Representative Henry Cuellar

Congressional Report

Dear Friend,

My top priority is to save lives and rebuild our economy by making sure communities in my district, and across the nation, have access to COVID-19 vaccines, PPP and their direct payments. However, we cannot address these critical issues if there continues to be violence to our way of life.

Last Wednesday's breach of the Capitol was not only dangerous and heartbreaking to witness, but it was especially horrific to see that the president's rhetoric helped incite this violence. In his final days as president, it is clear that he is unfit to adhere to the oath of office - 'preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States'.

This is why I have traveled back to Washington DC to call on the Vice President to invoke the 25th amendment as well as stand with my colleagues in supporting articles of impeachment.

We will not let this lawlessness deter us from fulfilling our constitutional duty and on Jan. 20th, America will see a peaceful transfer of power.

Rep. Cuellar Visits Rio Bravo and Zapata

On Monday, January 11th, I visited Rio Bravo and Zapata to provide updates on COVID-19 relief, vaccine distributions and more. In Congress, I'm working hard to ensure you and your families receive the necessary resources to combat the pandemic. During my visits, I had the opportunity to hear the thoughts, questions and concerns of my constituents as well as figure out ways we can work together in defeating the virus.

Image 1: Rep. Cuellar in Rio Bravo.

Image 2: Rep. Cuellar in Zapata.

'Conversation with Cuellar'

On Friday, January 8th, I held a 'Conversation with Cuellar' to discuss authorization language I secured in the Omnibus Appropriations and Emergency Coronavirus Relief package. I worked hard to include authorization language that will create a Latino museum in the nation’s capital, increase economic partnerships between the U.S. and Mexico, expand universal charitable giving deduction for tax year 2021, and protect patients from receiving “surprise” medical bills. Watch the livestream here.

Image: Rep. Cuellar on a virtual press conference.

Swear In Ceremony for the Texas House of Representatives

On Tuesday, January 12th, my Digital Specialist, Eric Cleveland virtually attended the swearing in ceremony for the Texas House of Representatives. This ceremony marks the opening day of the 87th state legislative session. Congrats to all the members on this momentous occasion!

Image: Members-elect of the Texas House of Representatives being sworn in.

Congratulations to Pleasanton Express!

On Saturday, January 9th, my Constituent Services Representative/Outreach Coordinator in my San Antonio office, Kendall Hayes, attended the Atascosa County Historical Commission's presentation to Pleasanton Express. The news outlet received the prestigous Texas Treasure Business Award, which is only given to businesses that have been in continuous for-profit operation in the State of Texas for at least 50 years.

Pleasanton Express has been family-operated for 47 years and in total operation for 112 years. Congratulations on this major accomplishment!

Image: Kendall Hayes with Pleasanton Express and representatives of Atascosa County Historical Commission.

Memorial Service for City of Roma Police Chief

On Thursday, January 7th, my Outreach Coordinator for Starr and Hidalgo Counties, Nicolas Cruz, paid his respects to Roma Police Chief Jose Garcia. For 36 years, Officer Garcia protected our community, with 27.5 of those years as chief of the police force. He was an exceptional leader in our community and his presence will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Image: Police Chief Jose Garcia's memorial service.

Paycheck Protection Program Loans

On January 11th, the Small Business Administration re-opened PPP loans to Community Development Financial Institutions. In an effort to address potential barriers for underserved small businesses, SBA is granting PPP access exclusively to community financial institutions that typically serve these concerns - minority, underserved, Veteran and women-owned business).

For more information on this first round of loan applications, click here.

Don't Miss Out On Federal Funding

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.

VIDEO: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Wear a Mask to Protect You and Your Friends

While COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed to communities across the country, it's still important that we continue wearing a mask, practice social distancing, washing our hands frequently and other CDC guidelines.

Stay safe and protect yourself and your loved ones!

Sincerely,

Henry Cuellar