Dear john,
As we prepare for Memorial Day next Monday, please join me in taking a moment to reflect on the true essence of this federal holiday. Memorial Day is not just another long weekend or an opportunty for backyard barbecues - it is a time to honor and remember the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.
This Memorial Day, let us come together as a grateful community and ensure that the sacrifices of our fallen heroes are never forgotten. May we continue to honor their legacy by embracing the values of liberty, unity, and compassion in our daily lives.
As always, if you need help with a federal agency, please contact one of my offices: - Washington, DC: (202) 225-1640
- Laredo: (956) 725-0639
- San Antonio: (210) 271-2851
- Rio Grande City: (956) 487-5603
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I presided over a subcommittee markup hearing for consideration of the FY24 Homeland Security appropriations bill.
I support investing in border security technology, employee care and suicide prevention programs, and Homeland Security Investigations. However, this bill offers a 14th century solution to a 21st century problem instead of providing for our frontline officers and agents. I look forward to working with Chairwoman Granger, Ranking Member DeLauro, and Subcommittee Chairman Joyce to produce a bipartisan bill that meets our country's needs. |
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I also attended a subcommittee markup hearing for consideration of the FY24 Military Construction & Veterans' Affairs appropriations bill.
As a representative of Military City, U.S.A., I will continue to fight for improved military infrastructure and to protect our veterans' benefits. |
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I met with Michael Scaief, Alex Meade, and Erik Ommen from the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) in my Washington, DC office.
IBAT represents more than 2,000 community banks across 700 Texas communities, including Laredo, the Rio Grande Valley, and San Antonio. Thank you for stopping by – I will continue to fight for independent Texas bankers in Washington. |
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I attended a meeting with the Congressional Family Business Caucus. The primary mission of the caucus is to highlight the importance of America's family businesses.
Thank you for having me! I will continue to fight for our family businesses in Congress. |
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I met with Dr. Scott Kercheville, an anesthesiologist in San Antonio. We discussed improving health care for South Texas.
Thank you for visiting me! I look forward to continuing our important work. |
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What a treat it was to meet with Al Smith and Rayford Carter from the National Rural Letter Carrier’s Association (NRLCA).
The two gentlemen represent the hard-working members of the labor union who we depend on to get our mail delivered on time and in one piece.
You and your members can count on my support! |
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Thank you to my friend, Mexican Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma Barragan, his wife, Cecilia Barbará, and the Mexican Embassy staff for hosting me, other Hispanic Members of Congress, and my daughter, Christina, for a mole dinner. The food was delicious!
As border representatives, we know the importance of binational cooperation between the United States and Mexico. I look forward to deepening the working relationship between our countries and ensuring our mutual success. |
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I joined our Laredo Sector Border Patrol in touring the area for the proposed patrol roads that will help increase security along the Rio Grande River.
This nearly $40 million, 17-mile road project will provide the means for our Border Patrol agents to access areas that are currently inaccessible and by consequence, difficult to secure. The road will also facilitate access for first responders and other emergency vehicles. Of the 17 miles, 14 are privately owned and 3 are owned by the City of Laredo. I want to emphasize that landowners will maintain full rights to their property.
The roads will create a win-win situation for everyone involved as they will facilitate our Border Patrol’s job while improving emergency access and quality of life for the residents of Laredo.
I will continue pushing for full cooperation between U.S. Border Patrol and the City of Laredo during the planning and execution of this project. |
I had the pleasure of addressing the St. Augustine High School Class of 2023 during their graduation ceremony.
Congratulations! May your future be full of learning, passion, growth, and a steadfast commitment to doing the right thing.
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I was a keynote speaker at GirlCon Texas 2023. This convention, the first of its kind in our state, was held at Laredo College.
GirlCon is an international tech conference (for students, by students) aiming to empower the next generation of tech leaders. The event featured breakout sessions, professional development seminars, and keynote speakers from numerous companies and backgrounds.
Thank you, GirlCon Texas, for your commitment to creating more opportunities for women in the technology field! |
Congratulations, Honorable Judge Ricardo Hinojosa, on your 40 years of service in our federal courts.
Thank you for allowing my staff, Robert Bazan and Alexis Gallegos, to present you with a Congressional Certificate recognizing your contributions to our judicial system.
We hope to see you serve for many more years to come! |
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I am extremely proud of the Randolph High School Track and Field Team for being crowned 2023 AAA State of Texas Champions.
Your hard work and dedication are admirable and will serve as a blueprint for future champions from your school.
Congratulations! |
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My Laredo Outreach Coordinator, Melissa Pena, attended this year's Laredo Police Department 8th Grader of the Year award ceremony.
Congratulations to all nominees of this year’s award. Your commitment in the classroom has not gone unnoticed. |
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Thank you Commissioner Jesse Gonzalez for recognizing students in Webb County who overachieve in both athletics and academics.
La Estrella Del Deporte has become a prestigious award among high school students in our community and we look forward to many more years of showcasing our young talent.
Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients! |
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Melissa also presented Congressional Certificates of Recognition to all the students at Buitron’s Academy who made the Honor Roll.
Congratulations!
Thank you, Professor Paul Buitron, for teaching your students the importance of academic success! |
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Congratulations, Reycom Combat Gym, on your grand opening in Live Oak.
Thank you for inviting my Bexar County Outreach Coordinator, Eric Cleveland, to join you and for choosing to invest in our local economy.
We wish you much success! |
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My Laredo Outreach Coordinator, Melissa Peña, attended the Webb County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Week awards ceremony.
Thank you to Sheriff Martin Cuellar and the rest of our community for recognizing the amazing job our men and women in law enforcement do to keep our community safe.
Thank you all for your service! |
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My Starr County Outreach Coordinator, Robert Bazan, joined South Texas College and Texas A&M Healthy South Texas for the introduction of their new Diabetes Education Program at the STC Starr County campus.
Thank you to STC Board of Trustees Chair, Rose Benavidez, STC President, Ricardo Solis, and the rest of the board for continuously seeking opportunities that benefit the health of our community. |
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Melissa also attended the City of Laredo’s National Police Week 2023 awards ceremony.
I want to thank all of our police officers who sacrifice so much to keep our families safe. Thanks to all of you, Laredo is one of the safest cities in the nation.
A special congratulations to all of the officers who were recognized! |
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My Laredo Outreach Coordinator, Marco Salazar, attended the 30th Annual Fishing Derby for Special Need Students at the Ranchito in Lake Casa Blanca State Park.
The event was a success with over 80 special needs students and young adults participating.
Thank you to Community First and the rest of the sponsors and volunteers for bringing back the derby this year! |
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For more information on available federal grant opportunities, visit my website or contact my Grants Coordinator, Randy Aguilar, at [email protected]. |
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