Dear john,

The August jobs numbers show that America is continuing its strong and steady job growth.  Our nation has powered record-setting job creation: helping millions of Americans get back to work, while empowering Americans to get off the sidelines and rejoin the workforce.

This robust and ongoing jobs recovery was sparked by Democrats’ American Rescue Plan and furthered by our Infrastructure Law.  Now, we are building on this momentum to lower kitchen table costs and create more opportunities for our workers.  Our CHIPS and Science Act will create good-paying new jobs as we reinvigorate American semiconductor manufacturing and technological innovation.  Our Inflation Reduction Act is projected to deliver nine million new jobs in the clean energy industries of the future, while slashing prescription drug costs for seniors and energy bills for families.

As always, if you need help with a federal agency, please contact one of my offices:

• Washington D.C.:(202) 225 1640
• Laredo: (956) 725-0639
• Mission: (956) 424-3942
• San Antonio: (210) 271 2851
• Rio Grande City: (956) 424-3942 

I announced that the Laredo area will receive $1.628 billion in transportation funding from TXDoT’s 2023 Unified Transportation Program. This funding will include 16 highway projects in Laredo over the next 10 years, reducing commute times, saving families money on gas, and improving the quality of life in Webb County. My vote for the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law contributes to the $1.6 billion in funding-a $1.25 billion increase since 2015!

I announced that I delivered over $3 million in federal funds for the Starr County Sheriff’s Office to support border security efforts. This money will be used to increase overtime pay available and pays for operating expenses and new equipment—resources that are necessary for the security of the community. This money will also be shared with the U.S. Border Patrol, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Starr County Constables, the Starr County District Attorney’s Office investigators, the Starr County Attorney’s Office investigators, the Roma Police Department, and the Rio Grande City Police Department and other local police departments, ensuring law enforcement agencies have what they need to work together to secure our border.

I announced that Serving Children and Adults in Need (SCAN) will receive $1,940,000 in federal funds over the next four years for the Frontera HIV and Mental Health Expansion Project from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. SCAN serves 2,000 South Texans per year with domestic and substance abuse, mental health issues, and post-traumatic stress.

I met with Rose Benavidez, VTX1 CEO Patrick McDonald, and VTX1 CTO Sebastian Ivanskiy to discuss how we can work together to expand broadband access in South Texas. Our rural and underserved communities need internet to keep moving forward, and I’m doing all I can in Washington to make that happen.

I stopped to visit the crews at enCore Energy’s Rosita plant, Texas’ next uranium producer, to learn about how they are contributing to America‘s new clean energy solutions.

I presented a Congressional Certificate of Recognition to Cande Aguilar at the Laredo Center for the Arts. Cande is a renowned self-taught artist who works and reflects on the border culture of South Texas. His newest creation, “barrioPOP, En Vivo y A Todo Color Laredo”, will be on display until October 22nd at the Laredo Center for the Arts-make sure not to miss it!

My Laredo Outreach Coordinator, Melissa Peña, attended the Buena Vista Sports Complex Groundbreaking Ceremony. This premier venue will attract sports visitors to Laredo from across Texas and the country. With an expected completion in 2024, the facility will have baseball fields, soccer fields, basketball courts, an indoor sports center, fishing piers, playgrounds and more. 

My Rio Grande Valley Outreach Coordinator, Alexis Gallegos, visited the Rio Grande City CISD Middle and High School campuses to promote the Congressional App Challenge. The Congressional App Challenge encourages students to learn how to code through an annual district-wide competition hosted by their Member of Congress. Make sure to submit your app by November 1st! For more information, visit www.cuellar.house.gov/students/congressional-app-challenge or www.congressionalappchallenge.us. 

Melissa joined the City of Laredo at the South Texas Food Bank for Mayor Pete Saenz’s proclamation of September 2022 as “Hunger Action Month in Laredo, Texas”.