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Courtesy Arturo Olivarez,

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, released the following statement after the FY24 Homeland Security Appropriations bill was finalized last night:

“In my first fiscal year as Ranking Member, I worked diligently with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to write a bill to fund border security, support border law enforcement, and adequately protect our Homeland.

“I am proud to have successfully fought to prohibit new funds for border wall construction. This fiscal year is the first since the Trump Administration that there is no new funding appropriated for a border wall.

“I also helped secure record levels of funding for Border Patrol Agents and $125 million for increases to Border Patrol overtime pay authorized by the NDAA. These measures will ensure we can hire and retain qualified agents to secure our border. Additionally, I worked to increase funding for new border technology at and between ports of entry and to hire additional CBP officers, which will help crack down on the deadly fentanyl epidemic affecting communities across the country.

“Lastly, I fought tirelessly to secure $650 million for the Shelter and Services Grant Program, an effort I helped establish in 2014. This program is a lifeline to border communities like mine and provides crucial funding to nonprofits and NGOs as they assist migrants awaiting the outcome of their immigration proceedings.

“I want to thank Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, Chairwoman Kay Granger, and my Chairman David Joyce for working alongside me to craft a strong Homeland Security bill that will ensure the safety and security of our communities.”