Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX) and Congressman John Culberson (R-TX) announced a $4.9 million appropriations earmark awarded to the nineteen Texas border sheriffs. These funds will be used to provide law enforcement with increased resources that will improve safety for border residents. Border security will effectively protect the entire country, translating to a safer border and increased national security.

“I will continue to work in a bipartisan approach to bring additional resources to border law enforcement to increase border security,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar. “I want to thank Congressmen Culberson, Chairman Alan Mollohan and the other Congressmen for working together to make this possible.”

“America needs boots on the ground to protect our Southern border from armed and dangerous criminals, violent gang members, drug smugglers and potential terrorists,” commented Congressman Culberson.  “We have seen the best response to local emergencies is providing local officials with the resources they need to do the job.”

This 2007 appropriations earmark for $4.9 million is in addition to the 2005 appropriated funds of $5 million, also awarded to the Texas border sheriffs, bringing the total amount awarded to almost $10 million.

Congressmen Cuellar and Culberson are both determined to continue fighting for more resources for law enforcement along the border.  Both also commend the efforts of past chairman of the Texas Border Coalition, Sigi Gonzalez, Zapata County Sheriff, for his dedicated efforts in securing extra funding for the border.
 
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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 and economic development are his priorities.