Rep Cuellar Speaks During House Appropriations Oversight Hearing with Secretary Markwayne Mullin June 30, 2026

As Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, I welcomed Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Deputy Secretary Edgar and made clear that while I support the mission of the Department, Congress also has a responsibility to provide strong oversight. Throughout the appropriations process, including markup, we fought to include oversight and provisions that make sense, especially as DHS receives more than $260 billion outside the normal appropriations process. When it comes to bo...

Rep. Cuellar Recognizes Border Patrol Agent Alex Medellin June 30, 2026

During the DHS hearing, I took a moment to recognize Border Patrol Agent Alex Medellin. On June 16, an aircraft crashed on Bob Bullock Loop in Laredo. Agent Medellin was off duty, but he still responded to the scene and helped first responders and Good Samaritans rescue people from the fire. Laredo saw the best of our community that night as law enforcement, first responders, and neighbors stepped up to help people they did not know. Agent Medellin’s courage also reflects the standard of service...

Rep. Cuellar During Defense Appropriations Markup Pt. 2 June 30, 2026

Taxpayers deserve to know that defense dollars are being spent wisely, efficiently, and in ways that save taxpayer dollars, especially as families continue to face the rising cost of living. During consideration of the Defense Appropriations bill, I spoke about language I secured requiring the Department of Defense to review its programs, regulations, and internal rules. Communities across TX-28 deserve defense programs that support readiness, use resources effectively, and identify savings that...

Rep. Cuellar During Defense Appropriations Markup Pt. 1 June 30, 2026

During today’s consideration of the Defense Appropriations bill, I highlighted several priorities I secured to support military readiness, service members, and military families. This includes continued investment in human performance research at UT San Antonio, which helps improve warfighter health, reduce injuries, and strengthen mission readiness. I also secured support for the Air Force Talent Pipeline Modernization Initiative to help address the pilot shortage and strengthen the aviation wo...

Supporting DACA Recipients June 22, 2026

14 years ago, DACA provided temporary protection for young people who were brought to this country as children. During the Homeland Security Appropriations markup, I supported an amendment to protect DACA recipients from deportation. Dreamers have grown up in our communities, attended our schools, joined our workforce, and contributed to South Texas and our country. I have long supported strong border security, but we can secure the border while also providing stability for Dreamers who have kno...

Strengthening Oversight and Accountability in Immigration Enforcement. June 15, 2026

Today, as Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, I offered an amendment during consideration of the FY2027 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill to strengthen oversight and accountability in immigration enforcement. My amendment would establish standards for body-worn cameras, strengthen detention and use-of-force requirements, prohibit racial profiling, and ensure enforcement actions are carried out professionally and consistent with the law. It also ...

Extending Border Wall Exceptions in South Texas June 15, 2026

As Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, I offered an amendment during markup of the FY2027 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill to protect additional areas in South Texas from future border wall construction. My amendment would extend protections to locations in and around Laredo, the Falcon Lake area in Zapata County, San Ignacio, Big Bend National Park, and other historic and community areas that are important to the people who live and work along...

Enhancing DHS Funding Oversight June 15, 2026

As Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, I offered an amendment to strengthen oversight of Department of Homeland Security funding. This was an important effort to continue the guardrails and accountability provisions we worked on during the FY2026 appropriations process. As DHS receives significant additional funding, it is important that oversight capacity keeps pace and that Congress continues to provide the tools necessary to ensure transparency and accountabil...

Rep. Cuellar During Labor, Health, and Human Services Appropriations Markup Pt. 2 June 15, 2026

I was pleased to secure several South Texas priorities in the manager’s amendment to the FY2027 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. One provision directs federal agencies to review programs, regulations, and administrative requirements to identify opportunities to improve performance, reduce unnecessary burdens, and ensure taxpayer dollars are being used effectively. Agencies should be focused on delivering results and making the best use of fed...

Rep. Cuellar During Labor, Health, and Human Services Appropriations Markup Pt. 1 June 15, 2026

I spoke during consideration of the FY2027 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. I highlighted the importance of continued funding for the National Child Abuse Hotline and the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which help individuals and families facing difficult situations. I also spoke in support of GEAR UP and Federal TRIO programs, which help first-generation and low-income students access higher education. I also raised concerns about propos...

The Future of Passenger Rail in South Texas June 9, 2026

During last night’s Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations markup, I highlighted language included in the bill directing the Federal Railroad Administration to provide an updated assessment of potential passenger rail service between Texas and Mexico, including the San Antonio-Laredo corridor. This language builds on my 2017 study that identified significant opportunities for economic growth and increased commerce through expanded passenger rail connectivity. Since then, th...

Rep. Cuellar Pushes for Responsible Homeland Security Investments June 9, 2026

As Ranking Member, I helped lead the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee markup of the FY2027 Department of Homeland Security funding bill. As a border state member, I support responsible investments in homeland security, border security technology, and employee support programs that strengthen public safety and support the men and women carrying out this mission. At the same time, I raised serious concerns about oversight, funding priorities, and the need to prevent unnecessary border...

Making Government Work Better for Taxpayers June 9, 2026

If we spend a dollar, we should know what we are getting for that dollar. During the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations markup, I spoke in support of language I secured to help agencies improve performance and ensure taxpayer dollars are being used effectively. Good government starts with accountability. Congress should understand what programs are working, where improvements can be made, and how agencies can deliver better results for the people they serve. I will cont...

Investing in the Nation's Largest Land Port June 9, 2026

The Port of Laredo is the number one port of entry in the United States by trade value, handling $339 billion in trade in 2024 alone. During yesterday’s Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations markup, I spoke about the importance of investing in land port of entry infrastructure and highlighted language directing the Department of Transportation to examine how existing grant programs can better support these critical gateways. Nearly 20,000 commercial trucks cross Laredo’s i...