Henry Cuellar — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in Texas, 2026

Henry Cuellar voted for the Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill, which included $10 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He stated his disagreement with abolishing or defunding ICE, advocating instead for oversight and guardrails on their operations. Cuellar also supported the SAVE America Act, requiring proof of citizenship to vote, believing American citizens should decide American elections. He framed his votes as bipartisan compromises to avoid government shutdowns and ensure investments in homeland security.

““I disagree with abolishing ICE. I disagree with defunding ICE,” Cuellar said. “I agree on oversight and putting (guardrails) on them.” (notus.org, January 29, 2026)”

Congressman Henry Cuellar voted for the Breaking the Gridlock Act to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits, aiming to provide relief and certainty for families. He secured $4.6 billion in funding for community health centers and co-led the Sustaining Rural Healthcare Act to protect rural hospitals. Cuellar states healthcare is a cost-of-living issue, emphasizing that these efforts help keep hospitals open, expand access to care, and ensure people-first healthcare as a basic right.

““With health care costs rising, extending Affordable Care Act tax credits [...] I urge the Senate to act quickly so we can deliver real relief and certainty to the families who need it most.” - Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28), January 8, 2026.”

Henry Cuellar supported a Republican bill that aimed to roll back environmental regulations. This legislation included measures to eliminate a methane emissions fee, expand public land for oil and gas drilling, and lower standards for environmental reviews on new infrastructure projects. His voting record indicates actions consistent with expanding fossil-fuel extraction and loosening environmental safeguards.

Representative Henry Cuellar is the sole Democrat in the House who opposes abortion rights. He voted against the Women's Health Protection Act, which aimed to codify Roe v. Wade. Mr. Cuellar has stated he is "pro-life" due to his Catholic faith, but believes there should be exceptions for rape, incest, and to save the life of the mother. He has also supported legislation restricting abortion, such as the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act and bills prohibiting taxpayer funding for abortion.

“I have always been pro-life as a lifelong Catholic but that there must be exceptions in the case of rape, incest and danger to the life of the mother." — Henry Cuellar, in a statement reported by NBC News (May 2022)”

Henry Cuellar voted in favor of the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act, stating it strengthens national defense and supports service members through a 3.8% pay raise and improved benefits. He also voted to fund the Department of Homeland Security, including ICE, and supports oversight and guardrails for the agency. Additionally, he backs US military action in Venezuela to counter narcoterrorist infrastructure.

““I voted for legislation that strengthens our national defense while delivering real support for the men and women who serve. The NDAA for fiscal year 2026 includes a wide range of provisions to support service members, Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employees, and their families, authorizing a 3.8% pay raise, expanding access to childcare services, and improving military housing and healthcare. These investments help our troops and their families stay healthy, stable, and mission-ready. I will continue to work to secure a bipartisan agreement that honors their service and provides responsible defense policy for our country.” - Rep. Henry Cuellar, Statement after voting for FY2026 NDAA, cuellar.house.gov, 2025”

Congressman Henry Cuellar views education as an investment in the nation's future, aiming to provide resources like student aid to ensure professional success and individual development for South Texas students. He advocates for ample funding for underrepresented public schools, protecting low-income and at-risk students, and promoting college affordability. Cuellar states these efforts are crucial for creating a high-skilled, 21st-century workforce.

Henry Cuellar voted in favor of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in 2026, which included provisions for funding mental health services and restricting firearm purchases for certain domestic violence offenders. However, in 2022, he voted against a bill that would ban certain semi-automatic weapons. Cuellar affirms his support for the 2nd Amendment, stating his objective is to keep families safe from gun violence.

““Our families, our neighbors, and our children are hurting from the increased violent crime and gun violence that is plaguing this nation... The House and Senate passage of renewed gun legislation—the first of its kind in 30 years—is a critical step in protecting our communities... Let me be clear. I am an ardent supporter of the 2nd amendment and will never vote to take that right away from American citizens. At the end of the day, however, my objective is to keep you and your families safe. That is my number one priority.” - Congressman Cuellar, cuellar.house.gov”