Cuellar, Henry, 1955-

CUELLAR, Henry, a Representative from Texas; born in Laredo, Webb County, Tex., September 19, 1955; graduated from J.W. Nixon High School, Laredo, Tex., 1974; A.A., Laredo Community College, Laredo, Tex., 1976; B.S., Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., 1978; J.D., University of Texas, Austin, Tex., 1981; M.A., Texas A&M International University, Laredo, Tex., 1982; Ph.D., University of Texas, Austin, Tex., 1998; lawyer, private practice; member of the Texas state house of representatives, 1987-2001; unsuccessful candidate for nomination to the United States of Representatives in 2002; Texas secretary of state, 2001; elected as a Democrat to the One Hundred Ninth and to the eight succeeding Congresses (January 3, 2005-present).

<p>Serving his eighth term in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Henry Cuellar proudly represents Texas’ 28th congressional district, which includes the cities of Laredo, Mission, Rio Grande City, and San Antonio. Congressman Cuellar supports equal opportunity for men and women of all backgrounds. His legislative principles are based on the belief that education, family values and hard work should open doors to new opportunities for all Americans.</p>

<p>Congressman Cuellar serves as the only Texas Democrat on the powerful U.S. House Appropriations Committee. He is the Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, while also serving on the Defense Subcommittee and the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. Congressman Cuellar was named Chief Deputy Whip for the 117th Congress, where he works in a bipartisan manner to serve the American people.</p>

<p>As one of eight children born to migrant farm workers in Laredo, Texas, Congressman Cuellar was raised with a passion for education and an unwavering work ethic, as he sought to attain his educational goals. As the most degreed member of Congress, he credits his education with informing his public service to Texas.</p>

<p>Enrique Roberto "Henry" Cuellar (/ˈkweɪɑːr/ KWAY-arr; born September 19, 1955) is an American politician serving as the U.S. Representative from Texas's 28th congressional district since 2005. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Cuellar is a moderate and is considered one of the most conservative representatives in the Democratic caucus. His district extends from the Rio Grande to San Antonio's suburbs.</p>

<p>Cuellar served 14 years in the Texas House of Representatives before a brief stint as Texas Secretary of State in 2001. He lost election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2002, but was elected in 2004.</p>

<p>Cuellar was born in Laredo, the county seat of Webb County in South Texas, where he has resided most of his life. His Mexican-American parents, Martin Siller Cuellar Sr. (1926–2019), and the former Odilia Perez (1928–2015), a native of Zapata, Texas, traveled as far north as Idaho each year doing migrant labor until Martin found work as a gardener and ranch manager. With eight children, the Cuellar family lived on Reynolds Street in the Las Lomas neighborhood of "The Heights" area of Laredo. His parents knew no English, but instilled a strong work ethic in their children.</p>