U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar

10/20/2026

When a freeze or hurricane damages a citrus grove, the impact can last for years. Farmers can lose an entire season's crop, and replacing damaged trees takes time and money.

In the House-passed Farm Bill, I secured provisions to give citrus growers more time and flexibility to replant damaged trees through USDA's Tree Assistance Program. These changes would help producers recover from natural disasters and get their groves back into production.

The bill would also allow larger advance payments through the Emergency Conservation Program for eligible repairs and improvements, helping farmers begin recovery work sooner. It also directs USDA to develop additional crop insurance options to protect against losses caused by freezes and cold weather.

Our citrus growers are an important part of South Texas agriculture, supporting local jobs and businesses throughout the Rio Grande Valley. I will continue working to get these provisions through final passage and make sure our growers have access to the assistance they need to recover from future disasters.

10/20/2026

Last month, my Outreach Coordinator, Melissa Pena, joined Mayor Dr. Trevino for the official Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Proclamation in Laredo, Tx.

In partnership with the City of Laredo Health Department, this proclamation helps raise awareness about ovarian cancer and highlights the importance of education, recognizing potential signs and symptoms, and encouraging open conversations about women’s health. ·

We stand in support of those impacted by ovarian cancer, honor survivors, and remember the lives lost to this disease.

Together, we can help raise awareness, promote early detection, and support those affected by ovarian cancer.

10/20/2026

Seniors across South Texas depend on Social Security to help pay for groceries, housing, prescription medications, and other everyday expenses. When those costs keep rising, it becomes harder for people on fixed incomes to make ends meet.

The Social Security Administration announced a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment for 2027, averaging about $75 more per month for retirees. While this increase will help, many seniors are already struggling with higher prices for basic necessities.

According to Yale's Budget Lab, current tariffs are estimated to cost the average American household approximately $1,100 annually. Higher energy prices are adding to the financial pressure on families, including seniors who depend on their monthly Social Security checks.

I have consistently said that tariffs function as a hidden tax on American families. Congress needs to focus on lowering everyday costs and protecting the Social Security and Medicare benefits that our seniors have worked hard to earn.

10/20/2026

I am deeply saddened by the passing of U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, who lost his life following a tragic accident during a pregame demonstration at the Alamodome in San Antonio over the weekend.

Tech. Sgt. Patterson dedicated 15 years of his life to serving our country and was stationed at Joint Base San Antonio. Our region is home to many service members and military families, including those in the San Antonio communities I represent. This is a heartbreaking loss for his family, fellow Airmen, and our military community.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and everyone mourning his loss. I also want to thank the first responders and medical personnel who rushed to his aid.
May he rest in peace, and may God bring comfort to his loved ones during this difficult time.

Many caught the fall on camera, including Adrian Corey, who was watching the band with his parents and siblings before kickoff.

10/20/2026

I was proud to highlight more than $681.7 million in TEXAS Grant and Federal Pell Grant assistance that has helped South Texas College students pursue higher education today.

As the House author of the legislation establishing the TEXAS Grant program, I worked alongside State Senator Rodney Ellis to make college more affordable. STC students received more than $31.3 million through the program, along with more than $650.4 million in Pell Grants from 2014 through 2025.

Thank you to South Texas College for your commitment to student success. I’ll continue working to expand access to higher education and help South Texas students build brighter futures.

10/20/2026

South Texas farmers and ranchers depend on reliable water deliveries from Mexico to grow their crops, maintain their operations, and support our agricultural economy. When Mexico falls short of its obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty, our producers face serious financial consequences.

In the House-passed Farm Bill, I secured provisions to help address these water shortages and their impact on Rio Grande Valley agriculture.

The bill would establish a federal working group to examine the economic losses caused by delayed water deliveries and recommend ways to make those deliveries more reliable and predictable. It would also direct USDA to report to Congress within 180 days of enactment on assistance programs available to Texas farmers and ranchers who have suffered financial losses because of the shortfalls.

Our farmers and ranchers need a dependable water supply to plan for future growing seasons. I will continue working to get these provisions through final passage, hold Mexico to its treaty commitments, and make sure South Texas producers have access to the assistance they need.

10/20/2026

Today, I announced $781,000 in federal grant funding through USDA Rural Development’s Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant Program for Union Water Supply Corporation.

This investment will fund the corporation’s River Pump Project, including a modernized river intake and pumping system to improve access to raw water from the Rio Grande, its primary water source. The system will adapt to fluctuating river levels, helping maintain reliable water service during drought and low-flow conditions.

For rural communities, these improvements are essential to protecting the water supply that families and businesses depend on every day.

Thank you to Director Redfield, the USDA Rural Development team, and Union Water Supply Corporation for your partnership and dedication to South Texas. I’ll continue working to bring federal resources home to strengthen our water infrastructure and help our communities prepare for future drought conditions.

10/20/2026

Families in South Texas colonias and rural communities need reliable water service, affordable child care, and access to educational opportunities.

In the House-passed Farm Bill, I secured provisions to help colonias access USDA Rural Development programs and make zero- and one-percent interest loans available to qualifying water systems serving colonias and persistent-poverty counties. These provisions would help communities make much-needed water and wastewater improvements while keeping costs manageable for residents.

The bill would also give priority to rural projects that expand access to child care, helping working parents find care closer to home. It would also reauthorize education grants for Hispanic-Serving Institutions, including schools like TAMIU, to support students and educational programs.

I will continue working to get these provisions through final passage and make sure rural communities and colonias across South Texas receive the federal support they need.

10/20/2026

Join me live to Announce $781,000 USDA Water Grant and Highlight $681.8 Million in Financial Aid at South Texas College!

10/20/2026

This morning, I was pleased to highlight an additional $750,000 loan through USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program to help Zapata County complete its new fire station.

This financing builds on the $1.1 million in Community Project Funding I previously secured through the Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations process. Together, the federal grant and USDA loan represent a $1.85 million investment, helping close the funding gap needed to complete construction.

The new station will replace the county’s existing facility, built in the 1960s, and provide improved accommodations for firefighters and emergency personnel who protect families, homes, and businesses throughout Zapata County.

Thank you to Director Redfield, USDA Rural Development, Judge Rathmell, and the Zapata County Commissioners for your partnership in advancing this project. I’ll continue working to ensure our rural communities have the resources they need to strengthen public safety and essential infrastructure.