Rep. Cuellar Supports South Texas Agriculture During Agriculture Appropriations Markup [2/2] May 5, 2026

During consideration of the Agriculture appropriations bill, I secured key provisions that deliver for border communities and rural areas. First, I worked to secure language on outcome-based reviews, performance management, and oversight. This is about good governance and I believe it should be applied across all departments. We need to find efficiencies and savings without cutting services and this approach helps ensure taxpayer dollars produce real results. I’ll keep pushing for this to serve ...

Rep. Cuellar Supports South Texas Agriculture During Agriculture Appropriations Markup [1/2] May 5, 2026

During the Agriculture appropriations bill markup, I spoke in support of my provisions that are critical to South Texas farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. I appreciate the bill’s strong investments in cattle health, including efforts to eradicate fever ticks and support a fencing program that help protect Texas ranchers and contain the spread of livestock disease. The bill also takes steps to address the New World screwworm and continues work to combat highly pathogenic avian influenza to...

Rep. Cuellar Advances South Texas Priorities During NSRP Appropriations Markup May 5, 2026

During the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs appropriations markup, I spoke in support of several provisions that are critical to South Texas. I appreciate the bill’s strong focus on outcome-based budgeting, oversight, performance, and accountability to help ensure taxpayer dollars produce real results. The bill makes significant investments in the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission, including funding and direction to address drought conditions, improve w...

Rep. Cuellar Commends Passage of House Farm Bill April 30, 2026

I voted to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill that gives American agriculture a path forward for the next five years. Today, we made sure rural communities don’t get left behind. The bill expands technical assistance so underserved areas can access critical Rural Development programs. It also invests in distressed water systems with zero percent and low interest loans, including support for colonias across South Texas, where clean, reliable water makes all the difference. This bill comes after a three ...

Rep. Cuellar Advocates for DACA Federal Jobs Amendment in Appropriations Markup April 23, 2026

During this week's committee markup for the FY2027 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill, I advocated for my colleague Rep. Pete Aguilar’s amendment to allow DACA recipients, also known as Dreamers, to work in the federal government and recognize their contributions to our country. This comes down to fairness and responsibility. Dreamers did not break the law. Their parents brought them here, and this country shaped who they have become. They have earned degrees, served i...

Supporting Expanded Care at the Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center April 21, 2026

During today’s full committee markup of the FY2027 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill, I secured language to support continued planning at the Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center in San Antonio. This hospital serves veterans across all of South Texas. It handles complex care and supports families from across our region. It’s also part of a broader medical ecosystem in San Antonio, alongside institutions like UT Health San Antonio and others that help strengthen care del...

Strengthening Care for Veterans at the Laredo VA Clinic April 21, 2026

During today’s full committee markup of the FY2027 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill, I secured language to strengthen care at the Laredo VA clinic. I secured the construction of the Laredo VA clinic several years ago because our veterans deserved care closer to home. Today, thousands of veterans across South Texas rely on it, including more than 5,000 in Webb County alone. As our community has grown, the need for care has grown with it, and some veterans still have ...

Rep. Cuellar Questions ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons April 17, 2026

During this week’s Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, I questioned ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons about the expansion of large-scale detention facilities in San Antonio and McAllen, what many of us refer to as ICE “warehouses.” We discussed the importance of clear communication with local officials and the impact these projects have on surrounding communities, especially in South Texas. I raised concerns about these facilities moving forward without meaningful input from loca...

Rep. Cuellar Questions TSA Acting Administrator McNeill April 17, 2026

During this week's hearing, I raised concerns to TSA Acting Administrator McNeill about expanding airport screening privatization. With hundreds of smaller airports potentially impacted, including Laredo International Airport, transparency and communication with local officials and Congress are essential. TSA has indicated that further legislative details are forthcoming.

Rep. Cuellar Questions CISA Acting Director Anderson April 17, 2026

During this week's hearing, I questioned Acting Director Anderson on staffing challenges at CISA and their impact on national security. With a 40% vacancy rate in key mission areas, these shortages pose serious risks to our ability to defend infrastructure and respond to cyber threats. While efforts are underway to fill over 300 critical positions, more work remains. Cybersecurity is a frontline defense for our nation, and we must ensure CISA has the workforce it needs to protect the American pe...

Rep. Cuellar Questions USCG Admiral Lunday April 17, 2026

During this afternoon’s Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, I questioned USCG Admiral Lunday on the Coast Guard’s role in securing the southern border, particularly along the Rio Grande, where they maintain a strong presence in the Rio Grande Valley. The Coast Guard is working alongside CBP to help secure our southern border. These efforts are critical to strengthening border security and supporting law enforcement on the front lines. Border security requires a unified, strate...

Rep. Cuellar Questions USCIS Director Joseph Edlow April 17, 2026

I questioned USCIS Director Joseph Edlow about the agency’s operations and the broader proposal to expand its law enforcement role. I raised concerns about whether creating a separate enforcement function within USCIS is necessary given existing DHS capabilities, including HSI. Before expanding authorities or resources, we need to ensure we are not duplicating efforts and that current enforcement tools are being used effectively. Director Edlow committed to providing additional information on th...

Rep. Cuellar Questions CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott April 17, 2026

At this week's Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, I questioned CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott on the border wall and other matters pertaining to enforcement and projects in the district. I raised strong concerns regarding border wall construction in the district and submitted a study into the record by the Rio Grande International Study Center outlining the flood risks such a wall would create, particularly during major rain events when it could obstruct water flow, raise floo...

Meeting Recap with South Texas Leaders and Constituents in Washington April 6, 2026

Take a look behind the scenes in Congress as I met with leaders, organizations, and constituents from TX-28, including those visiting for San Antonio to D.C. week. We discussed priorities that matter at home, including health care, agriculture, housing, infrastructure, energy, the environment, immigration, the economy, and border security, and had direct conversations about the challenges facing our communities. I appreciate everyone who took the time to visit and share their perspectives. Stayi...