Today, Congressman Cuellar joined the majority in passing The State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill.  Cuellar was instrumental in increasing funding for levee projects through the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico (IBWC).  He also successfully included language in the bill to fight the illegal trafficking of drugs, arms, cash and people along the Texas-Mexico border.

As Hidalgo County’s new Congressman, Cuellar also turned his attention to the rising need for levee funding for the IBWC.  On March 16, 2007, Congressman Cuellar and Congressmen Ruben Hinojosa and Solomon Ortiz sent a letter to Rep. Lowey asking for additional funding for the IBWC.  The IBWC is responsible for the maintenance of more than 500 miles of levees along the U.S.-Mexico border, many of which are too weak or too low to withstand a major rain event.  The State and Foreign Operations bill includes a $13,205,000 increase in funds over the 2007 level for the IBWC for a total of $15,725,000 for construction alone.

“Just this week, Texas saw an unprecedented amount of rainfall.  We must take the steps now to make sure that the levee systems are prepared, ready and able to weather serious storms.  I am proud that we have done our part in the U.S. House of Representatives to increase the security and well-being of citizens who live in these areas,” said Cuellar.  
 
Congressman Cuellar worked to ensure that this bill recognizes the increasing instability along the Texas-Mexico border, including the illegal trafficking of people.  In the report language, the Appropriations Committee ensures that funds made available under International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement (INCLE) be used to support the fight against human, drug and weapons smuggling.
 
“The issue of Missing Americans is one that is heart-breaking for the people of my district.  I commend Chairwoman Nita Lowey of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs for recognizing this timely and serious problem,” said Cuellar.

“The time has come to address issues that are critical to not only citizens of our border communities, but across the country.  When we improve our borders and increase safety for citizens at the borders, we are taking steps towards building a more secure America.  I commend my colleagues in the House in passing this bill and encourage our Senate counterparts to preserve these important provisions as the bill moves through Congress,” said Cuellar.

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip.
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