Dear Friend, This past week, the House passed and the President signed the American Rescue Plan, a bold legislative package that will put shots in arms, money in pockets, children in schools and Americans in jobs. Tens of millions of people a day are now receiving their $1,400 relief checks, more doses of vaccines are coming to South Texas, and critical relief funding is being distributed to our small businesses. Help Is Here! I know it’s been a very tough year for so many of us; but please continue to wear your masks and practice social distancing. We will get through this together!
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On Monday, March 15th, I joined Anderson Cooper on his show, Anderson Cooper 360, to discuss the influx of migrants crossing the border. We must have strong, clear, and consistent messaging from our federal government that our border is closed to irregular migration.
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Earlier on Monday, I had the pleasure of announcing $3,648,900 in federal funds to Bruni Water Supply Corporation! These funds will help finance the construction of a Micro-filtration system to correct arsenic levels in the drinking water. I would like to thank the USDA Rural Development, Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina, Commissioner Wawi Tijerina and the rest of the County Commissioners as well as Bruni Water Supply Corporation for their efforts in securing safe water for the residents of Bruni. To watch the press conference, click here. Pictured is Rep. Cuellar, Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina, Webb County Commissioner Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina, Bruni Water Supply Board Members, and Lupita Zepeda, District Director for the Office of State Rep. Tracy King.
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On Friday, March 12th, Senator John Cornyn and I visited Carrizo Springs to see and hear firsthand about the problems facing officials along Texas’s southern border. After our tour, we were briefed by Border Patrol, ICE and HHS officials about the dramatic surge in migrants arriving in South Texas and how we can address it. The Senator and I also held a bipartisan roundtable discussion with local leaders and officials about the impact of the recent increase in migration and how it impacts border communities. Pictured is Senator John Cornyn and Rep. Cuellar at the bipartisan roundtable hosted at Texas A&M International University.
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On Friday, March 12th, my Outreach Coordinator for Webb, Zapata, La Salle and McMullen Counties, Melissa Pena, presented a Certificate of Recognition to Lamar Middle School Principal Eduardo Lopez. Mr. Lopez was awarded with the Texas Computer Education Associations Campus Administrator of the year Golden Apple for his efforts in creating an environment where both faculty and students can be successful. Congratulations Mr. Lopez! Pictured is Melissa Pena and Eduardo Lopez.
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On Monday, March 8th, my Outreach Coordinator for Webb, Zapata, La Salle and McMullen Counties, Melissa Pena, attended the Webb County Commissioner Cindy Liendo's Women's Empowerment Day event. Leaders from across the county joined together in purple to honor the women who have paved the way for so many and inspired a new generation of leaders. Pictured are all attendees from Commissioner Liendo's event.
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On this week's "Intern Spotlight", meet Dania Takrity! Dania is currently helping with constituent services in my San Antonio office. Dania is majoring in Medical Humanities with a double minor in biology & law and politics at the University of Texas at San Antonio. After graduating, Dania plans on attending law school with a concentration in health law. When she's not in the office or in class, Dania enjoys reading and hiking. She's also on the executive board for the UTSA Doctors Without Borders chapter as well as the Middle Eastern North African student association. Welcome to the team Dania - we're excited to have you!
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We’ve been battling the pandemic for over a year now and almost half of Americans are still experiencing financial pain. Back in December, Congress enacted a COVID relief package that provided a direct payment of $600 per person. With the American Rescue Plan Act, we build on that down payment, providing another $1,400 per person. If you have not received your check, visit IRS.gov to check the status of your payment through their “Get My Payment” app.
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