Dear john,

Last night, I attended the 2023 State of the Union Address. President Joe Biden highlighted the progress we have made over the last two years. 

The COVID-19 pandemic shut down our businesses, closed our schools, and put tremendous stress on our society. As of last night, we have created a record 12 million new jobs in two years—more than any administration before.

We also came together to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has allocated Texas over $30 billion in infrastructure funding. The law is putting hundreds of thousands of people to work rebuilding our highways, bridges, railroads, tunnels, ports and airports, clean water, and high-speed internet across America.

With the Inflation Reduction Act, we took action to bring your health care costs down so you can keep more dollars in your pocket. This includes capping the cost of insulin at $35 a month and giving Medicare the power to negotiate drug prices. 

Additionally, in the last two years, we cut our national debt by more than $1.7 trillion—the largest deficit reduction in American history. 

These are just some of the many accomplishments we’ve achieved in the past two years. I look forward to continuing working with all my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans alike, to bring progress to South Texas. 

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
• San Antonio: (210) 271 2851
• Rio Grande City: (956) 424-3942 

I met with Honduran Ambassador Javier Bu Soto. We discussed how our countries can work together to support development in the United States, Honduras, and the Northern Triangle region. Thank you, Ambassador Bu Soto, for meeting with me. I look forward to working with you in the 118th Congress and bringing great progress to both our countries.

I met with the Alamo Colleges District in my Washington, DC, office. I have the privilege of representing two Alamo College campuses, Northeast Lakeview College and St. Philip’s College, within my district. As a product of community college and a lifelong learner, I will always advocate for you and your students.

My wife, Imelda Cuellar, and my brother, Sheriff Martin Cuellar, attended my sister’s, the Honorable Rosie Cuellar, swearing in as the new Municipal Court Judge for the City of Rio Bravo. Judge Jose “Pepe” Salinas administered the oath of office. Congratulations, Rosie. I know that with your leadership and experience you will be a great asset to our local courts.

Osvaldo Grimaldo is an intern in my Washington, DC office. Born and raised in Roma, Texas, Osvaldo is a proud first-generation college student pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Legal Studies from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). Throughout his undergraduate education, Osvaldo has worked tirelessly to expand his knowledge of public policy and find common ground on political issues. Osvaldo's main policy interests include education, foreign affairs, immigration, and trade. He hopes to gain experience in the federal policymaking process before heading to law school in the near future. 

Randy Aguilar is my Legislative Correspondent and Staff Assistant. Originally from Laredo, Texas, Randy graduated from Lyndon B. Johnson High School in 2014. He went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps for 4 years as an Artilleryman. After his service, Randy moved back home to Laredo and enrolled in Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), where he graduated with his bachelor’s degree as a double major in Political Science and Sociology. Randy interned with my office during his undergraduate education and was later offered a full-time position in DC.

My daughter, Christina, and my Laredo Outreach Coordinator, Melissa Peña, attended the ribbon cutting for the Los Presidentes roadway extension. The thoroughfare will help alleviate traffic coming from the Concord Hill and Los Presidentes subdivisions. Thank you, Laredo Regional Mobility Authority, the City of Laredo, and Webb County Drainage for your collaboration on this project.

My Bexar County Outreach Coordinator, Jesus Martinez, attended a health care committee hosted by the South Texas Partnership. At the meeting, different health professionals from the area discussed medical needs and how we can improve outreach and engagement with the community. Thank you, Michelle Hooker, for inviting my office to participate in yesterday’s meeting.

My San Antonio office attended the ribbon cutting for the new Burger King franchise in the city of Converse. Thank you to Converse Mayor Al Suarez for always promoting local investment and economic development.

My San Antonio office attended the ribbon cutting for Red Circle Boba. Red Circle was founded under the belief that excellence derives from a purposeful and continuous desire to achieve quality life experiences. Congratulations, and thank you for opting to provide your services in our community!