Close Up Program students visited my Washington, DC office today and had lots of great questions. I thank them for stopping by and encourage others to do so too. #CloseUpInauguration2017 #TX34Forward
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Reminder to all college cybersecurity and STEM students that applications for the Homeland Security Cyber Student Volunteer Initiative are due Friday! Vacancies are available in Brownsville and McAllen. #TX34Forward
https://www.dhs.gov/homela…/cybersecurity-internship-program
Today, we remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and honor his legacy of promoting freedom and equality for all Americans.
Today, I am lighting my office blue in observance of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (L.E.A.D).
Thank you to all of the law enforcement men and women for your selfless service. #LawEnforcementAppreciationDay #TX34Forward
Wishing all in the 34th District of Texas a Merry Christmas. Thank you for letting me serve you. #TX34Forward
Spending the morning speaking to Pace Early College High School law enforcement students in Mrs. B. Lara's class in Brownsville, Texas. I am talking to them about the U.S. Government and the current state of affairs in our country. I encourage schools in the 34th District of Texas to invite me to speak at their schools. I truly enjoy talking to students. #TX34Forward
Name: Michael Schlater
Hometown: Brownsville, TX
High School: Saint Joseph Academy
University: UTRGV - The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Major: Political Science...
Minor: Management
What is one of the most surprising things you’ve learned so far?
I learned how interactive the Office of Congressman Filemon Vela truly is with its constituents. If a friend of mine were to ask me prior to my internship what happens in the office, I honestly would not have known how to answer. Having interned here over the summer and fall, I can see how much good work Congressman Vela’s team does for the community. Everyday dozens of people come in through our doors looking for help, and sure enough, we help them. The office is always ready and willing to assist, and I am really glad to have learned this over the course of my internship.
What is your goal as a member of Congressman Filemon Vela’s team?
My goal is to help out as much as I can around the office and to be a friendly, accommodating presence to my fellow officemates and to anyone who comes through our doors looking for assistance.
I thank Michael for his hard work in the Brownsville District office. If you or a college student you know would like to participate in an internship in a District Office, please call (956) 544-8352.
Today, on the 75th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, we honor the heroes that served and remember those who lost their lives. #PearlHarborRemembranceDay
On this Thanksgiving Day, I am thankful for the opportunity to serve the people of the 34th District of Texas.
I wish all of you a safe and happy Thanksgiving with family and friends.
I recently signed a letter, along with some of my fellow Members of Congress, urging Members of the Committee on Appropriations to restore year-round Pell Grants, increase the maximum award, and oppose additional cuts to the Pell Grant program surplus. The Pell Grant program improves college access and serves as an essential resource for nearly 8 million students. #ProtectPell #TX34Forward
http://democrats-edworkforce.house.gov/…/…/Pell%20Letter.pdf
As we celebrate Veterans Day, I want to take this opportunity to thank the courageous men and women who have served our country. The sacrifices that have been made by Veterans and their families are immeasurable, and we owe them a great debt of gratitude.
Their military service reflects strength of character and a willingness to be part of something bigger than themselves. Many have come before and many will serve in uniform in the years ahead, but every service member makes a unique and invaluable contribution.
On behalf of a grateful nation, God bless Veterans and God bless America.
On Election Day, I briefed a law enforcement class of 50 students at Weslaco East High School. I talked to students about the Electoral College, the importance of voting, my work in the U.S. House of Representatives and the work we do everyday on behalf of the constituents of the 34th District of Texas. The students were very engaged and I enjoyed visiting with them. If you haven't voted yet, I encourage you to go out and vote. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. #TX34Forward
This afternoon, I was briefed by Cameron County Sheriff Omar Lucio and his senior staff on the work they are doing to keep our county safe. It was a great meeting. Thanks to Sheriff Lucio and his deputies for the work they do in our county. #TX34Forward
On Friday I attended the CACOST Annual Health Retreat 2016 at the Richard Borchard Fairgrounds in Robstown, Texas. At the annual health retreat, I met with healthcare providers, medical doctors and staff that help care for thousands of people in the Costal Bend area, including in Mathis and Alice. I thank these healthcare providers for all they do for the people they care for. #TX34Forward
On Wednesday, I visited Kingsville, Texas, where I spent time at the American Legion Post 99 with Gonzalo "Bucho" Ruiz, Past Post Commander. I presented the American Legion Post 99 with a U.S. Flag, which was flown over the U.S. Capitol. Bucho is always there to lend a helping hand to veterans in Kingsville and the Coastal Bend area. Bucho, thanks for all you do for our veterans. #TX34Forward
Great explanation of conservation efforts for the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle in South Texas. The Kemp’s Ridley is the most endangered sea turtle, but thanks to the efforts of National Park Service and Sea Turtle, Inc, the number of sea turtle nests has grown. #TX34Forward
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpAObF1B_sI&feature=youtu.be
Banner photo by Seth Patterson.