Texas Border Business
Washington, D.C. — Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) will continue to serve as the Vice Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee in the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. Congressman Cuellar will also serve as a member of the Appropriations Subcommittees on Defense as well as Agriculture.
“With a new administration and Congress, we have an opportunity rethink our national security,” said Congressman Cuellar.“After four years, it’s time to stop funneling money away from the military towards an ineffective wall. We must fund smart technology and additional personnel to keep out criminals, drugs and other threats to America’s safety. Any efforts to enhance border security must also coincide with immigration reform and investments in our partnership with Mexico. As the Vice Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, I will work hard to invest in innovative and collaborative programs that advance the prosperity, security, and success of the United States.
“After our nation experienced a threat to our democracy, it has never been more important to fund programs within our military that enhance our country’s security, benefit our servicemembers and strengthen our bases, including Joint Base San Antonio. As a member of the Defense Subcommittee on Appropriations, I am committed to securing critical funds that keep Americans safe and give our troops the resources they need to succeed.
“Texas’ farmers, ranchers and producers have been essential to providing food for our tables during this crisis,” Congressman Cuellar continued. “During this Congress, I will work hard in the Agricultural Subcommittee to provide assistance to our agricultural industry by advancing agricultural research, food safety initiatives, and broadband services to rural communities.
“I would like to thank Appropriations Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro as well as Homeland Security Subcommittee Chairwoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, Defense Subcommittee Chairwoman Betty McCollum, and Agriculture Subcommittee Chairman Sanford Bishop for providing me with these leadership opportunities.”
As the Vice Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee in the 117th Congress, Congressman Cuellar will work on the following national security priorities:
- Secure additional immigration judges and support staff to reduce the backlog of immigration cases at our southern border
- Increase funding for Operation Stonegarden Grant Program (OPSG), which works to support law enforcement through funding equipment, over-time pay and support interagency operations.
- Deliver additional funding for border technology, such as rescue beacons and video surveillance cameras
- Secure additional CBP Officers, Border Patrol Agents and Processing Coordinators, and Agriculture Specialists to help streamline trade on our ports as well as improve security along the border
As a member of the Defense Subcommittee on Appropriations, Congressman Cuellar will deliver funding for our service men and women and ensure the readiness and modernization of our nation’s armed forces. The Congressman will also serve on the Agricultural Subcommittee, where he will work for our nation’s farmers and ranchers as well as address the needs of rural America.