continuing to fight for justice and equality for all.
Congress was back in session this last week and the House voted on several pieces of legislation. I also had the honor of serving as Speaker Pro Temp as wee debated legislation. Throughout the week, I also took part in many virtual press conferences, interviews and briefings.
In the district, I held a press conference with the City of Mission and the Mission Economic Development Corporation to announce federal funding that will help the area’s economic growth.
My staff in the District attended several events, including food and school supply distributions, as well as ground breaking events.
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 Receives TAMIU Distinguished Alumni Award |
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On Saturday, September 19 th, I had the honor of being awarded the TAMIU Distinguished Alumni Award. I, along with Dr. Norma Cantu, were the first two recipients of this prestigious recognition. During a virtual panel discussion, we reflected on our time and accomplishments at TAMIU, the successes of its alumni, and what we hope to see from the institution as it continues to grow. This was a wonderful celebration - full of pride and nostalgia – which reiterated and recognized the efforts and commitment of each person who has ever walked the University’s grounds. Thank you TAMIU for this honor. It is one I will deeply cherish.
Rep. Cuellar Delivers $3 Million to Mission EDC
On Friday, September 18 th, I announced $3 million in federal funding to Mission Economic Development Corporation (EDC), which will help develop and enhance Shary Village Industrial Park with the construction of water and sewer improvements. This project will create close to 300 jobs, attract private investment, expand manufacturing support, as well as improve the area’s resilience against future natural disasters in Hidalgo County.
To watch the announcement, click here.
Rep. Cuellar Serves as Speaker Pro Temp
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I spent most of last week in Washington D.C., voting on various pieces of legislation aimed at helping the American public.
On Tuesday, September 15th, I had the honor of serving as Speaker Pro Temp while Congress debated legislation designed to help strengthen diversity and support the desegregation of public schools.
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San Antonio Food Bank Distribution in Pleasanton
On Saturday, September 19th, my Constituent Services Representative and Outreach Coordinator for Atascosa, Bexar, and Wilson Counties, Kendall Hayes, attended a San Antonio Food Bank Distribution in Pleasanton. Kendall, along with food bank volunteers, Mayor Pro Temp Britini Van Curan and Luis Fernandez, helped distribute food to approximately 350 households.
Pictured is Kendall Hayes, Mayor Pro Temp Britini Van Curan and Luis Fernandez.
Starbucks Ground Breaking in Floresville
On Friday, September 18th, my Outreach Coordinator for Atascosa, Bexar, and Wilson Counties, Gilbert Lafuente, attended a groundbreaking celebration for a local Starbucks. This store will be located by Hwy 181, in Floresville, Texas. The project will help create jobs, therefore supporting economic development in the area!
Starbucks will hire people from the area and utilize community groups and civic leaders to help provide a pathway to opportunity through training and development, career options, and industry-leading benefits – such as comprehensive healthcare.
Pictured is Gilbert Lafuente, members of the Floresville Economic Development Corporations’ Board of Directors, and other event attendees.
RGCCISD Food Program Student/Parent Pick-up
On Wednesday, September 16th, my Outreach Coordinator for Starr and Hidalgo Counties, Nicolas Cruz, along with six other volunteers, attended the RGCCISD Food Program Pick Up. During the event, more than 50 families were served at the “La Casita” area! These efforts will be conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for the rest of the school year.
Pictured is Nicolas Cruz and volunteers.
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City of La Joya School Drive
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On Tuesday, September 15th, my Outreach Coordinator for Starr and Hidalgo Counties, Nicolas Cruz, attended the City of La Joya School Drive. While there, Nicolas helped distribute school supplies to local families. He also checked-in with government officials who were in attendance, reminding them that my office is always a reliable contact for them to utilize.
Pictured is the city's set-up of the school supply drive.
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
As of September 20th, our district has a response rate of 54.1%. We're still trailing behind the state's average rate of 61.8% 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: Youth Sports Video - Quick Tips to Protect Players from COVID-19
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Sports seasons are beginning to start-up and this year we need to take extra precautions in the way we go about practices and games. Before returning to play, kids, coaches, and parents can follow these quick tips to protect themselves and others from COVID-19.
In this week's video, the CDC explains how to safely interact during sporting events and how to ensure you and your child stay protected from COVID-19.
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| LATEST NEWS |
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
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
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