Rep. Cuellar Secures Amendment to Protect HSIs and GEAR UP Funding During Appropriations Markup September 15, 2025

During yesterday's Appropriations Committee markup, I secured my amendment ensuring that funds Congress has appropriated for Hispanic Serving Institutions and the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant are not delayed. These programs support students from middle school through high school, opening doors to higher education for kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity. My amendment protects these critical funds from further bureaucratic delays. T...

Rep. Cuellar Offers Amendment to Expand Adult Education During Appropriations Markup September 15, 2025

In TX-28, I’ve heard from parents and grandparents who work tirelessly to support their families and want nothing more than the chance to keep learning so they can provide more for them. That's why I offered my amendment during last night's Appropriations Committee markup for expanding opportunities for adults to continue their education. At every stage of life, education creates pathways to better jobs, a skilled workforce, and brighter futures. From English as a second language to workforce up...

Rep. Cuellar Fights to Protect Job Corps During Appropriations Markup September 15, 2025

At last night’s Appropriations Committee markup, I secured critical language in the bill manager’s amendment to protect the Department of Labor's Job Corps program from defunding and closure. I've seen firsthand how this program has changed lives in Laredo by giving young people the skills, training, and opportunities they need to succeed, and I'm committed to continuing to support the program. Job Corps not only helps students set their lives on the path to success, it also strengthens our work...

Rep. Cuellar Introduces Amendment During Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Markup September 15, 2025

During the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill markup, I introduced an amendment to ensure federal agencies deliver real results for the American people. My amendment strengthens oversight, modernizes the metrics agencies use to evaluate themselves, and ties performance to clear, measurable outcomes. By focusing on results, we can cut duplicative rules and regulations, reduce costs, and remove unnecessary red tape. This ensures agencies stay tran...

Rep. Cuellar Advocates for Modernization Amendment at Appropriations Markup September 8, 2025

During the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Bill markup, I introduced an amendment to ensure federal agencies deliver real results for the American people. My amendment strengthens oversight, modernizes the metrics agencies use to evaluate themselves, and ties performance to clear, measurable outcomes. By focusing on results, we can cut duplicative rules and regulations, reduce costs, and remove unnecessary red tape. This ensures agencies stay transparent, operate efficie...

Rep. Cuellar Talks About High Cost of Living August 18, 2025

The cost of living continues to rise – and families across South Texas and the country are feeling it. From groceries to gas, health care to housing, retaliatory tariffs are driving up prices and straining household budgets. When I visit with small businesses, workers, and neighbors, I hear the same concern: these policies are making it harder to get by. In Congress, I’m fighting for you to lower costs, ease the burden on our communities, and ensure every family can plan for a secure future.

Rep. Cuellar Joins Abby Phillip's Panel on CNN (Part 2) July 17, 2025

It was great to join Abby Phillip on CNN to talk about the real-world challenges in TX-28, including the instability local businesses deal with from unpredictable tariffs. I’ve heard directly from job creators and their message is clear: they need certainty to plan, grow, and hire. That’s why I’ve supported trade agreements like the USMCA, negotiated under President Trump and passed with broad bipartisan support. These agreements give our businesses a level playing field and expand access to new...

Rep. Cuellar Joins Abby Phillip's Panel on CNN (Part 1) July 17, 2025

On CNN with Abby Phillip, I spoke about the devastating flooding impacting communities across Central Texas. Let me be clear: we need to do everything we can to get first responders the resources they need and families the answers and assistance they deserve. I’ve been closely watching the situation and those impacted – small towns overwhelmed, and local officials working around the clock with limited support. The federal government has a responsibility to coordinate closely with state and local...

Rep. Cuellar Speaks on His Amendment During House Approps Subcommittee on Homeland Security Markup July 1, 2025

I spoke during today's Appropriations Homeland Security markup in support of my amendment to streamline U.S. Customs and Border Protection hiring while maintaining national security. Let's be clear: Congress has set a firm goal of 22,000 active Border Patrol agents. In order to meet this goal, it’s critical that we cut red tape for qualified veterans and applicants with existing security clearances. I’ll keep fighting for practical solutions to get agents on the ground and keep our southern bord...

Rep. Cuellar Discusses Future of the Dem Party on NewsNation July 1, 2025

I joined Leland Vittert on NewsNation for a conversation on where Democrats go from here. One thing is clear: Americans are feeling the strain of high cost of living – made worse by GOP threats to cut vital programs like Medicaid and SNAP in this year's budget bill. In Congress, I’m focused on delivering practical, bipartisan solutions that make life better for working families in our communities.

Rep. Cuellar Offers Amendment During Appropriations Markup June 17, 2025

During our midnight Appropriations markup, I offered an amendment to strengthen contract oversight, boost competition, and require real performance results across federal agencies. These reforms will ensure taxpayer dollars go further for our veterans and all Americans. I look forward to working with Chairman Carter and Ranking Member Wasserman Schultz to include this language in the final bill.

Rep. Cuellar Questions Sec. Hegseth About Keeping Western Hemisphere Command in San Antonio, TX June 17, 2025

ICYMI: At today’s Oversight hearing, I pressed Secretary of Defense Hegseth, Joint Staff Chairman Gen. Caine, and DoD Comptroller MacDonnell on the proposal to consolidate Army North and Army South and move the new command out of San Antonio. Relocating would impact 11,900 active-duty troops currently deployed under Title 10 authority - threatening readiness, jobs, and military families. As of today, San Antonio has invested $20M in new facilities and to improve key military medical missions. It...

Rep. Cuellar Speaks with Connell McShane on NewsNation May 13, 2025

I joined Connell McShane on NewsNation to discuss breaking news of the day and share my thoughts on this milestone for the Catholic Church. It was an immense honor to reflect on the significance of the first American Pope, Leo XIV, while standing outside the historic Mission San José in San Antonio - one of the most complete Spanish colonial missions in the world. As a Catholic, being at this sacred site gave the experience even deeper meaning. Check out the full clip!

#CongressmanForADay Santiago Recaps His Day in D.C. with Rep. Cuellar May 13, 2025

While in Washington, our #CongressmanForADay Santiago joined me in my office to recap his experiences - and even made history as the only person to guess the origin of my special challenge coin (spoiler: Area 51!)👽 This is one bright young man and his teachers at Laredo Independent School District should be very proud!