Dear john,
It has been a busy two weeks in Washington, D.C., and across South Texas!
In Washington, the Appropriations Committee has been busy holding hearings with various government agencies. As the only Texas Democrat on the Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcomittee, I am committed to funding our government and securing wins for South Texas.
Back in South Texas, I announced several exciting projects receiving federal dollars. One project is the Zacate Creek Green District Corridor Project, which will transform Zacate Creek in Laredo into a space for all Laredoans to gather, connect, and enjoy the outdoors together.
Lastly, I am pleased to announce that my bill renaming the Del Mar Post Office after three local military heroes is heading to the President’s Desk to be signed into law!
Lance Corporal David Lee Espinoza, Lance Corporal Juan Rodrigo Rodriguez, and Sergeant Roberto Arizola, Jr. paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedom. Renaming this post office will not bring them back but will ensure their legacy lives on forever.
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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I was pleased to speak to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Patrick Lechleitner on how ICE is working to secure the southern border.
We discussed how ICE is combatting the cartels, disrupting deadly drug trafficking, and protecting communities across the country.
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency helps us prepare for, respond to, and recover from the effects of disasters and emergencies of all types.
I was pleased to discuss with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell how crucial the Shelter and Services Program and Operation Stonegarden are to border communities.
I am committed to working with FEMA to ensure border communities are equipped to handle influxes of irregular migration.
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I discussed with the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Denis McDonough, the importance of our nation’s largest healthcare system, the VA.
Thank you for working with me to serve and support our nation’s heroes.
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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is crucial in protecting America’s airports and our travelers.
It was a pleasure to discuss with Administrator David Pekoske how House Democrats and I are working hard to ensure the TSA workforce is paid fairly.
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As threats against our national security grow, we must ensure the Department of Defense has the resources to protect the United States, support our allies, & honor the men & women who serve our nation.
I was pleased to speak with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin about how to achieve these goals.
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It was a pleasure to speak with students from San Antonio’s St. Phillips College about the important work Congress is doing for the American people.
I always enjoy meeting with South Texans – and I wish these students the best of luck in their future endeavors!
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It is always great to see Hector Garza, Vice President of the Border Patrol Union.
We discussed how Congress should continue supporting our frontline Border Patrol agents working to secure the border.
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I was pleased to join supporters of the I-69 corridor from across the country.
Development of I-69 promotes economic growth from South Texas to the Canadian border.
I will continue fighting for projects that will grow Laredo's trade economy.
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I was pleased to speak at the Texas Farm Bureau fly-in.
Texas farmers are vital in ensuring the stability of our nation’s food supply.
In Congress, I will continue to support our rural farmers and ranchers who play a key role in the South Texas economy.
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It was great to see the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley President, Dr. Guy Bailey, and discuss ways to support South Texas universities.
As a former college professor, I am committed to securing federal resources to improve higher education.
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Great news for Webb County and the City of Laredo!
I joined local leaders to announce $3,799,996 in federal grant funding for the Zacate Creek Green District Corridor Project.
These federal dollars will help develop the 22-acre Zacate Creek Green District Corridor and provide various outdoor recreational facilities for Laredo residents, including new hiking and biking trails, designated parking areas, and an open-air visitor center with restrooms.
This project will help restore Zacate Creek and provide a space for Laredoans to gather, connect, and enjoy the outdoors together.
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It was an honor to be awarded the Key to the City by the City of Laredo.
Thank you to Mayor Trevino, the Laredo City Council, and the Laredo city staff for your recognition and trust!
I look forward to building a brighter future for Laredo together.
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I joined Laredo ISD and the Rio Grande International Study Center to announce $3,120,000 for schoolyard forestry at 8 Laredo schools.
These funds were made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, which I helped pass in 2022.
Quality campus amenities encourage a positive learning environment. I will continue to fight for our students!
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I spoke with Martha Maccallum on The Story about the border crisis and how I am working to secure the border in a bipartisan manner.
WATCH HERE
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My bill renaming the Del Mar Post Office in Laredo after three local military heroes is heading to the President’s Desk to be signed into law.
Lance Corporal David Lee Espinoza, Lance Corporal Juan Rodrigo Rodriguez, and Sergeant Roberto Arizola, Jr. paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedom. Renaming this post office will not bring them back but will ensure their legacy lives on forever. READ HERE
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