Congressional Report

Congressional Report: Week of February 12

Dear john,

This week, I voted for H.R. 7176, the Unlocking Our Domestic LNG Potential Act.

The Biden Administration’s recent decision to pause the expansion of liquified natural gas (LNG) terminals is deeply concerning, will hurt Ports such as in Corpus Christi, Texas, and hinders American energy security.

Supporting LNG is particularly important to my constituents as I represent one of the country's most active oil and gas-producing regions, including over 40,000 jobs in my district that generate millions of dollars in tax revenue.

The ongoing war in Ukraine has exposed global dependence on Russian natural gas. The United States has stepped up, and Europe has counted on American LNG exports to ween off their reliance on Russia – 68% of U.S. LNG exports are to Europe.

In a time when we face critical national security challenges around the world, we must strengthen American energy security, not weaken it. H.R. 7176 accomplishes this objective and solidifies American energy security.

I will continue to champion American energy independence and help ensure the United States maintains production of the cleanest oil & natural gas in the world.

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

Lastly, I encourage you to follow me on my social media platforms, @repcuellar, to stay up to date on all things happening in DC and TX-28.

Sincerely,

Henry Cuellar

My Week in Washington, D.C.

Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of Nigeria

I met with Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of Nigeria on Ash Wednesday to discuss the ongoing religious persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

We must continue to combat the violence from Boko Haram and ISIS so that people of all religions can live in peace.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

On Wednesday, I met with Michelle DeLaune, CEO of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

We had an important conversation about initiatives and programs to keep children across the country safe.

Gateway Community Health Center

Thank you to Gateway Community Health Center officials from Laredo for stopping by my DC office to present me with the National Community Health Center Advocate Award!

Community health centers play a crucial role in serving medically underserved communities. I will continue to prioritize expanding affordable healthcare access for all South Texans.

AFGE Local 3511

I met with members of AFGE Local 3511, who work at the Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center in San Antonio.

Our country runs on the hard work of our federal employees. I was pleased to discuss how we can best support our federal workers.

TSA Council

I wrapped up a busy day of meetings on Wednesday with the TSA Council, discussing what TSA agents need to keep our skies safe.

TSA agents do crucial work at airports across the country. Last year, I helped secure $400 million to give our brave TSA agents pay raises.

In Congress, I will continue fighting for the resources TSA agents need to do their jobs well.

Autism Society of America

I met with Chris Banks and Kim Musheno with the Autism Society of America to thank them for the crucial work their organization is doing in our communities.

I will continue working to ensure individuals with autism have the support they need and can reach their full potential.

LULAC

On Thursday, I was pleased to speak to LULAC members about my bill to support colonias and farmworker communities.

Colonias are communities near the border that lack basic amenities like water and sewage. My bill would make it easier for them to access government programs and resources.

My Week in TX-28

US 59 Loop Upgrade Groundbreaking

I was pleased to join state and local leaders in Laredo for the groundbreaking ceremony to upgrade US 59 Loop, part of the future I-69W corridor.

The project has a total construction cost of approximately $360 million, with $288 million consisting of federal transportation funding.

As Laredo continues to grow with commercial and non-commercial traffic, securing robust federal transportation funding for South Texas remains a top priority of mine in Congress.

The US 59 Loop upgrade will help improve traffic and safety while encouraging future economic development – a major win for Laredo.

Specifically, the upgrades to US 59 Loop will widen the road to federal interstate highway standards from International Boulevard to East Corridor Road, with the construction of four overpasses at Shiloh Road, Del Mar Boulevard, University Drive, and Jacaman Road.

Thank you to my state and local partners for working with me to make this expansion possible, including the Texas Department of Transportation, State Senator Judith Zaffirini, Mayor Victor Treviño, Judge Tano Tijerina, and the Laredo City Council.

In the News

The Hill on News Nation

I joined The Hill on News Nation to discuss the impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas and the humanitarian crisis at our Southern Border.

Congress has had multiple chances to make changes that would have helped secure the border. Unfortunately, these bipartisan efforts have all fallen victim to partisan politics.

It’s time to get serious and work in a bipartisan way to secure the border while treating migrants with respect.

WATCH HERE