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...

Advancing Flood Protection for Laredo Families Along Chacon Creek May 21, 2026

During the FY27 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee markup, I highlighted key priorities I secured for South Texas. The bill includes language I fought for to move the Chacon Creek Flood Control Project in Laredo forward after more than two decades of delays and Army Corps bureaucracy. It directs the Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize the project, complete the final work, and advance it into pre-engineering and design so families living along Chacon Creek can finally rece...

Securing Support for Colonias and Southwest Border Communities May 20, 2026

During today’s FY27 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee markup, I highlighted priorities I secured to support communities along the Southwest border. The bill includes $5.5 million for the Southwest Border Regional Commission, which helps direct federal investment toward communities in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California where economic opportunity has historically lagged behind. This funding supports critical infrastructure, economic development, and job creation in u...

Rep. Cuellar Honors Fallen Officers During National Police Week May 14, 2026

On the House floor, we observed a moment of silence for the law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. As a member of the Law Enforcement Caucus, I stand with the men and women in law enforcement across the country and in #TX28. These officers put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect our communities, facing situations that most of us will never see firsthand. Their work is difficult. Their sacrifice is real. Too often, it is their families who carry the weig...

Rep. Cuellar During Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Markup Pt. 2 May 14, 2026

I spoke on two additional provisions I secured in the FY27 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill during our House Appropriations Committee hearing. The bill includes my language to review immigration court operations and help address the growing case backlog so cases can move through the system faster and more efficiently. We need an immigration system that works fairly, and this provision helps improve accountability and oversight. I also secured language supporti...

Rep. Cuellar During Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Markup Pt. 1 May 14, 2026

I highlighted several priorities I helped secure in the FY27 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill during our House Appropriations Committee hearing. The bill includes language I fought for to support regional task forces focused on cargo theft and supply chain fraud, including $2 million to help protect critical trade routes through the Port of Laredo, which facilitates nearly $340 billion in trade annually, while targeting organized criminal networks tied to drug...

Rep. Cuellar Questions Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao During Defense Budget Hearing May 13, 2026

During this week's House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee hearing on the Navy and Marine Corps budget, I questioned Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Daryl Caudle, and Marine Corps Commandant General Eric M. Smith about China’s growing military presence in Latin America and what we’re doing to push back. Earlier this year, I traveled to Mexico as part of a congressional delegation and saw firsthand how quickly China’s influence continues expanding across...