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Congressmen Cuellar, Gonzalez, and Vela Protect Historic Cemeteries from Border Fencing in FY20 Appropriations Homeland Security Bill

Compliments previous Appropriation language that prevents border construction in parks, wildlife refugee centers, and other sensitive areas

Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Vice Chair of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, as well as Congressmen Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) and Filemon Vela (TX-34), secured language in the FY20 Homeland Security Appropriations bill prohibiting the Department of Homeland Security from using funds to construct fencing within historic cemeteries, including the Eli Jackson Cemetery in San Juan, Texas. This success coincides with earlier appropriation bill language, that Congressman Cuellar ensured, which prevents the use of funding for bordering construction within state parks and wildlife centers. This bill passed full committee markup today and will move to the House and Senate floors for a vote later this summer.

“We cannot allow a border wall or fencing to destroy South Texas’s cultural and historical landmarks,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I’ve worked to include this language because I know there are more effective ways to meet our security goals, including utilizing advanced technology, increasing personnel, and giving personnel the proper resources on the border.”

“I would like to thank Appropriations Chairwoman Nita Lowey and Ranking Member Ray Granger, as well as Homeland Security Subcommittee Chairwoman Lucille Roybal-Allard and Ranking Member Chuck Fleischmann for helping me include this language. I also want to thank my fellow South Texas Representatives, Congressmen Vicente Gonzalez and Filemon Vela, for their work in protecting private property in the Rio Grande Valley from an ineffective border fencing.”

In addition, Congressman Cuellar’s language in the FY20 Homeland Security Appropriations bill prohibits the use of funds to construct fencing in the following locations:

·         Within the Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge;

·         Within the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park;

·         Within La Lomita Historical Park;

·         Within the National Butterfly Center;

·         Within or east of the Vista del Mar Ranch tract of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge; or

·         Within historic cemeteries.

See the bill language here.

See Congressman Cuellar speak on the Homeland Security Appropriation Subcommittee bill here.