Henry Cuellar

On January 4, 2005, Henry Cuellar was sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Texas's 28th congressional district. Cuellar, a Democrat, had previously served as the Texas Secretary of State and was a former Texas State Representative. His election to Congress marked the beginning of his tenure in federal legislative service, where he would focus on issues such as trade, border security, and transportation. Cuellar's district includes a portion of the U.S.-Mexico border, making these topics significant areas of legislative interest for him. His entry into the House of Representatives was part of a broader Democratic effort to regain seats in Congress during the 2004 elections.

On March 21, 2010, Henry Cuellar cast his vote in favor of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a significant legislative achievement of the Obama administration aimed at expanding health insurance coverage to millions of uninsured Americans. The ACA included provisions to prohibit insurance companies from denying coverage due to pre-existing conditions, expand Medicaid, and create health insurance exchanges. Cuellar's support was critical as the bill faced a contentious passage through Congress, with debates centering on its long-term impact on the U.S. healthcare system and federal budget. Despite intense political pressure, Cuellar stood by the reform policies, aligning with the Democratic Party's commitment to healthcare reform.

On May 19, 2015, Henry Cuellar, alongside other moderate Democrats, co-founded the Blue Dog Strong Political Action Committee (PAC) to support the election of fiscally responsible, moderate Democrats to Congress. This initiative was part of a broader effort to strengthen the influence of centrist Democrats in legislative processes, attempting to bolster bipartisanship and pragmatic governance. The Blue Dog Coalition, which Cuellar has been a part of, has historically advocated for balanced budgets, economic growth, and sensible regulation. The creation of the Blue Dog Strong PAC was seen as a strategic move to amplify these values in federal policymaking against a backdrop of increasing polarization in American politics.

On July 9, 2019, Henry Cuellar was actively involved in negotiations surrounding the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the trade deal intended to replace NAFTA. His role was pivotal given his district's geographic and economic ties to trade with Mexico. Cuellar worked to ensure that the agreement addressed labor rights and environmental standards while promoting free trade across North America. His efforts contributed to bipartisan support for the agreement, emphasizing how trade policies affect everyday Americans. The successful negotiation and eventual passage of USMCA were seen as essential to maintaining strong economic ties and improving trade relations within North America.

On January 29, 2020, Henry Cuellar participated in the U.S. House of Representatives' vote on the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, relating to the President's conduct regarding Ukraine and obstruction of Congress. Cuellar, aligning with the majority of the Democratic caucus, voted in favor of both articles of impeachment. This vote was a significant political moment, reflecting deep divisions in Congress and nationwide over presidential accountability and integrity. The impeachment proceedings were a culmination of months of investigation and debate, and Cuellar's vote underscored his commitment to upholding the constitutional oversight responsibilities of Congress.

On May 25, 2021, Henry Cuellar, together with other lawmakers, announced new funding initiatives aimed at enhancing border security and improving infrastructure on the U.S.-Mexico border. Representing a district that is directly impacted by border issues, Cuellar played a role in negotiating these funds to address immigration and trade flow concerns. The funding was intended to bolster border patrol resources, improve processing facilities for migrants, and enhance technology systems to monitor border activities. Cuellar emphasized the need for smart border policies that secure the borders while also facilitating legitimate trade and travel, highlighting his pragmatic approach to complex border issues.

On February 10, 2022, the FBI conducted a search of Henry Cuellar's home and campaign office as part of a federal investigation focused on U.S. businessmen and their ties to Azerbaijan. The Bureau did not detail the exact reasons for the search or the specific nature of the investigation. Cuellar, who cooperated with the authorities, has consistently maintained his innocence, stating that he adheres to legal and ethical guidelines in his political and personal dealings. The investigation brought intense media scrutiny and political speculation, though no charges were filed against Cuellar, and he continued to serve in Congress, focusing on his legislative duties.

On December 23, 2022, Henry Cuellar expressed his opposition to the expiration of the Title 42 policy, which was initially enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic to expel migrants quickly at the U.S.-Mexico border. Cuellar argued that ending the policy without adequate preparation and resources could lead to overwhelming migration surges, affecting border communities and resources. His stance reflected ongoing concerns about immigration policy and border management amidst fluctuating migratory trends. Cuellar called for a balanced approach that secures borders while processing asylum claims efficiently and humanely.