On Friday, January 15th, I received the Advocacy Leadership Award from the Texas Nursery & Landscaping Association. Whether it is fighting for small businesses, ensuring our workforce has the support they need, or advocating for more accessible and affordable water resources, I am committed to supporting policies that create prosperity for the Texas Green Industry.

Pictured is Rep. Cuellar receiving the Advocacy Leadership Award. 

Later that afternoon, I had the privilege of joining CBP Deputy Director Albert Flores as well as Sergeant Genaro Hinojosa on behalf of the Texas Department of Public Safety at the Laredo Motor Carriers Association's award ceremony to receive the Distinguished Leader of Our Community award. By working with LMCA, we have strengthened Laredo’s trucking industry as well as proactively expanded compliance with federal, state and local laws. As the representative of the busiest land port of entry, I will continue to be a strong advocate for Laredo’s trucking industry by strengthening international trade at the border and taking critical steps at expanding infrastructure in South Texas.

Pictured is Rep. Cuellar at the LMCA awards. 

On Thursday, January 14th, I resumed my district tour and visited elected officials and constituents from Rio Grande City, Mission, Palmhurst, Palmview, Penitas, Sullivan and La Joya. At each stop, we discussed updates on the COVID relief package, vaccine distribution as well as how I plan on working with the Biden administration to stop border wall construction. 

Pictured is Rep. Cuellar in Mission, TX, with City of Mission, Palmhurst and Palmview officials and constituents.

On Wednesday, January 13th, I wanted to take a moment in between votes to deliver pizza and thank the members of the National Guard who are protecting our nation’s Capitol. I am eternally grateful for these brave service men and women and their selfless service to our democracy.

The Capitol is usually filled with tourists and students, interested in learning our country’s history and seeing our government work. However, seeing hundreds of service members at the Capitol shows the severity of the crisis that was caused by Trump's dangerous rhetoric. These brave service men and women are the antithesis of the rioters who recently attacked this building.

Pictured is Rep. Cuellar and service men and women of the National Guard. 

If there's one place I always stop at in Rio Grande City, it's Caro's Restaurant. Since 1937, Caro's has been serving the absolute best sweet tea!

On Friday, January 15th, my Outreach Coordinator for Starr and Hidalgo Counties, Nicolas Cruz, presented Belinda Caro with a Congressional Certificate of Recognition for their 84 years of exceptional customer service to the area. Congrats to the family on their continued success and thank you for always making my trips to Rio Grande City a little sweeter.

Pictured is Nicolas Cruz with Belinda Caro. 

Nicolas also honored the former Mayor of Escobares, Noel Escobar, with a Congressional Certificate of Recognition. Mayor Escobar served in his position for 15 years and continues to be an avid member of the community. Thank you mayor for your dedication and commitment to the residents of Escobares.

Pictured is Nicolas Cruz, former Mayor of Escobares, Noel Escobar, and Starr County Judge, Eloy Vera.

To end the day, Nicolas also presented Gema's Beauty and Gift with a Congressional Certificate of Recognition to celebrate their recent opening in Rio Grande City. Congratulations to the owner, Sandra Hernandez, on this accomplishment. Gema's Beauty & Gift officially opened on December 18th, 2020 and specialized in women's accessories and specialty gifts.

Pictured is Nicolas Cruz with Sandra Hernandez.

On Wednesday, January 13^th, my Outreach Coordinator for La Salle, Webb, McMullen and Zapata Counties, Orlando Ramirez, attended the La Presa Water Dispenser Inauguration Ceremony. This project has been 30 years in the making and is the area's first ever water dispenser. The small community of La Presa will now have access to clean drinking water.

Pictured is Orlando Ramirez, Commissioner Jesse Gonzalez, Commissioner Cindy Liendo, Mayor Gilbert Augilar, Judge Bobby Quintana, Councilmember Vidal Velasquez, County Treasurer Raul Reyes, Webb County Employees and Constituents from the community of La Presa.

Don't miss out on a grant opportunity! Attracting more federal funds to the district and region has been a top priority during my tenure in Congress. To better serve you, I want to provide you with information on a variety of open federal grant opportunities in each week's newsletter. To see a previous edition, click here. If you'd like to subscribe to the weekly grants newsletter, please fill out our google doc form.