Dear john,

Last week, I was named Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, which oversees the entire Department of Homeland Security, the third largest Department of the U.S. government.

I’ve lived at the border my entire life – I know the work that needs to be done and how to tackle the problems that communities up and down the Southern Border face daily. As the first Representative of a border district to lead this Subcommittee, I will deliver common-sense, bipartisan solutions to secure our border, champion the men and women in green and blue, and protect border communities.

It is time to get to work.

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 Admiral Linda Fagan, 27th Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, and with Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, Dave Joyce. We learned how Congress can help the Coast Guard fulfill its mission in ensuring the United States’ homeland security. As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcomittee on Homeland Security, I look forward to working with the Coast Guard and all Homeland Security agencies in the 118th Congress.

I met with the Texas Municipal Police Association. Security is important to South Texas families as the men and women in blue keep us safe. Thank you to John Wilkerson and John DeSpain for meeting with me. I will continue to support law enforcement at the federal level.

I met with the Energy Workforce & Technology Council in my Washington, DC office. Oil and gas are crucial to the South Texas economy in providing good-paying jobs and keeping prices low at the pump. I will continue to be a voice for oil and gas in Congress. Thank you to Tim Tarpley, Matt Armstrong, Doug Orr, Barnaby Harkins, Mike Reeves, and Bruce Miller for meeting with me.

I met with Chihuahua Governor Maria Eugenia Campos Galvan. We discussed how we can deepen cooperation between Mexico and Texas and U.S. governments. Thank you, Governor, for your visit. I look forward to working with you to bring mutual success to both the U.S. and Mexico.

I met with the Texas South-West Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network in my Washington, DC office. Job creation and a strong economy are two of my priorities in Congress, and small businesses are crucial to ensuring growth in both sectors. Thank you to Al Salgado, Terri Williams, and Michael Gonzalez for stopping by!

I announced $1,285,000 in federal funding for Jim Hogg County to repair and enhance Kohler Park. The project will create accessible sidewalks and make improvements to the park’s sporting fields and playground equipment. Other measures include shade covering for the basketball court and bleacher seating, constructing a kiosk for events, and converting the skateboard area from composite board to cement.

I attended the Starr County 175th Year Anniversary Celebration. I am proud to see how much Starr County has grown since I began representing it, and I look forward to seeing how much it continues to prosper in the coming years. Most recently in the House Appropriations Committee, I secured millions in federal funding for the renovation of the Starr County Courthouse, the construction of a new shelter, water infrastructure, and the restoration of the famous Roma-Miguel Aleman International Suspension bridge—the last remaining suspension bridge along the U.S.-Mexico border. This is in addition to the millions I have helped bring for education, law enforcement, health care, and infrastructure. Congratulations Starr County!

I attended the 28th Annual Gala Dance “Noche de Cabaret” held by LULAC Council #7. I presented Dr. Minita Ramírez with a Congressional Certificate of Recognition for being honored with the Higher Education Award. We are proud to have Dr. Ramirez represent our community as President of Laredo College and we thank her for continuously promoting higher education in our area. Congratulations , LULAC Council #7, on a great evening.

I had the honor of recognizing the winners of the 2023 United Independent School District Spelling Bee Competition. I presented a Congressional Certificate of Recognition to 1st place winner, Nathaniel Rimocal from Lamar Bruni Vergara Middle School, 2nd place winner, Alejandro Martinez from Raul Perales Middle School, and 3 place winner, Toby Veliz from Matias De Llano Elementary. Congratulations to all the participants and their parents. The spelling bee allows students to showcase their spelling abilities while at the same time poviding them the poise and confidence needed to become great public speakers.

My daughter, Christina, my brother, Sheriff Martin Cuellar, I attended the celebration of the Cigarroa Clinic's Cigarroa Surgical Center's 3rd year anniversary.  As leaders in South Texas, the Cigarroa family has earned a stellar reputation for serving their community for almost a century over 4 generations of medical physicians, each providing world-class care infused with traditional family values. Since opening its doors to patients in January of 2020, the state-of-the art Cigarroa Surgical Center has now performed hundreds of life-saving cardiac procedures on patients.

I made BBQ for the Super Bowl. I love spending time at home with my family. I hope everyone else enjoyed the game as much as I did. 

I ran into my friend, Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Flores. It was good seeing you!

Melissa Pena currently works as my Outreach Coordinator at my Laredo district office.  Melissa has an outgoing personality and a passion for public service. She enjoys spending time with friends and family on her off time. Thank you for your service! 

Ryan Harnett is an intern in my Washington, DC office. Born in New York City, Ryan recently graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and a minor in Communications. He served in the Student Senate as a Senator, which sparked his interest in the political process. Ryan’s main policy interests include foreign policy, veterans affairs, defense, and appropriations. He hopes to gain a deeper understanding of the legislative process and make valuable connections in DC that will help him in his future endeavors. 

My Laredo Outreach Coordinators, Melissa Peña and Marco Salazar, attended the Webb County Sheriff’s Office’s Valentines Day Dance. At the event, they provided information on different resources that are available to constituents through my office.

My Jim Hogg Outreach Coordinators, Robert Bazan and Alexis Gallegos, attended the Jim Hogg County Health Fair. Members of the community were provided access to free health screenings, immunizations, and much more.

My San Antonio Outreach Coordinator, Jesus Toro Martinez, attended the American GI Forum meeting. The American GI Forum is the largest Federally Chartered Hispanic Veterans organization in the U.S. —with chapters in 40 states and Puerto Rico—and is dedicated to addressing problems of discrimination and inequities endured by Hispanic veterans. Thank you for your service!

My Bexar County Outreach Coordinator, Eric Cleveland, attended the grand opening of the Shops at Lytle. Small businesses continue to be the backbone of our rural economies and it is important that we keep supporting and promoting them.

My Zapata County Outreach Coordinator, Marco Salazar, joined Lt. Canham from the Texas State Guard to recognize veterans and local public officials who have supported and contributed to the base. 

My Bexar County Outreach Coordinator, Jesus Martinez, attended the ribbon cutting of the new Evening Stars Drop In child care center in Converse. Congratulations on your opening. I wish you much success!

My office met with representatives from Webb County and USDA to discuss possible funding opportunities for our rural areas. The USDA offers programs like the 504 program which provides loans and/or grants to low-income applicants, who do not qualify for conventional banking financing, for the repair of their homes. If you or someone you know need any assistance with the USDA, please visit their website or contact one of my offices.