Dear john,

Last week, I voted to pass legislation that will keep the government open through December 16.

This bipartisan legislation is a temporary measure to afford Congress sufficient time to complete the fiscal year 2023 omnibus. The bill provides relief to communities recovering from natural disasters as well as for border patrol personnel responding to the migrant crisis. 

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 attended a town hall hosted by Laredo City Councilwoman Vanessa Perez to discuss transportation investments in the Mines Road area. This area is vital for the transportation industry to continue to thrive in Laredo and we will work together at the local, state, and federal level to make it more efficient. Since 2018, 13 projects, totaling over $28.3 million, have been completed to improve road quality and traffic flow on Mines Road. This funding will only continue to increase over time.

I announced that the Gateway Health Center Zapata Clinic received a $160,387 federal grant to renovate their 7,500 square foot building. These upgrades will help the clinic provide a higher quality service to its more than 11,000 yearly patients. Thank you Gateway CEO, Elmo Lopez, and the rest of your staff for serving Zapata County. 

I joined Sojourners and the Latino Christian National Network to discuss the important role that Latino churches play in our communities. Churches provide social services and reduce poverty in South Texas’ Hispanic communities. We can work together with churches to get families the resources they need.

I had breakfast with our office’s interns: Cason, Patricia, Celine, and Sophia. They are doing a great job working for TX-28 and have bright futures ahead of them. Thank you for all of your hard work!

I had a virtual call with the EPA to discuss ethylene oxide concerns in Laredo. I am actively working with the agency to address the issue.

I presided over the House Floor during the debate of a bill which strives to improve our country’s cybersecurity.

My Laredo Outreach Coordinator, Melissa Peña, attended the Breast Cancer Awareness Month Proclamation Ceremony hosted by the Webb County Commissioner’s Court. Breast cancer has impacted lives across TX-28 and we must continue working towards testing and treatment. In Washington, I will always fight for funding that helps research to find a cure.

My Laredo Outreach Coordinator, Marco Salazar, joined Mayor Pete Saenz and local officials to celebrate the opening of Sendero Coffee in the Laredo International Airport. Sendero Coffee will be an excellent gathering place for travelers flying to and from Laredo.

Roberto attended a ribbon cutting ceremony for PeRey’s Pizza today in Rio Grande City. PeRey’s offers great food at an affordable price to Starr County families.

Melissa visited “Disparate Inclinations,” the latest exhibit at Laredo College’s Martha Fenstermaker Memorial Visual Arts Gallery. Seven local artists are featured at the gallery, including Lestat Alexander, Mary Bausman, and Eva Solis.

Roberto attended the Market Days event in Roma. The events at Plaza Histórica include vendors selling food, clothing, jewelry, plants, and home made goods.

Eric presented a flag flown over the Capitol and a Congressional Certificate of Recognition to Ms. Christy Carouth, who is retiring from the San Antonio Division of the United States Bankruptcy Court’s Western District of Texas after 37 years of service.

Roberto and Alexis visited Alvarez Nutrition Center today in Rio Grande City. Roberto spoke to the seniors in attendance about the services my office can provide for VA benefits, Social Security benefits, and more.

Melissa attended the ribbon cutting for Kendra Scott’s new location in Laredo. Kendra Scott is a Texas-based company that sells jewelry and accessories.

Eric joined Randolph Air Force Base personnel for Texas American Indian Heritage Day. Texas American Indian Heritage Day recognizes the contributions that Native American communities and leaders have made to keeping our state safe and prosperous.

Roberto visited an art exhibit from Roma High School showcasing qualifying works of art to the statewide Visual Arts Scholastic Event competition. Showcased at South Texas College’s Library Art Gallery Program room in Starr County, these students represent the talent and potential of South Texas artists.

Eric attended the Welcome Reception for the Mexican Consul General in San Antonio, Ruben Minutti Zanatta, at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Mr. Zanatta will play a key role in keeping the relationship between South Texas and Mexico strong, culturally, diplomatically, and economically.

Arturo and Eric joined South Texas legislative leaders for the Legislative Advocacy Luncheon hosted by the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District. The event highlighted how educators at SCUC ISD are viewing today’s issues, and what legislators can do to ensure that South Texas students receive a quality education.

Eric attended the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Meet & Greet Speed Networking Breakfast at Anne Marie’s Catering. This event is a great opportunity for local entrepreneurs and leaders to share ideas about how to make Bexar County even more prosperous and successful.

Roberto attended Rio Grande City’s National Night Out. National Night Out promotes a strong relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve. With the general public and law enforcement working together, we can keep crime out of our communities and ensure safety for South Texas families.

Eric visited Lytle, Poteet, Pleasanton, and the Atascosa County Courthouse.

Thank you to all of the city employees for welcoming us! I look forward to continuing our work to make Atascosa County an even better place to live.