U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar returned today from a six-day Congressional Delegation tour to the Middle East where he visited Texas troops and discussed democracy and anti-terrorism initiatives with leaders in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Congressman Cuellar was part of a three-member bi-partisan Texas delegation team that also included Congressmen Gene Green (D-Houston) and Michael McCaul (R-Austin.)

Congressman Cuellar met with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani in Islamabad, Pakistan. Cuellar and Pakistani leaders discussed bilateral relations between the United States and Pakistan, including counter-terrorism efforts. Congressman Cuellar and the congressional delegation pressed Musharraf to increase Pakistani efforts in fighting terrorism in the region bordering Afghanistan.

Congressman Cuellar also stopped in Kabul, Afghanistan, where he spent two days meeting with Texas troops. He gave the soldiers stationed there more than 1,000 thank you letters from local school children, Mexican candy, and tortillas.

The 436th Chemical Company, which is stationed at Camp Eggers in Afghanistan, is composed of soldiers from Laredo, San Antonio, Houston and the Rio Grande Valley. The troop has been stationed at Camp Eggers since January.

“This trip had the important purpose in gaining first-hand knowledge of progress in Afghanistan,” Congressman Cuellar said. “I am proud to report that our soldiers are in high-spirits, and they send warm greetings to their friends and family in Texas.”

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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. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip.