USA-MEX BORDER NEWS: CONGRESSIONAL REPORT

Dear Friends,

This week, I announced over one million dollars in combined federal funding for Zika prevention in Laredo, Zapata and the Rio Grande Valley. In Laredo, I met with Mexican members of Congress and other border representatives to discuss U.S.-Mexico relations, international trade and the development of the border region. I was also nominated into the 2017 Business Hall of Fame by Junior Achievement of Laredo. In Washington, I met with representatives from San Antonio, Floresville, Laredo and other places to discuss education, health care, public transportation and veterans issues. In the district, my staff provided Library of Congress books to the Floresville Library, and honored academic achievement to high school students in Laredo. Lastly, as temperatures outside begin to warm up, I have included a video from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that explains which insect repellent is safe for women who are pregnant and breastfeeding. Feel free to contact my office should you need any assistance with a federal agency.

Rep. Cuellar Helps Secure $560,000 to Fight Zika in Laredo and Zapata

On February 10, I announced I announced $560,000 for the City of Laredo Health Department to combat Zika in Laredo and Zapata. I also announced that the Rio Grande Valley will also be receiving $560,000 to help with the Zika virus. Click here to read more.

Rep. Cuellar Nominated into 2017 Business  Hall of Fame

On February 10, I was nominated into the 2017 Business Hall of Fame by Junior Achievement of Laredo due to my support in Congress for small business.

Rep. Cuellar Meets with Mexico Congressmen to Dicuss Bilateral Relations

On February 10, I met with border representatives from both Texas and Mexico to talk about strengthening and protecting U.S.-Mexico relations. Pictured from left to right are Jennifer Becker of the U.S. Consulate in Nuevo Laredo; Mexican Congresswoman María Esther Camargo Félix; Mexican Congressman Edgar Melhem Salinas; U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar; Mexican Congresswoman Yahleel Abdala Carmona; Consul General of the Consulate of Mexico in Laredo, Texas, Carolina Zaragoza; Mexican Congressman Jose Luis Garza Ochoa; and Laredo City Manager Jesus Olivares. Congressman Filemon Vela and Congressman Vicente Gonzalez joined us via phone.

Discussing Pell Grants and Higher Education with Laredo Community College

On February 14, I met with Laredo Community College Board Member Jackie Leven-Ramos to discuss Pell grants and the Higher Education Act.

Meeting with San Antonio Delegation in Washington

On February 15, I met with business leaders from the San Antonio community and colleagues to discuss the needs and concerns of the South Central Texas region.

Discussing Public Transportation with San Antoino VIA Metropolitican Transit Representatives

On February 14, I met with VIA Metropolitan Transit Board of Trustees and CEO and members of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce to discuss VIA’s work in modernizing its buses and the need for federal funding for public transportation.

Discussing a Direct Flight Option for San Antonio to D.C.

On February 14, I met with my colleague, Rep. Bill Shuster, chairman of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, and a delegation from San Antonio to discuss a non-stop flight from San Antonio to Washington, D.C.

Discussing Health Care with the Coastal Bend Association of Health Underwriters

On February 14, I met with members of the Coastal Bend Association of Health Underwriters (CBAHU). Pictured from left to right are Jennifer Pleasents, President-Elect; Denise Villagran, Texas Association of Health Underwriters (TAHU) Chapter Liaison; Congressman Cuellar; Laura Hebert, Past President, CBAHU; and Rolando G. Barrera, Vice President, CBAHU.

Discussing Higher Education with Alamo Colleges

On February 15, I met with representatives of Alamo Colleges to discuss Pell grants and the Higher Education Act. Pictured from left to right are Clint Kingsbery, board member; Congressman Henry Cuellar; Emanuel Nyong, student trustee; Dr. Gene Sprague, board member; and Dr. Bruce H. Leslie, chancellor.

Meeting with Veterans from Floresville

On February 15, I met with Travis Seewald, left, and Kai Mayne, right, of the Frank M. Tejeda Texas State Veterans Home in Floresville, Texas, to discuss the State Veteran Home Program.

Delivering Library of Congress Books to Floresville Library

On February 14, my outreach coordiantor for Wilson County, Gilbert Lafuente, provided books from the Library of Congress to the Floresville branch of Wilson County Public Libraries. Pictured from left to right are Rebecca Upchurch, Lesa McCall, Kathy Reeves, Sheri Mantei, Adela Pedraza, Nicki Stohr and Gilbert Lafuente.

Attending U.S. Border Patrol Youth of the Month in Laredo

On February 15, my outreach coordinator for Webb, La Salle and Zapata Counties, Francis Atwell, attended the Laredo Sector Border Patrol Youth of the Month ceremony at United High School in Laredo, where he presented Congressional Certificates of Recognition to students who have achieved academic excellence.



Sincerely,

Henry Cuellar