Lourdes Cardenas, representing Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz, addressed the Mission City Council during the presentations portion of the meeting, outlining several federal actions the office has pursued for the district.

Cardenas described legislative and appropriations efforts the congresswoman has supported, including legislation aimed at ensuring pay for border patrol and customs officers during a government shutdown (referred to in remarks as HR 1916), USDA investments to address the New World screwworm and related assistance for affected farmers, and bipartisan measures concerning the 1944 water treaty. Cardenas said the congresswoman helped secure funds reported as $750,000,000 from the USDA to combat the screwworm and $280,000,000 in aid cited for farmers affected by a water crisis. She also said the office has saved more than $12,000,000 for local constituents and assisted more than 700 residents with federal agency matters.

Cardenas closed by inviting residents to contact the congresswoman’s district office for help with federal issues including VA, Social Security and IRS problems. She urged council members and staff to use the office as a resource for constituents needing federal assistance.