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Today, the Brownsville Herald published an editorial cartoon urging President Obama to discuss the water crisis with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto during their summit on immigration reform in Mexico City today.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Filemon Vela (D-Brownsville) announced that the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park has been selected to receive an $8,000 grant as part of the 2013 Ticket to Ride program from the National Park Foundation (NPF), the official charity of America’s national parks.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Filemon Vela (D-Brownsville) visited Sea Turtle Inc. on South Padre Island to learn more about their conservation efforts and see first-hand the important work they do to protect sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico. Founded in 1977, Sea Turtle Inc. was originally formed to aid in the protection and recovery of the endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Filemon Vela (D-Brownsville) visited the National Weather Service (NWS) facilities in Brownsville to meet with Meteorologist-in-Charge (MIC) Steve Drillette and Warning Coordination Meteorologist Barry Goldsmith. They gave an overview of the agency, the Weather Ready Initiative, and discussed the many ways NWS Brownsville/Rio Grande Valley serves more than 1 million people across the southern most portion of Texas.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Filemon Vela (D-Brownsville) met with the Military Heroes' Relief PTSD Peer to Peer Support Group and thanked the organization for their service to veterans and their families. Congressman Vela then presented the group with an American flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. in their honor.
“Reforming the immigration system is one of the most critical challenges facing our nation. With millions living in the shadows and with families divided by outdated and arbitrary policies, we must restore balance and fairness to immigration laws. For our national and economic security, we must pursue policies that allow us to account for those who live and work in this country, and we must allow individuals to earn the opportunity to apply for citizenship.
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Filemon Vela released details about resources and assistance available to the 11 counties in the 34th District of Texas affected by the drought. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency, through the Disaster Assistance Program, declared the following counties in drought: Cameron, Hidalgo, Willacy, Kleberg, Kenedy, Jim Wells, Bee, Goliad, DeWitt, San Patricio and Gonzales.
Brownsville, Texas – Today, Congressman Filemon Vela of the 34th District of Texas and State Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. (D-Brownsville) received a briefing and tour given by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in conjunction with Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection regarding ongoing efforts to secure the border.
Brownsville, Texas – Today, The United States House of Representatives House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee appointed Congressman-elect Filemon Vela of the 34th District of Texas to serve on the House Agriculture Committee in the 113th Congress. Vela is the only Texas Democrat who will serve on the Committee.