Dear Friend,
I am back at our nation’s Capital, working to pass critical pieces of legislation that will help move our nation forward. Last week, I voted for the Paycheck Fairness Act that will put money in the pockets of struggling workers and families and finally fulfill the promise of equal pay. I also voted to pass the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act, which would help provide safer workplaces for these employees and would drive down preventable incidents. Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, every adult in the US is now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. Find your vaccine here. As a reminder, now is not the time to let our guard down. Please continue to wear your mask, social distance, stay home if feeling ill and receive a vaccine when possible. With many businesses and schools reopening, let's remain vigilant in our efforts to slow the spread and defeat the virus. If you need help with stimulus checks, federal benefits, small business aid, or more, please contact my office. For more updates throughout the district and in DC, follow me on social media @repcuellar.
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The humanitarian crisis we’re seeing at the US-Mexico border is not new, yet it’s time we stop being reactive rather than proactive in our strategic response. On Thursday, April 15, Congressman John Katko (R-NY) and I spoke with FOX Business about introducing our bipartisan bill - Border Surge Response and Resilience Act. This act would require DHS and federal partners to establish a plan to address migrant surges at the border with transparent metrics in place to activate access to supplemental funds. It would also hold interagency components accountable to mitigate bottlenecks that take law enforcement off the line and result in children being held in CBP custody for longer than they should.
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On Thursday, April 15th, my Outreach Coordinator for Webb, Zapata, La Salle and McMullen Counties, Melissa Pena, attended the ribbon cutting ceremony of The Social Barber. While there, Melissa presented the shop's owners Manuel and Erika Gomez, with a Certificate of Recognition to honor the grand opening and welcome them to our community. This upscale barber shop, at the Shoppes of Shiloh, offers a relaxing and luxurious experience to all their customers! Services include: hair and beard, nails, massage, skin, shoe shine and a bar. Pictured is Melissa with owners Manuel and Erika Gomez.
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On Wednesday, April 14th, my Outreach Coordinator for Webb, Zapata, La Salle and McMullen Counties, Melissa Pena, visited the Zapata County Sheriff's Office to check in with County Sheriff Rey Del Bosque, Commissioner Joey Solis, and Telecommunicator Supervisor Eliza Lozano. Melissa and Sheriff Del Bosque discussed the need for maintenance on the county's Power Tower, which affects all law enforcement radios in the area. My office continues to work with Zapata County to address their needs and find federal grants that can help relieve some of these community issues. Pictured is Telecommunicator Supervisor Eliza Lozano, Sheriff Rey Del Bosque, and Melissa Pena.
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That same Wednesday, further south, my Outreach Coordinator for Hidalgo and Starr Counties, Nicolas Cruz, participated in a press conference with Hidalgo County Precinct 3 to address the vulnerable state of the RGV Flood Control System. In light of President Biden's Proclamation, which paused the construction of the border wall, it has come to my attention that dirt levees in Hidalgo County have been left severely compromised. This poses a dangerous risk to residents in Hidalgo County and its surrounding areas, especially as hurricane season approaches and the threat of flooding intensifies. I will continue to work with the County on finding a resolution to this issue of public safety. Pictured is Nicolas Cruz relaying my statement on the matter to local officials and press.
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On Tuesday, April 13th, my Outreach Coordinator for Webb, Zapata, La Salle and McMullen Counties, Melissa Pena, attended the Webb County Sheriff's Office Award Ceremony for Telecommunicators' Week. During National Telecommunicators' Week, we honor the fine men and women who work long hours into the day and night to dispatch the correct services to Webb County residents. Thank you all for your hard work and for keeping our community safe! Pictured is Melissa thanking all of the Telecommunicators in the Sheriff's Office for their efforts.
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The deadline for this year's Congressional Art Competition is fast approaching! Don't miss out. For more info, visit my website here.
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