Henry Cuellar RSS Articles

Congressman Cuellar Votes for Fair Physician Payments for Doctors

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) today voted to protect millions of seniors relying on Medicare by fixing the way their physicians are reimbursed. The Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act, passed by the House today, aims to permanently reform the Medicare payment system, repealing a 21% cut in payments scheduled for January 2010.

"By blocking this cut and replacing it with a stable reimbursement system we will preserve seniors’ ability to keep their doctors," said Congressman Cuellar. "This protects our seniors, helps our doctors and fixes a system that has been patched six times."

H.R. 3961 would correct a decade-long cycle of short-term fixes for the Medicare reimbursement rate system. Currently, health care providers treating seniors on Medicare are reimbursed according to the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula. Congress has acted six times in the last six years to enact a short-term fix to the SGR.

"This formula has continuously underserved and under reimbursed our doctors," said Congressman Cuellar. "If we don’t fix the system, we endanger our ability to provide care to our seniors in the future. Enacting another short-term fix is like kicking the can down the road and jeopardizes the solvency of Medicare. A permanent fix is needed now and on the heels of reform, now is the time."

As companion legislation to the House health care reform bill passed two weeks ago, H.R 3961 is supported by a wide range of organizations including the American Medical Association, AARP and the Military Officers Association of America.

The SGR "fix", as it is commonly known, protects access to physicians for Medicare beneficiaries and also supports members of the military and their families relying on Tricare. Medicare reimbursement rates dually apply to physicians providing care to Tricare patients.

Today, the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act passed the House by 243-183 and will now move to the Senate. The bill will also attach and send to the Senate H.R. 2920, the Statuary PAYGO Act of 2009, passed by the House on July 22. Congressman Cuellar co-sponsored the Pay-As-You-Go legislation which restores spending rules to Congress to reduce the national deficit.

"The PAYGO principle is simple: you can’t spend more than what you have," said Congressman Cuellar. "Moving this legislation to the Senate will bring us one step closer to reigning in national spending and return our deficit to the surpluses of the nineties."

If passed by the Senate and signed by the President, the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act and Statutory PAYGO would become law.

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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Government Oversight & Reform Committees in the 111th Congress. Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.

Congressman Cuellar Votes for Historic Health Care Reform Plan

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) today voted for H.R. 3962, the “Affordable Health Care for America Act of 2009,” historic health care reform legislation to reform the nation’s health insurance system and ensure quality, affordable health care for all Americans. The deficit-neutral legislation will bring health care coverage to 209,000 uninsured Americans in the 28th congressional district of Texas and will provide coverage to 4.4 million uninsured Texans.

“This vote was a once in a lifetime opportunity to build upon the premise that all Americans are created equal and would ensure that every American is worthy of access to quality affordable health care,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This historic unprecedented plan is built on a fundamental premise that all Americans should be treated with dignity when securing their health. No American should live without health care choices or live on the brink of a health care crisis.”

The “Affordable Health Care for America Act” would provide coverage to 96% of Americans through private health insurance reforms, an expansion of Medicaid, affordability credits and the creation of a national health insurance exchange. The deficit-neutral legislation costs $894 billion, $400 billion less than the original House health care reform plan introduced this July.

Congressman Cuellar secured two major amendments in the final bill, including protecting state tort reform laws from federal preemption and ensuring that all new health care agencies created under the bill are efficient and held accountable. This week, the Texas Medical Association applauded Congressman Cuellar’s provision to protect Texas’ strong medical liability laws.

“I decided to vote in favor of this historic legislation because it preserves what works and improves upon what doesn’t,” said Congressman Cuellar. “One third of my district is uninsured, meaning that there are over two hundred thousand reasons why we need immediate health care reform today.”

The House health care reform plan would prohibit private health insurance companies from denying coverage to Americans with pre-existing conditions, and would also cap annual out of pocket medical expenses at $5,000 per individual and $10,000 per family. The plan would also provide affordability credits to low and moderate income individuals and families, and includes a voluntary public health insurance option in which the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimates 2% of Americans would enroll.

“Congress created Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid to provide options for Americans who would otherwise have slim to none,” said Congressman Cuellar. “These government programs are vital to those who rely on them and thus ‘government takeover’ claims are fabrications to evoke fear.”

The plan passed by the House late Saturday by a vote of 220-215 and significantly strengthens Medicare and Medicaid. In fact, it closes the Medicare Part D “Donut hole” for seniors by 2019 and eliminates cost-sharing for preventive care services. The bill also expands Medicaid to individuals and families with incomes at or below 150% percent of the federal poverty line, recognizing the hardships families face in these tough economic times.

“This transformative, landmark bill is one of the most important votes this Congress will ever take,” said Congressman Cuellar. “A champion for health care, Senator Ted Kennedy once called health care reform the great unfinished business of our country. Today, we are one giant step closer to finishing the job.”

The 28th District of Texas would significantly benefit by the “Affordable Health Care for America Act of 2009”:

Coverage of the Uninsured: There are 267,000 uninsured individuals in the 28th district, (34% of the district’s population). The Congressional Budget Office estimates that nationwide, 96% of all Americans will receive insurance coverage under this plan. If this benchmark is reached, 209,000 people who currently do not have health insurance will receive coverage under H.R. 3962.

Strengthening Medicare: There are 94,000 Medicare beneficiaries in the 28th district. The health care reform legislation improves Medicare by providing free preventive and wellness care, improving primary and coordinated care, improving nursing home quality and strengthening the Medicare Trust Fund.

Help for Small Businesses: Under the legislation, businesses with up to 100 employees will be able to join the health insurance exchange, benefitting from lowered group rates and a greater choice of insurers. There are 14,200 small businesses in the 28th district that will be able to join the health insurance exchange.

Help for Seniors: Each year, 5,800 seniors in the 28th district experience the Medicare Part D “donut hole” and are forced to pay their full prescription drug costs. This legislation would provide them with immediate relief, cutting brand name drug costs in the donut hole by 50%, and ultimately eliminate the donut hole by 2019.

Health Care and Financial Security: In 2008, there were 600 health care-related bankruptcies in the 28th district in 2008, caused primarily by the health care costs not covered by private insurance. This bill caps annual out-of-pocket expenses at $5,000 for single individuals and $10,000 per year for families, ensuring that no citizen will have to face financial ruin because of high health care costs.

To learn more about H.R. 3962, please visit: http://www.cuellar.house.gov/Issues/Issue/?IssueID=3834

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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Government Oversight & Reform Committees in the 111th Congress. Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.

Statement: Congressman Cuellar Will Vote Yes on Health Care Reform

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) today released this statement in advance of a health care reform vote anticipated to take place in the House this weekend:

“After several weeks of careful and thorough evaluation, and after several months of conversations with my constituents, I have decided to cast my vote in favor of this historic legislation.

“I am voting yes because every American has a fundamental right to be treated with dignity when securing their health. No American should live without healthcare choices or live on the brink of a health care crisis. I am voting yes for this historic health care plan because it will improve coverage for those who have it and create choices for those who don’t.

“This transformative, landmark bill is one of the most important votes this Congress will ever take. Senator Ted Kennedy once called health care reform ‘the great unfinished business of our country.’ Today, we are one step closer to finishing the job.

“As I met with my constituents and asked questions about the cost, I never lost sight of the goal of health care reform. One in three people in my congressional district does not have health care coverage, and two out of three likely face rising premiums or rely on Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP or Veterans health care plans. For these reasons, I support this health care bill because it responds to the needs of all these constituents. Looking forward, it will bring health care security to 209,000 Americans in the 28th District of Texas and coverage to over 4.4 million uninsured Texans.

“This bill is a dramatic improvement from the one introduced this July. This plan is a fiscally responsible solution to the state of our nation’s health care system. It provides coverage to 96% of Americans while reducing the federal deficit, cutting waste, fraud and abuse by bringing long overdue reforms. It also includes provisions I authored to protect tort reform laws in Texas and ensures that all new agencies created by this bill will be efficient and accountable.

“This bill represents nearly one hundred years of work. It’s a historic, unprecedented plan to better the lives of all Americans. And this vote is a once in a lifetime opportunity to renew a promise that all Americans are created equal and that every American is worthy of access to quality affordable health care.”

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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Government Oversight & Reform Committees in the 111th Congress. Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.

Statement: Congressman Cuellar on Pending Health Care Vote

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) today released this statement in advance of a health care reform vote expected to take place in the House this weekend:

“As the House nears a vote on health care reform, I continue to read and evaluate the final changes and I am deeply encouraged by what I read. From the beginning, I’ve supported health care reform, asking serious questions about what it would cost, while advocating on behalf of the needs of both the uninsured and insured.

“I share in a fundamental belief that all Americans should be treated with dignity when it comes to securing their health, and no American should be put in a position where they have nowhere to turn for health care. This is why I support reforming the private health insurance system and why I support health insurance options to improve coverage for those who have it and to provide choices for those who don’t.

“I will continue to read the final version of the House health care reform plan because it is the responsible thing for a member of Congress to do. This is a historic piece of legislation and I will consider how it answers the needs of my constituents. I will carry their concerns with me to the House floor when I vote.”

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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Government Oversight & Reform Committees in the 111th Congress. Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.

TMA Applauds Congressman Cuellar for Tort Reform Provisions Included in Final House Health Care Reform Bill

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

TMA STATEMENT — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 5, 2009

Texas Physicians Applaud Congressman Cuellar’s Leadership on Health System Reform

The following can be attributed to William H. Fleming III, MD, President of the Texas Medical Association. Dr. Fleming’s statement is in regard to an amendment offered by U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar to health reform legislation (HR 3962: Affordable Health Care for America Act).

“The physicians and medical students of the Texas Medical Association (TMA) applaud U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) for taking an important step to protect Texas’ landmark medical liability reforms.

“Texas’ medical liability reforms have been good for Texas and good for Texas patients. Today, sick and injured Texans have more physicians providing more services and caring for more patients with complex or high-risk problems. Physicians across the state also have found it much easier to recruit new physicians, especially those practicing high-risk specialties. It’s critical that Texas has the ability to protect these important reforms, and Congressman Cuellar’s amendment is a step in that direction.”

TMA is the largest state medical society in the nation, representing nearly 44,000 physician and medical student members. It is located in Austin and has 120 component county medical societies around the state. TMA’s key objective since 1853 is to improve the health of all Texans.

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Contact: Pam Udall (512) 370-1382; cell: (512) 413-6807; e-mail: pam.udall@texmed.org

Brent Annear (512) 370-1381; cell: (512) 656-7320; e-mail: brent.annear@texmed.org

Click here to follow TMA on Twitter. Or visit TMA on Facebook.

Congressman Cuellar Secures Provisions in House Health Care Bill

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) today announced that he has secured two major provisions in the final House version of health care reform. The measures were included in the Manager’s Amendment introduced Tuesday evening, which is a 42 page addendum to H.R. 3962, the “Affordable Health Care for America Act 2009” introduced last week.

The provisions will protect current and future state medical malpractice laws from federal infringement and will impose proven government accountability, performance and customer service standards on any new federal agency created by the bill, in addition to requiring periodic assessments to eliminate unnecessary rules and regulations at these agencies.

“As a supporter of the Texas malpractice reform, I wanted to be sure that these state medical liability laws would not be adversely impacted by this legislation,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This means no federal law can preempt, setback or alter a state’s tort reform laws. With this, they will stay in tact.”

Since July, Congressman Cuellar advocated for tort reform to be included in the final health care reform plan. While serving in the Texas State Legislature, he strongly supported medical malpractice laws for Texas health care providers.

“The physicians and medical students of the Texas Medical Association (TMA) applaud U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar for taking an important step to protect Texas’ landmark medical liability reforms,” said William H. Fleming III, MD, President of the Texas Medical Association. “Texas’ medical liability reforms have been good for Texas and good for Texas patients. It’s critical that Texas has the ability to protect these important reforms, and Congressman Cuellar’s amendment is a step in that direction.”

“Texas Medical Liability Trust (TMLT) and its nearly 15,000 physician policy holders greatly appreciate the efforts of Representative Henry Cuellar of Texas to include language in the current health care reform bill that attempts to protect physicians against potential increased liability exposure in H.R. 3962,” said Bob Fields, President and CEO of the Texas Medical Liability Trust. “Representative Cuellar continues to be a strong advocate for physicians and their patients.”

Congressman Cuellar also authored a provision in the amendment that will impose several performance and accountability requirements on all new agencies created under H.R. 3962. Among the provisions are requirements for agencies to produce a strategic plan every three years and conduct annual performance assessments. This is intended to help the public assess each new agency’s performance, productivity and accountability.

“I believe in governing with our eyes open,” said Congressman Cuellar. “If we are creating new agencies, we need to ensure from the outset that they are held accountable to the American people. If we’re asking Americans to be responsible for their health care we should ensure these agencies are held responsible for their actions.”

Also included in the bill are two additional “good government” provisions that will increase high-quality government customer service and reduce bureaucratic red tape.

Each new agency would be required to periodically review their customer service plans to develop improvement strategies and higher standards. This reflects goals included in legislation which Congressman Cuellar successfully passed in the House in July 2007.

Cuellar’s amendment also requires each agency to identify and eliminate any redundant rules and regulations.

“With government it’s a given: there will be red tape. This is why it’s so important to give these agencies the authority to root out redundant rules and regulations to help Americans get the care they need,” said Congressman Cuellar. “These are common sense solutions to common practice problems.”

A House vote on health care reform is expected to take place this weekend.

As a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition, Congressman Cuellar supported allowing Americans to review the final bill for 72 hours before a vote is a made, a commitment that House leadership is carrying out.

To read the Manager’s Amendment to H.R. 3962, please visit: http://docs.house.gov/rules/health/111_hr3962_dingell.pdf

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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Government Oversight & Reform Committees in the 111th Congress. Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.

Statement: Congressman Cuellar On New Health Care Reform Bill

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) today released this statement following the House introduction of the new health care reform plan:

"I am more encouraged by the new House health care reform bill introduced today. We need a health reform plan that extends health insurance coverage to the one in three uninsured Americans in my district in a responsible, cost-effective way. Beginning today, I will thoroughly evaluate this bill to determine if it is a health care reform plan I can ultimately support.

"Since serving in the Texas State Legislature, I’ve been a long-time advocate for health care reform, and I will continue to ensure the concerns of my constituents are reflected in the final bill. Most importantly, I want to make sure we can provide quality, affordable health care for all while not increasing America’s national deficit. All Americans have a stake in the future of our health care system and I encourage everyone to go online and read the entire bill, which I have already begun to do."

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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Government Oversight & Reform Committees in the 111th Congress. Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.

Congressman Cuellar Calls on Coast Guard to Study Presence Along the Rio Grande

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) today voted for the Coast Guard Authorization Act, a bill which approves Coast Guard programs for 2010 and includes a provision requiring the agency to conduct a mission analysis study to determine the Coast Guard’s presence along the Rio Grande River.

“With this study, the Coast Guard and related agencies can devise a plan to adequately determine how the Coast Guard can share in the responsibility of securing the Rio Grande River,” said Congressman Cuellar.

The Coast Guard is responsible for patrolling international waterways bordering the United States including the navigable portions of the Rio Grande.

Currently, the Coast Guard patrols a limited portion of the river, leaving local agencies and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to secure the banks of the 1,200 mile Rio Grande. For more than a year, Congressman Cuellar has been working with the Coast Guard and CBP to address this problem.

“The safety of the international border continues to be a national security concern as violence persists in neighboring Mexico,” said Cuellar. “The river is a vital international waterway. By analyzing the current mission and identifying the needs, we can address a multitude of security issues and keep our communities safe.”

The provision authored by Congressman Cuellar is designed to improve border security and address local issues along the border, including drug trafficking, human smuggling and deceased bodies floating in the river.

Congressman Cuellar recognizes the need for local agencies to collaborate with federal agencies in their efforts to secure the border, and his amendment requires the Coast Guard to:

Evaluate their current mission along the international waters of the Rio Grande River, including a personnel and assets assessment
Identify Coast Guard’s needs to increase search and rescue operations, in addition to, drug interdiction operations
Work with related agencies, including CBP and local entities, in conducting the mission analysis

Today, the Coast Guard Authorization Act passed by the House by a vote of 385-11. If passed by the Senate and signed by the President, the bill would become law.

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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Government Oversight & Reform Committees in the 111th Congress. Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.

Congressman Cuellar Calls for Colonias Study in Solar Energy Bill

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) today voted for a sweeping solar energy technology bill which would direct the Energy Secretary to create a solar energy roadmap by conducting studies nationwide, including a study on how the sun could power undeveloped areas known as Colonias.

“These studies will give us a roadmap for how to tap the most abundant natural resource we have,” said Congressman Cuellar. “And with my amendment the Energy Secretary would study communities like the Colonias who lack a traditional power structure.”

Today, the House passed by a vote of 310-106, H.R. 3585, the Solar Technology Roadmap Act, that requires the U.S. Department of Energy to create a long-term plan to guide solar energy research and its potential for widespread commercial use. The legislation also authorizes $2.25 billion for solar research over the next five years.

Congressman Cuellar successfully added an amendment to the bill that requires the Energy Department to conduct these solar studies in underpowered and underserved communities like the Colonias. Over the past several years, he’s repeatedly secured federal funding to bring electricity to the underdeveloped dwellings along the Rio Grande River.

“A little power goes a long way in the Colonias,” said Congressman Cuellar. “And as the federal government makes these dramatic new investments, they should look at our underdeveloped communities who have little if no power at all.”

This July, Congressman Cuellar secured $550,000 for the Colonias in the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act 2010, to power approximately 100 dwellings in the Colonias through a micro-grid system in coordination with Texas A&M University. A prototype currently powers twelve dwellings in La Presa Colonia in Webb County.

If passed by the Senate and signed by the President, the Solar Technology Roadmap Act would become law. For more information, please visit: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:HR3585:/

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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Government Oversight & Reform Committees in the 111th Congress. Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.

Congressman Cuellar and VA Officials Unveil New Mobile Clinics for South Texas Veterans

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Cuellar alongside Jim Hogg, Zapata and Starr County veterans today unveiled new mobile veterans clinics across South Texas. These travelling clinics will help veterans get local VA care.

Thousands of veterans enrolled in the VA's Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System will now be able to receive routine primary care, preventative care, and limited mental health services without having to travel out of town.

A strong advocate of services for veterans, Congressman Cuellar worked very closely with the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that these medical services came to South Texas.

“There is no need for our veterans to have to travel out of town to receive health services that they so desperately need. These veterans were there for us when our nation needed them most, and now we have to be there for them when they need us most,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Some of these veterans nearly gave their lives for this country. We have to treat them with the dignity and respect that they deserve. I want to thank Tim Shea for the excellent work he is doing in taking care of our veterans in rural South Texas.”

“On behalf of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Honorable Eric K. Shinseki, I thank Congressman Cuellar for his diligent support of this important initiative and tell the Veterans of rural South Texas that we are here to serve you and hope you take advantage of the services provided by the Mobile Medical Unit” said Tim Shea, Director of the VA Heart of Texas Health Care Network.

“Expanding health care services to our rural South Texas veterans is a priority of the VA and we are very proud to participate in the official Mobile Medical Unit ribbon cutting ceremony with our good friend Congressman Henry Cuellar” said Mr. Jeff Milligan, Director of the new VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System.

The mobile medical unit, which is equipped with two exam rooms, an intake and vitals area, a restroom, and a storage room, will make stops in Hebbronville, Roma, Rio Grande City and Zapata County twice a month. To schedule an appointment, call the VA Outpatient Clinic in McAllen toll free at 1-866-622-5536.

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Government Oversight & Reform Committees in the 111th Congress. Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.

CONGRESSMAN HENRY CUELLAR TO ANNOUNCE $190,000 FOR RIO BRAVO VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:04:36 GMT

Laredo Border Area Government Contracting Pre-Conference Training

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 20:01:49 GMT

Congressman Henry Cuellar to host Tele-Townhall Meeting

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:22:14 GMT

Laredo Border Area Government Contracting Conference

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 14:48:28 GMT

Coffee with Congressman Cuellar in Floresville

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 21:38:51 GMT

Tele Town Hall

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:44:39 GMT

Zapata Highway Expansion Grant Annoucement

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:13:56 GMT

TMC Grant Announcement - Head Start - Zapata

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:23:26 GMT

TMC Grant Announcement - Head Start - Rio Grande City

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:32:12 GMT

TMC Grant Announcement - Head Start - Roma

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:34:58 GMT