In the past weeks, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have had several intense negotiations surrounding raising the debt limit. Economic experts agree that the United States must both raise the ceiling in order to pay our incurred debt and act to reduce spending. Read more »

Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) included a provision in the fiscal year 2012 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill that urges the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to examine the need for an alternate base of operations at a southwest border location.  At present, frequently changing weather conditions and strict air regulations affect unmanned aircraft operations… Read more »

Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) successfully included an amendment in the National Flood Reform Act, which will directly benefit flood-prone communities with outdated flood zone maps in the 28th District of Texas. It addresses local concerns by strengthening relationships among the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), state emergency agencies, and local communities to have a steady and productive process for updating flood zone maps. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives Tuesday evening by a vote of 406 to 22. Read more »

A second Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) will soon be based in Texas in an effort to help secure the U.S.-Mexico border. The Predator UAV is equipped with an electro-optical/infrared sensor system that vastly improves the operational effectiveness in CBP missions and is drone with synthetic aperture radar suitable for flights in darkness and inclement weather. Read more »

Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced today Congressional District 28 is directly benefiting from health care reform by paying less for prescription drugs – more than 2,169 Medicare beneficiaries in the ‘donut hole’ or coverage gap saved $1,268,560, after the enactment of the Affordable Care Act. Read more »

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program announced assistance for homeowners in Texas who have experienced a substantial loss of income (a reduction of at least 15 percent) due to unemployment, underemployment or a medical condition that has caused people to fall behind on payments.   “As we continue efforts to rebuild our… Read more »

Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) today released the following statement after U.S. and Mexican officials signed a three-year memorandum of understanding between the United States and Mexico on cargo trucks: Read more »

In an effort to secure and protect the U.S.-Mexico border from increasing border violence associated with transnational criminal organizations, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) included legislation in the fiscal year 2012 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill that calls for a five-year plan on staffing and deployment of U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel and asks the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to enhance their relationship with state, local, federal and foreign law enforcement agencies to better prepare for security threats on the border. The legislation passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 231 to 188. Read more »

On July 1, 1966, the Medicare program was officially launched. The successful enactment was a landmark achievement for the Democratic Party and the nation. Medicare transformed what it meant to be a senior or a physically disabled person in this country by providing health coverage. Read more »

Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) released the following statement today after the White House announced it had reached a bipartisan agreement with Republicans in Congress to implement the pending trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama. Read more »