On Thursday, April 1, Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) and I took a tour along the US-Mexico border. During the tour, we met with CBP officials for a helicopter and boat tour to see up close the landscape and working conditions that our men and women in uniform experience daily. We also visited the World Trade Bridge, where we saw firsthand the technology and practices CBP takes in closely monitoring trade between the two countries. Lastly, the Senator and I met with migrant families at the Holding Institute to learn about the dangerous journey they faced coming here and their hopes of seeking a better life.

To watch Senator Manchin and Rep. Cuellar's press conference, click here.

Pictured is Senator Manchin, Rep. Cuellar, and CBP pilots at the beginning of the helicopter tour.

Help is here! While back home in the district, I've made it a priority to travel to each county and discuss the American Rescue Plan, extraordinary legislation that will help contain the virus and ease the economic consequences. This past week, I was in Starr, Hidalgo and Webb Counties to announce American Rescue Plan funds for the County, cities and schools in each area. To learn more about how this package will help workers, families, communities, & small businesses, check out one of the livestreams below!

To watch the Starr County discussion, click here.

To watch the Hidalgo County discussion, click here. 

To watch the Webb County discussion, click here. 

Pictured is the Starr County discussion on the American Rescue Plan.

Happy National Public Health Week! 

I want to thank our healthcare workers for their dedication to protecting the health of families across the country. Now more than ever, our frontline health care workers have gone above and beyond as we continue to battle the pandemic. 

Let’s honor their tireless work by continuing to practice safety guidelines like wearing a mask and washing our hands.  

Texans who registered for FEMA assistance after February’s winter storms may have received a determination letter regarding eligibility. Read the letter carefully. It may not be the final answer. FEMA may simply need extra documents to process your application. Every applicant may appeal and ask FEMA to review your case. Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

Some reasons as to why you may be determined ineligible or no decision can be made include:

• Ownership of property not proven
• No contact information provided to schedule an inspection.

Fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread COVID-19. However, international travel poses additional risks and even fully vaccinated travelers are at increased risk for getting and possibly spreading new COVID-19 variants.

CDC recommends delaying international travel until you are fully vaccinated.

If you are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine:

• You should continue to follow CDC’s recommendations for traveling safely and get tested 3-5 days after travel.
• You do NOT need to get tested before leaving United States unless your destination requires it.
• You do NOT need to self-quarantine after arriving in the United States.