Dear Friend,
It is my top priority to ensure that American families and communities are safe, healthy and financially secure as we continue to battle this pandemic. On Monday, I voted to pass the coronavirus relief package, which will get working families, small businesses and front line workers the support they desperately need. This bipartisan legislation takes bold, far-reaching steps that the coronavirus crisis demands and that the American people deserve. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to provide support and fund the necessary resources to working families in my district, my state, and across the nation as we address this public health and economic crisis. To see my statement as well as learn more about the relief bill, click here. As always, if you need assistance with a federal agency, please contact one of my offices. I also encourage you to follow my social media platforms to stay up to date with news in DC and the district.
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On Monday, December 21st, I held a 'Conversation with Cuellar' to discuss the FY21 spending and pandemic relief bill. During the converstation, I took questions from by reporters throughout the district about the stimulus checks, unemployment benefits, funding for vaccine distribution, nutrition assistance, and loans for small businesses. To watch the livestream, click here.
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On Saturday, December 19th, my Constituent Services Representative/Outreach Coordinator, Kendall Hayes, attended the San Antonio Food Bank distribution in Pleasanton. Approximately 350 families recieved food, including some boxes from the USDA Farmers to Families initiative. As part of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, USDA is supplying boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products and meat products in family-sized boxes, to food banks, community and faith-based organizations, and other non-profits serving Americans in need. Pictured is Kendall Hayes with a USDA Farmers to Families food box.
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Further down south in Webb County, Eric Cleveland, my Digital Specialist, attended the Sheriff Martin Cuellar and Sames Motor Co. Holiday Ham Giveaway. While there, Eric helped spread holiday cheer as well as distribute 500 hams to local families. Pictured is Chick-fil-a owner Manny Maldonado, Santa Claus, Sheriff Cuellar and Eric Cleveland.
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On Friday, December 18th, my Outreach Coordinator for La Salle, Webb, McMullen and Zapata Counties, Orlando Ramirez, attended the Laredo Chamber of Commerce Mingle and Jingle in Laredo. At the event, Orlando had the opportunity to welcome and speak to local small business owners. Pictured is Orlando Ramirez and Andrea Valdes.
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On Thursday, December 17th, my Outreach Coordinator for La Salle, Webb, McMullen and Zapata Counties, Orlando Ramirez, attended the Webb County Sheriff’s Office Appreciation Grab -n- Go Luncheon in Laredo. At the event, Orlando had the opportunity to speak to sheriff officers about the upcoming year and how our community is working together to address issues brought on by the pandemic. Pictured is Orlando Ramirez with Santa Claus.
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On Wednesday, December 16th, my Outreach Coordinator for Starr and Hidalgo Counties attended the Golds Gym’s ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate 10 successful years in Mission. Congratulations on reaching this milestone and I look forward to seeing this location continue to flourish! Pictured is Nicolas Cruz with the Golds Gym owners, Mission Chamber of Commerce CEO, Brenda Enriquez, and Mission Deputy City Manager, David Flores.
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Later that night, Nicolas attended the Penitas Curbside Toy Giveaway at the Liberty Cul-de-Sac. The City of Penitas distributed countless toys to families throughout the area to safely spread holiday cheer to local children. Pictured is a particpant's vehicle driving through the event to receive toys.
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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.
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This year's holiday season has brought on many challenges. Make sure you protect yourself and your loved ones by practicing CDC guidelines. In this week's video, the CDC explains how you can celebrate the holidays safely this year while we continue to fight the pandemic.
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