“This bill serves as a direct response to the urgent challenges facing America today, including the mounting threat of pandemic flu and the rising tide of Mexican drug violence.

“To fight potential pandemic flu strains such as H1N1, it includes $2 billion to develop and purchase vaccines, to stockpile antiviral drugs, and to track and limit the spread of disease.

“To meet the challenges of Mexican drug violence, it invests $470 million in the Merida Initiative to help prevent the fighting from spilling across into the U.S.

“To face head-on the challenges of securing our border, the bill sets aside $350 million for potential National Guard deployments for counternarcotics and other operations. The National Guard has a proven track record of stemming illegal drug smuggling, and these funds provide the operational flexibility that our commanders need to effectively enforce America’s laws.

“As Congress meets these urgent needs, we must also realize that America cannot afford to continue running trillion-dollar deficits forever. After years of irresponsible and wasteful spending, we have been left with an enormous debt and a severe lack of fiscal discipline. We must follow up on today’s emergency appropriations by passing strong, enforceable laws to limit deficit spending and put our nation’s budget back on track.”

The bill now moves to the Senate for further action.

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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Government Oversight & Reform Committees in the 111th Congress. Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.