U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), recently embarked on a Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to Antarctica, accompanied by fellow members of the House Appropriations Committee. The delegation, including Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR-3), Reps. Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA-14), and Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23), aimed to observe ongoing research activities conducted by American scientists and servicemembers in the region.

Reflecting on the experience, Congressman Cuellar expressed gratitude for the opportunity to witness the vital research contributing to national security. During their visit over the Thanksgiving recess, the delegation toured significant Antarctic research stations, including the McMurdo Station and the Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station. Congressman Cuellar acknowledged the dedication of Texans, including a Laredo native, involved in crucial research.

The CODEL also engaged with senior staff and researchers from the United States Antarctic Program and the National Science Foundation. Additionally, the delegation visited the Joint Spacecraft Operation Center (JSOC) at McMurdo Station, where they learned about weather monitoring activities conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Congressman Cuellar expressed appreciation to the National Science Foundation for organizing the trip and extended thanks to the United States and New Zealand militaries for ensuring the safety of the delegation in the extreme temperatures of thirty degrees below freezing.