Dear john,
This week, I introduced the bipartisan Water Infrastructure Enhancement Act of 2023 with my colleague, Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ-4).
This bill will establish a grant program within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to replace old pipes and improve public water infrastructure. The grant program would fund upgrades and installation of water treatment facilities, storage tanks, distribution pipes, pump stations, emergency generators, wells, and advanced meters.
South Texas needs better water infrastructure, and I am committed to making that happen. My bipartisan bill will improve access to clean drinking water in our communities.
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 announced $339,031 in federal funding for periodic National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1582-compliant physical exams and health screenings for the Laredo Fire Department’s 407 firefighters. The exams will combine a comprehensive, hands-on physical with a model for early detection and prevention of major diseases. The assessment also includes laboratory testing, ultrasound screenings for early detection of heart disease and cancer, cardiopulmonary testing, and fitness evaluations.
The funds will also pay for any additional testing necessary for sworn personnel, including chest x-rays with 2 views and radiologist review, hazmat cholinesterase, and hazmat heavy metals testing. These exams and screenings are necessary to protect the health and safety of our firefighting personnel.
Our firefighters risk their lives every day to protect our communities - both life and property. It is essential that we safeguard their health and well-being, both to protect their individual safety and guarantee their efficiency while in the line of duty. |
I spoke at the Kazen Fellowship Program’s Inaugural Address.
The Kazen Fellowship is a hybrid experiential learning and educational program for Laredo students to intern at the George P. Kazen Federal Courthouse. Kazen Fellows also gain exposure to the legal profession through mentorships with Judges, lawyers, and courthouse staff.
As the son of migrant parents, I learned at a young age the importance of hard work, giving back to my community, and the value of an education. I look forward to working with the Kazen Fellowship program to foster the next generation of legal minds for Laredo.
Thank you to U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana for organizing the Kazen Fellowship Program, and for inviting me to give the inaugural program address. |
I had the honor of speaking at the Laredo Fire Department’s cadets swearing-in ceremony. Congratulations to our new firefighters and paramedics!
I want to recognize and thank all our first responders who risk their lives for the well-being of our community. I commend you for all the work you do.
Since coming into office, I have helped secure $8.7 million for the Laredo Fire Department to hire 69 new firefighters. I have also helped secure over $420,000 for the Laredo Fire Department to purchase safety and firefighting equipment. Most recently, I secured nearly $340,000 to provide preventive physical exams and health screenings for the Laredo Fire Department’s 407 firefighters.
As a Laredo native and a member of the House Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, I am pleased to see that federal decision-makers recognize the quality and importance of our local responders, and I will continue to advocate on their behalf.
Congratulations again to all the new firefighters and paramedics. I also want to thank the Mayor of Laredo, Dr. Victor Treviño, Laredo City Manager Joseph Neeb, Councilwoman Melissa Cigarroa, and Laredo Fire Chief Guillermo Heard for their leadership, and Laredo College and their President, Dr. Minita Ramírez, for hosting the ceremony. |
I spoke at the 2023 Texas Restaurant Show, hosted by the Texas Restaurant Association. I ran into local Laredo and San Antonio restaurant owners, including my friend, Rolando Perez, owner of Charlie’s Corona in Laredo.
Restaurants are an important economic driver for our state. Did you know that there are approximately 1,111 restaurants and 23,682 restaurant employees in TX-28? Overall, restaurants account for 11% of total employment in Texas. |
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Thank you to the City of Laredo Fire Chief, Guillermo Heard, and the entire Laredo Fire Department for presenting me with this beautiful fire chief’s helmet.
Let this helmet reinforce our commitment to the City of Laredo and its residents. With your help, I am looking forward to continuing supporting our firefighters for many years to come! |
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In 1976, my Phi Theta Kappa brothers and I planted a tree at Laredo College as a symbol of strength and unity.
Today, that tree is more than 30 feet tall, and we have never been stronger or more united. |
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Julian Ruiz is a summer intern in my Laredo District office. Julian is a rising senior at St. Augustine High School and plans to pursue a degree in Management at the University of Texas or Texas A&M University after his graduation. His hobbies include playing sports- basketball, football, and tennis -, playing video games, and spending quality time with family and friends. Thank you for your service, Julian! |
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Good luck to all the teams participating in the 2023 Girls PONY Fastpitch World Series!
Thank you to the City of Laredo and the Laredo PONY league for inviting my office to join you for the opening ceremony at Uni-Trade Stadium. |
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Thank you to Air Education and Training Command (AETC) for hosting my office and other entities for your Civic Leader Reception in San Antonio.
It was wonderful seeing different entities come together in support of our military. We look forward to continuing our work with you! |
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Thank you to everyone in Roma, Escobares, and La Rosita who stopped by to share their needs and concerns with my office.
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Thank you to everyone at the Fred M. & Anita Bruni Community Center and the Los Botines Fire Station for meeting with my office.
Once a month, my office will visit your community to offer you assistance with federal agencies. To find out when we will be in your neighborhood, visit my website at cuellar.house.gov, or call my office. |
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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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