Henry Cuellar for Congress | Proven Leadership for Texas

Congressman Henry Cuellar began his public service career in 1987 when he was sworn in to the Texas State House of Representatives. He served in this capacity for 7 terms before being appointed the 102nd Texas Secretary of State. In 2004, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for the 28^th District and took the Oath of Office in January 2005.

For his efforts, The Wall Street Journal calls him, "A pro-growth Member in the John F. Kennedy mold," one of the "Seven Best Legislators," says the Dallas Morning News.  A favorite son of Laredo, the city has honored him as "Laredoan of the Year," "Distinguished Citizen of the Year," and "Humanitarian of the Year."  The San Antonio Express-News says, "Cuellar has worked hard and demonstrated an independent nonpartisan mind-set..." and also notes that "Cuellar's willingness to place his district ahead of his political party is refreshing." 

As a Texas Legislator for 14 years, Cuellar was a statewide influential leader who served in leadership positions in the most powerful House committees, including the House Appropriations, Higher Education and Calendars Committees.  At the same time, he was a national leader who served on several national legislative committees dealing with state budgets, the U.S./Mexico border, and international trade.

Along the way, Congressman Cuellar never forgot his responsibility in keeping the doors of opportunity open for students willing to work hard.  He authored the TEXAS Grant program-the largest in Texas history-that today gives thousands of children the opportunity to achieve a college education.

Healthcare has also been a top priority of Cuellar who authored the pilot program outlining the state's Children's Health Insurance Program.  It now provides millions of kids with much needed health insurance.  Henry also worked to make the state more efficient, effective and accountable by creating a performance-based budgeting system when funding state agencies.  He also co-sponsored the largest tax cut in Texas history that included the three-day tax holiday for consumers and small businesses.

As Secretary of State, Congressman Cuellar 'redefined' the office by working to make state agencies more customer-friendly and results-oriented through the implementation of new technology.

Congressman Cuellar is proud of being the 'top vote getter' in his home county of Webb.  He credits this to working long hours, in keeping in touch with his constituents in every part of his district.  To do this, Cuellar holds weekly 'neighborhood office hours' and conducts monthly 'coffees' throughout his district. 

Congressman Cuellar's top priorities are accessibility to constituents, education, healthcare, economic development and homeland security.  Using a bipartisan approach, Congressman Cuellar works closely with his colleagues in Congress to address our nation's toughest issues.  He passed eleven out of eleven amendments he introduced on the House Floor in 2005-a rare accomplishment for a Member in his first term.  Of first year legislators in the 109^th Congress, Congressman Cuellar ranked 1^st in passing amendments, and 3^rd among all House Members. 

In this 111^th Congress, Congressman Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Government Oversight and Reform committees. He chairs the House Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and a member of the Blue Dog Coalition.

The Congressman has been acknowledged at the nation's capitol as a bridging gap between staunch partisans that has allowed for numerous legislative accomplishments to come to fruition.

Cuellar also works hard to deliver real results-including bringing more than one billion dollars in federal money for his district. 

In building a productive and successful life, Cuellar has always credited education as the single most important tool in his life.  He earned an Associate's Degree from Laredo Community College in his hometown, a Bachelor's Degree in Foreign Service from Georgetown University in Washington D.C., a Master's Degree in International Trade from then Laredo State University, now Texas A&M International University, and a law degree and Ph.D. in government from the University of Texas.  Today, Congressman Cuellar is the most degreed member of Congress.  Cuellar also holds a third degree black belt in Karate.

He and his wife Imelda reside in Laredo with their two daughters, Christy and Catie.