Henry Cuellar

My office recently recognized Andrea Ortega for her work serving the people of Texas’s 28th Congressional District as an intern in our San Antonio office. Originally from Mexico City, Andrea is a senior at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she is majoring in marketing. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in corporate marketing. Thank you, Andrea, for your hard work and dedication to our constituents. We appreciate having you as part of our team, and I wish you all the best as you finish your studies and pursue your career goals. Congratulations!

My office recently helped deliver a book donation from the Library of Congress to the Pleasanton Public Library! Outreach Coordinator Kelly Brooks joined Library Director Gina Steward to celebrate the donation and help provide more reading and educational materials for the community. Local libraries play an important role in helping students learn, encouraging children to read, and providing families with access to books and other resources. Thank you to Gina and the Pleasanton Public Library staff for the work they do to support literacy and education in Atascosa County. I will continue working to connect our local libraries with federal resources that benefit our communities.

Inflation moved in the wrong direction in September. Consumer prices rose 3.7% over the past year, up from 3.4% in August, while gasoline prices jumped 9.1% in just one month. For families across South Texas, higher fuel prices mean more than paying extra at the pump. Truck drivers, farmers, ranchers, and small businesses are also dealing with higher operating costs, which can lead to higher prices for the goods and services families depend on every day. Families are already stretching their paychecks to cover groceries, housing, utilities, and health care. Congress needs to focus on bringing these costs down and providing relief to working families and small businesses. I will continue working with Republicans and Democrats to address rising costs, support South Texas workers and businesses, and help families keep more of their hard-earned money. https://t.co/pST9RBF4oa

Behind every grant is a student working toward a brighter future. As an author of the TEXAS Grant Program during my time in the Texas Legislature, I’m proud to see its lasting impact. Hear from Dahlia Vasquez and Silvia Silva about how TEXAS and Pell Grants have supported their college journeys at TAMIU and Laredo College. I’ll continue working to make higher education more affordable for South Texas families.

For many families in South Texas, school breakfast and lunch programs help make sure their children have nutritious meals while easing the cost of groceries at home. In the FY27 House Agriculture Appropriations bill, I helped secure $37.9 billion for Child Nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and Summer Food Programs. These programs help provide students with healthy meals throughout the school year and during the summer months when school is out. They also provide important support for working parents and families who are already dealing with high food costs. Children should be able to focus on learning, not worrying about their next meal. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue working to protect these programs and make sure South Texas families have access to the resources they depend on.

More Texans will now have access to federal Pell Grants to help pay for short-term job training programs. Five Texas community colleges have been approved to offer eligible Workforce Pell programs, including Texas Southmost College in Brownsville. These programs will help students train for careers in fields like welding, health care, HVAC, and machining. I supported expanding Pell Grant eligibility to include short-term trade and workforce training programs because students should have access to federal financial assistance whether they are pursuing a college degree or learning a skilled trade. This change will help more Texans gain the skills they need for good-paying jobs. I encourage eligible Texans to explore these opportunities by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://t.co/8wv08KYFRt and contacting a participating college to learn more. I also encourage other colleges across South Texas to seek approval for their workforce training programs so more students in our region can benefit from this federal assistance. Expanding access to affordable education and job training is important for our students, workers, and local economy. https://t.co/0y4eqYXfWD

My office recently joined Yuliana Guerra to celebrate the grand opening of Baglory, a new café cart located inside her mother Gloria Guerra’s bakery, Cakes of Glory, in Laredo! It is great to see this mother-daughter team working together to grow their businesses. Small businesses are an important part of Laredo’s economy, and it is always good to see local entrepreneurs investing in our community. Congratulations to Yuliana and Gloria on this milestone! I wish them both continued success and encourage the Laredo community to stop by and support these local businesses.

The cost of living remains a major concern for families across South Texas. Groceries, housing, utilities, and health care continue to take a large share of household budgets, and many Americans are worried about their financial future. A new poll found that nearly four in ten Americans believe they would be worse off financially if Republicans maintain control of Congress. These concerns should be taken seriously. Families want to know they can afford their everyday expenses and have some financial security. Congress needs to focus on lowering costs, protecting Medicare and Social Security, and supporting good-paying jobs. Families who work hard every day should not have to worry about whether their paycheck will cover their basic needs. I will continue working across the aisle to address the cost of living, support our small businesses, and make sure the needs of South Texas families are heard in Washington. https://t.co/SR6KFE4gvY

I was pleased to join the San Ygnacio community for San Ygnacio Strong to celebrate the community’s victory in halting border wall construction in the area. The event brought together community members to celebrate our shared borderlands culture, local heritage, and the beauty of the Rio Grande. San Ygnacio’s resilience and commitment to protecting its history and natural resources reflect the strength and spirit of South Texas. Thank you to everyone who continues to stand up for our communities, preserve our heritage, and protect the Rio Grande for future generations!

Yesterday, I was proud to highlight the impact of the TEXAS Grant and Federal Pell Grant programs in expanding access to higher education for students at TAMIU and Laredo College. During my time in the Texas Legislature, I worked alongside State Senator Rodney Ellis to establish the TEXAS Grant Program, helping students with financial need pursue a college education. Since then, students at both institutions have received more than $198.3 million in TEXAS Grant assistance and more than $504.6 million in Pell Grants from 2014 through 2025. Together, these programs represent more than $702.9 million in financial assistance, helping thousands of students across South Texas pursue their degrees and build brighter futures. I remain committed to supporting programs that make higher education more affordable and expand opportunities for students and their families. I’ll continue working to ensure students at TAMIU, Laredo College and across South Texas have the resources they need to succeed.

Good running into Oliver Ostorga, the new CEO of Doctors Hospital of Laredo, over the weekend! Oliver brings years of health care leadership experience, including serving as Chief Operating Officer at Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center in Eagle Pass and Northwest Texas Healthcare System in Amarillo. Wishing him all the best in his new role, and thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Doctors Hospital for the work they do every day to care for families across Laredo and Webb County.

On Saturday night, I had the honor of recognizing Major Joel Ruiz for 20 years of distinguished service in the United States Air Force and his lasting contributions to San Ygnacio. Throughout his military career, Major Ruiz carried out courageous rescue missions during the Vietnam War, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross, and played a role in bringing the Apollo 11 astronauts home. His continued dedication to tourism and wildlife conservation reflects a lifelong commitment to serving his country and community. On behalf of the people of Texas’s 28th Congressional District, I commend Major Ruiz for his remarkable service and thank him for all he has done for San Ygnacio and South Texas. Congratulations, Major Ruiz, and thank you for your lasting legacy of service!

Over the weekend, I visited the River Pierce Foundation in San Ygnacio, Texas and learned about their important work preserving the rich history and cultural heritage of South Texas. For nearly 40 years, the Foundation has been dedicated to restoring historic Spanish-Mexican Colonial-era stone structures and preserving the history of the Escandón Settlements along the Rio Grande. Through historic preservation, educational programming, and a renewed focus on arts and culture, they continue to honor the Hispanic heritage that has helped shape our region. Thank you to the River Pierce Foundation and the San Ygnacio community for their continued commitment to preserving our history and ensuring future generations can appreciate the stories and traditions that define South Texas!

It was great to welcome Ida Perez and her family from Duval County to the U.S. Capitol. My office had the opportunity to give the family a tour of the Capitol and share more about its history and the work Congress does on behalf of communities like ours. I always enjoy seeing constituents from #TX28 visit Washington, D.C. Thank you to the Perez family for stopping by my office!

I was pleased to join NeighborWorks Laredo’s Gala and announce $80,000 in federal funding through USDA Rural Development’s Housing Preservation Grant Program. This investment will support home repairs and rehabilitation for low- and very-low-income families in rural communities, helping address essential repairs and improve the safety and quality of their homes. This award builds on $2 million in Community Project Funding I previously secured for NeighborWorks Laredo, including $1 million each for rural home rehabilitation in Webb and Zapata Counties. Those funds have supported roof repairs, HVAC upgrades, insulation, window improvements and accessibility modifications. Thank you to NeighborWorks Laredo’s leadership, Board of Directors and staff for your commitment to South Texas families and for making tonight’s Gala possible. I’ll continue working to bring federal resources home and expand access to safe and affordable housing across our communities.

Yesterday, I was pleased to announce that I secured the inclusion of $1 million in Community Project Funding for the City of Laredo’s Veterans Community Center in the Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations bill. This proposed investment will support construction of a centralized facility where veterans, military members and their families can connect, participate in wellness programs and access support services in one location. Earlier this week, we also broke ground on Laredo College’s Veterans Center of Excellence, supported by $1.4 million in federal funding I secured in Fiscal Year 2024. These investments will expand opportunities for those who have served our country to find support here at home. Thank you to the City of Laredo and Laredo College for your commitment to our Veterans and for your work to advance these projects. I’ll continue working to bring federal resources to South Texas and ensure our veterans and their families receive the support they have earned.

A few nights ago, I was pleased to join community leaders in celebrating State Representative Richard Raymond as he received the Future of Texas Award. I also had the honor of presenting a Congressional Recognition to Priya and Shashi Vaswani for their contributions to Laredo. Through their business leadership, support for youth soccer and community service, they have helped create opportunities and strengthen our city. Congratulations to Representative Raymond and the Vaswanis on these well-deserved recognitions. Thank you for your continued dedication to Laredo and South Texas!

I’m saddened to hear of the passing of legendary NFL coach and Hall of Famer Mike Ditka. Coach Ditka was a major figure in American football, and his legacy extends from Chicago to Texas. Before becoming the face of the Chicago Bears, he spent more than a decade with the Dallas Cowboys as both a player and an assistant coach under Tom Landry, helping bring two Super Bowl championships to Dallas. He will be remembered not only for his accomplishments on the field and the sidelines, but also for the generations of players and fans he inspired. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, former players, and football fans across the country. May he rest in peace. https://t.co/3oYJ316ett

Families in South Texas are already paying more for groceries, energy, housing, and other everyday expenses. Tariffs should not make that affordability problem worse. New research from the New York Federal Reserve found that tariffs added 2.9 percentage points to inflation on consumer goods by February 2026. Without those tariffs, prices for those goods would have actually declined slightly. I have said consistently that tariffs function as hidden taxes on families. When businesses pay more to import goods, parts, and materials, those costs are often passed on to consumers through higher prices. Trade policy should strengthen American workers and businesses without raising costs on families. I will continue working to lower prices, provide certainty for employers, and protect South Texas consumers from unnecessary costs. https://t.co/2PmjIZtfAm

Welcome home to the sailors of the USS Abraham Lincoln after 265 uninterrupted days at sea. These sailors spent months away from their families while carrying out a demanding mission overseas. Today, they are finally returning home to spouses, children, parents, and loved ones who have been waiting a long time for this day. Extended deployments ask a great deal of our service members and their families, and they deserve our gratitude and support when they return home. To the entire USS Abraham Lincoln crew, and especially any Texans serving aboard, welcome home. I hope you get some well-earned time with your families and loved ones. As a member of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I’m committed to making sure our service members, veterans, and military families have the support they have earned. https://t.co/mrlDwCk1Ma

This morning, my office joined City of Laredo leaders and the Rotary Club of Laredo Next Generation to help announce the 4th Annual Día de los Muertos celebration. Día de los Muertos is an important tradition that brings families together to honor loved ones and celebrate our culture and heritage. This year’s event will feature mariachi, ballet folklórico, a Catrina Contest, food vendors, community booths, and the RotaRun Glow 5K. The celebration will take place Saturday, November 7, from 4:00 to 9:00 PM at North Central Park. Thank you to everyone working to bring our community together for another year of remembrance, tradition, and family fun.

South Texas depends on the Rio Grande and our reservoirs for drinking water, agriculture, and our local economy. We need to protect those water sources from harmful algal blooms and invasive species. In the FY26 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill, I helped secure up to $10.5 million for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Aquatic Nuisance Control Research Program. This funding supports research to detect harmful algal blooms and invasive species earlier, improve real-time monitoring, and develop better ways to control these threats before they spread. Harmful algal blooms can affect drinking water, kill fish, and limit access to lakes and rivers. For families, farmers, and ranchers in South Texas who rely on the Rio Grande and our reservoirs every day, protecting water quality matters. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue working to protect our water resources and the communities that depend on them.

My office joined hundreds of runners, athletes, and community members for the Runway Run 5K at the Laredo International Airport. The event brought together runners of all abilities, including para-athletes and local run clubs, for one of Laredo’s largest community races. My office was also glad to present Congressional Recognitions to Frontera Run Club and Freedom Run Club for the work they do to promote fitness, community, and an active lifestyle in Laredo. Thank you to the City of Laredo, Signature Aviation, and everyone who helped make this year’s Runway Run a success.

Earlier this week, my Outreach Coordinator, Kelly Brooks, joined the Atascosa Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for its 45th Anniversary Celebration at the Pleasanton Church of Christ Fellowship Hall. The celebration provided an opportunity to recognize the chapter’s longstanding commitment to preserving American history, honoring patriotic traditions, and serving the local community. Congratulations to the Atascosa Chapter and its membership on 45 years of continued commitment to preserving American heritage and promoting the principles of God, Home, and Country.

Last night, I joined families from across Webb County for National Night Out, hosted by the Laredo Police Department at Sames Auto Arena. It was a great evening of community spirit, bringing neighbors and local law enforcement together to build relationships and strengthen the trust that helps keep our communities safe. Thank you to the Laredo Police Department, participating agencies and everyone who helped make this event possible, and to all the families who came out for an evening of fun and connection!