Lourdes Cardenas, representing U.S. Rep. Monica de la Cruz, addressed the Mission City Council on Sept. 23 to summarize recent legislative initiatives and constituent services in Congressional District 15.

Cardenas said Rep. de la Cruz introduced “HR 19 16, the Pay Our Border Patrol and Customs Agents Act, ensuring that border patrol and customs officers receive their paycheck regardless of a government shutdown.” She told council the congresswoman secured $750,000,000 in USDA investment to combat the New World screwworm and helped obtain $280,000,000 in aid for farmers affected by a water crisis tied to alleged noncompliance with the 1944 water treaty. Cardenas also said the office has saved “over $12,000,000 for local constituents” and assisted more than 700 constituents with federal agency issues.

Cardenas asked city officials and residents to contact the congresswoman’s office for assistance with federal matters such as VA, Social Security, and IRS questions and thanked Mayor Garza and the council for the invitation.

The remarks were delivered as a presentation; no formal council action was tied to the presentation in the meeting transcript.