Dear Friend,
This week I have been traveling across the District to attend the graduation ceremonies of our high school seniors. Throughout an unprecedented year, overcoming many hurdles, they have shown commitment to their education. I also want to acknowledge the brave men and women of TX-28 who gave the ultimate sacrifice to our country. As we recap and close out this Memorial Day Weekend, let us remember the price our military service members pay to defend our freedom. If you need help with any of the following, please contact your closest district office: - Help with a Federal Agency
- Veterans Affairs
- Congressional Commendations
- Flag Requests
- Military Academy Nominations
By working together, we can continue to improve our district and enhance the lives of hardworking families from San Antonio down to the Rio Grande Valley. I encourage you to follow me on my social media platforms, @repcuellar, to stay up to date on all things happening in DC and TX-28.
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If you’re still feeling the effects of the February winter storms and you are registered with FEMA, stay in touch. Make sure your application is current and up to date, the easiest way to update your application, check your status or provide missing information is to create an account at DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. CT daily.
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Previous rounds of economic relief last year helped millions of small businesses stay afloat and keep employees on the payroll, yet too many minority-owned businesses and mom and pops found themselves at the end of the line, while larger, well-connected businesses accessed programs right away. To better reach these small businesses, SBA is launching the Community Navigator Pilot Program that will strengthen outreach to underserved businesses by partnering with organizations with deep roots in their communities. Through the American Rescue Plan, SBA will engage with states, local governments, SBA resource partners, and other organizations in targeted outreach for small businesses underserved communities.
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My office is ready to serve the constituents of TX-28. While in Hidalgo County, I held office hours with my staff to meet with those who’ve sought out our assistance with federal agencies. Claudia Gonzalez Moncada needed help applying for U.S. citizenship, my office monitored her application process. I shared with her that the application was approved and Claudia will soon be able to call herself a proud U.S. Citizen. Lt. Javier Ramon of the Mission Police Department was fighting for his life after falling ill to COVID-19. Unfortunately, Javier required ECMO treatment, which is not available in South Texas hospitals. My office worked alongside Mission Councilwoman Jessica Ortega Ochoa to ensure that Lt. Ramon was transferred to Brookes Army Medical Center in San Antonio and received the treatment he desperately needed. With the support of family and friends, he’s doing much better today.
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On Memorial Day, we honor those who gave their lives for our nation. On Monday, May 31st, I paid my respects to Laredo's military heroes and their families. While we cherish our freedom and remember its true price, we must renew our promise to the nearly 20 million veterans in the U.S. No veteran should be left behind when they return home. To fulfill President Lincoln’s promise “To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan” by serving and honoring the men and women who are America’s veterans. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs carries out four specific missions to make good on that commitment: Veterans Health Care, Veterans Benefits, National Cemeteries, and the Fourth Mission. For more info, click here.
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High School graduation season is one of my favorite times of the year. I thoroughly enjoy traveling the district and the future leaders of our communities reach this major milestone. Over the past two weeks, I've attended 11 graduation ceremonies - ranging from San Antonio, Laredo to Rio Grande City. As I said in my commencement speeches, create a plan and stick with it. But know that there will be unexpected twists and turns. Be nimble. Adapt. Adjust. Graduates, I look forward to watching all of your future success.
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On Tuesday, June 1st, my Outreach Coordinator for LaSalle, McMullen, Webb, and Zapata Counties, Eric Cleveland, met with Victor Salazar and Gary Timpson from an Alamo Area Council Of Governments (AACOG) meeting with Veteran Service nonprofits and organizations. While there they discussed veteran programs throughout different areas and finding ways to centralize services in the Laredo area with Laredo Veteran’s Alliance.
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On Friday May 28th, my Outreach Coordinator for Webb, Zapata, La Salle and McMullen Counties, Melissa Pena, attended the U.S border Patrol's 97th Anniversary in Zapata County. This luncheon was a celebration of all Border patrol agents in the area and the work they continue to do in protecting our community. Thank you to the brave men and women who secure our border and keep our neighborhoods safe.
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On Thursday, May 27th, my Outreach Coordinator for Starr and Hidalgo Counties, Nicolas Cruz, attended the Hispanic Heritage Foundation's Border Wall Tour. Established by the White House in 1987, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) is an award-winning nonprofit that identifies, inspires, prepares and positions Latino leaders in the classroom, community and workforce to meet America’s priorities. The foundation is providing support in the form of additional funding to NGO’s in the Rio Grande Valley that are providing assistance to migrants.
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