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Dear Friends,
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I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday weekend. This year, we not only paid tribute to the working Americans who are the backbone of our economy, but we also recognized our essential workers who have made sacrifice so much to help our nation through this unprecedented pandemic. As we continue to move forward, I am committed to making sure Americans have access to good-paying jobs to provide a better life for themselves and their families.
In the district, I took part in various press conferences and events, including a press call to discuss the updates on Fort Hood’s missing soldiers as well as the Army's response. I also announced federal funding to public housing authorities and health centers in our community.
My staff in the District attended several events, including a celebration for a constiuent's 100th birthday as well as a funeral procession for Mission Police Officer Jorge Cabrera.
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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| Announced Federal Funding to Local Health Centers |
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This week, I announced federal funds to both Gateway Community Health Center and Atascosa Health Center. Specifically, Gateway received $291,264 and Atascosa Health Center recieved $250,893 in federal funding. These funds will be critical in helping both health centers provide essential care to the counties they serve.
Gateway serves communities in Webb and Zapata Counties; Atascosa Health Center serves communities in Atascosa, McMullen, Wilson Counties. For more information you can visit their websites or follow them on social media.
Gave Updates on Fort Hood with Members of LULAC
On Thursday, September 4th, I held a press conference with members of LULAC to discuss the latest updates from Secretary of the Army and Chief of Staff of the Army on their investigation into Fort Hood and why so many soldiers have gone missing.
I am encouraged that after my conversation with Secretary McCarthy and General McConville last week, the Army is moving swiftly to launch a more complete and comprehensive investigation that will delve into all activities and levels of leadership at Fort Hood.
To watch the press conference, click here.
Pictured is Rep. Cuellar with Priscilla Pantoja of LULAC.
Announced Federal Funds to Housing Authorities in Hidalgo County
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On Wednesday, September 3rd, Hidalgo County Housing Authority Executive Director Mike Lopez, and La Joya Housing Authority Executive Director Ruben Villarreal and I announced federal funding to the two public housing authorities. Specifically, Hidalgo County Housing Authority received $108,144 and La Joya Housing Authority received $16,667 to ensure that low-income families have a decent, safe, and affordable place to live during the coronavirus pandemic.
To watch the press conference, click here. |
Celebrated Pleasanton Resident Turning 100!
On Friday, September 4, my Outreach Coordinator for Atascosa, Bexar and Wilson Counties, Gilbert Lafuente, presented a Congressional Certificate of Recognition to Pleasanton resident Adelina Cantu. Adelina celebrated her 100th birthday! To ensure that everyone remained safe and followed CDC guidlelines, Gilbert delivered the certificate to members of Adelina's family. Happy birthday Adelina! We hope you enjoyed your special day.
Pictured is members of Adelina Cantu's family, Gilbert Lafuente and Pleasanton's City Manager Johnny Huizar.
Honoring the Life of Mission Police Officer
On Tuesday, September 1st, my Outreach Coordinator for Starr and Hidalgo Counties, Nicolas Cruz, attended the funeral procession for Mission Police Officer Jorge Cabrera. Officer Cabrera recently passed away due to COVID-19 and the entire community came together to honor the life of this fallen hero. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
As we continue to combat this virus, please remember to follow CDC guidelines in order to slow the spread and protect yourself as well as those around you.
CDC Agency Order Halting Evictions for Some Residents
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released an emergency order, halting evictions for some renters who meet specific criteria. This order is designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19; it went into effect on September 4, 2020 and will run through December 31, 2020.
For more information on the agency order, click 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 Felipe Garza from my district office in Laredo. Felipe has been with my office for about a month now and decided to pursue this internship because he wanted to gain valuable experience in running an office. After this internship ends, he plans on attending college and studying diesel mechanics. Felipe has been a massive help in the day-to-day operations and continues to display an incredible work ethic. When he's not interning, Felipe enjoys hunting. Thank you for being apart of our team!
The Data's in... and We're Behind On the 2020 Census
As of September 3rd, our district has a response rate of 52.8%. We're still trailing behind the state's average rate of 60.7% 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: Stay Safe at the Pool or Beach
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As we continue to follow CDC guidelines on how to stay safe and slow the spread of this virus, it's important we also care for our mental health. Being apart from family members can get difficult, especially our elderly loved ones.
In this week's video, the CDC illustrates how to safely visit those who are at a higher risk of COVID-19.
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| LATEST NEWS |
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’
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
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