Sheriff Cuellar Details Trip to Capitol Hill & White House
Written by admin, Nov 21, 2011, 0 Comments
Courtesy Kristina Guerra,
Important, Productive Meetings Regarding Webb County and the Proposal for Providing Veterans Job Opportunities
Washington, DC—Sheriff Martin Cuellar released details of his recent trip to Capitol Hill and the White House to discuss border security and the law enforcement needs of Webb County.
“This was a very productive trip,” Sheriff Cuellar stated. “We have the inside track on many new programs and opportunities for funding and equipment upgrades. After attending a meeting of the House Committee on Homeland Security, we were able to make some very important one-on-one connections that will directly benefit Webb County families.”
In addition to the Homeland Security meeting, Sheriff Cuellar and his staff participated in a roundtable discussion on Southwestern border security.
Sheriff Cuellar continued, “The rhetoric out of DC on border security is not equaled by a commitment to the local law enforcement groups that are on the ground. We had a very productive discussion with DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano about the need for more funding for boots on the ground. We are very optimistic that there will be some positive movement in that area.”
During the meeting held with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano, Sheriff Cuellar made several recommendations that were discussed at length. These recommendations ranged from the possibility of hiring additional deputies, correctional officers, and intelligence personnel Stonegarden funds since their job functions and responsibilities are directly related with Stone Garden operations. Sheriff Cuellar also further articulated his vision, including certain concepts that would enhance the border security measures already in place. Sheriff Cuellar’s proposal includes, “Hire a Vet – Secure our Borders.” Mindful of Laredo veterans – including disabled veterans – who will be returning home after serving our country may be returning to a tough economy, Sheriff Cuellar proposed to Secretary Napolitano that grant funding be utilized to hire already trained veterans to oversee the current border security camera system. With the camera system already in place along our Laredo Webb County border, Sheriff Cuellar proposed to hire veterans to oversee this system that has been invaluable to border security as a force multiplier. Moreover, he proposed the expansion of this highly successful pilot program to encompass the entire South Texas border. This proposal by Sheriff Cuellar supports the American Jobs Act of 2011 that was introduced by President Obama, which allots for 5 billion dollars to increase job opportunities in our struggling economy.
Prepared for his busy agenda on Capitol Hill and the White House, Sheriff Cuellar had previously met with Congressman Henry Cuellar to introduce his “hire a vet – secure our borders” concept. The productive meeting resulted with the Congressman’s interest in submitting necessary amendments for the benefit of returning veterans.
Sheriff Cuellar and his staff also met with key personnel at the U.S. Marshals office to discuss securing new commitments for federal detainees.
“Getting more commitments for more federal prisoners means more revenue for Webb County,” Sheriff Cuellar concluded. “The U.S. Marshals have a need for jail space and we have beds available. It will result in many thousands of dollars in savings for our local taxpayers.”
Sheriff Cuellar also attended a meeting with the State Department to discuss the memorandum of understanding that was entered back in August of this year between the State Department and the Webb County Sheriff’s Office. The productive meeting resulted in discussion that involved the logistics of the training that will be provided internationally, including the proposal of the careful vetting and training of Mexican officials.
“To address the threat of cartel criminal activity we need to stabilize and control their operations which, in turn, will help both countries with issues that affect our border, homeland security, and economic standing,” stated Sheriff Cuellar.
