Rep. Henry Cuellar

The bipartisan Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2026, has passed the House. This important legislation will provide an annual cost-of-living adjustment for veterans receiving disability compensation and surviving family members receiving benefits. Veterans and their families deserve benefits that keep up with rising costs. Our veterans have made tremendous sacrifices for our country, and we have a responsibility to make sure they receive the benefits they have earned.

I am disappointed by the Supreme Court's decision to allow border barrier construction to move forward in the Big Bend region, including Big Bend National Park. Earlier this year, I introduced an amendment to prohibit federal funding for border wall construction in Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, and several areas in South Texas. I have always supported securing our southern border, but that does not mean building a wall everywhere. Big Bend is one of Texas' greatest natural treasures, and we need to protect it. We can have strong border security without damaging our national parks, historic sites, and surrounding communities. nytimes.com/2026/11/09/us/po…

My Outreach Coordinator, Frida Figueroa, attended the 19th Annual World Pugilist Hall of Fame ceremony this morning to recognize six new inductees. My office honored each inductee with a Congressional Certificate of Recognition for their accomplishments and contributions to the sport of boxing. Congratulations to all six inductees on this well-deserved recognition! Thank you to Paul Buitron and everyone involved in organizing this year's ceremony and celebrating the accomplishments of these individuals.

My Outreach Coordinator, Kassandra Herrera, recently attended the Trail of Hope Press Conference in the City Council Chambers. The press conference highlighted an opportunity for our community to come together to honor our veterans and bring awareness to mental health and suicide prevention. It was a pleasure joining City Council member, Vanessa Perez, Mayor Dr. Trevino, Awareness Warriors Foundation founder, Randy Villanueva, and our veteran community. Thank you to everyone involved for their continued dedication to honoring our veterans, promoting mental health awareness, and supporting suicide prevention efforts. Together, we can continue to make a difference and remind our veterans that they are never alone.

Happy Election Day! 🗳️ Voting is one of the most important ways we can make our voices heard and have a say in the decisions that affect our communities. I encourage all eligible South Texans to exercise their right to vote and participate in our democracy. Thank you to the poll workers and election officials across South Texas who help make our elections possible!

My Outreach Coordinator, Frida Figueroa, recently attended the Women’s City Club kickoff fundraiser event for Pennies for Tennies. During this event, Dr. Ronald B. Newton was also recognized for his retirement and 26 years of dedication and partnership in serving the children of Laredo. It was a pleasure connecting with Women’s City Club leadership, Mayor Dr. Victor Treviño, Councilman Tyler King, Commissioner Wawi Tijerina, and Sandy Salinas with Communities In Schools. Thank you to the Women’s City Club for the invitation and for your continued commitment to making a difference in the lives of local children. We are grateful for the opportunity to support organizations that invest in our community’s future and look forward to continuing these meaningful partnerships.

Meet Jaden, one of our Fall 2026 interns in my Washington, D.C. office! Jaden is a senior at Texas Tech University, where she studies Natural Resource Management with a concentration in Conservation Science. Through her studies, Jaden has gained an appreciation for the role of agriculture, environmental conservation, and public policy in our communities. She hopes to use her background in science to help address issues affecting our natural resources. I am glad to have Jaden on our team this fall and look forward to seeing her put her knowledge and skills to work while gaining firsthand experience serving the people of Texas' 28th Congressional District.

Recently, my Outreach Coordinator, Kassandra Herrera, visited the Larga Vista Community Center during their weekly crafts session to share information about the services my office provides. Kassandra spoke with residents about how my office can assist with federal agencies and helped connect constituents with our team for additional assistance. Thank you to the staff at Larga Vista Community Center for welcoming us and to everyone who took the time to visit with Kassandra! If you need assistance with a federal agency, my office is here to help.

Even Halloween candy is getting more expensive. A new analysis found that prices for popular Halloween candies have increased 15.3% over the past year, more than four times the overall inflation rate. South Texas families are already paying more for groceries, gas, and other everyday essentials. We need to bring down costs and make life more affordable for working families. Wishing everyone a safe and happy Halloween!

Health insurance is becoming more expensive for American families, and another round of premium increases is coming in 2027. According to new data from KFF, Affordable Care Act marketplace premiums for benchmark plans are set to increase by an average of 13% nationwide next year, following a 26% increase in 2026. The expiration of enhanced federal tax credits has also left many families paying more for coverage. For South Texans who purchase their own health insurance, including small business owners, self-employed workers, and families without employer-sponsored coverage, these rising costs can put an even greater strain on household budgets. Families are already paying more for groceries, housing, and utilities. They should not have to worry about whether they can afford to keep their health insurance, too. Congress needs to address rising premiums and make health care more affordable. I will continue working to protect access to coverage and help South Texas families get the care they need. nytimes.com/2026/10/30/busin…

Earlier this month, my Coordinator, Brandon Rockers, attended the Toys for Tots kickoff hosted by Laredo ISD and the Marine Corps Reserve to start the season of giving. During the event, Marine combat veteran Dr. Hignio Reyes presented the Honorary Marine Award to Councilman Gilbert Gonzalez and Jose Gonzalez, LPC. Congratulations to both on this recognition. Thank you to Laredo ISD, the Marine Corps Reserve, and everyone who came out to support Toys for Tots and help bring gifts to children in our community this holiday season.

Young people in La Salle County deserve a safe, welcoming place to spend their time. In the House-passed FY27 Agriculture Appropriations bill, I secured $938,000 in Community Project Funding for improvements to the La Salle County Youth Center in Cotulla. This funding would help the county upgrade the center so it can continue serving young people and families in the community. I will continue working to support rural communities like Cotulla.

This morning, my Outreach Coordinator, Brandon Rockers, joined Lamar Middle School students and the Laredo Police Department for a GEAR UP event with the LPD Explorer Program. Students took part in a mock police fitness test, which included a mile-and-a-half run, push-ups, sit-ups, and an obstacle course. Programs like GEAR UP help students start thinking early about college and their future careers. Thank you to the Laredo Police Department Community Outreach Team and Lamar Middle School for giving these students a firsthand look at a career in law enforcement.

Today, we remember Sir Patrick Stewart, whose extraordinary talent brought generations together through stories of courage, compassion and hope. From Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek to Professor Charles Xavier in X-Men, his performances reminded us of the power of thoughtful leadership and seeing the best in others. My condolences go out to his family, friends and fans around the world. His legacy on stage and screen will continue to inspire. nytimes.com/2026/10/29/arts/…

Military medical trainees at Fort Sam Houston deserve safe, quality housing while they prepare to care for our service members. I voted for the House-passed FY27 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill, which includes report language supporting the Air Force's efforts to address housing needs on campus. Separately, the Air Force has selected a team for the dormitory replacement project. I will continue to follow this project closely to make sure the new dormitories are built well and on time for our trainees.

My Outreach Coordinator, Brandon Rockers, joined the Duval County community for the annual Halloween Block Party, where about 1,100 people came out to enjoy the evening. Thank you to Duval County for hosting, and to Sheriff Romeo R. Ramirez, Mayor Sally Lichtenberger, Marty Perez, the VFW, and the many community organizations that helped make this event a success. Happy Halloween!

For many veterans in rural South Texas, home care makes it possible to receive the care they need while staying close to their families. I voted for the House-passed FY27 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill, which includes report language calling on the Department of Veterans Affairs to account for how changes to home care reimbursement affect veterans and providers in Texas and New Mexico. Congress needs clear information on how these changes affect veterans' access to care and what can be done to prevent disruptions. I will continue working to make sure South Texas veterans can keep receiving care at home.

Happy Birthday to Tojo Perez! Great to celebrate alongside Tony Salinas, Judge Meme Flores, and David Almarez. Wishing you a wonderful day surrounded by family and friends, and a year filled with good health, happiness, and blessings!

For many families in South Texas, getting a loved one screened and diagnosed for autism or another developmental disability can mean long waits, often because there are not enough trained specialists. In the FY27 appropriations package, I helped support $57.344 million for Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities programs, which focus on early identification, treatment, and services for individuals and families. This includes at least $38.245 million for the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program, which trains health care professionals from different fields to screen, diagnose, and treat autism and other developmental disabilities. This training helps address the shortage of specialists, especially in underserved communities. I will continue working to expand access to care for South Texans with autism and other developmental disabilities and their families.