From “who is your inspiration?” to “who selects committee members?” Poteet High School students had a long list of questions for Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo) today.  And even though he is in Washington this week to cast votes on legislation, Cuellar was able to answer these students face-to-face using videoconferencing technology.  During the half-hour videoconference that connected Cuellar directly to the Poteet High School classroom, Cuellar answered students that his parents are his inspiration and explained some of the procedural workings of the United States Congress.

On the other side of the screen were 28 students enrolled in Poteet High School teacher Rosalie Rodriguez’s government class.  The class is comprised of juniors and seniors. 

Over the course of the videoconference, Cuellar discussed growing up in Laredo, his educational background and his current committee assignments and legislative priorities in the U.S. House of Representatives.  The majority of the videoconference consisted of a question and answer session in which students asked Cuellar questions on a wide range of topics. 

When asked by a student to offer five parting words of wisdom, Cuellar only needed three: “Stay in school.”  Reminding the students that his parents were migrant workers, Cuellar told them that “education is the greatest equalizer we have” and urged them to set goals and commitments beyond their high school education and to remember to give back to their community. 

Cuellar frequently uses videoconferencing technology to stay in touch with constituents when he is in Washington for his congressional duties.  This year, he has also held monthly videoconferences to keep constituents informed about federal grant opportunities.  Local schools and colleges who are interested in scheduling a videoconference with the Congressman can contact his office at 1 (877) 780-0028.