Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) today voted for a national investment package providing annual federal funding to the nation’s critical priorities, including funding for veterans and the nation’s housing department. The Consolidated Appropriations bill also includes funding for military construction and the health, labor and education departments, plus funds for the nation’s justice system.

Congressman Cuellar also secured $2.1 million worth of federal funding for local law enforcement, health, transportation and community small business priorities in South Texas.

“This is for our teachers, our students, our police officers, our military and our veterans, and ensures our country is steadily moving forward stronger and more secure in 2010,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This funding keeps our country functioning and helps the millions of Americans who rely on these federal programs.”

This Consolidated Appropriations bill makes targeted investments in the nation’s vital programs including $518 billion for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid and $19 billion for federal student financial aid programs.

Over $109 billion will be made available for veterans programs next year and $41 billion for highway infrastructure nationwide. The bill also includes $3.7 billion in grants and aid to state and local law enforcement.

The measure also includes $7 billion for the U.S. Census Bureau, the agency responsible for conducting the constitutionally mandated 2010 Census next April. In addition, $824 million will be available for the Small Business Administration, a 35% increase since last year.

“Local investments and lending to our community businesses will keep their doors open and keep their jobs alive,” said Congressman Cuellar. “By increasing this funding more businesses can apply for these loans.”

This October, Congress passed sweeping new small business funding worth $28 billion to jump start the sluggish economy through small-enterprise loans.

The Consolidated Appropriations bill also includes support services funding for laid-off workers and additional funding to add 1,200 claims processors to process VA benefits claims for the nations’ veterans.

Over $23 billion will support America’s military forces and their families at home and overseas, including $2.6 billion to modernize housing for troops and military families.

Congressman Cuellar also helped secure $24.8 million for the national “Reading is Fundamental” program, a literacy organization that uses public and private funds to purchase books for children attending underserved public schools. The program currently benefits children and families throughout Texas.

The House passed H.R. 3288, the Consolidated Appropriations bill, Thursday by a vote of 221-202. If passed by the Senate and signed into law by the President, these funds will be made available for fiscal year 2010.

To learn more about funding provisions included in the bill, please visit: http://appropriations.house.gov/


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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.