Rep. Henry Cuellar

We mourn the loss of Army Pvt. Isabella Gonzales from Carrollton, Texas, who was killed at just 19 years old in an Iranian strike in Jordan. My prayers are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time. May we always remember Pvt. Gonzales and the other brave service members who gave their lives in defense of our nation. Their sacrifice and service will never be forgotten.

Over the weekend, I stopped by the burger plate sale for Santiago and see our community come together to support him and his family during this incredibly difficult time. The Smiles From Heaven family organized this event to help surround Santiago and his loved ones with the support, compassion, and prayers they need. Thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered, and showed up to lend a helping hand. Your kindness and generosity are a powerful reminder of the strength of our community. Please continue to keep Santiago and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Fire Station 16 at Buena Vista will help strengthen public safety and emergency response for families in Laredo. My Outreach Coordinator Kassandra Herrera attended the groundbreaking ceremony on my behalf and joined local leaders, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and community members to mark this important project. Thank you to Laredo Fire Chief Guillermo Heard, Mayor Dr. Victor Treviño, and all the firefighters and first responders who serve our community every day. I will continue working to support the men and women who keep South Texas safe.

I’m happy to spotlight Alexiz Moncada as part of my Summer 2026 intern class in my Washington, D.C. office. Alexiz is a recent graduate of Baylor University, where she earned degrees in Biology and Political Science with a pre-medical focus. She has experience in health policy research, legislative work, community outreach, and public service. During her time in my office, Alexiz has assisted with health policy research, legislative projects, constituent services, and issues affecting TX-28, including veterans’ health and federal health programs. Thank you, Alexiz, for your hard work and contributions to our office this summer. I wish you continued success as you pursue your interest in medicine, law, and public policy.

After church this morning, Imelda and I stopped by Danny's Restaurant in Laredo for a delicious breakfast. Nothing beats great machacado, fresh aguacate, frijoles, and good company on a Sunday morning. If you're looking for a great place to eat, be sure to stop by Danny's Restaurant and support this local favorite!

I joined Mayor Dr. Victor D. Treviño at the Rio Grande to provide the community with an update on current river conditions as Laredo continues to monitor rising water levels and coordinate response efforts. The City has elevated its Emergency Operations Center to Level I due to the increased flood threat. The latest forecast projects the Rio Grande to crest at approximately 33 feet at the Colombia Bridge. Several buoys have broken free and are being monitored as they move downstream, while the City is reassessing flood-prone neighborhoods and conducting door-to-door notifications in areas that could be impacted to encourage residents to review their emergency plans and be prepared should conditions worsen. My office remains in contact with local, state, and federal officials to help ensure these buoys are recovered and that the appropriate response efforts are underway. I will continue working with our partners to keep our community informed.

This morning, I joined @SatAmericaFNC on Fox News to discuss the Democratic Socialists of America's platform and why I believe its policies are too radical for our country. The DSA's platform calls for abolishing institutions like the U.S. Senate, the Electoral College, ICE, and even replacing the Supreme Court. I believe we should focus on strengthening our institutions, not dismantling them, and moving our country forward. I am a Democrat, and as a Democrat, I reject their radical positions. I will not allow socialists or any other extreme faction to define my party, my values, or the people of South Texas. Watch the full interview @SatAmericaFNC.

Federal, state and local partners are coming together to ensure South Texas has the support it needs amid these floods. I spoke personally with U.S. Senators @JohnCornyn and @SenTedCruz about the flooding impacts and the damage our communities have experienced. I also spoke directly with Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief @chiefkidd about the level of damage and the steps needed to receive a federal disaster declaration for Webb and Zapata counties. For Webb County to qualify for a federal disaster declaration, the damage threshold is $1.3 million, and for the State of Texas, it is just under $57 million. Both thresholds must be exceeded before federal disaster assistance can be made available, and I will continue working with local, state and federal partners to make sure South Texas gets the help it needs. I also stopped by to thank our first responders who have been working around the clock to protect our communities. I brought them some sweet bread to thank them for their service, dedication, and tireless work to keep South Texas families safe. See my remarks below for more information on what we’re doing to support South Texas families.⬇️

Having yogurt at Sweet Spot with my wife Imelda. Sometimes it's the simple moments together that are the sweetest.🍦

This afternoon, I announced $670,000 in federal funding through the FY2025 Operation Stonegarden Grant Program for the Jim Hogg County Sheriff's Office alongside County Judge Juan Carlos Guerra, Sheriff Erasmo Alarcon Jr., and the Jim Hogg County Commissioners' Court. I helped create Operation Stonegarden to ensure local law enforcement agencies in our border communities have the federal support they need to protect the people they serve. Since Jim Hogg County joined the program in 2017, it has received more than $5.6 million through Operation Stonegarden to support personnel, equipment, maintenance, supplies, and other operational costs. This investment will fund overtime for local deputies, expand law enforcement operations, and strengthen public safety throughout Jim Hogg County. As Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, I'll continue fighting to bring federal resources back to South Texas and ensure communities like Jim Hogg County have the support they need to thrive.

This morning, while in Roma alongside Mayor Jaime Escobar, the Roma City Council, Southwest Border Regional Commission Federal Co-Chair Juan Sanchez, and local leaders, I announced $449,224 in federal funding through the Southwest Border Regional Commission (SBRC) for the City of Roma. Combined with the City's local match, this investment brings the total project value to $578,161 to reconstruct Mendez Avenue, creating a stronger and more reliable freight corridor that will improve safety, support trade through the Roma International Port of Entry, and drive economic growth throughout Starr County. I was proud to help establish the Southwest Border Regional Commission in 2008 because I knew our border communities needed a dedicated federal partner focused on infrastructure and economic development. Working alongside Senator Martin Heinrich, we secured funding for the commission so it could deliver investments like this one. I'll continue fighting to bring federal resources home to South Texas and ensure communities like Roma have the infrastructure they need to grow, create jobs, and remain competitive.

Probation officers play an important role in public safety, accountability, and helping individuals work toward a better path. My Outreach Coordinator Kassandra Herrera attended the Webb County Probation Officer’s Week Luncheon on my behalf and shared my appreciation for the officers, supervisors, and staff who serve our communities every day. Thank you to Webb County probation officers and probation staff across South Texas for the work you do to support our justice system and keep our communities safe.

Strong economic partnerships help create jobs, expand opportunity, and promote long-term stability across our hemisphere. I met with members of the Board of Directors of @Progreso_Latam, one of Central America's largest infrastructure and construction materials companies, to discuss the economic relationship between the United States and Central America and the importance of strengthening trade and private sector investment throughout the region. We talked about the role that infrastructure investment, responsible economic growth, and expanded commercial ties can play in promoting regional stability and creating greater opportunity. We also discussed how continued collaboration between the United States and Central America can support economic development while addressing challenges that affect communities throughout the region. I appreciated the conversation and look forward to continuing to support policies that strengthen economic partnerships and promote shared prosperity across the Western Hemisphere.

It was great to see Texas small business owners represented in Washington during the National Retail Federation’s Retail Advocates Summit. I had the opportunity to meet Mohamad Sam of @mypurifyou in Houston and Robert Strong of Pretty Thai in Austin and learn more about the products they are bringing to customers across the country. Small businesses like theirs show the hard work, creativity, and entrepreneurship we see across Texas. I will continue working to support retailers, small businesses, and the policies that help them grow.

Clementine’s Kitchen has become part of Laredo’s local restaurant community over the past nine years. My Outreach Coordinators Kassandra Herrera and Frida Figueroa presented a Congressional Recognition on my behalf to owner Vanessa Ramirez in appreciation of the restaurant’s service to the community. Locally owned restaurants help support our economy, create jobs, and give families a place to gather. Congratulations to Vanessa and the Clementine’s Kitchen team on this recognition, and thank you for your continued commitment to Laredo.

Strong partnerships throughout the Western Hemisphere are important to promoting economic growth, security, and stability across our region. I met with Vice President-elect @jrestrp, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism-Designate @MauricioGomezCO, and Minister of Defense-Designate General Jorge Eduardo Mora López of Colombia to discuss the longstanding relationship between the United States and Colombia and opportunities to continue strengthening our partnership. We talked about the importance of expanding economic cooperation, trade, and investment between our two countries, as well as continued collaboration on regional security, counternarcotics efforts, migration, and democratic governance throughout the Western Hemisphere. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Colombia Caucus, I look forward to continuing to support the strong bipartisan relationship between the United States and Colombia and working together on issues that benefit both nations.

My Outreach Coordinator Frida Figueroa attended the Unidos Por Venezuela collection drive hosted by Gamez Trucking on my behalf. The event brought members of the community together to collect supplies for those in need in Venezuela. Thank you to Eddna Gamez, Gamez Trucking, J.P. Ruiz with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Priscilla Johnson with the Motor Carriers Association, and everyone who helped with this effort. My office also shared information about federal casework assistance, including help with DACA renewals, immigration cases, and other federal matters. We will continue working to assist families across South Texas.

A strong workforce is essential to creating opportunity and building stronger communities across South Texas. I met with representatives from @eckerdconnects to discuss the important work they are doing through the Laredo Job Corps Campus and their efforts to provide students with the skills, training, and support they need to succeed. We talked about the importance of workforce development programs that connect students with education, career pathways, and opportunities that strengthen our communities. We also discussed the continued role of Job Corps in preparing workers for successful careers and supporting economic growth throughout South Texas. I appreciate Eckerd Connects for sharing their perspective and for their continued commitment to helping students in Laredo and across the country achieve their goals.

Agriculture is a critical part of our economy and plays an important role in supporting communities across Texas. I met with representatives from Texas Corn Producers to discuss the challenges facing farmers, the importance of a strong agricultural workforce, and the future of trade between the United States and Mexico through the USMCA joint review. We talked about the importance of supporting Texas producers, strengthening agricultural operations, and ensuring farmers have the tools and workforce needed to continue providing food and resources for families across our country. I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from Texas corn growers and discuss ways to continue supporting agriculture and the producers who help drive our economy.