January 31, 2014 - A Message from Congressman Filemon Vela
January 31, 2014
Congressional Updates
Dear Friends,
Each year, I have the privilege of nominating students to be considered for admission at one of our country's elite military academies, which offer young men and women a tremendous educational opportunity and the chance to serve our country. Last week, I hosted a ceremony to recognize 17 students who I nominated to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. It was an honor to present these high-achieving students with a Congressional Recognition Certificate and to meet their families who helped them reach this point in their lives.
Congressman Vela with students nominated to attend U.S. Military Academies
As we know, South Texas is a patriotic region of the county where we believe in supporting our veterans. Last week, the Cameron County Veterans Court had a grand opening ceremony. The Court will provide a team-based approach--working with the Veterans Administration, the Cameron County Veterans Service Office, the District Attorneys Office and others to ensure that veterans receive the help they need. State District Judge David Sanchez will preside over the Veterans Court, which will meet weekly. Upon a veterans successful completion of the Veterans Court program, charges may be dismissed. Providing support services to returning veterans is an obligation we owe to those who have given so much to our country.
Congressman Vela visits with Veterans at the Cameron County Veterans Court Grand Opening Ceremony
Last week concluded with a visit from Congressman Nick Rahall (W.V.) and Congressman Tim Bishop (N.Y.) along with Brigadier General Thomas Kula and Colonel Richard Pannell from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Congressman Rahall is the Ranking Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has broad jurisdiction over highways and seaports, and Congressman Bishop serves as the Ranking Member of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over water resources development and conservation. I invited the group to South Texas to see first-hand the positive impact that beach restoration and water projects can have on our local economy and environment. Members from the group visited the Port of Harlingen and the Port of Brownsville, toured Brownsville's resaca restoration project and met with agents from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to learn about ongoing efforts to restore the Bahia Grande and South Padre Island beaches.
Congressman Vela with Congressman Nick Rahall (WV), Congressman Tim Bishop (NY), and Congressman Gene Green (TX) along with Brigadier General Thomas Kula and Colonel Richard Pannell from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the Bahia Grande
Sincerely,
Filemon Vela
Member of Congress