Dear john,

This week, I introduced the bipartisan Identifying and Eliminating Wasteful Programs Act, which would create a system to facilitate agency identification of wasteful programs and assist Congress with developing legislation to eliminate those programs.

I authored the Government Performance and Results Act Modernization Act back in 2010 to cut down wasteful government spending. The Identifying and Eliminating Wasteful Programs Act builds on that legislation to further protect taxpayer dollars.

I want to thank Senator Hassan, Senator Braun, and Congresswoman Mace for working with me to deliver common-sense, bipartisan solutions to reduce federal spending.

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) 487-5603

I hosted Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Treviño, his wife, Maria Rosa Treviño, and Laredo Chamber of Commerce CEO Miguel Conchas in my Washington, DC, office. Together, we provided local media an update on the City of Laredo’s trip to our nation’s capital and the different meetings we will be holding to advocate for more resources for our city’s infrastructure, law enforcement, transportation, health care, and other priority items. 

I announced $247,100 in federal funding for the new Vietnam Veterans Plaza in Laredo. The project will consist of the construction of an approximately 1,400 foot-long, 10-foot-wide walking trail adjacent to the Joe A. Guerra Laredo Public Library. This development will honor all the brave men and women who fought for our country during the Vietnam War. As a nation, we are eternally indebted to those who have put on a uniform and fought for our freedom. This plaza is just a small token of appreciation for the many sacrifices made by our brave servicemembers in Vietnam. Thank you to the City of Laredo and Councilman Ruben Gutierrez for prioritizing this project. And to all our Veterans, thank you for your service!

I signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Laredo for the World Trade Bridge Expansion project. The proposed project will almost double the bridge's lane capacity and significantly reduce crossing times for commercial vehicles. The project will also help alleviate traffic congestion and expedite the flow of trade into the United States.

I met with John Kittleman, Luis Villarreal, and Romeo Herrera from the Texas Association of Broadcasters in my Washington, DC, office. Local TV and radio stations provide news and entertainment for millions of listeners across the state. I will continue to support you and ensure small, independent Texas broadcasters continue to thrive.

I met with Robert Eads and Kevin Lopez from the Boys & Girls Club of Laredo.

Community organizations are important for our youth. I will continue advocating for supportive efforts for young people and their families, including after-school tutoring and mentorships.

I met with Yvonne De La Rosa-Flores from Air Force Federal Credit Union and Sal Guerrero from Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union in my Washington, DC, office. About 280,000 credit union members live in my district. I will continue to work with our credit unions and ensure your voices, and your members’ voices, are heard in Congress. 

I met with Daniel Hallal, a Lebanese student in the State Department’s Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange & Study (YES) program. Daniel is attending Pleasanton High School as part of the YES program. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me, and I wish you the best during your time in Pleasanton. I look forward to seeing you do great things!

Daniel Perez currently interns at my Laredo office. He is a student at Texas A&M International University with a background in communications and political science. He is passionate about public service and plans to pursue a career in politics. Thank you, Daniel, for your service!

Matthew Gerson is a Legislative Assistant in my Washington, DC office. He is passionate about addressing issues facing small businesses, supporting our veterans, and advocating for rural communities. He enjoys watching baseball, barbecuing, and listening to country music.

My Jim Hogg County Outreach Coordinator, Robert Bazan, attended a food distribution in Hebbronville held by Jim Hogg County in collaboration with the South Texas Food Bank.

My office attended the Duval County Fair Parade. Congratulations to everyone that participated and to the winners of this year's float contest. 

Melissa also joined Southwest Regional Commander for the United States Military Academy, Captain Kelechi Odocha, for a visit to LISD and UISD in Laredo to speak about the USMA and the application process. If you would like to learn more about the United States service academies, please contact my office.