Floor Statements

By leveling the playing field with 21st century trade deals with Panama, Colombia, and South Korea, we will increase American exports abroad and spur domestic job creation. Now, more than ever, the U.S. needs trade to fuel growth, create jobs, and preserve America's position as a leader of the greater economy.

I represent a border region of Texas where trade is part of daily life. I understand the importance of trade to my hometown's value in supporting the local economy. As the chairman of the Pro-Trade Caucus and representing a trade-centric district, I support all three pending trade agreements.

Today, trade supports over 50 million American jobs, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. These pending FTAs would create an additional quarter of a million new jobs in industries like manufacturing, agriculture, and service sectors, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Last week, The Wall Street Journal reported the FTAs could boost U.S. exports by $13 billion annually. To grow, we must be an export powerhouse.

The U.S.-Panama FTA would remove barriers to American goods entering into Panama. According to the U.S. Trade Representative, over 87 percent of U.S. exports of consumer and industrial products to Panama will become duty-free immediately, with the remaining tariffs phased out over the following 10 years.

The U.S. International Trade Commission estimates passage of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement would increase U.S. exports by over $10 billion and create 70,000 jobs. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, the U.S. exports to Korea would grow by more than one-third. The U.S.-Colombia FTA would expand exports by more than $1.1 billion with the tariff reductions, according to the International Trade Commission. Without the U.S.-Colombia FTA, the U.S. cotton exporters to Colombia will have unnecessarily paid over $14 million in tariffs.

Lawmakers have a choice. Pass the deals or allow America to lose the opportunity to emerge in the constantly growing global market. Pass the deals or miss the chance to create 250,000 jobs. Pass the deals or allow American businesses to sit on the sidelines while foreign countries forge ahead.

America must pass the Colombia, Korea, and Panama trade deals, or we will fall behind.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the late Samuel Flores for his dedication and contributions to the city of Seguin and south Texas.

Mr. Flores was born in San Marcos, Texas as the middle child of seven and raised during the difficult years of the Great Depression. During his early years, he lived the arduous life of a migrant worker traveling from California to Minnesota as the seasons changed. At the age of seventeen, he dropped out of school to serve his country and joined the United States Marine Corps. After six years of service, he returned to school. Flores earned a degree in education from Southwest Texas State University, as well as a Master's degree in school administration. After marrying Velia Flores and moving to her hometown of Seguin, Texas, he started working for Harlandale Independent School District where he resided for an accomplished 35 years of service.

Throughout his career in education, he taught mainstream and special education to elementary and secondary school students. He distinguished himself as the first Hispanic Principal for Harlandale Independent School District. He became Director for Special Education for six school districts and later on worked for the Seguin school district as the Attendance Officer. Even after his retirement in 2000, he continued to serve his community by becoming chairman of the Walnut Branch Restoration Project.

Aside from his teaching vocation, Flores dedicated a great part of his life to fighting against discrimination in public places. He founded the Seguin Bi-racial Committee during the 1960s. Thanks to his hard work and dedication, schools like Texas Lutheran University, now have a Mexican-American Studies program for the benefit of the students. He also assisted in founding the Seguin Boys Club, as well as establishing the Health Unit Project, the Walnut Creek Flood Project, and a new Seguin Post Office. Along with forming these vital programs and initiatives, Mr. Flores served as a member of the Seguin City Council from 1965-2000.

Mr. Flores' tremendous commitment to the Seguin education system and the overall community was honored by having part of Highway 46 in Texas dedicated to him. He was also recognized on the floor of the Texas House of Representatives with a resolution in his honor presented by Edmund Kuempel in 2001.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had the time to recognize the dedication, accomplishments, and commitment of the late Samuel Flores.

I want to thank Congresswoman Waters for her courtesy and, of course, for her leadership on this issue. I also want to thank the subcommittee chairwoman, Mrs. Biggert, as well as Financial Services Chairman Bachus and Ranking Member Frank, for their bipartisan work on this piece of legislation.

I consulted with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle with regard to my amendment, and I believe this will be included en bloc with the other amendments.

Homeowners, businesses and regions throughout the country are hit by flood disasters every year, and I understand that, in such traumatic and desperate times, our communities must be prepared and equipped with the most up-to-date information and resources. I have repeatedly met with my constituents and district county judges, specifically Judge Eloy Vera from Starr County in South Texas, who experienced flooding issues recently. I learned that flood zone maps had not been updated for decades--decades--and that this hampered economic development when they were struck by a

flood recently. The reasons for outdated flood maps vary, and maps from the 1970s are not uncommon, but there is a need to strengthen the relationships between entities that handle flood insurance maps to address regional concerns.

My amendment is simple and bipartisan. It encourages FEMA, State emergency agencies and localities to increase communications to resolve outstanding issues and to provide necessary, tailored information in an effort to decrease the prevalence of outdated flood zone maps. Flood- threatened areas with outdated flood zone maps are not only contradictory, but can result in serious problems for the region. Increasing FEMA, State and local relationships is a practical and effective way to assist communities and to ensure a steady process to modernize flood maps.

So we are ready when a disaster strikes, I urge support for my commonsense amendment that will be included en bloc.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the late Gilbert Trevino, a soldier and researcher who dedicated nearly 30 years of his life to the United States Marines both on the field and in the lab.

A Laredo native, Mr. Trevino moved to College Station in 1942 to attend Texas A&M University. His scholarly pursuits were placed on hold when the United States plunged into World War II. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1944 and witnessed the perils of war at the Battle of Iwo Jima, a battle, on which he wrote in his 2006 memoir. After serving our country, Mr. Trevino returned to school in 1947 to complete a professional veterinary degree and later received a Master's at Texas A&M University and Ph.D. from Michigan State University.

Mr. Trevino met Chris, who would eventually become his wife, while he was working in Washington, DC. The couple was together just under a year when he received word he was to be stationed in Japan. The pair planned their wedding in just eight days and moved to Japan, where their two children were born.

Mr. Trevino served in Michigan, Maryland, and Kentucky as an advisor to the Surgeon General for the Department of Agriculture before returning to College Station to teach at his alma mater. He spent his career in classrooms and military research labs, where his scientific investigations contributed to a vaccine for rabies. Mr. Trevino's devotion to education provided a source of inspiration for the younger generations of his family; his children, Elisa and Steven, as well as his nieces and nephews, all took note of his accomplishments and many pursued postsecondary education as a result.

Mr. & Mrs. Trevino moved back to Laredo after he retired from the university in 1981 where he remained active in the Laredo veterans' community. He raised funds and accompanied the city's Gold Star mothers to Washington, DC to visit the Vietnam Memorial after its completion in 1982. When the Laredo Animal Clinic veterinarian was unavailable, Mr. Trevino happily performed examinations and conducted surgeries in his absence. He was a man of integrity and determination, and did whatever he could to help others.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored and privileged to have the opportunity to recognize the late Gilbert Trevino. He is no longer with us, but his contributions to his country, profession, and community will live on. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform minority, I am pleased to join my colleagues in consideration of H.R. 1632, which would rename the United States Postal Service facility at 5014 Gary Avenue in Lubbock, Texas, as the Sergeant Chris Davis Post Office.

The bill before us was introduced by my good friend and colleague Representative Randy Neugebauer of Texas on April 15, 2011. In accordance with the committee requirements, the bill is cosponsored by all 32 Members of the Texas delegation. Further, H.R. 1632 was unanimously reported out of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to briefly highlight the achievements and the honorable service of Sergeant Davis. After graduating from Estacado High School in Lubbock, Texas, Sergeant Davis enlisted in the Army and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, stationed out of Fort Benning, Georgia. Sergeant Davis was killed while serving in Baghdad, Iraq, when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire and an improvised explosive device.

From his early childhood, Sergeant Davis was always described as being a server, whether it was helping out in his community or looking out for friends and family. His decision to enlist in the Army and serve his Nation would be the crowning achievement of his ability to give back to his community. Always described as a happy-go-lucky individual, Sergeant Davis will be forever remembered by his ultimate sacrifice to our Nation.

I ask that we pass the underlying bill without reservation and pay tribute to the honor and value this young man displayed and so others understand his commitment and sacrifice to protect our Nation.

I also join my good friend from south Texas, and I urge the passage of H.R. 1632.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

On behalf of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform minority, I'm pleased to join my colleagues and my friend from Texas in consideration of S. 349, which asks that we designate a postal facility in Rootstown, Ohio, after Marine Sergeant Jeremy Murray, who faithfully served his country until his passing in November of 2005 after his third tour of duty abroad.

S. 349 was introduced by Ohio State Senator Sherrod Brown on February 15, 2011, and was passed by the Senate without amendment by unanimous consent on May 16, 2011. Congressman Tim Ryan from the State of Ohio introduced H.R. 725 also on February 15, 2011, which serves as a companion bill to the measure being considered currently.

Marine Sergeant Murray was a man who bravely served his country and was awarded the Purple Heart, a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and a Gold Star for his heroic achievement in Iraq. His mother, Pam Murray, is a longtime employee of the same facility which S. 349 is naming in honor and memory of her son.

Mr. Speaker, with respect for his achievements and sacrifice for his country, I urge the swift passage of this measure, which will recognize Sergeant Murray's contribution to America by naming this postal facility after him.

I yield back the balance of my time.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

First of all, I want to thank my good friend and colleague from south Texas, along with Congressman Ruben Hinojosa, and then on the Senate side, both Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and Senator Cornyn. All of us have been working as a team, and have been working to improve the access to veterans in south Texas. I think my friend said it ably, that there is a need out there, and we are working together to make sure in a bipartisan way that we provide that health care to the veterans. And I certainly want to thank Mr. Farenthold for all the leadership that he has provided. Thank you very much.

H.R. 771 will designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1081 Elbel Road in Schertz, Texas, as the Schertz Veterans Post Office to honor those who have served in our Nation's defense. Many of us know someone who has served in the military: a friend, a family member, a parent, or a neighbor. Nearly 2 million veterans, almost 10 percent nationwide, call Texas home, and I thank them for their service. Our veterans have given full measures of devotion, sacrificing their time, their youth, in some cases their health, and in all cases time with their families. The Schertz Veterans Post Office will be located in the city of Schertz in Guadalupe County, which is connected with the military presence of Randolph Air Force Base nearby, which I represent.

Guadalupe County, in which Schertz resides, has the second-highest concentration of veterans in my district. Thousands and thousands of them live there in Guadalupe County. This legislation will name a landmark to serve as both a reminder and as a sincere ``thank you'' to the veterans at home and abroad. I urge the passage of H.R. 771 for all the brave men and women who have fought for our country.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my good friend, the gentleman from Texas, Congressman Lloyd Doggett.

I want to thank the gentleman from Texas, my good friend and colleague, Mr. Lloyd Doggett, for his dedication, his passion, and his commitment to the veterans. For many years, he has been supporting the veterans, and has worked very hard. If there is anybody who works very hard for the veterans, it is my friend Mr. Lloyd Doggett, and I certainly want to thank you for cosponsoring this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, minority, I also want to thank my colleague Mr. Farenthold for the leadership that he's provided on managing this bill, and I am pleased to join my colleagues across the aisle in consideration of S. 655, which would name the United States Postal Service facility at 95 Dogwood Street in Cary, Mississippi, as the Spencer Byrd Powers, Jr. Post Office.

The underlying bill before us was introduced by Senator Thad Cochran of Mississippi on March 28, 2011, and passed by the Senate on May 16, 2011. Our colleague, Representative Bennie Thompson from the State of Mississippi, also introduced a companion bill to this measure in the form of H.R. 1072. Both measures aim to acknowledge and recognize the heroic service of Spencer Byrd Powers, Jr., by renaming the local post office in Cary, Mississippi, in his honor.

With his father and other relatives serving in our Armed Forces, Spencer Byrd Powers would continue their legacy by joining the United States Army, where he would serve this Nation honorably up until the point of his death. In 1968, Spencer Byrd Powers unfortunately would become the first member of his family not to return home from serving in war abroad. Spencer Byrd Powers was killed in an offensive attack operation in the Vietnam War.

I ask that we come together as Americans to honor Mr. Powers' sacrifice so that those who continue to serve after Mr. Powers can understand his commitment and his courage to serve on behalf of this beautiful country that we call America.

I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this fallen soldier and vote in support of passing H.R. 1072 to rename the Dogwood Street postal facility in Cary, Mississippi, as the Spencer Byrd Powers Post Office.

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this Senate bill.

I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 91st birthday of teacher and volunteer, Mrs. Hortensia G. Silva. She has dedicated her life assisting the south Texas community, educating and serving children.

Mrs. Silva was born on June 5, 1920 on a ranch located on the outskirts of Rio Grande City, Texas, to proud parents, Serapio and Martha Guerra. After the passing of her father in 1929, she began working in a local grocery store to help her mother provide for her three younger siblings. During World War II, telegrams were sent to the Juan B. Galindo Grocery Store and Mrs. Silva was often charged with delivering families the heart-wrenching message that their soldiers had fallen. One of the only people with the ability to read or write, Mrs. Silva often wrote catalog orders so

that neighborhood persons could acquire clothing and shoes. She attended school in Rio Grande City and graduated in the top ten percent of her class from the city's high school in 1939. She continued working in Galindo's grocery store until her marriage to Nicolas Silva, Jr. in 1947. The couple had two daughters and owned and operated a Texaco Service Station, where she served as the bookkeeper.

Mrs. Silva worked for Rio Grande City Independent School District as a teacher's aide in their pre-school department and continued to teach once the program was annexed by Headstart. She served on the South Texas Development Council until she retired at age 80, after 32 years of service. Throughout her career, she volunteered for her neighborhood's 4-H Youth Development Organization and frequently acted as judge in the program's float and craft competitions. Her dedication to children inspired her two daughters to emulate their mother's passion and attain masters degrees in Education.

In addition to her passion for children, Mrs. Silva was an avid arrowhead hunter--a passion her husband and children all enjoyed. The family has maintained, arguably, the largest personal collection in Texas, which was exhibited in the family's business. She is a faithful member of Immaculate Conception Church, and continues to dedicate her time to children, including her 4 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and others in her community. She is the beloved matriarch of her family and is sought for advice and guidance to her friends, family, and former students.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored and privileged to have the opportunity to recognize the extraordinary commitment to education and the community exhibited by Mrs. Hortensia G. Silva, and I wish her the happiest of birthdays.

I ask for unanimous consent, Mr. Speaker, to remove Representative Paul Ryan as a cosponsor of H.R. 771.

I want to thank both of my colleagues from Texas. It is a program that does work. We have sat down, we have gone to Laredo. We have seen it work in the Del Rio area. We are now working in Laredo.

In fact, the last time we sat with Chief Harris we talked about how we can make this work. They do need some space, and so I certainly want to work with both of my colleagues to make sure we get more of that space, more of the beds to make sure it works.

All we are doing is enforcing a 1954 law that is on the books already, nothing new except enforcing the law. I support what you are doing.

I want to thank my good friend from Texas. I also want to thank the chairman and the ranking member for everything they have done for border security. We really appreciate it.

We just feel that we ought to put a little bit of money to have the OM and, of course, the UAVs. We have gone down to Corpus. We have been there with General Kostelnik, who I think is doing a great job.

What they do is provide ICE, in the sky, flying at 19,000 feet, they can see what is happening, and it provides the intelligence to the State, Federal and local. It is certainly something I support.

I want to thank again my friend, Mr. McCaul, for the work that you have done on this particular amendment.

Again, I want to thank the gentleman from Texas. I want to thank the chairman and the ranking member for the work that they have done for border security.

Again, both Mr. McCaul and I feel that we ought to add a little bit more help to the local sheriffs and the police that get this assistance.

One of the things that we've seen is, of course, making sure that we don't have that spillover coming in from the Republic of Mexico. And by giving this assistance, whether it's the sheriff down there in Brownsville or going all the way up to El Paso, it's something that's needed, and I certainly support my friend to make sure we increase the funding for Stonegarden by the amount he has asked for.

Again, thank you for your leadership, and again, thank you to the chairman and ranking member for the work they have done on border security.

Again, I want to thank my colleague from Texas. And again, I want to thank the chairman and the ranking member for all the work that they have done for border security.

The BEST program is the program that works. Basically what it does is it coordinates State, Federal, local and also our international partners, both Canadians and Mexicans, to work together to make sure that they are able to focus on the same thing, and that is fight transnational crime. It's an idea that worked very well--in fact, it got started in Laredo, Texas. It expanded now to both the northern and southern part of the United States.

And I certainly support my friend to make sure that we work and make sure that the BEST program gets stronger.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

I want to thank the chairman and, of course, our ranking member, Mr. Price, for all the work that they have done for border security.

This is an amendment similar to Mr. McCaul's. It adds $32 million to the CBP Air/Marine Interdiction, Operations, Maintenance, and Procurement. It takes $60 million away from the Office of Under Secretary for Management, another $60 million from the Science and Technology Management Administration. Again, this is to purchase at least two additional UAVs and to make sure that they have the operations and maintenance.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Offered By: Mr. Cuellar

Amendment No. 63: Page 3, line 9, after the dollar amount,

insert ``(reduced by $16,000,000)''.

Page 14, line 22, after the dollar amount, insert

``(increased by $32,000,000)''.

Page 63, line 17, after the dollar amount, insert

``(reduced by $16,000,000)''.

Offered By: Mr. Cuellar

Amendment No. 63: Page 3, line 9, after the dollar amount,

insert ``(reduced by $16,000,000)''.

Page 14, line 22, after the dollar amount, insert

``(increased by $32,000,000)''.

Page 63, line 17, after the dollar amount, insert

``(reduced by $16,000,000)''.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Former Frio County Commissioner Adolfo Alvarez, Sr. to honor his contributions to South Texas. On May 28, 2011, Mr. Alvarez celebrates his 80th birthday and a lifetime of achievements as a Veteran and Former County Commissioner.

Mr. Alvarez was born May 27, 1931, in Harlingen, Texas, to the parentage of Gernaro and Dominga Alvarez. He attended Harlingen High School in 1950 and served his country in the Korean War upon graduation. Mr. Alvarez returned from battle and married Guadalupe Morales Alvarez soon after. The couple has been happily married for 55 years and their union produced 9 children, 19 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.

Mr. Alvarez began working in the auto repair industry and has been the proud owner of A and A Auto Parts retail stores in Pearsall, Dilley and Cotulla, Texas since 1973. In 1980, he was elected Frio County Commissioner and devoted himself to the people for 20 years. In addition to his post as Commissioner, Mr. Alvarez also served on the State Democratic Executive Committee for the 21st Senatorial District, was an active member of the Mexican American Democrats, and was appointed to the Commission on Aging by Gov. Ann Richards during her time in office.

Residing in Pearsall, TX, Mr. Alvarez spends his days as the city's first life member of VFW Post 9185, a life member of the Knights of Columbus, and a member of the League of United Latin American Citizens. He remains spiritually active as a parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in the city in which he resides. As a former County Commissioner, he remains devoted to his community through his volunteer activities, church involvement, and interests.

Former Commissioner Alvarez has lived in Pearsall, Texas for over 30 years and served Precinct 3 for 16 years beginning in 1980 and ending in 2000. In addition, he is a Korean War Veteran and founding member of the VFW post in Pearsall, Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had the opportunity to recognize the remarkable life of Mr. Adolfo Alvarez, Sr. and his 80th birthday celebration. Thank you.

Madam Chair, I rise in support of my amendment, No. 35, that directs the Department of Defense to make available for border defense the same technology and intelligence gathering practices it is currently using in conducting war overseas.

The assault on our southern border today by transnational criminal organizations is a national security threat. They dig tunnels under the border, they fly ultralight crafts, and they try to breach our borders. My amendment brings state-of-the-art military technology to bear on this problem.

In fact, also what it does is it looks at the other side of the border to make sure that the Department of Defense evaluates and briefs Congress on our efforts to build Mexico's capacity to combat these organizations. This dual-pronged approach brings our military technological advantage to bear on this southern threat and measures how we are building the Mexican capacity that will put additional constraints on these criminal organizations. Again, this will be a true way to make sure that we face the threat that we face on our border.

I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.