Texas Border Business
Washington, D.C.—Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) received the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association’s Advocacy Leadership Award in recognition of his work for the Texas Green Industry in Congress, specifically fighting for opportunity in America’s workforce and prosperity for our small businesses.
“Whether it is fighting for small businesses, ensuring our workforce has the support they need, or advocating for more accessible and affordable water resources, I have been committed to supporting policies that create economic prosperity in Texas,” said Congressman Cuellar. “As we rebuild our economy, I remain committed to working across party lines to get American businesses and the American worker back on their feet. I want to thank the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association for honoring me with the Advocacy Leadership Award.”
“The TNLA Board has chosen to recognize Congressman Henry Cuellar with the TNLA Advocacy Leadership Award because of his longtime commitment to strengthen the Texas Green Industry. Congressman Cuellar has demonstrated his leadership on the Texas industry’s behalf in his roles on various committees. His steadfast leadership in directing federal resources to our state and fighting to bolster the Texas economy by supporting our local businesses has been crucial to sustaining our industry’s growth,” said Amy Graham, CEO & President of the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association.
In the most recent COVID-19 relief package, Congressman helped secure $284 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which offers forgivable loans to business owners with the goal of allowing them to keep their employees on payroll amid the crisis. The Congressman also helped include $20 billion for targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loans grants through the Small Business Administration, providing an additional lifeline for businesses experiencing a temporary loss of revenue.
As Vice-Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, Congressman Cuellar secured an amendment that will give the Department of Homeland Security the authority to approve an additional number of H-2B visas if the needs of seasonal businesses cannot be met with American workers. In addition, Congressman Cuellar secured an amendment in the FY21 spending bill that would change the time limits a worker employed through the H-2A program can stay in the U.S. to ensure everyone in the green and agriculture industry can utilize the program.
