Dear john,

On January 3^rd ,2023, the United States House of Representatives convened its first session of the 118^th Congress.

I am returning to Washington as a Senior Member of the House Appropriations Committee to continue advocating for South Texas and prioritizing the areas of education, healthcare, job creation, and security.

I am grateful to enter my 10th term representing you in Congress, and I thank you for your continued trust.  

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 

My wife, Imelda, and my daughters, Christina and Catherine, joined me in Washington, DC, as the 118th Congress began. We had a chance to say hello to Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. Catherine also joined me in the House Chamber as we were in session. It is an honor and a privilege to represent you, South Texas, as your voice in Congress

I spent New Year’s Eve in San Antonio with my wife, Imelda, and my daughters, Christy and Catie. Thank you to San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and the San Antonio Parks Foundation for your warm hospitality. It was great to celebrate with you. I also had the opportunity to share my New Year’s resolution with KABB Fox 29 News. This year, my resolution is to spend more time with my family.

With 2023 upon us, I wish you and your family an abundance of blessings and good health. Happy New Year!

I attended the swearing in ceremony for the new Laredo Councilman for District 1, Gilbert Gonzalez. Congratulations, Mr. Gonzalez. I look forward to working with you to continue making Laredo a better place to live. I also had the opportunity to say hello to a good friend, Ms. Alejandra Gonzalez, National Junior Olympics Boxing Champion.

I recognized outgoing Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz with a Congressional Record certificate for his tenure as our Mayor for the past eight years. Thank you, Mayor Saenz, for your service. It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with you to deliver for Laredo. I wish you all the best in your next endeavors!

My Special Projects Coordinator, Leticia Cantu, attended Bexar County's Elected Officials Swearing In Ceremony. Congratulations to County Judge Peter Sakai, County Clerk Lucy Adame-Clark, and District Clerk Gloria Martinez. I look forward to working with you and delivering for Bexar County.

My Starr County Outreach Coordinator, Roberto Bazan, attended the Starr County Elected Officials Swearing In Ceremony. Congratulations to the following officials: County Judge Eloy Vera; County Commissioner, Precinct 4, Hernan Garza; County Attorney Rene Montalvo; County Treasurer Romeo Gonzalez; Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, Valerie Clarke; Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5, Veronica “Ronnie” Alaniz; Justice of the Peace, Precinct 8, Luis Garcia, Jr.; 229th District Court Judge Baldemar Garza; Democratic Party Chair Jessica Vera-Rios. Together, as Starr County’s elected officials, we will bring great progress to our community.

My Guadalupe County Outreach Coordinator, Arturo C. Olivarez, attended the Guadalupe County Elected Officials Swearing In Ceremony. Congratulations to the following officials: County Judge Kyle Kutscher; County Commissioner, Precinct 2, Drew Engelke; County Commissioner, Precinct 4, Stephen Germann; County Clerk Teresa Kiel; District Clerk Linda Balk; County Treasurer Linda Douglass; Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Darrell Hunter; Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2, Sheryl Sachtleben; Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3, John D. Terry, Sr.; Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, Todd Friesenhahn, County Court at Law Judge, William G. Squires, III, County Court at, Law II Judge, Kirsten Legore, 274th Judicial District Judge, Gary L. Steel, 456th, Judicial District Judge, Heather Hines Wright. As stewards of Guadalupe County government, I look forward to working with you.

My office attended Jim Hogg County's Swearing In Ceremony. Congratulations to the following officials: County Judge Juan Carlos Guerra; County Commissioner, Precinct 2, Abelardo “Valo” Alaniz; County Commissioner, Precinct 4, Cynthia Betancourt; Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Alma Siguero; Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2, Susan H. Douglas; Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3, Marissa M. Garza; Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, Aaron Salazar; District Clerk Zonia G. Morales, County Treasurer Gloria “Gigi” Benavides. The people of Jim Hogg County have chosen you to represent them. Together, we will bring progress to our community.

Marco Salazar attended the Honorable Oscar Liendo’s swearing in ceremony as Webb County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Place 2. Congratulations! I look forward to continuing to work with you in upholding the law for Webb County.

Eric Cleveland attended the Alamo Bowl Veteran Resource Fair and Tailgate. Thank you to the many veterans who have served our country. My office is here to support you

My Outreach Coordinator, Melissa Pena, attended the swearing in ceremony for incoming Laredo City Councilwoman for District 2, Daisy Campos Rodriguez. Congratulations, Councilwoman Campos Rodriguez. I look forward to working with you to deliver for our City.

Melissa Pena presented outgoing Laredo City Councilman for District 2, Vidal Rodriguez, with a Congressional Certificate of Recognition for his six years on the City Council. Thank you, Councilman Rodriguez, for your service. I have valued our time in working together to provide for the City of Laredo, and I wish you all the best in your future.

My Laredo office attended Dr. Tyler King's swearing in ceremony as City of Laredo Councilman, District 6. Congratulations! I look forward to working with you and creating a better Laredo.