Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to thank Chairman Frelinghuysen and Ranking Member Lowey for their hard work on this good bill.

This bill today is a compromise bill. It is a good bill because this is the way Congress is supposed to be working. I say it is a good bill because it provides an increase to the Pell grants, authorizes them in the summertime, year long. That will be good to get kids into education. It provides $2 billion to the National Institutes of Health. It provides a solution to the citrus greening crisis that is impacting our citrus growers in south Texas and other parts. It provides funding for 10 additional immigration judges and their support staff to help cut down the backlog of over half a million cases that we have on top of the 55 immigration judges we had last year. As Chairman Carter said a few minutes ago, it adds $1.5 billion to improve the Nation's border security without funding the medieval wall that we have.

Again, I thank all of my colleagues for working in a bipartisan way.

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, May 1, I was delayed in my travels back to Washington due to a delayed flight.

If I had been present, I would have voted: ``Yea,'' on rollcall 237, passage of H.R. 910--Fair Access to Investment Research Act of

2017; ``Yea,'' on rollcall 238, passage of H.R. 1312--Small Business Capital Formation Enhancement Act; and ``Yea,'' on rollcall 239, passage of H.R. 657--Follow the Rules Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with Congressman Filemon Vela Jr. and Congressman Vicente Gonzalez to commemorate the life of Congressman Eligio ``Kika'' de la Garza of Texas' 15th district.

Congressman de la Garza was born on September 22nd, 1927, in Mercedes, Texas and raised in Mission, Texas. When he was 17 years old, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served during the final months of World War II. Upon his return home, he enrolled in Edinburg Junior College, and later transferred to St. Mary's University in San Antonio. Eventually, he would serve during the Korean War as a second lieutenant with the Army's 37th Division Artillery. After his service, he went on to earn a law degree from St. Mary's University in San Antonio.

At 24 years old, Congressman de la Garza was elected to the Texas House of Representatives. He was an important leader in his community, who served as delegate in the Texas House for six consecutive terms. In 1965, Congressman de la Garza was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he spent the next 32 years advocating for civil rights, food security, affordable health care, and access to education for all citizens. He was first a member, and later the chairman of the U.S. House Agricultural Committee. He and his committee crafted legislation focused on rural economic development, improved nutrition, and environmental protection. His legislative programs often brought together farmers, ranchers, consumers, and other interest groups. During his career in the House of Representatives, he also advocated for improved U.S. and Mexico relations including the North American Free Trade Agreement. For his efforts, he later received the Order of the Aztec Eagle, the highest honor Mexico can give to non-citizens.

Congressman de la Garza was a pioneer who paved the way for more Hispanics to participate in our nation's legislative process. For a time, he was the only Hispanic member of the Texas House, and later became the second Hispanic member of Congress from the state of Texas. His dedication to the Hispanic community is evident in his role as a founding member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Congressman de la Garza was an inspiration for the Hispanic community, and has empowered others to become active in our legislative process.

His memory will be honored by his family, his friends, and the communities which he served. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Lucille, as well as his three children, eight grandchildren, and one great-grand child. He will also continue to be honored at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where they have the E. ``Kika'' de la Garza Endowed Scholarship Fund.

Mr. Speaker, we are honored to have the opportunity to remember the legacy of Congressman Eligio ``Kika'' de la Garza. His dedication to his country, and his community, will not be forgotten.

I thank Mr. Johnson.

I thank Ranking Member Conyers for the leadership that he provided the committee for so many years. I thank Chairman Goodlatte and Congressman Graves for working in a bipartisan way.

Mr. Chairman, this amendment is common sense. It calls on the government to bring transparency to the major rules.

Once an agency finalizes a major rule, that is the end of it. They are not required to review the benefits or the economic impacts. This amendment, however, holds the agency accountable by requiring that it look back and assess the costs and benefits of that rule after it has taken effect. Should the cost of the regulation exceed the proposed costs under the rule, then, under this amendment, this agency will report back the increase to the Congress. This amendment would facilitate a dialogue between the agency and the stakeholders. If the costs have gone up, then the agency must open up a comment period to hear the stakeholders and consider possible modifications or alternatives to reduce the cost and increase the benefits. We do that in Congress. Every time we pass a piece of legislation, we go back and fine tune the legislation, and I think we need to do the same thing here.

Again, we must not allow regulations to run out of control. We should hold agencies accountable. This amendment will bring transparency and begin those conversations between stakeholders and the agencies.

Again, I thank Congressman Graves for this bipartisan amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retiring acting Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, Thomas S. Winkowski. He has served with distinction, and is now ending his tenure after a 39-year career with CBP and other border security agencies. His tireless efforts have helped keep our borders secure and improved the efficiency and effectiveness of our border operations.

Thomas Winkowski joined the U.S. Customs Service in 1975 as a cooperative education student. Upon graduating from Boston's Northeastern University in 1978, he was assigned to Los Angeles where he became a Customs inspector. He has subsequently served as Miami's port director, director at Los Angeles International Airport as well as Director of field operations in Miami from 2002 to 2007.

Mr. Winkowski assumed the role of acting commissioner on March 30th, 2013, taking the lead role of the 60,000-employee Customs and Border Protection agency. He has been a consistent advocate for innovation and efficiency, and since serving as assistant commissioner in CBP's Office of Field Operations in 2007, he has developed CBP into a world-class law enforcement organization through a stringent process of modernization and expansion of global operations. Mr. Winkowski also served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement where he led 20,000 employees in more than 400 offices in the United States and 48 foreign countries.

In recognition of his excellent and distinguished service, Mr. Winkowski was awarded the Meritorious Presidential Rank Award by President Bush in 2004. In 2009, his service was also recognized by President (Obama, who awarded him the Distinguished Executive Presidential Rank Award.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Thomas S. Winkowski, retiring acting commissioner of Customs and Border Protection. His years of dedication and commitment to our country have truly made this nation safer today. Thank you for this time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Mexico's Secretary of Agriculture, Enrique Martinez y Martinez.

Secretary Martinez y Martinez's career has been characterized by extraordinary leadership and service to the people of Mexico. Before beginning his career, Secretary Martinez y Martinez attended the Monterrey Institute of Technology, where he majored in economics. From 1976 to 1978, he served as State of Coahuila Treasury Undersecretary in charge of revenues. He next served as Mayor of Saltillo, Capital of the State of Coahuila from 1979 to 1981. In 1981, he became Coahuila State General Secretary, and served in this position until 1987.

Other leadership roles Secretary Martinez y Martinez has held include Chairman of the State Electoral Commission, State of Coahuila Municipal Development Director, Chairman of the National Conference of Governors (CONAGO), Chairman of the Border Governors Conference, Chairman of the Public Administration National Institute in the State of Coahuila, Federal Congressman in Mexico's 54th and 57th Congress, Chairman of the Regional Development and Production Support Committee, and Member of the Treasury and Public Credit Committee. From 1999 to 2005, he served as Governor of the State of Coahuila. He assumed the role Secretary of the Agriculture, Cattle Industry, Rural Development, Fishery and Food Ministry in 2012. Secretary Enrique Martinez y Martinez's service exemplifies a shining example of humility and dedication.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize Mexico's Secretary of Agriculture, Enrique Martinez y Martinez for his many accomplishments and great contributions to our neighbor to the south.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a momentous occasion: the 100th anniversary of the Laredo Chamber of Commerce. For one century, this organization has been an instrumental and encouraging part of our community that wishes to see our city continue to grow and move forward.

The Laredo Chamber of Commerce was founded in April of 1915 in Laredo, Texas. It is the largest and oldest business organization in Laredo, representing over 650 members from numerous industries, including financial institutions, retailers, and service providers. It is a voluntary, not-for-profit association that inspires development in business and tourism, and is a voice for the local business community. The Chamber is also a member of other associations such as the American Chamber of Commerce, the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

It is in the Laredo Chamber of Commerce's mission statement that it is their duty to be proactive in order to further the success of the Laredo area while also strengthening the advancement of development in areas such as infrastructure and resources. In addition, the Chamber provides various workshops for community members, such as seminars, trainings, and informative customer service sessions.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize the Laredo Chamber of Commerce for their hard work and endless effort in improving our community these past 100 years. I thank you for this time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of J. Jorge Verduzco of Laredo, Texas.

Jorge Verduzco's extraordinary career has been characterized by global citizenship and community service. Before beginning his career, Mr. Verduzco earned a Bachelor's in International Relations from St. Mary's University, a Master's degree in Latin American Studies from Georgetown University, a second Master's from the American Graduate School on International Management, and he completed graduate programs in Bank Marketing and Commercial Lending.

Jorge Verduzco worked in the Latin American and Administrative Bureaus of the U.S. Department of State for several years prior to joining the International Bank of Commerce in Laredo in 1981. With IBC, Mr. Verduzco has served admirably for over two decades. In addition, his economic development efforts along the Texas-Mexico border have been outstanding, serving as Chairman of the Texas-Mexico Authority Advisory Board, a member of the Policy Board of the Texas Department of Commerce, a founding member of the Border Trade Alliance and the Association of South Texas Communities, a founding Board Member of the Alliance for I-69 Texas, and a Board Member of the Texas Association of Business and Chambers of Commerce. His service exemplifies a shining example of humility and dedication.

In addition to his exemplary career, Jorge Verduzco is a committed husband of forty five years, father, grandfather, and author of ``International Relations, The Organization of American States.''

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize J. Jorge Verduzco for his many accomplishments and great contributions to the Laredo area. I thank you for this time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the exceptional career of Judge Stella Hartman Saxon of Karnes City, Texas.

Judge Saxon was born in 1948 in El Paso, Texas, to parents Pete and Helen Hartman. The eldest of six children, she graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government, and subsequently earned her law degree from the University of Houston.

Prior to becoming the 218th Judicial District Judge, Stella Hartman Saxon worked as an Assistant District Attorney. During that time, she was selected as the Aerl Jernigan Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for her successful prosecution of cases from a large undercover operation. Judge Saxon was first elected as District Judge in 1990, and has served admirably for over two decades, boldly advocating for the citizens and employees of Atascosa, Frio, Karnes, LaSalle and Wilson Counties. Throughout her career, she has been a shining example of kindness and fairness and an ever-present role model to those around her.

In addition to her exemplary career, Judge Saxon is a committed wife, mother, grandmother, Girl Scout leader, and breast cancer survivor.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize Judge Stella Hartman Saxon. Her dedication to the citizens of Texas has truly made her community a better place to live and work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Poth High School Women's Volleyball Team for their ninth state championship win under the leadership of Coach Patti Zenner.

On Saturday, November 22nd, the Poth Pirettes emerged victorious over Brock High School during the UIL Class 3A State Final. This was a defining match for the Pirettes, marking their fourteenth appearance at the state tournament and ninth state championship win. With this recent victory, the Poth Pirettes are now tied for the second most championship wins in state history. Pirettes Volleyball Senior Alyssa Kruse was awarded Most Valuable Player of the championship.

Mr. Speaker, this is a momentous occasion for Poth High School and I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize the Pirettes Women's Volleyball Team for its record-setting victory. I thank you for this time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Roberto Galvez Junior of Laredo, Texas.

Mr. Galvez was born in 1971 in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas to parents Roberto Galvez Martinez and Gloria Irma Alcala de Galvez. As the eldest of three brothers, Mr. Galvez studied in Mexico up until high school.

For decades, Mr. Galvez has been involved in broadcasting for both Mexico and the United States in radio and television. He began his career as a sports correspondent in 1990, and then became a sports broadcaster for KLDO Univision Laredo in 1998. From 2008 to 2010, Mr. Galvez became editorial director for the popular magazine ``Mas Accion,'' where he emphasized the importance of athletics in Laredo and the surrounding region.

Since 2010, Mr. Galvez has worked as Sports Director and Anchor for Telemundo Laredo Channel 25. Motivated by a desire to give back to his community, he has collected toys for underprivileged children during the holidays for the past four years.

Mr. Roberto Galvez has been honored with the ``Best Sports Anchor'' national award from the Mexican Federation of Sports Newscasters for his important work in sports journalism. Additionally, he has been named the best sports reporter in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas by this organization and will receive the award in a ceremony in Torreon, Coahuila in February, 2015.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize Roberto Galvez Junior for his many accomplishments and great contributions to the Laredo area. I thank you for this time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the annual Cowboy Christmas Cook-Off which takes place each December, in Mission, Texas.

The Cowboy Christmas Cook-Off is an International Barbeque Cookers Association state championship event; the occasion features a festive combination of good music and good eating, with proceeds benefiting the Silver Ribbon Community Partners, who provide emergency relief assistance and educational programs for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Talented barbeque chefs from Texas face off to see who can cook up the tastiest brisket, pork spareribs, and chicken. The Cowboy Christmas Cook-Off is an exciting time for young and old alike and is a much- anticipated gathering for residents of South Texas.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize this celebration of Lone Star-style food and music and I thank you for this time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Constable Martin Rodriguez. Constable Rodriguez has faithfully served the people of South Texas in many capacities, and he honorably served his country in the Navy during the Vietnam War.

Martiniano Rodriguez was born in San Antonio, Texas on December 8, 1944. The second of eight children, Martin graduated from C.W. Fox High School in 1965. Upon graduating from high school, Martin joined the Navy and served two tours of duty in the waters of Vietnam. After completing his Navy service, Martin started work at Kelly Air Force base, where he worked in the civil service for 18 years. He concurrently took classes at San Antonio College and graduated in 1977. In 1985, Martin decided to change careers, and began work at the Bexar County Constable's Department as an investigator. In 1993, Martin began working for the Wilson County Sheriff's Department and retired in 2006. Then in 2009, Martin ran for the office of Wilson County Constable, and has served in this role to this day.

In addition to a lifelong career of service to his country and his community, Constable Rodriguez will celebrate his 50th anniversary with his wife Belinda this coming January. Together, they have four children, ten grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Further, Constable Rodriguez has been a member and Officer of the Board of both the San Antonio and Wilson County Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), served as a life member of the Wilson County Housing Foundation, and served as a member of the Knights of Columbus of Wilson County.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize Constable Martin Rodriguez for a lifetime of service to his family, his community, and his country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a momentous occasion--the 120 years of service the Sisters of Mercy have graciously provided the City of Laredo, Texas. For over a century, these Sisters have faithfully contributed to the health and well-being of the residents within my hometown.

Three Sisters arrived in Laredo in 1894 with the mission of building the city's first hospital. They came from Dublin, Ireland, and less than one month after their arrival, they accomplished their goal and opened a medical facility with six rooms and twelve beds. Though they were not formally trained in nursing, they committed to learning in order to serve the needy of Laredo. As the population and health care needs grew, Sisters of Mercy expanded to new buildings to care for as many Laredoans as possible.

Over the last 120 years, nearly 120 Sisters have faithfully served in Laredo, many of whom served for decades at a time. There are presently five sisters who serve the Laredo community: Sister Maria Luisa Vera, who recently celebrated her 50th jubilee and is President of Mercy Ministries; Sister Rosemary Welsh, who has served Laredo for 22 years and is the Executive Director at Casa de Misericordia and the Director of Outreach Services at Mercy Clinic; Sister Olivia Obregon, who has served for a total of 33 years in various nursing supervisory positions; Sister Kathleen Tinnel, who has served Laredo for 12 years both as a pediatric nurse and a minister; and the newest Sister--Sister Beth Yoest--who is on the faculty at St. Peter Memorial School.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize the Sisters of Mercy for commendably caring for the citizens of Laredo throughout the past 120 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the exceptional career of Atascosa County Judge Diana Bautista. Judge Bautista has served the people of South Texas since she was elected in 2002.

Prior to becoming County Judge, Diana Bautista worked for the county as a clerk, as a Secretary for the jail Administrator, and then became a Pleasanton police officer and Atascosa County Sheriffs Deputy. During her time with public service offices such as these, Judge Bautista learned how she could best serve the people of Atascosa County. Taking her oath in 2003, Judge Bautista has served admirably for over a decade, boldly advocating for the citizens and employees of the county. In addition to her exemplary career, Judge Bautista is a committed wife and mother and a cancer survivor.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize Judge Diana Bautista. Her dedication to the citizens of Atascosa County has truly made her community a better place to live and work.