Dear Friend, President Biden, his administration, and I went straight to work after the inauguration. Since January 20th, we've seen the President announce his COVID-19 national strategy as well as sign Executive Actions to address economic, immigration and border wall issues.
One of the more significant updates from President Biden’s executive order is the announcement that all border wall construction activities must be paused by today- January 27, 2021. This a promising step in our work to halt construction and undo the damage that borderlands have experienced these past four years. However, our work continues. I remain steadfast in my commitment to working with the new administration until every border wall contract is terminated and all construction crews leave our border communities.
I want to remind everyone that we must remain diligent in protecting ourselves and our l0ved-ones during this pandemic. Remember to wear a mask and maintain social distance until we are able to vaccinate all of our communities. As always, if you need help with a federal agency, please reach out to one of my offices.
|
|
|
|
|
On Friday, January 22nd, I held a virtual ‘Conversation with Cuellar’ to discuss President Biden’s bold Executive Actions to defeat the virus and deliver much needed relief for the American public.
To watch the livestream, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
On Thursday, January 21st, I had the honor of serving as Speaker Pro Temp as the House cast its first vote under President Biden. With this new administration, we will work together to not only recover from the devastating pandemic and economic crisis but we will Build Back Better.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earlier on Thursday, I joined Ruben Villarreal of KGNS and Dr. Milton Haber, Principal Investigator for the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Clinical Trial in Laredo, to discuss vaccine distributions. During our conversation, I shared updates on how I'm working in Congress to ensure that our communities receive the necessary resources to combat the virus.
Watch the livestream here. Pictured is Rep. Cuellar, Dr. Haber and Ruben Villarreal.
|
|
|
|
|
|
On Wednesday, January 20th, I attended the Inauguration of President Joseph R. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Accompanied by my daugther, Christina, we were overcome with excitement and hope for America's future under this new administration. It was an honor to be apart of this historic day. Now it's time to unite the country and build back a better nation than before.
Pictured is President Biden taking the oath of office.
|
|
|
|
|
|
On Friday, January 22nd, my Digital Specialist, Eric Cleveland, attended McMullen County's Livestock Show. While there, Eric talked to participants about issues famers and ranchers are facing during these difficult times as well as the overall process of livestock sales.
As a senior member on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, I will continue working to fund programs that provide support for farmers and ranchers as they work every day to put food on our tables.
Pictured are competitors and their cattle during the judging period.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Down south in Palmview, my Outreach Coordinator for Starr and Hidalgo Counties, Nicolas Cruz, presented a Congressional Certificate of Recognition to PJ's Coffee of New Orleans. On January 15th, owners Marcus and Aracely Villarreal opened the coffee shop's doors.
I'm a major fan of anything caramel or hazlenut flavored and after looking at the menu, I'm excited to try the Caramel Creme next time I'm in town!
Pictured is Nicolas Cruz and Marcus Villarreal.
|
|
|
|
|
|
On Wednesday, January 20th, my Constituent Services Representative/Outreach Coordinator in San Antonio, Kendall Hayes, presented Universal City Police Chief Garry Speer with a Congressional Recognition for his 36 years of service in UCPD. Fun fact: I delivered a speech about Chief Speer's work for our community and his retirement, which was then transcribed and admitted into the Congressional Record. Pictured is City Manager Kim Turner, Chief Garry Speer and Kendall Hayes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
On Tuesday, January 19th, Nicolas Cruz presented Monsignor Juan Nicolau Mesquida with a Congessional Certificate of Recognition for his 60 years of service to the Catholic church. Monsignor Mesquida is also one of the original founders of Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle - National Shrine.
Pictured is Monsignor Mesquida and Nicolas Cruz.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Texas Department of State Health Services has released an online tool that helps Texans receive real-time vaccination info within your area. By inputting your address, the tracker can identify vaccine hubs, vaccine providers, and vaccine availability.
To use the Texas COVID-19 Availability Tracker, click here.
|
|
This pandemic has taken a toll on all of us, both mentally and physically. I know many may be tired or anxious to get back to your normal way of life, but it's important that we don't let our guard down. If we want to crush the virus, we must continue to vaccinate communities, wear a mask, practice social distancing, and stay home when feeling ill.
In this week's video the Texas Department of State Health Services explains what 'pandemic fatigue' is and why taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is just as critical as taking care of your physical well-being.
|
|
