Dear Friend,
I hope you are staying safe and cool in this Texas heat. My office and I have been traveling the district to attend graduation ceremonies as well as meeting with elected officials and constituents. Your concerns and recommendations mean a great deal to me and I want to reassure you that my office is always open. My top priority is the wellbeing of you and your family - this is why I worked hard to pass the American Rescue Plan. It allows agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support the Biden administration's efforts to build back better. On Monday, the USDA announced a $4 billion investment to strengthen critical supply chains that will enhance the food system, create new market opportunities, tackle the climate crisis, help communities that have been left behind, and support good-paying jobs throughout the supply chain. Find assistance through USDA's Build Back Better Initiative here. Furthermore, if you need assistance with a federal agency, please contact my office.
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On Monday, June 7th, I held a press conference with the Mayor of Laredo, Pete Saenz, and the city’s Chamber of Commerce President, Miguel Conchas to discuss the latest developments at the border – Governor Abbott’s latest border declaration, the need to open the land ports of entry safely and efficiently, and the potential elimination of Title 42. Watch the press conference here.
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On Wednesday, June 2nd, I joined Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) and Representative Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23) on a tour of migrant facilities in Donna, TX. After the tour, we met with local officials in the Rio Grande Valley to hear their concerns as well as discuss the Bipartisan Border Solutions Act. This act would help lay the foundation for sensible immigration reform and manage migration influxes. Pictured from left to right: Rep. Cuellar (D-TX-28), Rep. Gonzales (R-TX-23), Senator Cornyn (R-TX), Senator Sinema (D-AZ).
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Over the past week, I've traveled my district to speak to TX-28 high school graduates, their families and the educators, who have made this academic year successful. As I look at these bright young minds, I know they have the capability to change the world. Each graduate has shown true resilience after dealing with a global pandemic. Congratulations to the graduating classes at J.W. Nixon High School, Martin High School, Palmview High School, La Joya High School, Juarez-Lincoln High School, Jimmy Carter Early College, and Thelma Salinas STEM Early College. Whether you pursue higher education, enter the workforce, or enlist in the military, good luck on the next chapter of your lives.
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On Saturday, June 5th, my District Manager, Susan San Miguel attended San Agustin's Rite of Rededication Mass in Laredo. The San Agustin Cathedral has been undergoing reconstruction and upon its completion, the church held this mass to welcome back the community. It's truly a stunning cathedral is a centerpiece for Laredo's downtown plaza.
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Over the weekend, my Constituent Service Representative/Outreach Coordinator for Bexar, Atascosa, and Wilson Counties, Maggie Morales, attended the Premier High School Graduation in Windcrest, TX. Premier High School is designed for credit recovery and early graduation for students who thrive in smaller, independent learning environments. This year's graduation ceremony combined both graduates from 2020 and the 2021. Congratulations to both classes on a job well done - I look forward to seeing what the future has in store!
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On Friday, June 4th, my Outreach Coordinator for Hidalgo and Starr Counties, Nicholas Cruz, led a tour of the Rio Grande Valley's Flood control system. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's Government Director, Veronica De La Garza, reached out to our office and requested assistance in being able to visit the area to understand the negative impact border wall construction had on the dirt levees. I, along with Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez and County Commissioner Everardo Villarreal, called on the Army Corps of Engineers to swiftly repair the breached levees, which caused major flooding concerns. This pressure led to the levees being fully repaired in time for hurricane season— months earlier than expected.
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That same Friday in Laredo, my Outreach Coordinator for Webb, Zapata, La Salle and McMullen Counties, Melissa Peña, attended a food distribution event, hosted by the South Texas Food Bank. Located outside Fred M. & Anita Bruni Community Center, Melissa helped distribute 250 bags and handed out USDA flyers with information on grants and loans for home repairs. For more information on how USDA can help you, click here.
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