Dear john,
Last week, I voted to pass a government funding bill that keeps the government open and includes strong border security measures to secure the border. I am especially pleased with the tough but fair Homeland Security funding bill.
In my first fiscal year as Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, I worked diligently with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to write a bill to fund strong border security, support border law enforcement, and adequately protect our Homeland.
I am proud to have successfully fought to prohibit new funds for border wall construction.
I also helped secure record levels of funding for Border Patrol Agents and $125 million for increases to Border Patrol overtime pay authorized by the NDAA. These measures will ensure we can hire and retain qualified agents to secure our border. Additionally, I worked to increase funding for new border technology at and between ports of entry and to hire additional CBP officers, which will help crack down on the deadly fentanyl epidemic affecting communities across the country.
Lastly, I fought tirelessly to secure $650 million for the Shelter and Services Grant Program, an effort I helped establish in 2014. This program is a lifeline to border communities like mine and provides crucial funding to nonprofits and NGOs as they assist migrants awaiting the outcome of their immigration proceedings.
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
Sincerely,
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On Thursday, I hosted a webinar on funding opportunities for the creative arts.
The creative arts bring South Texas together through imagination, emotion, and enrichment, thereby contributing to a more creative society for all.
I spent time highlighting available grants and funding opportunities for schools, nonprofits, and local governments.
You can watch the webinar here. |
On Wednesday, I attended an Appropriations Committee on the quality of life for members of our Armed Forces.
I received an update from the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Space Force on their ongoing projects and initiatives to improve the quality of life for our service members.
As a senior member of House Appropriations Democrats, I am committed to supporting our military personnel. |
It was an honor to speak at the Autism Speaks Advocacy Day Reception. Thank you to all the advocates at the Capitol sharing their stories.
As Co-Chair of the Congressional Autism Caucus, I will continue working to ensure individuals with autism have the support they need and are given opportunities to thrive. |
I had the pleasure of meeting with the Texas Corn Producers Association on National Agriculture Day!
Corn producers in South Texas play a vital role in growing food that feeds our families. In Congress, I will continue to support South Texas farmers and ranchers. |
It was a pleasure to meet with Lieutenant General Robert I. Miller, Surgeon General of U.S. Air Force, and Major Nicole Ward, a former fellow of mine.
Thank you to the men and women of the U.S. Air Force who bravely defend our skies and ensure our nation’s safety. |
Today, I joined local leaders in Webb County at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Webb County Southern Health Facility.
In Congress, I secured $7,353,870 in federal funds to bring this facility to fruition. The 10,585 square foot facility will serve over 7,000 residents of Rio Bravo, El Cenizo, and La Presa by providing affordable health care in a convenient location.
Thank you to Commissioner Jesse Gonzalez and the Webb County Commissioners Court for working with me to deliver for South Texas. |
I joined MSNBC's Jose Diaz Balart to discuss the Homeland Security government funding bill.
As the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, I am proud to have successfully fought for many wins in South Texas. Specifically, I helped secure increased overtime pay for Border Patrol Agents, smart technology to secure the border, funding for migrant shelters and nonprofits, and resources to combat the fentanyl epidemic.
I will always fight to ensure the safety of our South Texas communities.
WATCH HERE |
On Wednesday, I joined CNN with Jake Tapper to discuss the Homeland Security funding bill and the humanitarian crisis at our border.
To secure our border, Democrats and Republicans must come together and work on bipartisan, sensible solutions. The time for political games is over. Our border communities need real solutions.
Let’s pass the Senate bipartisan border bill and get the job done.
WATCH HERE |
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