Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to encourage my colleagues to support my amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act. This amendment will bring the Department of Defense and other Federal, State and local agencies together to map out the futures of UAVs.

I first want to thank Chairman McKeon and Ranking Member Smith and their staffs for their assistance on this important issue. I also want to thank those who have cosponsored this amendment--Representative Gene Green, Representative Ted Poe and Chairman Michael McCaul.

This amendment calls for the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Aviation Administration, to develop and implement plans to review the potential of joint testing training that might serve the dual purpose of providing capabilities to the Department of Defense to protect us abroad and on the international border. This amendment will go a long way to make sure we utilize all available resources and not waste taxpayers' money.

I urge all my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment.

I rise in support of this appropriations bill, which includes the hiring of 1,600 new CBP officers. Those are the men and women in blue that man our ports of entry. These 1,600 CBP officers will be a huge and historic step in addressing the congested ports of entries. And I thank Chairman Carter and Ranking Member Price for their leadership and a bipartisan approach to this very important issue.

In FY 2012, CBP processed more than 350 million travelers and facilitated $2.3 trillion worth of trade at ports of entry. America's ports of entry are vital hubs of economic activity. As high volumes of goods and persons move through our ports of entry, port security is an urgent priority. Therefore, this new increase of CBP officers will achieve the goal of facilitating trade and travel and boost economic development.

The southern border is one of the fastest-growing regions in North America. In fact, every day there's $1.2 billion of trade between the U.S. and Mexico. My hometown of Laredo handles about 45 percent of all the trade between the U.S. and Mexico. In fact,

every day about 12,000 commercial trucks cross the bridges in Laredo. These 1,000 men and women in blue will help facilitate trade and travel at our ports of entry and will help our economy. Again, I want to thank both the chairman and ranking member for this effort.

We also have to do some enhancements to infrastructure at our critical ports. That's also very necessary. If we limit the Federal funding at our ports of entry, we need to be innovative and think outside the box. In fact, it's essential that the Federal Government explore the use of public-private partnerships, which allows the Federal agencies to partner up with local governments and private stakeholders to help fund the land port, seaport, or airport infrastructure projects. These innovative financing mechanisms, with the proper safeguards that we will add, will adequately staff, supply, construct, and rehab our ports of entry and, in turn, will make our ports more secure and more efficient.

I've been working with my colleagues, both the Democrats and Republicans, to encourage the use of public-private partnerships. In fact, I reached out to our colleague in the Senate from the Homeland Security Subcommittee, the chairwoman, Mary Landrieu, and she supports this particular concept. I look forward to working with my good friend, the judge from Texas. Both he and I agree that these are not Federal handouts but they actually allow the local government to partner up with the Federal Government and allow us to make our ports more efficient, more effective. I look forward to working with you, Chairman Carter, and with Ranking Member Price and the staff as we address this conference committee.

I ask you to support this bill.

Madam Chair, I've been concerned also, as my ranking member and as the chairman also of the committee, the gentleman from Texas, about the claims backlog that exists at the VA.

Veterans of all generations deserve a benefits system that is easy to navigate and responsive to their needs. Currently, the VA is still experiencing a huge backlog in processing claims. As of May 2013, the VA claims totaled 843,000, with more than two-thirds that have been pending over 125 days.

Currently, in my congressional district, we're working with over 205 veterans: 60 them are from Laredo, 30 of them from the valley, and 115 in San Antonio with outstanding claims with the VA that have been unresolved for 18 to 24 months, which is unacceptable and shameful.

I am pleased that the chairman and the ranking member have worked in a bipartisan manner to make sure the Veterans Benefits Administration is able to support 20,851 claims processors.

Additionally, the bill includes the necessary funding so that old claims filed on paper can be converted to digital files, making them more accessible and researchable.

I also support the inclusion of the monthly reporting requirement of the claims backlog, so that way we can put performance measures also to make sure that we get rid of this backlog.

Finally, I know also my good friend will be having another amendment that I support with him, which is that if the VA doesn't do its work, I think some of those bureaucrats should have their pay cut; because if the veterans are not getting their benefits, then I think that should affect the bureaucrats also.

I want to the thank the chairman and the ranking member for all their good work on this bipartisan bill, and I appreciate their efforts to ensure that veterans receive their benefits.

I want to thank the gentlewoman from California and also the chairman.

Mr. Speaker, I also rise to encourage my colleagues to support the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Boundary Expansion Act. I want to thank in particular my colleague, Representative Lloyd Doggett, who's taken the leadership on this particular bill, along with the entire San Antonio delegation of Congressman Gallego, Congressman Castro, and Congressman Lamar Smith, all working in a bipartisan way to make sure that this legislation passes.

The San Antonio Missions are a crucial piece of history to the State of Texas, and we have to make sure that the National Park Service has the ability to make needed improvements to the park and the ability to expand the areas under its protection. The lands operated by the National Park Service reflect our Nation's historical treasures and tell the story of our country, and it's important that Texas' history is preserved and included among them.

The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is the home to four Spanish frontier missions first established in the 1600s. The Park was established by the National Park Service in 1975. However, over the past 37 years, the needs and the scope of the park require this legislation.

This bill would authorize the transfer of 137 acres by the San Antonio River Authority, Bexar County, and the city of San Antonio, to the National Park Service. This land transfer will allow for the expansion of Missions Park, which I used to represent some time ago. Again, it's needed to ensure that these parks are accessible and serving the public to the fullest extent possible.

I'm proud to have this legislation considered today, as we must preserve our Nation's treasures for many years. I know the park missing is in Wilson County. We're hoping that we can continue to work to make sure that we include that sometime in the future, but we must continue working together now.

I urge all my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize former Second Grade Teacher, Mrs. Ninfa Trevino Pena, in honor of her contributions to the South Texas region. On May 8, 2013, Mrs. Pena celebrates her 100th birthday and a lifetime of achievements as an educator.

Mrs. Pena was born May 8, 1913, to father Manuel and mother Procora Izaguirre Trevino. The youngest of five sisters, Ninfa attended Texas A&I University in Kingsville, Texas where she earned her degree in Education. Upon receiving her degree she began her career as an educator. Throughout her career, Mrs. Pena became known for her work as a second grade teacher at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School and her dedication to assisting students with special needs.

In 1937, Ninfa married Ernesto Pena Flores of Mission, Texas; and in 1987, the couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary alongside their friends and family. Though Mr. Pena Flores has passed, Mrs. Pena continues to be a great influence in promoting strong family values. Reaching three generations, the Pena family has been honored as one of the original pioneer families of Mission, Texas. She has witnessed the lives of her six children, twelve grandchildren, and eleven great- grandchildren. Mrs. Pena continues to live in Mission and remains a passionate supporter of education.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had the opportunity to recognize the remarkable life of Mrs. Ninfa Trevino Pena and her 100th birthday celebration. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions of the late Daniel B. Hastings, Jr. of Laredo, Texas--a well-know, local businessman and philanthropist.

Daniel B. Hastings was born January 8, 1948 in Laredo, Texas to Daniel and Irma M. Hastings. Daniel Jr., and was the third child and only son among the couple's five daughters. Daniel graduated from Martin High School in 1965, and continued his education at Laredo Junior College and later received his B.S. degree in chemistry with minors in both math and physics from Texas State University (formerly then, Southwest Texas State University).

At the young age of 13, Mr. Hastings, Jr. began working in Laredo for the U.S. customs brokerage firm, Daniel B. Hastings, Inc. The company, established by his great-aunt, provided him and other members of the Hastings family a strong livelihood. It was not long until Daniel, Jr. moved up in ranks from running errands and performing warehouse duties to officially joining the firm as a partner in 1973. Seven years later, in 1980, he would follow his father's footsteps and assume ownership.

Mr. Hastings has been highly regarded for having a strong network of personal, business, and religious relationships. His dedication and work ethic have earned him numerous awards for his contributions to business and educational development including the Laredo Chamber of Commerce Small Businessman of the Year (1989), Junior Achievement Hall of Fame (2001), Alumni Achievement Award from Texas State University (2010) and the U.S. Department of Commerce Border Champion Award (2012). As a founding member of the Laredo Community College Education Foundation and endowment fund Mr. Hastings' mission will continue to touch the lives of many.

Mr. Hastings is survived by his wife of 36 years, Mrs. Gloria V. Montemayor Hasting; their loving children, Daniel B. Hastings III (Lucina), V. Nicole Hastings and David B. Hastings; and grandchildren Daniel B. Hastings IV and Dillon B. Hastings. A noble friend to the people of my district and hometown; there is no doubt that Mr. Hastings will be missed.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had the opportunity to recognize the late Daniel B. Hastings, Jr. His hard work and generosity have truly impacted many lives and our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. David V. Aguilar for his retirement from his position as Deputy Commissioner with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Mr. Aguilar has dedicated his service leading the agency in protecting our nation's borders and its communities.

Mr. Aguilar joined the Border Patrol in June 1978 at Laredo, Texas, where he held positions of Assistant Patrol Agent in Charge and Patrol Agent in Charge.

From 1988 to August 1996, Mr. Aguilar served as Patrol Agent in Charge of three Border Patrol Stations in Texas (Dallas, Rio Grande Valley and Brownsville). Under his command, the Dallas and Brownsville stations were awarded the Commissioner's Award for Group Achievement.

From August 1996 to November 1999, Mr. Aguilar served as Assistant Regional Director for the Border Patrol in the central region of the former Immigration and Naturalization Service. As such, Mr. Aguilar was the principal advisor to the Regional Director, where he managed, directed and guided the regional program.

Mr. Aguilar was subsequently appointed as Chief Patrol Agent of the Tucson Sector. As Tucson Sector Chief, he had more than 2,000 agents and 200 support personnel under his command. Mr. Aguilar had oversight of eight geographically dispersed Border Patrol stations along 261 miles of the Arizona/Mexico border. In 2003, the Tucson sector earned the CBP Commissioner's anti-terrorism award for achievements under Operation Desert Safeguard, an operation planned, designed and implemented in the high-risk areas of the Tucson sector.

In March 2004, the Department of Homeland Security designated Mr. Aguilar as the Border and Transportation Security Integrator for the execution of the Arizona Border Control Initiative. In 2004, Mr. Aguilar was also elected as the President of the Southern Arizona Federal Executive Association.

In July 2004, Mr. Aguilar was named National Chief of the Border Patrol, assuming the position as the nation's highest-ranking Border Patrol agent. With expertise and knowledge gained from more than 31 years of service with the Border Patrol, Mr. Aguilar directed the enforcement efforts of more than 20,000 agents nationwide.

In April 2010, Mr. Aguilar was appointed Deputy Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. From December 2011 to August 2012, Mr. Aguilar served as acting Commissioner, CBP's highest-ranking official, leading the agency in border security, while fostering our Nation's economic security through lawful international trade and travel. Mr. Aguilar led a workforce of 60,000, including 43,000 uniformed law enforcement officers.

Mr. Aguilar holds an associate degree in accounting from the Laredo Community College, and attended Laredo State University and University of Texas at Arlington. He is a Senior Executive Fellow of the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Mr. Aguilar is the recipient of the 2005 President's Meritorious Excellence Award and in 2008 was a recipient of the Presidential Rank Award.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored and privileged to have the opportunity to pay tribute to Mr. Aguilar for his outstanding service in protecting our communities and his extraordinary commitment to our country. He has truly contributed to this nation in his efforts to protect our borders.

Mr. Speaker, I recently returned from a visit to the nation of Azerbaijan, the tiny democracy in Central Asia located between Russia and Iran. They are our friends, and they live in one of the world's most dangerous neighborhoods.

They celebrate a culture of diplomacy, which they credit with surviving as a nation since humans began walking the Earth. A population of mostly Muslims, Azeris have long welcomed other faiths. They have a large Christian community, and a proud Jewish community * * * as well as dozens of ethnic minorities.

Even before the United States gave women the right to vote, Azerbaijan gave women the right to vote. Women serve in their legislature. As the father of daughters, I wanted to see a Muslim country that was not the stereotype of how Americans often see a Muslim nation.

Azerbaijan really does offer a remarkably different look at how developing democracies in the republics of the former Soviet Union can welcome people of all faiths, and institute the organs of civil society. They are a model for other developing democracies.

In the famous ``Old City,'' ancient walls surround the old city of the 12th Century. This walk through history, mind you, is in the midst of a modern capitol city--a bustling city where infrastructure is constantly improving.

Here's something Azeris have in common with Texans: they are a rich oil producing nation. As we do in Texas, Azeris have a long history with oil. Today, they supply the pipeline that moves Caspian oil to the west, via Turkey, without running the oil supply through Russia or Iran. That greatly increases the security of the pipeline.

Azeris have an interesting way of investing their oil profits in future generations, using the money they make from oil to build roads, bridges, tunnels, city parks, and public buildings. They also use it for overseas scholarships * * * and to build alternative energy sources in Azerbaijan. They know oil is a finite resource.

But their present day energy supply feeds a large part of the energy needed in Europe and Turkey, our NATO allies. Azerbaijan supplies close to half of the energy needs of Israel.

I encourage my colleagues in the House of Representatives to learn more about Azerbaijan and their evolving economy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize The Honorable Elma Teresa Salinas Ender, an award recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Laredo-Webb County Bar Association for her accomplishments and services in Webb County of South Texas. Judge Ender is currently completing her term in the 341st Judicial District Court in Laredo, Texas.

Judge Ender, a native Laredoan, is a remarkable and highly respected member of the community who has dedicated her life to promoting fairness and justice. She serves the community as Texas Supreme Court Permanent Judicial Commission for Children, Youth and Families. Judge Ender became the youngest woman and first Hispanic female to serve as a district court judge in Texas. She is also the longest serving district court judge in Webb County in recent history, serving one appointed term and seven elected terms consecutively.

Currently, Judge Ender serves as chair for the Board of Judges overseeing the Auditor and on the Indigent Defense Services Oversight Committee for the Webb County Judiciary. She holds a Juris Doctor degree from St. Mary's University School of Law and a B.B.A. from University of Texas in Austin, with a major in accounting. She holds a Certificate in Commercial and International Arbitration from the University of Houston Law School, A. A. White Dispute Resolution Center and certificates in dispute resolution from the National College for the Judiciary, the Center for Public Policy Dispute Resolution at the University Of Texas School Of Law, and the DRC in Austin, Texas. Appointed in 1995 by then Governor George Bush, as an ad hoc committee member, Judge Ender worked to rewrite the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Appointed by Governor Mark White in 1986, she served on a Task Force charged with drafting professional standards to be used to certify juvenile detention centers. She has served as President, Vice President and 4th Administrative District Representative for the Texas District Judges' Association.

Not only has Judge Ender enjoyed an esteemed and honorable career, she also devotes much of her time to community organizations. She was one of the five Leadership Texas Alumnae who initiated, planned and funded the Leadership Laredo program sponsored by the Laredo Chamber of Commerce. Judge Ender is involved in numerous civic and community activities. Her leadership in organizations includes Leadership Texas, the Laredo Business and Professional Women's Association, and participation in the National Hispana Leadership Institute, which included study at Harvard University's JFK School of Public Affairs. She has received numerous awards throughout her career, including ``Laredoan of the Year'' in 2012, Laredo UT Exes Longhorn Legacy Award in 2008, and the 2003 Tejano Achievement Award, to name a few. Additionally, she has been featured in numerous publications due to her influence in Texas. She is married to David Ender and they are the proud parents of two daughters.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored and pleased to have had this time to recognize The Honorable Elma Teresa Salinas Ender on her career and community involvement. She has contributed her time, knowledge, and efforts to the judiciary and to community outreach.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member, Mr. Thompson, for the leadership that he has provided on this piece of legislation and other legislation that is so important for the security of our Nation. I certainly want to thank also Chairman Peter King and of course my good friend, Michael McCaul, Chairman McCaul, for being one of the original cosponsors, along with Blake Farenthold. We look forward to working with the folks on the border, including a new Member from the Brownsville area, Mr. Filemon Vela. Mr. McCaul and I have always worked in a very bipartisan way.

The Jaime Zapata bill, H.R. 915, has received bipartisan support. In May when it was first passed by the House, it was overwhelmingly supported by the House, both Democrats and Republicans. It went over to the Senate, and I want to thank also Senator Lieberman and Senator Collins for their support of this bill. Senator Lieberman was just outstanding in making sure that we moved this bill over here as quickly as possible.

We now have a bill here that does two things. The first thing, it enhances border security. Number two is to name this particular bill in honor of a brave individual, Jaime Zapata, who has given up his life. Some months ago, both Chairman McCaul and I had the opportunity to meet with the family, with the mother and father, of this strong hero that we got to know in the service of the line of duty.

As you know, ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as well as other Federal, State, local and foreign law enforcement, has created the BEST initiative. By the way, the first BEST initiative was created in Laredo back in 2005, and it has become a model across the country. It is a comprehensive approach to identify, disrupt, and dismantle transnational criminal organizations that have posed significant threats to the border and maritime security.

Through investigations, seizures of contraband, arrests and prosecutions, the BEST units are building an impressive record of success. Today, there are 34 BEST units throughout the United States. They work not only with their Mexican counterparts, but also on the northern border with their Canadian counterparts. And certainly we want to make sure that Congress provides support to the BEST units in order to enhance border security in the communities that we all represent.

So, again, Members, I would ask that you all work and support this bill today, a very appropriate time as we had the new President-elect of Mexico who came down here and met with Members of Congress and I believe at this particular time he is meeting with the President right now, President Barack Obama, and we look forward to working with our Mexican counterparts. We need to make sure that we keep in mind that a secure, strong, prosperous Mexico is in the best interest of the United States. Mexico is not an enemy; it is a friend of the United States. And I think both Bennie Thompson and Michael McCaul have been down to the border. We understand that the Rio Grande does not divide us as two countries, but unites us together.

Also, to the family of Jaime Zapata, losing a son is very, very difficult. And, again, we want to thank the family for providing this strong hero. We can say Jaime Zapata was truly a hero of the United States. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill by voting ``aye'' on H.R. 915.

Again, the gentleman from Missouri, I thank you so much for the leadership. And I certainly want to thank also Mr. Walsh from Illinois, who actually called me before this, which it is rare to have somebody from the other side call and say, How can I help you on this bill? So I find that refreshing and I want to say thank you for working with us and folks on this side of the aisle.

This bill, the Customer Service Improvement Act, is a bipartisan bill that has folks like McCaul, Duncan, Goodlatte, and other folks supporting this particular bill. I certainly want to thank Chairman Issa and Ranking Member Cummings for their work, as well as the members of the committee, and for passing it from the Oversight and Government Reform Committee unanimously in April.

The primary goal of the Federal Government is to serve the taxpayers. This commonsense, bipartisan bill seeks to establish, monitor, and improve customer service across Federal agencies. It ensures that taxpayers get the quality of service that they deserve when interacting with Federal agencies. Too often we hear that veterans are waiting for months to get critical medical services or that seniors are waiting for months to get their retirement benefits. These are just two examples where millions of Americans that rely on Federal agencies have to wait on vital services, which is why we must usher in a new chapter to accelerate response time and overall performance for a better customer experience. With a sweeping 79 percent of Americans dissatisfied with Federal Government service, according to the 2011 Federal Customer Service Experience Study, we must all work together to make sure that Uncle Sam and Americans work together.

This bill is simple and necessary. First, H.R. 538 improves customer service standards across the board. It does this by requiring the Office of Management and Budget to develop performance standards to determine whether Federal agencies are providing high-quality customer service and improving service delivery to agency customers. According to a 2010 GAO report, Federal agency customer service standards were often not made easily available for customers to find and access or were not made available to the public at all. In other words, we provide customer service; and if somebody wants to know how that agency is providing the service and the standards, it must be made available.

Second, the bill raises the bar for enhancing quality and access to customer service. This is accomplished by requiring agencies to collect information from the customers regarding the quality of the service. Again, this must be a way that we raise that standard.

Third, it puts a face on accountability. The bill requires that each agency designate an employee to be its customer relations representative. So when somebody is dealing with a Federal agency, we must know who they can complain to, who they must talk to in order to provide that customer service. Just like in the private sector that strives to provide excellent customer service that they bring in order to get more business, the Federal Government must do the same thing.

As the gentleman from Illinois said, there's no cost on this according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. And, again, I would ask that we all work together to provide better service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Horace Curlin Hall III, an upstanding lawyer, devoted father and true friend to the South Texas community. Mr. Hall will be long remembered as a man who was dedicated to his country, his family and his profession for years after his passing.

Mr. Hall, a third generation Laredoan, attended Martin High School where he graduated at the young age of fifteen. A lifetime Longhorn, he attended The University of Texas at Austin, where he joined the Sigma Chi fraternity, an organization whose fundamental purpose is to promote the core values of friendship, justice and learning--all virtues he modeled throughout his lifetime. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1950, he honorably served his country as First Lieutenant in the Army during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return from Korea, he enrolled at The University of Texas School of Law and received his degree in 1955.

While attending law school, Mr. Hall met and married Nancy Louise Black and together they raised five daughters. Mr. Hall presented each daughter as a debutante in the Society of Martha Washington, a bicultural organization committed to celebrating the legacy of our country and chartered in part by Mr. Hall's grandmother, Camila Scott Hall. An endlessly supportive father and an advocate of education, Mr. Hall encouraged each daughter to attend college.

Regarded as a distinguished lawyer, Mr. Hall joined his father's law firm in Laredo, Texas, and practiced until passing, advocating on behalf of those that shared his loyalty to the South Texas community. In continuation of his commitment to education, Mr. Hall legally represented Laredo Community College throughout most of his career. Included in the list of clients to the firm were banks, construction companies and the Association of Laredo Forwarding Agents, an organization whose purpose is to promote local corporations at both the national and international level.

Mr. Hall was well known for his many passions outside of his profession, including a love of literature and poetry, which he shared with those close to him. He enjoyed the South Texas country and was considered an excellent marksman, often bringing together his family after a hunt for a gourmet meal. His sense of humor was one of his greatest characteristics, attracting friends that remained faithful to him until the end.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had the opportunity to recognize the late Horace Curlin Hall III. He is no longer with us, but his contributions not only to his country and family, but also to his profession and his beloved community will live on.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retiring Mayor of the City of Seguin in Texas, Betty Ann Matthies. She was elected Mayor of the City of Seguin in 2004 and is ending her tenure in 2012. Her tireless efforts have improved the community and served to better the development and progress for the City of Seguin.

Mayor Matthies was born in Guadalupe County, Texas on September 23, 1934. She graduated from Seguin High School in 1953 and pursued her higher education degree at the University of Texas at Austin. Mayor Matthies graduated from Seton School of Nursing in Austin, Texas three years after graduating high school. As a registered nurse she was employed at the Nix Hospital for five years as an Operating Room Registered Nurse. By 1961, she moved to Seguin where she worked at the Guadalupe Valley Hospital until 2004--serving the patients and health care community for 41 years. As Director of Nursing, she was promoted to Associate Administrator by 1978, the same year she received her certificate in Health Care Administration from Trinity University in San Antonio.

By 2000, Matthies was elected to the Seguin City Council and re- elected for a four year term in 2002. After resigning from her council position she was elected as Mayor in 2004 and is currently on her second term in office, which expires in November 2012. I had the pleasure of working with the Mayor on various projects, such as securing over $850,000 in federal funding on landscape improvements throughout Seguin on Interstate Highway 10, US 90 and SH 123. The transportation improvement project started in 2009 and is nearly complete.

Along with helping the city in her work as Mayor, she was active in the community as serving on the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and American Legion Auxiliary. She was also a member of the First United Methodist Church and Seguin Shakespeare Club. Mayor Matthies was married to her late husband C.H. Matthies Jr. in 1957 until his passing in 2000. C. Henry Matthies III, Elizabeth Kelly and Wesley Matthies are their children.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Ms. Betty Ann Matthies, retiring Mayor of the City of Seguin. Her years of dedication and commitment to our community have truly impacted the quality of lives for the people of the city.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Sheriff Tomas S. Herrera, a distinguished individual who has served in law enforcement for 36 years in South Texas. He has dedicated his career to assisting the Texas community through his involvement in various coalitions, councils and distinguished positions centered on efforts to protect Texas and our southwest border.

Sheriff Herrera was born in Eagle Pass, Texas and is a graduate of Eagle Pass High. Mr. Herrera began his law enforcement career in 1974 and served as the Justice of the Peace until 1976. A year later he began his 16-year service as Chief Deputy under the late Sheriff Tom Bowles. Mr. Herrera was a key instrument in the planning and building process of the new jail facility named after the late Tom Bowles. In addition, Sheriff Herrera served as Municipal Court Judge from 1995 to 1997. After holding dual positions as Constable and Deputy Constable, Mr. Tomas S. Herrera was sworn in as the Honorable Sheriff of Maverick County in 2005.

Mr. Herrera is a highly regarded member of the South Texas community and has many notable career accomplishments. In an effort to assist the Federal Government in Homeland Security to protect our borders from terrorist activities or threats, he established the newly created Texas Border Sheriff's Coalition in Laredo, Texas in 2005. Under this newly created Coalition, he held the title of Secretary/Treasurer on the Executive Committee. Additionally, two years later Sheriff Herrera and other community individuals initiated the construction of a 688-bed detention facility.

Mr. Herrera held key positions within the community and State of Texas, including an appointment by the Sheriff's Association of Texas President by Sheriff Tomas Kerss to the Texas Jail Commission Committee. Sheriff Herrera also served as Chairman of the Texas Border Sheriff Coalition in 2007 and was appointed by Governor Rick Perry to the Border Security Council. From 2008 to 2009 Mr. Herrera was appointed as the Board of Director for the Southwest Border Sheriff Coalition (SWTBSC). Today, Sheriff Herrera continues to contribute to the community by being a member of the Sheriff's Association of Texas. He was reappointed last year by the NSA President Sheriff Paul H. Fitzgerald to a 5th term to the Immigration/Border Security Committee. Mr. Herrera was also recently appointed by President of the Sheriffs', JW Jankowski to the Jail Advisory Committee. Mr. Herrera is married to Magdalena P. Herrera and together they have three children and seven grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored and privileged to have this time to recognize Mr. Tomas S. Herrera's extraordinary commitment and service in South Texas. His tremendous efforts to protect and serve the community have made a significant impact in the State of Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Mrs. Adelita Figueroa-Munoz, the County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences of Hidalgo County.

She has worked tirelessly to educate the community of south Texas for more than forty years, and is deserving of recognition and honor.

Mrs. Adelita Figueroa-Munoz, born and raised in Alice, Texas, earned her bachelor of science in vocational home economics at Texas A&M University in Kingsville and went on to the Pan-American University of Texas to receive a master's degree in counseling.

She joined the Texas Agri-Life Extension Services in 1971, and for much of her career, Mrs. Figueroa-Munoz has promoted healthy habits through programs like Better Living for Texans, which provides education in the areas of nutrition, food safety, and food resource management to food stamp recipients, and multiple cancer awareness campaigns like Put it Out and Cultivando la Salud.

In 2004, Mrs. Figueroa-Munoz became the County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences and continued to serve south Texas by providing workshops to both youth and adults to teach important skills for success, including the Benefits of Teamwork, Communication Skills, Stress Management, Goal-Setting, and Leadership Development.

Mrs. Figueroa-Munoz has borne the privileges and responsibilities of her position with dedication and excellence for over forty years, and she may take great pride in her work.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the commitment to service exhibited by the County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences, Adelita Figueroa-Munoz.