Today, Rep. Henry Cuellar announced that the U.S. Department of Education awarded $396,194 to Laredo Community College under the Upward Bound Program.  Upward Bound projects are designed to help young adults develop the skills and motivation necessary for success in education beyond secondary school.  The grant awarded to Laredo Community College will support approximately 115… Read more »

“Having lived on the US-Mexico border all my life, I am acutely aware of the negative implications that the deployment of armed troops would have on America’s relations with our neighboring country. What we need is a smart and tough border control policy, not military force,” stated Congressman Cuellar on the House Floor today as Congress continued consideration of the National Defense… Read more »

Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 890, the Student Loan Sunshine Act, including a provision co-authored by Rep. Henry Cuellar.  The Student Loan Sunshine Act aims to create more transparency in the relationship between private lenders and educational institutions.  Rep. Cuellar co-authored Section Five of the Act with Rep. Ric Keller (R-Fla.).  The… Read more »

Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar announced the House passage of critical legislation that authorizes the Department of Homeland Security for Fiscal Year 2008.  Contained in this legislation are several key additions authored by Congressman Cuellar that will create a Border Communities Liaison Officer in the Department’s Policy Office, compel the Department to evaluate and prioritize… Read more »

This morning, Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX-28) facilitated a video conference between federal and local officials to continue dialogue regarding the proposed border fence and address the lack of outreach to local citizens and officials.  The meeting included top-ranking officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Chief David Aguilar of U.S. Customs and Border Protection… Read more »

Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar continued the dialogue on the controversial border fence with Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Ralph Basham.   Commissioner Basham reiterated commitments made by the leadership of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to Congressman Cuellar that final decisions on fence construction would be… Read more »

Yesterday, Rep. Henry Cuellar offered an amendment to the Head Start Act of 2007 that will help improve Head Start students’ progress towards English Language Proficiency.  The Cuellar Amendment aims to help enhance consistency in how the progress of students with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) is measured. The Improving Head Start Act of 2007 requires the Secretary of Health… Read more »

Today, Rep. Henry Cuellar joined local officials at a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Post Office in Schertz, Texas.  Construction on the Post Office will begin in October 2007 and is expected to conclude by November 2008. “I have worked very closely with the city of Schertz to help make the construction of a new Post Office a reality.  The need for a new Post Office is a… Read more »

Today, Rep. Henry Cuellar announced that a $4 million federal grant has been awarded for the renovation of the facilities at Falcon Dam.  Located near the dividing line between Starr and Zapata Counties, the Falcon Dam facilities will be renovated internally and externally. “The renovation of facilities at our international borders is vital to increasing the efficiency and security… Read more »

Late last evening, a tornado hit South Texas.  Congressman Cuellar expressed his sympathy for the residents affected by the natural disaster and is deeply saddened by the news that six people have died and that many have lost their homes. “My condolences go out to the families and friends of the victims of last night’s tornado.  I know entire communities have been impacted and… Read more »