Rep. Henry Cuellar

My San Antonio Outreach Coordinator, Jesus Martinez, attended the @LULAC National Regional Women’s Conference, where community leaders gathered to share ideas, resources, and services focused on supporting women across Central and South Texas. The conference brought together representatives from across the region, including Laredo, Poteet, San Antonio, Zapata, and Eagle Pass, highlighting the importance of collaboration and empowerment. I look forward to supporting efforts that expand opportunities and strengthen resources for women in our communities.

I met with leaders from @AmericanBIC, @TXRestaurants, and a coalition representing business, faith, and community organizations to discuss immigration reform and continued support for the Dignity Act of 2025. We talked about the need to pair strong border security with real workforce solutions, along with creating an earned legal status process for long-term undocumented individuals with clean records. We also discussed protections for Dreamers and the importance of keeping mixed-status families together while supporting our economy and communities. Immigration remains a critical issue that requires a balanced, bipartisan approach to ensure we strengthen our workforce without undermining businesses, families, and communities. I’m a cosponsor of the Dignity Act and will keep working with House leadership to move forward bipartisan solutions that strengthen our immigration system and reflect our nation’s values.

It was great to see Tomas Lopez of Heritage Landscapes while meeting with the San Antonio Apartment Association. A graduate of Dr. Henry Cuellar Elementary in Laredo, Tomas represents the strong work ethic and values you find across South Texas. I’m always glad to see folks like him making their mark and representing our communities in Washington.

My Laredo Outreach Coordinator, Andres Velazquez, attended the grand reopening of Johnny Carino’s, marking the restaurant’s long-awaited return after the devastating fire in 2023. During the event, Andres also presented the restaurant with a Congressional Recognition to celebrate this important milestone. The celebration highlighted the resilience, determination, and pride that define Laredo’s small business community. I look forward to enjoying a delicious meal there when I return to the district!

I met with stakeholders from the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park to discuss rising visitation, infrastructure needs, and public safety concerns at one of our nation’s most historic sites. As a @UNESCO World Heritage Site, the San Antonio Missions preserve an important part of our country’s history and culture. With visitation reaching roughly 1.5 million people last year, it’s important the park has the resources needed to maintain historic structures, including the centuries-old acequia system. Public safety is also a concern, with limited overnight law enforcement coverage leaving parts of the park unmonitored. I’ll keep working with federal partners to address staffing needs, improve infrastructure, and support preservation efforts so future generations can experience this site.

This afternoon, I met with leaders from the San Antonio Apartment Association, including President Alan Ross and Executive Director Kyle Ward, to discuss issues affecting the rental housing industry and the communities they serve. Access to safe, affordable housing is central to strong communities. Housing costs remain too high, and bringing down the cost of living remains a top priority. We discussed how to support both residents and property owners while expanding housing opportunities across South Texas. I appreciate the San Antonio Apartment Association for sharing their perspectives, and I look forward to staying engaged on ways we can strengthen housing across our region.

I met with @TAHCH, including representatives from @AngelsofCare and other home health care advocates, to discuss issues affecting home health and hospice providers across Texas. We talked about the impact of rate cuts to home health services, the 2027 Medicare Home Health Rule, and VA rate reductions affecting care for Texas veterans. Home care and hospice providers play a vital role in helping seniors and vulnerable patients stay healthy in their communities. Veterans, in particular, deserve timely access to quality care close to home, and these providers are key partners in delivering that care. I’m committed to advancing policies that strengthen access to care for Texans, especially those who’ve served our country.

I met with Leroy Wolff, president of the Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and members to talk about the importance of the Farm Bill, particularly soil and water conservation programs that support our farmers and ranchers. Soil and water conservation plays a key role in agricultural production and the long-term health of our natural resources. We discussed how conservation efforts can be strengthened through the Farm Bill to help producers better protect and manage their land. I’ll keep working to advance policies in this year’s Farm Bill that support our agricultural communities and protect the resources we rely on to feed and sustain our country.

I joined colleagues and partners at @TheICCFGroup luncheon to discuss advancing bipartisan conservation efforts at home and abroad. As co-chair of the International Conservation Caucus with Rep. @GReschenthaler, @RepDaveJoyce, and Rep. @BettyMcCollum04, I’ve worked with members on both sides of the aisle to promote practical solutions, where conservation supports stability and economic opportunity. Through visits to protected areas and conservation sites, I’ve seen firsthand what’s at stake. When land is left unprotected, it can become vulnerable to illegal activity. When conservation is done right, it strengthens communities, supports local economies, and promotes long-term security. I sponsored the U.S. Foundation for International Conservation Act, a forward-looking approach that recognizes the connection between conservation and national security. By leveraging public and private partnerships, we can protect critical ecosystems while promoting stability in key regions around the world. Conservation is not just about protecting land, it's about supporting people and strengthening economies. I'll continue working in a bipartisan way to build partnerships and advance effective, sustainable solutions.

#TX28: Today we recognize National Agriculture Day! I’m happy to celebrate the folks in South Texas and across the country who keep America fed, clothed, and fueled. Our farmers, ranchers, and producers rise early and stay until the job’s done. None of it happens without them. If you can, please take a moment to thank a farmer today. Agriculture runs deep in South Texas. It shapes daily life and connects generations through hard work and pride in sustaining our communities. My parents were migrant workers, and I got my start as a greenhand in the Texas Future Farmers of America. I also lived on a ranch and worked the land with my father. I carried those experiences with me while helping shape farm bills when I served on the Agriculture Committee. I’ll never forget the essential contributions of farmworkers, whose dedication keeps this system running every day. I’ll keep working in Congress to strengthen agriculture and ensure the next generation has a fair shot to carry that legacy forward.

It was great to kick off our San Antonio in D.C. week meeting with Leticia Cantu from the @gr8tersachamber and a delegation of San Antonio leaders, including Trish DeBerry, president and CEO of Centro San Antonio; Erika Borrego, executive director of Corazon Ministries; Katie Wilson, CEO of Close to Home; District 8 Councilwoman Ivalis Meza Gonzalez; District 3 Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran; Jennifer Ramos of Raba Kistner Engineers; and Romanita Matta-Barrera of Greater SATX. We had a productive conversation on strengthening opportunities for growth across San Antonio and ensuring that the needs of the community are represented at the federal level. I greatly appreciate this ongoing partnership and commitment to our region's success.

We’re delighted to introduce Joe Haynes-Stewart as part of our Spring 2026 intern cohort! A junior majoring in Government at @UTAustin and a participant in the Archer Fellowship Program, he brings a strong interest in public service and policy. Joe supports our team through his work on Affordable Housing and Defense Appropriations, and we look forward to the contributions he will make as he helps advance our efforts serving the people of Texas.

My San Antonio Outreach Coordinators, Kelly Brooks and Adison Denham, attended the Poteet Camino Real Community Services IDD Awareness Event. The event brought together local organizations that support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, sharing information on available services and resources. They engaged with providers and community members to promote awareness and learn more about the needs of those being served. I look forward to continuing to support efforts that expand access to resources and strengthen services for families in our communities.

Yesterday in Laredo, I met with local @McDonalds franchise owners along the border to discuss the challenges they’re facing, including how immigration and tariffs are impacting their businesses, rising costs, and day to day operations. It was a productive conversation about how these issues affect not only business owners, but also employees and the communities they serve. We also talked about the important role local operators play in supporting jobs, providing career opportunities, and driving economic growth in South Texas. Small and locally owned franchises like these are a key part of keeping our local economy strong. Thank you to Mike and Danielle Marasco for hosting the meeting at their Jacaman Road location. I’ll keep working with local employers to strengthen our workforce, support job creation, and expand opportunities for families across our communities.

ICYMI: @USDA and @USACEHQ announced plans to construct a new sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas, a strong step in protecting American agriculture and public health. The Texas facility will produce up to 100 million sterile flies per week by 2027, with room to grow, strengthening our domestic capacity and building on ongoing eradication efforts already underway across the region. I previously helped secure $21 million in federal funding for USDA to expand sterile fly production at a facility in Mexico, an investment that continues to support those broader efforts and reinforce a coordinated response. I’ll keep working with our federal partners to ensure South Texas continues leading on agricultural security and innovation.

16 years ago today, the Affordable Care Act became law, expanding health care coverage and strengthening benefits for more than 40 million Americans. I’m working in Congress to build on that progress by improving access and keeping costs low. Health care remains a cost of living issue for families, especially in rural communities where access is limited and options are fewer. I’ll continue to fight to strengthen the ACA in practical ways that ensure choice, support providers, and help families access quality, affordable health care.

I joined Mayor Robert Williams and Councilwoman Karen Pesek at Jourdanton City Park to discuss future enhancements to the park, including plans for new communal restrooms, and how we can work together as I aim to secure federal funding to help move these improvements forward. It was great to talk through ways to improve this space for families and visitors, and I look forward to continuing to work together to support projects that enhance quality of life in Jourdanton.

This morning, I joined Opening Day for Little League season in Jourdanton. It was great to see players, families, coaches, and volunteers come together to kick off a new season of baseball. I had the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch and helping officially start the season. Thank you to all the parents, coaches, sponsors, and volunteers who make this league possible and give our young athletes the opportunity to learn, grow, and build lasting friendships. Wishing all the players a great season ahead. Play hard, support your teammates, and most importantly, have fun!