Rep. Cuellar Protects South Texas Landmarks from Border Fencing in Final Spending Bill

Congressman prevents border construction within historic cemeteries

Washington, D.C.—Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Vice Chair of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, secured language in the final spending bill prohibiting the Department of Homeland Security from using funds to construct fencing within cultural and historical landmarks, including the Eli Jackson Cemetery in San Juan, Texas.

“We cannot allow the Administration’s border wall to destroy any cultural and historical landmarks in South Texas or upend lives of constituents in my district,” said Congressman Cuellar. “For this reason, I worked hard to include this language because I know that these landmarks are integral to the identity of our community. I also know that 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. As the Vice Chair of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, I will continue to fight for our community, our land, and our rights from this wasteful, ineffective border wall.”

“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.

Congressman Cuellar’s language in the final 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.

Click here to see Congressman Cuellar’s legislation to stop border wall construction.

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