Rep. Henry Cuellar

Today, I met with John “Buss” Barranco – one of my former professors at the U.S. @NavalWarCollege – who now serves as head of policy at @jobyaviation. We discussed the company’s cutting-edge aviation technology and ongoing research and development efforts. Strong federal partnerships like this will help the next generation of aviation innovators take flight right here in the United States.

I welcomed Coahuila Attorney General Federico Fernández Montañez and his family, as well as Nelson Balido, chairman of the @BorderCouncil, to Washington, D.C., and had the opportunity to give them a behind-the-scenes look at the U.S. Capitol following votes. As a border community, we value strong relationships with our partners in Mexico. Engagement like this strengthens cooperation and supports shared economic and security priorities on both sides of the border. I look forward to continuing this work together.

Today, I spoke with Minerva R. Garcia of Laredo to wish her a happy 98th birthday. 98 years reflects a lifetime of strength, resilience, and love for family and community. I was honored to speak with her and celebrate such a meaningful milestone together. Le deseo mucha salud y bendiciones en este día tan especial!

Today, I joined @APIenergy President and CEO Mike Sommers and my colleagues Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, Rep. Adam Gray, and Rep. Scott Peters to speak to API members and energy leaders from across the country. I also appreciated seeing my good friend, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. Around Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley, oil and gas power daily life, fund the tax base for schools, and support the infrastructure that keeps North American trade moving. South Texas sits at the intersection of energy, trade, and local economic growth. Energy policy must remain bipartisan because families and small businesses depend on consistent and affordable power, and Congress must deliver practical solutions that meet that need. As the lead Democrat to vote to lift the ban on United States oil exports in 2015, I support an all-of-the-above energy approach that strengthens domestic production and grid reliability, advances technologies like carbon capture, and keeps energy affordable while addressing rising demand. As consumption grows, especially from large users, we must ensure those costs do not fall on everyday Americans. Permitting reform plays a key role in this effort. Delays drive up costs across energy and infrastructure. A streamlined and responsible process will lower costs, create jobs, and give workers and businesses the certainty they need. America’s leadership in energy provides a strategic advantage. It supports our allies, reduces reliance on adversaries, and strengthens our economy at home. By focusing on affordability and reliability, we can continue delivering for communities across the country.

My San Antonio Outreach Coordinator, Adison Denham, attended the Jourdanton Chamber of Commerce meeting on my behalf to gain insight into local priorities, ongoing initiatives, and community engagement efforts in Jourdanton. The meeting provided an overview of the work being done to support local businesses and strengthen the community. I look forward to working with local leaders and supporting the needs of the community.

Today, I met with Yadhira Lozano, executive director of @LuminariaSA, and San Antonio artist Kevin Swanson to discuss the organization’s work to expand access to the arts and support artists across the city. Luminaria continues to strengthen the city’s creative community through the Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival, artist grants, and culturally driven placemaking efforts that bring people together and showcase local talent. We discussed the importance of investing in the arts, not only to support working artists but also to drive economic growth and community development. I’ll continue to support initiatives that expand opportunity for artists and ensure the arts remain accessible and vibrant in communities across South Texas.

This afternoon, I met with Andrew Watterson, the chief operating officer of @SouthwestAir, to discuss critical policy priorities affecting the airline industry. We prioritized the need for stable Department of Homeland Security funding to support @TSA staffing and operations, modernization of checkpoint technology, and fair pay for air traffic controllers. As ranking member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, I’m working in a bipartisan way to ensure our airports operate efficiently, travelers move safely, and federal investments strengthen our aviation system. I’ll continue fighting to protect passengers, airline workers, and South Texas communities.

I met with @jsierraalvarez, president of @Coparmex and a delegation of Mexican private-sector leaders to discuss ways to strengthen the U.S.-Mexico economic relationship. We had a productive conversation on the importance of resilient supply chains, efficient cross-border trade and infrastructure, and continued coordination on regional energy development. Strengthening these partnerships is essential to promoting long-term economic growth and enhancing national security for both countries. I’m committed to supporting policies that enhance trade flows, improve infrastructure at our ports of entry, and promote a strong, competitive North American economy.

Today, I met with Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington, chief executive officer of @The_USO, to discuss the organization’s continued support for our servicemembers and their families. We discussed the USO’s strong presence across Texas and the vital programs it provides at military installations and transit hubs, supporting the well-being, readiness, and resilience of those who serve our nation. I support efforts that strengthen our military communities and ensure our servicemembers and their families have the resources they need, both at home and abroad.

I met with Reeves County Judge Leo Hung to discuss critical transportation, water, and energy needs in Texas. We highlighted the scale of growth underway in the region, including billions in planned investment, new power generation to support data centers, and thousands of construction jobs, alongside ongoing challenges with water development and thousands of abandoned wells. As demand rises, smart regional planning, infrastructure investment, and coordination at the state and federal levels will be key to keeping costs down and supporting long-term growth. I’ll continue working to support solutions that strengthen and help secure water rights.

This morning, I met with Commissioner W.C. Chad McIntosh of the @usibwc. We discussed the agency’s critical role in managing water resources and infrastructure along the U.S.-Mexico Border. We reviewed IBWC’s priorities, including flood control, water allocation, sediment removal, and sanitation projects that directly impact communities and border operations along the Rio Grande and Colorado River. I’ve supported appropriations to strengthen IBWC’s capacity, including funding for construction, operations, levee rehabilitation, and environmental oversight. These investments are essential to maintaining safe and reliable water infrastructure while supporting border security coordination. I remain committed to working with federal and binational partners to ensure our border communities have the resources needed to address water challenges, protect infrastructure, and support long-term economic and environmental stability.

I joined leaders from multiple states in Washington for Alliance for I-69's day of advocacy to highlight the importance of completing this critical interstate system. I-69 will connect major international trade gateways like Laredo, McAllen, Brownsville, and the Port of Corpus Christi to markets across the country. This system strengthens supply chains, supports millions of jobs, and improves connectivity between key economic hubs across multiple states. In Texas, nearly 102 miles of I-69 are under construction across 21 projects totaling roughly $3.5 billion, with an additional 70 projects planned representing nearly $12 billion in investment. These projects will reduce congestion, improve safety, and enhance freight mobility along some of the busiest corridors in the nation. I secured language in the INVEST in America Act to remove federal funding restrictions on I-69, helping increase access to critical freight funding and allowing Texas to better invest in future interstate segments. I also recently joined colleagues in urging the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to establish a dedicated funding program for congressionally authorized future interstate corridors so these projects can move forward efficiently. I’ll keep working to secure reliable federal investment for interstate corridors like I-69 so we can keep turning plans into pavement. Thank you to my co-chairs @RepCohen, @BennieGThompson, and @RepWesterman, and Alliance for I-69 Texas Executive Director Jennifer Shepard for this important discussion.

We’re excited to welcome Isabella Balbi Masso to our Washington, D.C. office this spring! A senior at Florida International University studying International Relations and Political Science, she brings a strong foundation in policy research and bilingual communication. With a regional focus on Latin America and the Middle East, her work is a valuable asset to our team. We look forward to the contributions she will make as she supports our work serving the people of South Texas.

As the administration moves forward with a plan to return billions of dollars in tariffs to businesses, my bill, the American Consumer Tariff Rebate Act, provides a common-sense solution that delivers relief directly to consumers. Officials with U.S. Customs and Border Protection report that they’ve built a new web-based portal to process tariff refund requests and that it’s about 70% complete. The system will verify claims and issue payments electronically following the ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States that found the tariffs unlawful. While businesses may get refunds, many households have already felt higher prices on everyday goods. Tariffs function like hidden taxes, raising costs at the grocery store, the gas pump, and on household items, my bill returns money directly to consumers, providing about $1,020 for single filers, $1,530 for heads of household, or $2,040 for married couples. I’ll keep pushing solutions that lower costs for consumers and strengthen our economy. Read more in @Bloomberg.⬇️

Wishing everyone across #TX28 a happy St. Patrick’s Day as we celebrate the Irish heritage that helped shape our country’s spirit. St. Patrick’s witness calls us to lead with purpose and live our faith through service to others. May your day be spent with friends and family reflecting and enjoying time together.

My Legislative Assistant Hugh Bayard and Defense Fellow Fady Antoon also met with students from @stcjaguars to talk about key issues affecting community college students in the Rio Grande Valley, including access to higher education and financial aid. They discussed the importance of Pell Grants in helping students from all backgrounds afford college and pursue opportunity. I’ll continue funding Pell Grants through the appropriations process, and I’ll keep working to expand access to higher education so students in South Texas can succeed in the classroom and beyond.

Today, my Legislative Assistant Hugh Bayard and Defense Fellow Fady Antoon met with the Texas Association of Federally Impacted Schools and @NAFISschools to discuss the Impact Aid Program. This funding supports students on military installations and in other federally impacted areas. These school districts face unique challenges because federal property limits the local tax base while the need for strong educational services continues to grow. I’ll keep supporting students of military families to ensure they have access to a quality education and to strengthen the communities serving and sacrificing for our country.