Dear john,

Two years ago, I helped pass the American Rescue Plan to accelerate our country’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The American Rescue Plan has since delivered for Texas:

• State unemployment fell from 6.7% in January 2021 to 3.8% in December 2022.
•  1.8 million Texans saved an average of $564 per year on their health care.
•  805,000 Texas students were provided internet connectivity devices to bridge the digital divide.
•  All 1,400 Texas towns, cities, and counties received direct funding to invest in public safety.

The American Rescue Plan will continue to invest in our economy, our health, our safety, and our children. As your voice in Congress, I will continue to support federal legislation that brings great 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) 487-5603

I announced a $750,000 federal earmark I secured to support the renovation and restoration of Laredo’s historic Plaza Theatre. The project will consist of accessibility improvements, roof repairs, restroom code updates, light repairs, and mural restorations. The theatre will also be converted to a multi-purpose facility that will be used for school and university performances, business conferences, and other entertainment events.  

I hosted Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Treviño, the Laredo City Council, and the City of Laredo in Washington, D.C. Together, we held several meetings with various federal entities to advocate for more resources for our city’s infrastructure, law enforcement, transportation, health care, and other priority items. 

Border communities present unique challenges and opportunities, like homeland security and infrastructure, and I’m committed to ensuring Laredo receives the resources it needs to continue thriving. Thank you to the City of Laredo for a successful trip to our nation's capital. I look forward to continuing to work with you to bring great progress to our community.

I was awarded the Champion of the Border Award by Border Trade Alliance (BTA) Mexico. BTA Mexico was founded in 1986 as a non-profit organization to address key issues affecting North America's trade, transportation, highways, and security. I will continue to promote binational cooperation between the United States and our southern neighbor. Thank you for this honor!

I met with students from the National War College in my Washington, DC office. The National War College prepares future leaders of the Armed Forces, Department of State, and other civilian agencies for senior-level responsibilities through studies in national security.

I also met with the National Young Farmers Coalition. We discussed issues important to our nation’s young farmers, including conservation and land access. Thank you to Manual Juarez, Jr., and your team for visiting me. I will continue to advocate for the next generation of American farmers and ranchers that will help ensure our nation’s food supply.

I met with the Texas Trucking Association in my Washington, DC, office. Laredo is home to the largest inland port in the country with over 17,000 trucks crossing every day. I will continue to advocate for the trucking industry and ensure they are able to keep up with the growing demand for trade both in Laredo and across the United States. Thank you to Jerry Maldonado and your team for meeting with me.

I also met with Rise Recovery in Washington, DC. Rise Recovery is a San Antonio non-profit organization that provides alcohol and substance abuse recovery services for youth, young adults, and families. Thank you to Jessie Hinojosa and your team for meeting with me. I will continue to utilize my position in Congress to secure federal resources for recovery services in our communities.

This past weekend, I attended the Zapata County Fair Parade. Thank you to the Zapata County Fair Committee for coordinating a great event, and thank you for hosting me. I hope everyone had an opportunity to enjoy the carnival!

Marco Salazar serves as my Outreach Coordinator in my Laredo district office. Marco is passionate about public service and believes in building strong, lasting connections within the community to benefit our city. Thank you, Marco, for your service! 

My Laredo Outreach Coordinator, Melissa Pena, attended the Laredo Anti-Gang Center ribbon cutting. The building will house the DEA, FBI, and ATF so that they can work in collaboration with local prosecutors to dismantle criminal organizations. 

My Starr County Outreach Coordinator, Robert Bazan, attended the unveiling of the Veterans Memorial Wall by the Roma Independent School District. The wall recgonizes members of the military from the local community who were lost in battle. 

My office attended the Atascosa Citizens in Action and Interagency Coalition meeting. The meeting served as a forum to coordinate efforts from different non-profits throughout Atascosa County. I look forward to continuing to work with all Atascosa County stakeholders to deliver for our community.