My Week in Congress

My Week in Congress - April 15

Dear john,

Last week, I welcomed Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas of the Department of Homeland Security to testify before the House Appropriations Committee.

As the top Democrat on the subcommittee overseeing the Department of Homeland Security's budget, I am fighting every day to secure the border.

In my hearing with Secretary Mayorkas, I discussed the record funding increases we secured for our frontline Border Patrol Agents and CBP officers last year. I also emphasized to the Secretary that the Administration must continue working to lower the number of encounters at the border through diplomatic means and messaging.

We must enforce our current immigration laws, including Title 8, and detain and quickly deport migrants who do not qualify for asylum. Enforcing strong border security policies while respecting immigrant values is possible.

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,

Henry Cuellar

My Week in Washington, D.C.

Japanese PM Address with Judge Peter Sakai of Bexar County

Congressman Castro and I had the honor of inviting Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai and his wife, Rachel Sakai, to join us for Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio's joint address to Congress.

Judge Sakai, a second-generation Japanese American, is a strong advocate for Bexar County and South Texas.

Securing Water for South Texas

I was pleased to speak with Secretary of State Antony Blinken on ways to secure immediate water deliveries from Mexico for South Texas.

Water from Mexico is critical for South Texas farmers and ranchers.

I also brought up the importance of the World Trade Bridge expansion project in Laredo, which would significantly increase international trade with Mexico.

Meeting with Secretary Mayorkas on Border Security Funding

I was pleased to welcome Secretary Mayorkas and the Department of Homeland Security to our Appropriations hearing today.

As a Ranking Member for Homeland Security on the House Appropriations Committee I discussed the record funding increases we secured in FY24 and how it will help border communities.

View my full opening statement from the hearing here.

View a full recording of the hearing here.

Met with TSA Administrator David Pekoske

I was pleased to meet with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske.

In this year's government funding bill, I helped secure a $1 billion increase for TSA to sustain pay equity investments started last year.

I’m working hard to ensure the TSA workforce is paid fairly for their critical work keeping Americans safe.

My Week in TX-28

Poteet Strawberry Festival

After a busy week in Washington, D.C., it was great to be able to attend the Poteet Strawberry Festival with my family.

This year's festival is Poteet's 77th annual celebration. Imelda and I are always thrilled to attend and we had a wonderful time this year.

In The News

MSNBC

I joined MSNBC's Morning Joe on Friday to discuss ways President Biden can secure the border.

We must have strong border security measures and enforce the current immigration laws we have on the books. It is possible to be strong on border security while still respecting immigrant values.

WATCH HERE

NewsNation

I spoke to NewsNation about how I am fighting everyday to secure the border.

As the top Democrat overseeing the Department of Homeland Security's budget, I secured record funding for strong border security measures that support our frontline Border Patrol Agents and CBP Officers.

WATCH HERE

Don't Forget!

The 2024 Congressional Art Competition deadline is approaching!

Send your submissions to [email protected] by April 19, 2024, 5 p.m. for a chance to have your artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol!