Representative Henry Cuellar

Congressional Report

Dear Friend,

As our nation continues to grapple with the widespread affects of COVID-19, I want to reassure you that I am working hard in Congress to provide relief to the American public. We are all struggling during these difficult times but with each passing day, we must recommitt ourselves to doing our part in slowing the spread of the virus.

With tomorrow being Thanksgiving, it's important we take a moment to reflect on the good we've experienced, the lessons learned as well as the obstacles faced. I know it may be difficult to see the silver-lining this year - as many of us are hurting due to the pandemic - but we will overcome the tragedies endured and we will be stronger because of it.

Congress was back in session this past week. I voted to advance the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 - legislation to create 1 MILLION new apprenticeship opportunities to help Americans get back to work. This is critical to building back our workforce in the face of the pandemic.

In the district, I supported the Valley Land Fund in their fight to protect the Salineño Wildlife Preserve from border wall construction.

My offices attended events district-wide and continue to be a resource for anyone needing assistance with federal agenices.

As always, I encourage you to follow me on my social media platforms and stay up to date on all things TX-28.

Rep. Cuellar Serves as Speaker Pro Tem

Throughout the week, I had the honor of serving as Speaker Pro Tempore on the House floor as Congress continues to work for the American people. On Wednesday, I presided over debate regarding legislation that promotes human rights, food security and global partnerships.

Pictured is Rep. Cuellar.

Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office Turkey Drive-Thru

Hidalgo County Sheriff Turkey Drive Thru 11.19.20

On Thursday, November 19th, my Outreach Coordinator for Starr and Hidalgo Counties, Nicolas Cruz, attended the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office Turkey Drive-Thru. In order to strengthen community relations, the Sheriff's Office collected 1,500 turkeys to be donated to the public. Divided among three distribution locations in low-income areas, Nicolas helped safely hand out turkeys as well as canned goods.

Pictured is Nicolas along with local law enforcement distributing food to drive thru participants.

Laredo Police Department Curbside Thanksgiving Luncheon

Laredo Police Thanksgiving Luncheon 11.19.20

Thanksgiving events continued to span across the district. On Thursday, my Outreach Coordinator for La Salle, Webb, McMullen and Zapata Counties, Orlando Ramirez, attended the Laredo Police Department Curbside Thanksgiving Luncheon. At the event, Orlando had the opportunity to speak with Chief Trevino and thank him for the thanksgiving lunch he provided to frontline workers as well as the community during this ongoing pandemic.

Pictured are members of the Laredo Police Department preparing plates to be brought out to vehicles.

Marco's Pizza Grand Opening in Converse

It wasn't all Thanksgiving luncheons on Thursday! Up north, my Outreach Coordinator for Atascosa, Bexar and Wilson Counties, Gilbert Lafuente, attended the grand opening of Marco's Pizza in Converse. While there, Gilbert presented a Congressional Certificate of Recognition to celebrate the opening and all the hard work that went into getting the establishment ready for business. Congratulations to the owners, Brad and Tonia Tilson, for this accomplishment and I can't wait to try a slice next time I'm in the area!

Pictured is Gilbert Lafuente with Marco's Pizza owners Brad and Tonia Tilson, Mayor Suarez, City Manager Lee Ann Piatt, and Converse EDC staff.

Sullivan City Swearing-In Ceremony

On Monday, November 16th, my Outreach Coordinator for Starr and Hidalgo Counties, Nicolas Cruz, attended the Sullivan City Swearing-In Ceremony. While there, Nicolas checked-in with public officials and watched as Sullivan City swore in Jamie Villarreal as Councilman Place 4 and Rene Pena as Councilman Place 3. Congratulations to both!

Pictured is Nicolas with Sullivan City Mayor Leonel Garcia, Sullivan City Councilmen Rene Pena, Jaime Villarreal and Julian Pena.

Thanksgiving Safety Tips

With Thanksgiving tomorrow and more than one million cases recently being reported in the U.S. over the last week, I cannot stress enough the importance of taking the proper precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones.

By doing the little things, we can stay safe:

Wear a mask
Stay at least six feet apart from people you do not live with
Regularly wash your hands
Stay home when feeling ill

If you plan on attending a family gathering or hosting one of your own, consider doing the following:

Limit the number of guests
Eat outdoors
Bring your own plates, cups and utensils
Wear a mask when not eating
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces

For a complete list of CDC recommendations, click here.

Stay Connected With Our Grants Newsletter

Don't miss out on a grant opportunity! Attracting more federal funds to the district and region has been a top priority during my tenure in Congress. To better serve you, I want to provide you with information on a variety of open federal grant opportunities in each week's newsletter. To see a previous edition, click here. If you'd like to subscribe to the weekly grants newsletter, please fill out our google doc form.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: What Your Test Results Mean

Waiting on test results can be a nerve-racking, but what happens once you receive those results?

In this week's video, the CDC explains the steps that should be taken whether you test positive or negative for COVID-19. Protect yourself, your loved ones and anyone else you may come in contact with, by practicing the recommended guidelines portrayed in this video!

Sincerely,

Henry Cuellar