Dear Friends,
Two weeks ago, I met with U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Anthony Wayne. During our meeting, we discussed issues that greatly affect both Mexico and the 34th District, including the violence in Matamoros, water, and economic development. I look forward to working more with Ambassador Wayne as we seek solutions for a better Mexico and South Texas.
Following my meeting with Ambassador Wayne, Mayor Tony Martinez of Brownsville visited my office. We were joined by representatives from Select USA and the Economic Development Agency and discussed ongoing economic development and infrastructure projects in the City of Brownsville.
Congressman Vela meeting with Ambassador Wayne
Congressman Vela discussing regional issues with Mayor Tony Martinez
As a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, I attended a Subcommittee on Livestock, Rural Development, and Credit hearing, reviewing the state of the livestock industry. During the hearing, Dr. Joseph Glauber, Chief Economist for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) testified about trends in the livestock and poultry sectors, government programs available for livestock producers, and new programs that will be made available through the recently passed Farm Bill.
Earlier this month, my office hosted a Congressional Art Show. We received more than 90 submissions from high school students from throughout the 34th District. The art show was a huge success, and showcased the talent of South Texas students. Each student received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for his or her participation. One piece of art was selected for display at the U.S. Capitol. This year’s winner is Deynaria Macias, who is a senior at Lopez High School in Brownsville. Her entry, titled “Metamorphosis”, was created using colored pencils. Deynaria’s piece is truly unique.
Deynaria Macias with her winning piece of artwork, "Metamorphosis"
Along with students gifted in the arts, the 34th District has young people excelling in science. Students from the Harlingen High School Engineering and Tech Club visited Washington, DC to compete in the Team America Rocketry Challenge finals, the world’s largest rocketry contest. The students brought their model rockets to Capitol Hill. It was great meeting this group of outstanding young people, who shared with me their interest in STEM education.
Congressman Vela with the Harlingen High School Engineering and Tech Club
Congressman Vela with representatives from Texas Electric Cooperatives
It is always a pleasure to meet with constituents who are visiting Washington, DC, and I had the opportunity to do so with a group of South Texans representing Texas Electric Cooperatives. They were in DC attending the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association annual legislative conference. Multiple counties from the 34th District were represented during our meeting - Bee, Cameron, DeWitt, Goliad, Gonzales, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, San Patricio, and Willacy. During our meeting, John Herrera, General Manager of Magic Valley Electric Co-op, discussed federal priorities within the rural electric community.
It was a busy two weeks in Washington, DC, and great spending last week in South Texas. I am now back in Washington as Congress is in session this week.
Sincerely,
Filemon Vela
Member of Congress
Filemon Vela
Member of Congress
