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September 30, 2020

Wednesday, September 30, 2020  WEBSITE | SHARE ON:
Congressional Report


Dear Friends,

Every 10 years, it is our civic duty to fill out the U.S. Census. This year, due to COVID-19, it is more important than ever to count yourself and all those living in your household. Our communities depend on your responses to determine federal funding that impacts our resources for health care, education, as well as other critical areas of service. If you have not done so already, you can find the link to submit your response further down in this message.

In Washington D.C., I voted on several pieces of legislation, including the Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act. This legislation promises to usher in a new era in American innovation, serving as a down-payment on comprehensive climate action. It includes programs to develop and deploy renewable and distributed energy resources; improve the efficiency of our homes and businesses; electrify our transportation sector; modernize the grid and enhance its resiliency; reduce carbon pollution from industrial and traditional sources; and much more. 

In the district, I announced federal funding for higher education, as well as spoke with local school districts about the need for nutrition assistance for their students. 

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.


Rep. Cuellar Announces $435,020 in Federal Funds to TAMIU


   
On Wednesday, September 23rd, I announced $435,020 in federal funds to Texas A&M International University for their work in studying gang violence. Specifically, this federal investment will allow TAMIU to conduct critical research on the workings of gang violence and their use of firearms, which will help inform policymakers and support law enforcement officers.

To watch the press conference, click here. 


Rep. Cuellar Holds "Conversation with Cuellar"
   
On Thursday, September 24th, I held my usual "Conversation with Cuellar" to discuss my vote for the Continuing Resolution. This legislation will keep the federal government open until December 11. Additionally, it also includes $8 billion in desperately needed nutrition assistance for hungry schoolchildren and families.

Pictured is Rep. Cuellar.

Dale Shine Xpress Carwash Grand Opening

                  
On Friday, September 25th, my Outreach Coordinator for La Salle, Webb, McMullen and Zapata Counties, Orlando Ramirez, attended the Laredo Chamber of Commerce Dale Shine Car Wash Grand Opening Ceremony in Laredo. At the event, Orlando had the opportunity to present Mr. Roberto Morales and Mr. Gustavo Sepulveda a Congressional Certificate of Recognition for the grand opening of their business and continued service to the community of Laredo. 


Pictured is Orlando Ramirez, Mr. Roberto Morales and Mr. Gustavo Sepulveda. 


Starr County Census Telethon

    
On Thurday, September 24th, my Outreach Coordinator for Hidalgo and Starr Counties, Nicolas Cruz, attended the Starr County Telethon. While there, Nicolas assisted in calling residents in the area to raise awareness for the 2020 Census. 

If you haven't already, don't forget to fill out the census via online, phone or mail. 

Pictured from left to right is Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator at Starr County Industrial Foundation Nilda Elizondo, Starr County Judge Eloy Vera and Nicolas Cruz.

Converse Economic Development Corporation Awards

    
On Thursday, September 24th, my Outreach Coordinator for Atascosa, Bexar and Wilson Counties, Gilbert Lafuente, acknowledged Veteran Business Owner Ernie Ward with a Certificate of Recognition. Ernie owns the Southwest Electrical Contracting Services and has provided exceptional services to residents in Converse, TX. He was honored at this year's Converse EDC Annual Business Event.

Pictured is Ernie Ward with members of Converse EDC.


Small Business Virtual Award Ceremony in the Rio Grande Valley

    
On Tuesday, September 22nd, my Outreach Coordinator for Hidalgo and Starr Counties, Nicolas Cruz, participated in the RGV Small Business Virutal Award Ceremony. During the event, Nicolas was able to give a congratulatory statement to the individuals in attendance. This year's 2020 Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year went to 5x5 Brewing! Congrats 5x5 Brewing on your work stimulating our local economy as well as providing your services to the RGV area. 

Pictured is a screenshot of participants from the event.

Certificate of Recognition to Tomas Rodriguez

                         
On Tuesday, September 22nd, my Outreach Coordinator for La Salle, Webb, McMullen and Zapata Counties, Orlando Ramirez, attended the Certificate presentation for Mr. Tomas Rodriguez. At the event, Orlando had the opportunity to present Mr. Tomas Rodriguez a Congressional Certificate for his 47 years of service to the community of Laredo as a karate instructor. Orlando also had the opportunity to meet local students and sit through one of their classes.

Pictured is Orlando Ramirez and Mr. Tomas Rodriguez.

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 27th, our district has a response rate of 54.6%. We're still trailing behind the state's average rate of 62.1% and running out of time to respond to the 2020 Census. You have until TODAY, 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

                  
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: Sleeve Up for your Annual Flu Vaccine!

 
    
As we continue to combat COVID-19, getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever during 2020-2021 flu season. Protect yourself, your family and your community from flu.

In this week's video, the CDC explains how you can prevent the flu this season by rolling up your sleeve for your annual flu vaccine, AND the importance of preventing the spread of respiratory illnesses by washing your hands often with soap and water, wearing a mask over your nose and mouth and keeping a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others when in public.




 
Sincerely,
Henry Cuellar
 


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LATEST NEWS
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

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


 

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