Representative Henry Cuellar

Congressional Report

Dear Friend,

As a result of the American Rescue Plan, we are well on our way to 200 million vaccination shots for the American public. While this is incredible news for communities across the nation, we must not forget about the thousands of families grieving the loss of a loved one.

FEMA is now providing financial relief for COVID-19 funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. Applicants can receive up to $9,000 per burial and those applying must be U.S. citizens, legal residents, asylees, refugees, or non-citizen nationals. Learn more on eligibility and requirements here.

Need help from a FEMA representative? Call their toll number at 844-684-6333. The call center is open Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 9:00pm ET.

As always, if you need help with a federal agency, please contact my office. I also urge you to follow my social media platforms @repcuellar to receive the most recent updates.

Senator Hickenlooper and Rep. Cuellar Meet with CBP and Border Patrol in Laredo

On Friday, April 9th, I had the privilege of joining Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO) on his visit to Laredo. During his visit, we met with CBP and Border Patrol agents to see the work they’re doing to secure our southern border. Whether it’s at our ports of entry or along the Rio Grande River, the men and women on the ground tirelessly work together to ensure our nation’s safety.

Pictured is Senator Hickenlooper, Rep. Cuellar and CBP Deputy Port Director, Eugene Crawford.

Rep. Cuellar Celebrates Graduating Class 1153

On Tuesday, April 6th, I had the distinct honor of being the keynote speaker at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy's graduation ceremony for Class 1153. Congratulations to the entire class and thank you to to the academy's Chief Patrol Agent, Jason D. Owens, on preparing these new agents for success. The job to secure our land borders and coastal waters between ports of entry requires individuals with integrity. As I looked out among Class 1153, I am confident that the U.S. Border Patrol Academy produces some of our nation's finest in federal law enforcement.

Pictured is Rep. Cuellar addressing Class 1153.

Rep. Cuellar Meets with Bexar, Wilson and McMullen Counties to Discuss the American Rescue Plan

Help Is Here for Americans nationwide! Last week, I traveled to Bexar, Wilson and McMullen Counties to meet with public officials and constituents to discuss how the American Rescue Plan is already supporting people in our communities.

Watch the Bexar County livestream here.

Watch the Wilson livestream here.

Watch the McMullen livestream here.

Top image is Rep. Cuellar at the Wilson County Courthouse. Bottom left image is Rep. Cuellar with longtime Bexar County resident, William Harper. Bottom right image is Rep. Cuellar speaking with McMullen Sheriff Emmett Shelton and deputies.

Meal Distribution at Fred M. Anitas Bruni Community Center

On Friday, April 9th, my Outreach Coordinator for La Salle, Webb, Zapata and McMullen Counties, Melissa Pena, attended a meal distribution event in the rural area of Penitas. In collaboration with Meals on Wheels and the South Texas Food Bank, Melissa was able to help deliver meals to 90 children and 53 senior citizens.

Pictured is Melissa handing out a meal to a young Penitas resident.

RGV Food Bank Distribution: Sullivan City

On Wednesday, April 7th, my Outreach Coordinator for Starr and Hidalgo Counties, Nicolas Cruz, attended the RGV Food Bank Distribution in Sullivan City. The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley is the 28th largest in the nation and 4th largest in Texas based on distribution. While there, Nicolas helped pass out fresh food and non-perishables to constituents and their families.

Pictured is the main pick up site at the food distribution.

VIDEO: Share your COVID-19 vaccination experience with v-safe

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched 'V-safe': an application to share your after-vaccine experience safely and confidentially. The CDC will text you to check in and provide personalized health check-ins after you receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Get vaccinated. Get your smartphone. Get started with v-safe.

Sincerely,

Henry Cuellar