Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Judge Mercurio Martinez, Jr. of Laredo, Texas, on his retirement from the Laredo College Board of Trustees after more than six decades of service to higher education and the Laredo community.

Judge Martinez began his career in the classroom. He served as a full-time instructor at Laredo Junior College from 1959 to 1968, returned as a part-time instructor in the spring semesters of 1976 and 1978, and taught Business Administration full time from 1982 until June 1987.

Altogether, he gave roughly 15 years to instruction at the institution now known as Laredo College.

His service to public education continued on the Laredo Independent School District Board, where he served from June 1973 to March 1977. During part of that time, the LISD Board also governed Laredo Junior College.

Judge Martinez was first elected to the Laredo College Board of Trustees in 1988 and served 24 years on that board across multiple terms.

As a trustee, he helped strengthen the college's financial footing and its ability to serve students across Webb County.

His public service extended well beyond education. He served on the Laredo City Council from 1978 to 1991 and as Webb County Judge from 1991 to 2002, leading one of the largest counties in Texas.

Mr. Speaker, few people have shaped a community's schools and colleges as long or as directly as Judge Martinez.

On behalf of the 28th District of Texas, I thank him and his family for six decades of service to Laredo, and I wish him the very best in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a remarkable initiative born in my district in Jourdanton, Texas, that is helping change how we approach youth safety and emergency preparedness.

Recognizing that children are often the first individuals present at a medical emergency, my constituents Dustin and Michelle Titzman, along with their children Penelope, Everly, Adeline, and Stokes, founded Warrior Kid Medic.

This program is the culmination of Dustin's two decades of experience as a San Antonio firefighter, paramedic, and Army Reserve Blackhawk pilot, combined with over 14 years of youth leadership development at their summer program, Camp SkyWay.

Together, they have translated real-world emergency experience into lessons children can understand and use. Through camp programs, homeschool groups, and community trainings, they have taught more than 1,000 children.

Their work does far more than teach practical first aid; it builds lifelong character. In an emergency, it is easy for a child to feel scared, helpless, or like a victim. This training helps them step forward and determine, `What can I do? How can I help?' It replaces fear with critical thinking, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to serving others.

Furthermore, this work addresses a real training gap. While it is often difficult to find the time to train adults, our youth are an attentive audience already in the mindset of learning. By teaching these skills early, we give students knowledge they can carry for life.

The child we prepare today becomes the parent, banker, coach, coworker, neighbor, and community leader who not only knows exactly what to do in a crisis, but cares enough to act.

Mr. Speaker, empowering our youth to lead builds stronger, more resilient communities. On behalf of the 28th District of Texas, I commend the Titzman family and Warrior Kid Medic for their dedication to cultivating the next generation of citizens and first responders, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this important work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished career and dedication to education of Dr. Gilda Y. Martinez, Assistant Professor of Bilingual Education at Texas A&M International University in Laredo, Texas.

A native of Laredo and a proud graduate of TAMIU, Dr. Martinez has dedicated her career to advancing bilingual education and creating opportunities for bilingual students, educators, and communities.

She began her career as a bilingual educator in Laredo and has since served as a dual-language teacher, bilingual education administrator, consultant, and university professor.

Today, Dr. Martinez prepares and mentors the next generation of bilingual educators and serves as Coordinator of TAMIU's Master of Science in Bilingual Education program.

Her scholarship focuses on bilingual and dual-language education, with particular attention to culturally and linguistically responsive practices in South Texas and our U.S.-Mexico border communities.

In 2020, Dr. Martinez founded the Unidos Para Texas Bilingual Education Conference, bringing educators, school leaders, researchers, and community partners together to strengthen bilingual education. The conference now serves hundreds of educators and provides scholarships for educators pursuing graduate studies.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Martinez commitment to education and our community reflects the very best of South Texas.

I thank her for her service and congratulate her on her continued leadership in advancing bilingual education for future generations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Christopher Maynard, President of Texas A&M International University in Laredo, Texas, and to honor his distinguished career in higher education and his continued commitment to expanding opportunities for students and communities.

Dr. Maynard became TAMIU's seventh president in October 2025, bringing decades of experience in higher education, including leadership positions at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, Sam Houston State University, and the University of North Alabama.

Since taking the helm at TAMIU, Dr. Maynard has overseen a historic year for the university. For the first time in its history, TAMIU surpassed 9,000 students. The university also celebrated its highest number of graduates ever, with 10 percent more students graduating than at any previous point in its history.

Under his leadership, TAMIU successfully reaffirmed its accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, an important recognition of the university's commitment to academic quality and student success.

Dr. Maynard has also helped secure a historic $38 million unrestricted gift from Yield Giving, which will expand merit-based scholarships and help create greater educational opportunities for deserving students.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Maynard's leadership comes at an important time for TAMIU and for

the Laredo community. His work is helping expand educational opportunities, strengthen our university, and prepare the next generation of leaders in South Texas.

I congratulate Dr. Maynard on his accomplishments and thank him for his service to Texas A&M International University and the Laredo community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Franciscan Friars of Hebbronville as they celebrate their Centennial Anniversary in the region. For 100 years, the Franciscan Friars have faithfully served the people of Hebbronville and neighboring communities through their enduring commitment to faith, education, and selfless service.

The Franciscan Friars first arrived in Hebbronville on August 6, 1926, after fleeing religious persecution in Mexico during the Cristero Rebellion. Welcomed by the people of Hebbronville and with the blessing of the Diocese of Corpus Christi, they established a ministry that has remained a spiritual cornerstone for South Texas for the past century.

Since their arrival, the Franciscan Friars have dedicated themselves to the spiritual, educational, and cultural needs of Hebbronville and the surrounding communities. Through pastoral care, religious instruction, and community outreach, they have strengthened generations of families while preserving the rich traditions of faith that continue to unite the region.

Among their lasting contributions is SCOTUS College, a historic seminary that educated more than 250 men for the priesthood, several of whom later became bishops. Today, the building continues to serve the community as parish hall, retreat center, the Franciscan Museum of Hebbronville, an office space, and the residence of the Franciscan Friars.

The centennial celebration is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Franciscan Friars and to the lasting partnership between the Friars and the people of Hebbronville who welcomed them a century ago. Their witness of faith, sacrifice, and service has shaped the spiritual and cultural life of Hebbronville and neighboring communities for generations.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Franciscan Friars of Hebbronville as they celebrate this remarkable milestone and recognize their enduring commitment to serving the people of Hebbronville and South Texas while carrying forward their mission of faith, peace, and service for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jennifer Yezak of Bremond, Texas, on her retirement after more than 35 years of distinguished service to American agriculture.

Jennifer currently serves as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Federal Relations for Texas A&M AgriLife, and she is one of those rare individuals who has touched nearly every corner of agricultural policy.

From the Texas House and Texas Department of Agriculture, to USDA, to the halls of Congress, to the boardrooms of national associations, and ultimately to Texas A&M AgriLife, she has been the university system's leading voice for agriculture and natural resources in Washington.

Along the way, she earned a reputation as someone who gets things done, who builds relationships that last, and who never lost sight of why any of this work matters--the farmers, ranchers, and rural communities she grew up among in central Texas.

Texas A&M and the entire Texas agricultural community have been well served by Jennifer's expertise, her steady hand, and her deep commitment to advancing policies that support food production, natural resources, and rural prosperity.

She has been an invaluable advocate, and her fingerprints are on more wins for Texas agriculture than most people will ever know.

We wish Jennifer and her family all the best as she begins this next chapter. She has more than earned it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the outstanding career of Dr. John S. Rutkauskas, Chief Executive Officer of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

For more than 27 years, Dr. Rutkauskas has led the AAPD with a singular focus: ensuring that every decision is guided by one fundamental question: what is best for children. Under his leadership, the organization has become not just member-driven, but truly child- driven, shaping the future of pediatric oral health across our Nation and around the world.

Since assuming his role in 1999, Dr. Rutkauskas has strengthened the AAPD into a globally recognized authority, with approximately 11,000 members and an impressive retention rate of nearly 94 percent. His commitment to excellence has elevated continuing education, advanced evidence-based guidelines, and expanded policies and best practices that now define pediatric dentistry and are utilized by providers, institutions, and policymakers worldwide.

Dr. Rutkauskas has also played a critical role in public policy, establishing the Academy's first political action committee and increasing its presence here in Washington. Through the AAPD Foundation, he has helped secure vital resources to provide dental homes for underserved children, ensuring access to care for those who need it most.

A trained clinician, educator, and executive, his career reflects a deep commitment to improving the lives of children, particularly those with complex medical needs.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Rutkauskas' leadership has made a lasting difference in the oral health and well-being of children across the globe. On behalf of the 28th District of Texas, I thank him for his decades of service and dedication.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding career and public service of Ms. Surabhi Dabir, a respected policy leader and dedicated advocate for housing and community development across our Nation.

For more than three decades, Ms. Dabir has worked at the intersection of federal policy, community engagement, and economic opportunity, helping to shape programs that have strengthened rural, Tribal, and underserved communities.

From her leadership roles at the Housing Assistance Council and Enterprise Community Partners, to her service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Housing Service, she has consistently translated complex policy into real results for families in need.

During her tenure at USDA, Ms. Dabir served as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and Members of Congress, helping to guide billions of dollars in housing and infrastructure investments, advance Farm Bill priorities, and expand access to affordable homeownership.

Her work has supported disaster recovery efforts, strengthened rural economies, and ensured that communities across the country have the tools to thrive.

Ms. Dabir has been invaluable to my office as well--twice. First as a USDA fellow and now in her current role as a Legislative Assistant, Ms. Dabir fought hard for rural services, and especially for colonias.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ms. Dabir's commitment to service is grounded in family. She is supported by her husband, Dr. Jeremy Blum, and their sons, Arjun and Anand, who share in this moment of recognition.

Mr. Speaker, Ms. Surabhi Dabir's career reflects a deep and enduring commitment to public service, innovation, and opportunity. Her impact will be felt for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary service and enduring legacy of Mr. Jimmy Cornelius, a distinguished American whose life reflects a deep and unwavering commitment to our nation and community.

Mr. Cornelius devoted more than 27 years to the United States Air Force, serving with honor in both Security Police and the legal field, and retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant. His military career was marked by leadership, excellence, and valor, supporting missions across the globe.

Following his service in uniform, he continued his dedication through nearly 17 years in civil service with the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, bringing his total to an exceptional 44 years of service to our country.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Cornelius has made a profound impact on Randolph Field ISD, where he has served as a trustee since 2011, including multiple years as board president. His leadership has strengthened educational opportunities for military-connected students and families, ensuring they have the tools to succeed.

Mr. Cornelius' life is a testament to duty, integrity, and selfless service. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring his remarkable contributions and wishing him the very best in his well-earned retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Joe ``Flash'' Lerma for his outstanding service and dedication to public transportation and safety in Laredo, Texas, as he marks his well-earned retirement from El Metro Transit System.

For 33 remarkable years, Mr. Lerma served the City of Laredo with distinction, contributing to the growth and reliability of El Metro Transit, a vital system that connects our community and supports thousands of residents each day.

Throughout his career, he demonstrated a deep commitment to excellence, professionalism, and the well-being of others.

As Safety Training Coordinator, Mr. Lerma played a critical role in ensuring that operators and staff were properly trained and equipped to serve the public safely and efficiently.

His leadership helped foster a culture of accountability and care, strengthening the foundation of one of Laredo's most essential public services. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Lerma built lasting relationships across departments, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues.

His dedication extended far beyond his duties, leaving a meaningful and lasting impact on those he worked alongside and the community he served.

After more than three decades of service, Mr. Lerma leaves behind a legacy defined by commitment, integrity, and pride in public service. While he begins a new chapter, his contributions to El Metro and the City of Laredo will not be forgotten.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Joe ``Flash'' Lerma for his years of dedicated service and to wish him continued success and fulfillment in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished career and dedicated service of Mr. Jason P. Dragon as he retires after 27 years in law enforcement.

Mr. Dragon currently serves as the Resident Agent in Charge for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Office of Professional Responsibility in Houston, Texas, where he has led critical efforts overseeing internal investigations across a six-state region.

Throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to integrity, accountability, and the rule of law.

Over the course of his career, Mr. Dragon has taken on some of the most complex and demanding assignments in federal law enforcement.

As a supervisory special agent with Homeland Security Investigations in Houston, he led efforts targeting violent crime and transnational gang activity--work that earned recognition from both the Houston Police Department and HSI leadership for outstanding investigative achievement.

He also served our Nation abroad through the Visa Security Program, helping prevent criminals and suspected terrorists from entering the United States, and led rapid response efforts supporting ICE personnel and infrastructure following natural disasters.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Dragon served at HSI Headquarters here in Washington, D.C., including as a Congressional Fellow in my office, where he played a key role in the passage of the Jaime Zapata Border Enforcement Security Task Force Act, strengthening our Nation's border security framework.

From his early work combating child exploitation in Connecticut to his service as a Border Patrol agent and Connecticut State Trooper, Mr. Dragon's career reflects a lifelong commitment to protecting others and upholding justice.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 28th District of Texas, I thank Mr. Dragon for his decades of service and wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill, but first, I want to thank the chairmen of the subcommittees and the full committee and my ranking member for their leadership. Certainly, I also thank the staff on both sides for the hard work that they have provided on this difficult bill.

I represent 280 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border. Let me be the first to say this bill is not perfect. However, this bill is better than the alternatives of either funding the Department under a continuing resolution or shutting down the government. That is the choice in front of us.

This bill puts real requirements on the Department. It provides oversight and makes targeted investments that directly help States and local communities to make sure that we help folks like firefighters and other folks.

Let me say this: It is better than the alternative, leaving the Department with a blank check, virtually unchecked by the Committee on Appropriations and Congress.

Allowing DHS to operate under a continuing resolution or trying to shut it down, ICE would ensure that they have no direction from Congress.

This bill flat-funds ICE, but at the same time, we also strengthen the oversight of ICE by increasing funding to the inspector general by over $38 million over fiscal year 2025. That includes $20 million to do additional inspections of ICE facilities and $12.8 million to provide oversight of the Department for the funds that they got under reconciliation.

It also provides, as the gentleman said a few minutes ago, $20 million for body-worn cameras, specifically for CBP and ICE, which are conducting immigration enforcement. It also provides funding to increase training for CBP and ICE agents for deescalation tactics.

Let me say this: We did try to fight more. Unfortunately, we couldn't reach an agreement with our Republican friends, but we did not walk away from the work of putting the oversight into law that this bill provides.

We also provide funding accountability to the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties and the Office of Citizenship and Immigration Services, which is, again, something that they tried to close.

Let me be clear: ICE can operate based on the funds that they were provided under reconciliation, but we cannot say the same thing to other departments or other agencies under DHS, especially when we talk about FEMA. FEMA gets $5.7 billion, including $3.8 billion for Federal assistance, which is a 20-percent increase above fiscal year 2025. Again, that money goes back to help firefighters and disasters.

Again, it also provides money to CISA. As you know, there were cuts, but we are providing money there to make sure that we fight the threats to our critical infrastructure that we are seeing across the country.

Finally, this provides funding in the amount of a $550 million increase for the Coast Guard because, again, we have to make sure the Coast Guard gets the funding, especially when it comes to funding drug interdiction.

Again, I say this: Is this bill perfect? No. However, a continuing resolution provides no oversight, and ICE also gets funding from the reconciliation.

Mr. Speaker, the bottom line is simple. This bill is better than the alternative.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Delia G. Garcia Elementary School of Roma Independent School District on being named a Governor's Lone Star Ribbon School, an honor that recognizes extraordinary academic excellence and outstanding achievement in public education across Texas.

This distinction is reserved for campuses that exemplify rigorous instructional standards, exceptional student outcomes, and a schoolwide commitment to creating an environment where every child can succeed. Earning this recognition reflects years of hard work, innovation, and an unwavering dedication to student success.

It speaks not only to the resilience and determination of the students, but also to the leadership of the administration, the skill and passion of the teachers, and the steadfast support of parents and the entire Roma ISD community.

At Delia G. Garcia Elementary, educators have shown that excellence in education is achieved through collaboration, high expectations, and a shared belief in the potential of every student.

Their efforts shape the foundation of learning for our youth, strengthen our community and inspire future generations to pursue opportunities with confidence.

Mr. Speaker, the achievement of Delia G. Garcia stands as a testament to what is possible when a school community commits itself fully to academic excellence and student growth.

On behalf of the 28th District of Texas, I commend the students, teachers, staff, and families of this exemplary school for earning this well-deserved honor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate R.T. Barrera Elementary School of Roma Independent School District on being named a Governor's Lone Star Ribbon School, an honor that recognizes extraordinary academic excellence and in outstanding achievement in public education across Texas.

This distinction is reserved for campuses that exemplify rigorous instructional standards, exceptional student outcomes, and a schoolwide commitment to creating an environment where every child can succeed.

Earning this recognition reflects years of hard work, innovation, and an unwavering dedication to student success.

It speaks not only to the resilience and determination of the students, but also to the leadership of the administration, the skill and passion of the teachers, and the steadfast support of parents and the entire Roma ISD community.

At R.T. Barrera Elementary, educators have shown that excellence in education is achieved through collaboration, high expectations, and a shared belief in the potential of every student.

Their efforts shape the foundation of learning for our youth, strengthen our community and inspire future generations to pursue opportunities with confidence.

Mr. Speaker, the achievement of R.T. Barrera Elementary stands as a testament to what is possible when a school community commits itself fully to academic excellence and student growth.

On behalf of the 28th District of Texas, I commend the students, teachers, staff, and families of this exemplary school for earning this well-deserved honor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career and contributions of Nelda Olivo, a dedicated public servant and the Director of Government Affairs for the Port of Corpus Christi, who has spent more than three decades advancing the economic and strategic interests of South Texas.

Ms. Olivo joined the Port in 1993, and since that time she has played a vital role in strengthening one of our Nation's most important energy and commerce gateways. She is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the Port's government affairs program, serving as a trusted liaison with local, state, and federal legislators, governmental agencies, and community organizations. Her work has helped build broad support for key port initiatives that enhance regional mobility, security, and economic development.

Throughout her career, Ms. Olivo has demonstrated deep expertise in pursuing government funding across appropriations, transportation, homeland security, and critical grant programs. She is known for identifying emerging issues affecting ports nationwide and for leading new initiatives that strengthen the Port of Corpus Christi's role as a global leader in energy exports and maritime commerce.

Her leadership extends well beyond the Port. Ms. Olivo serves on multiple national, state, and regional committees, including the American Association of Port Authorities Government Relations Committee, Gulf Ports Association of the Americas Government Affairs Committee, Texas Ports Association, the United Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee, the Coastal Bend Council of Governments, and the Port Industries of Corpus Christi. Her efforts have helped shape policy discussions and strengthen collaboration across the maritime industry.

Before joining the Port, Ms. Olivo served the City of Corpus Christi in its Housing and Community Development Department, contributing to programs that improve quality of life and community resilience. A proud native of Corpus Christi, she is a graduate of the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, where she earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences.

Mr. Speaker, Nelda Olivo's decades of commitment, expertise, and outstanding public service have made a lasting impact on the Port of Corpus Christi and the entire Coastal Bend region.

I commend her for her distinguished career and thank her for her unwavering dedication to advancing South Texas's economic vitality and national security interests.