Congressman Henry Cuellar Hosts Senator Robert Menendez in Laredo, TX

CONGRESSMAN HENRY CUELLAR HOSTS SENATOR ROBERT MENENDEZ in LAREDO, TX

Washington, DC- Congressman Henry Cuellar hosted New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez in Laredo today, April 19th, 2006. Senator Menendez was invited to Laredo by Congressman Cuellar to share his perspective on various political issues including trade and immigration with local business leaders.

New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez represents one of the busiest sea ports in the nation. As one of the busiest inland ports in the U.S., Laredo shares many of the same attributes, challenges, and benefits as the Senator's home state. In his speech, the Senator addressed the value of commerce and trade for the United States as well as the effects of issues such as immigration on the economic prosperity of our nation. Regarding immigration, he referenced the importance of border security within the context of international trade, the passport initiative and security funding. In Senator Menendez's words, "Our national security should never take a back seat, but we have to be intellectually honest with ourselves: At the end of the day, our nation's economic prosperity is also extremely important."

Congressman Cuellar noted "It was an honor to welcome Senator Menendez to my hometown. The similarities of Laredo's port and the port area in New Jersey are many, and Laredo benefited from the Senator's insights into national and international trade. We are also grateful for his views on immigration, an issue not specific to Texas and New Jersey, but a pressing one that affects the entire nation."

Senator Menendez, who was recently appointed to the Senate by Senator Corzine, served as a New Jersey Congressman for thirteen years. In the Senate, he serves on the committees for Banking, Housing, Urban Affairs, Budget, and Energy and Natural Resources.

The meeting, which was held at the Laredo International Bank of Commerce included members of the local business community and local officials.

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Budget and Agriculture Committees in the 109th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care and economic development are his priorities.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/tx28_cuellar/060419.html