Dear john,

This week, I sent President Joe Biden urging for the extension of Title 42 which has been critical to help manage the current immigration crisis at our southern border. 

I was joined by Senators John Cornyn, Joe Manchin, and Rep. Tony Gonzales as a bipartisan delegation who recognize the severe repercussions of what is to come without Title 42.

My colleagues and I are committed to providing DHS with effective policies that will maintain operational control over the southern border, and that do not require long processing times. However, creating those policies will take time. I urged President Biden to consider extending Title 42 beyond the December 21^st expiration deadline.

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 joined Congressman Tony Gonzales and a bipartisan group of Members of Congress in front of the Capitol for a press conference on rising suicide rates among U.S. Border Patrol agents. 14 Border Patrol agents committed suicide this year alone. To combat this development, I fought to add $23 million to address the behavioral health challenges within U.S. Customs and Border Protection in FY22. In FY23, I proposed adding an additional $23 million. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, I will continue to advocate for the men and women in green who work every day to protect border communities. Thank you to Congressman Tony Gonzales and the bipartisan Members for joining me in raising awareness for this issue.

My wife, Imelda, joined me to announce $21,543,094 for the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District to support the improvement of public health infrastructure. The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District will utilize the federal funding to modernize the health department and fund the SA Forward Plan – a response plan to COVID-19 – to improve public health infrastructure. The funding will support SA Forward’s six focus areas: access to care; data and technology infrastructure; food insecurity and nutrition, health equity and social justice, mental health and community resilience, and violence prevention.

I had the pleasure of joining Neil Cavuto on his show to give my perspective on the situation at our southern border. We must continue providing resources such as technology, equipment, and man power to secure the border, however, we must also address immigration policy. In addition, we need to work with Mexico and our Central American allies to deter migrants from even attempting the dangerous trip to the U.S. I am from the border. I understand our border communities’ sentiment, and I will continue to advocate for a secure border and legal immigration.

My office presented a Congressional Recognition to Mr. Randy Howe, USCBP Director of Field Operations Laredo Office, in honor of his retirement after 34 years protecting our nation’s borders. Congratulations Mr. Howe on your well-deserved retirement and thank you for your decades of service.

My San Antonio Outreach Coordinator, Eric Cleveland, attended the Alamo Area Council of Government (AACOG) Annual Meeting and 2022 Regional Awards. Congratulations to Judge, James Teal, for being sworn in to a second term as Chairman of the AACOG Board of Directors.

My Office attended the Webb County Sheriff’s Office Christmas Bake Sale. Proceeds will go toward the Sheriff’s Office annual Christmas Dance. I hope everyone had the opportunity to stop by and purchase some of their amazing pastries. Thank you, Sheriff Martin Cuellar, and your whole staff for always being involved in our community.

My Starr County Outreach Coordinator, Robert Bazan, attended the City of La Grulla tree lighting at the City Park Kiosk. Thank you Mayor, Laura Solis, and the rest of your staff for welcoming the holiday season with the community. Happy Holidays La Grulla!

My office attended the WestCare Texas DFC F.A.C.E. Coalition meeting.

The DFC F.A.C.E. Coalition serves as community voice that facilitates the collaboration amongst service providers, other coalitions, and federal and local government agencies to improve the quality of life of youth and their families in our community by implementing drug free strategies, engaging stakeholders, and promoting a drug-free community.

Melissa presented students at Hector J Garcia Early College in Laredo with Congressional Certificates of Recognition for participating in this year’s Congressional App Challenge. Congratulations to everyone who participated and a special mention to this year’s Texas 28 Congressional App Challenge 3rd place winner, Brianna Perez.

My Laredo office presented a Congressional Certificate of Recognition to City of Laredo Councilman Rudy Gonzalez who is stepping away after 8 years of dedicated service to our community. Thank you for your commitment to improve our city and I wish you the best going forward.