Rep. Henry Cuellar Sworn Into 111th Congress

Press Release

Rep. Henry Cuellar Sworn Into 111th Congress

Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (Texas 28th District) was sworn into his third two-year term in the United States Congress.

"These are tremendously challenging times for Texans," Congressman Cuellar said. "Most folks are working harder than ever, but they're finding it tougher and tougher to make ends meet. In times like these, it's more important than ever that Texas has a strong voice in our nation's capital. It is a humbling honor and privilege to serve as that voice, and I look forward to setting to work."

Congressman Cuellar was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2004. He previously served as Texas Secretary of State and for 14 years in the Texas House of Representatives.

In his time in Washington, Congressman Cuellar has earned a reputation as a strong, independent voice who reaches across party lines to achieve results for Texas. He has secured tens of millions of dollars in appropriations for critical projects at home, including funds to establish the Border Joint Operation Emergency Training Center at Texas A&M International University, which supports training for first responders at all levels of government.

Congressman Cuellar has also authored legislation to establish a Border Violence Task Force to coordinate intergovernmental efforts to combat border crime, and he has helped Texans cope with the rising cost of college by simplifying the student loan application process and establishing a "one-stop shop" for financial aid research.

Congressman Cuellar has so far been appointed to two committees in the 111th Congress:

* The U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security was created in 2002 in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The Committee oversees the Department of Homeland Security and develops legislation to strengthen the security of the United States.

In the 111th Congress, Congressman Cuellar will continue to chair the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response, which he has led since 2007.
* The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture oversees the Department of Agriculture and has broad jurisdiction over all agriculture-related issues, including the Farm Bill and legislation related to biofuels and rural development.

The Speaker of the House led today's traditional swearing-in ceremony on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Cuellar recited the oath that every Member of Congress has sworn since 1884: "I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God."

After his swearing-in, Congressman Cuellar noted, "You don't have to look very hard in South Texas to find families who are hurting. They're worried about their jobs, their retirement savings, their kids' college costs. They're feeling frustrated, and they have a right to expect Washington to act quickly."

He added, "Helping families secure their financial futures is the first and most important duty of the 111th Congress. That means passing a bold and carefully directed stimulus package, it means helping working families to afford health care for their kids, and it means helping students who work hard and study hard to afford a college education."

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