Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today alongside my friends and colleagues in celebration of Women's History Month.

This month, I have reflected on the contributions of the American female leaders who have made our Nation what it is today: a land of opportunity for all.

I am proud to be the first Hispanic Republican woman to represent the great State of Texas for a full term. It is because of strong women who have paved the way and never took no for an answer that I can serve in this institution and fight for my community of south Texas.

In February, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle came together to support an initiative that will create a legacy for American women, the bipartisan Smithsonian American Women's History Act.

This important legislation, which I helped introduce alongside bipartisan Women's Caucus Republican Vice Cochair Nicole Malliotakis, will designate land on the National Mall for the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum.

By creating a museum in our Nation's Capital, we are honoring and preserving the incredible contributions of American women whose stories of strength, resilience, and innovation have shaped the fabric of our Nation's history.

Trailblazing women deserve a dedicated space of recognition and reference: women like Susan B. Anthony, a pioneer and leader in women's suffrage; Harriet Tubman, the first American woman to run an underground railroad to help slaves reach freedom; Sojourner Truth, a trailblazer in the antislavery movement and advocate for women's rights; and Amelia Earhart, the first woman to bravely fly solo across the Atlantic. We cannot forget our beautiful Selena Quintanilla, a south Texas icon, Grammy-winning singer, and the queen of Tejano music, who shattered glass ceilings and elevated the Tejano genre to the mainstream media. Today marks exactly 30 years since her tragic death, and we honor her passion for music and the lasting impression she has left on our Hispanic culture.

Each of their stories have opened the door to opportunities that once seemed unattainable and have inspired millions. We cannot let their stories be forgotten.

By passing this critical legislation, we are giving the museum its rightful place on the National Mall and allowing generations of Americans and visitors from across the world to immerse themselves in the often untold stories of the women who paved the way for many, like me, to achieve the American dream.

I encourage all of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to support this important bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Sykes).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Malliotakis).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Chu).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Cammack).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Adams).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Utah (Ms. Maloy).

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Border Patrol Agent Hector Moreno, Jr., for his 27 years of service.

Born and raised in McAllen, Texas, Mr. Hector Moreno, Jr., pursued a career of selfless service to our community. He joined the Border Patrol in 1997 and, for nearly three decades, has set a high standard for his fellow agents by upholding their core values of service to our country, integrity, and vigilance.

During his tenure, he successfully led specialized operations in the Rio Grande Valley to combat transnational crime and tackle illicit drug trafficking at our southern border.

I had the opportunity to join Mr. Moreno in south Texas to participate in a ride-along and hear from Border Patrol agents and experience their daily work of protecting our communities.

Last summer, Mr. Moreno retired as a division chief for the Rio Grande Valley Sector. We are grateful for his honorable service and exemplary leadership to fellow agents and our community. In his retirement, he continues to serve others as a criminal justice teacher at Nikki Rowe High School in McAllen, Texas, and leads the Student Criminal Justice Club.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Moreno for his selfless service. I congratulate him on his well-deserved retirement.

Recognizing Texas Independence Day and Lieutenant Colonel William B.

Travis

Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, we celebrated Texas Independence Day and the brave efforts of Texas revolutionaries and Tejanos who fought to secure their independence from Mexico.

I rise today to recognize the heroes of the Texas Revolution and share the brave words of Lieutenant Colonel William B. Travis to rally the Texans' army at the Alamo nearly 200 years ago:

``Bejar, February 24, 1836.

``To the people of Texas and all Americans in the world.

``Fellow citizens and compatriots:

``I am besieged by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna. I have sustained a continual bombardment and cannonade for 24 hours and have not lost a man.

``The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise, the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken. I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, and our flag still waves proudly from the walls. I shall never surrender or retreat.

``Then, I call on you in the name of liberty, of patriotism, and everything dear to the American character to come to our aid with all dispatch. The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily and will no doubt increase to 3,000 or 4,000 in 4 or 5 days.

``If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible and die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor and that of his country.

``Victory or death.

``William Barret Travis, Lieutenant Colonel Commandant.

``P.S., the Lord is on our side. When the enemy appeared in sight, we had not three bushels of corn. We have since found in deserted houses 80 or 90 bushels and got into the walls 20 or 30 head of beeves.

``Travis.''

Though we know Texans lost this battle, Lieutenant Travis' words were heard for miles.

``Remember the Alamo'' became a battle cry, and revolutionaries joined the Texan forces to win the war and secure freedom for Texas.

I rise today to proudly honor our great State and the brave men and women who built Texas on values of family, faith, and freedom.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Amigo Power Equipment in Edinburg, Texas, for 50 years of service to our community.

Founded in 1974 by Janice and Kent Johnson, Amigo Power Equipment sold tractors and combines to farmers and ranchers throughout south Texas. As the Rio Grande Valley grew, so did their business.

The Johnsons passed down their business to their youngest son, Jeff, and over the years, it has become the premier tractor and power sports dealership in the valley. When visiting their store, you will find knowledgeable staff with years of experience and exceptional customer service.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Johnsons and the entire staff on this incredible milestone, and I thank them for their dedication to the Rio Grande Valley community.

Positive Impacts of Social Security Legislation

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the positive impacts that the Social Security Fairness Act has already made for south Texans.

Before this bill, millions of public servants like teachers, police officers, and firefighters were unfairly punished by reduced Social Security benefits. After being signed into law last month, this legislation finally eliminated the provisions that reduced Social Security benefits for public servants.

I have heard back from teachers in south Texas who are incredibly thankful to have the legislation finally signed into law.

I am proud to have cosponsored this bill in the House, advocated for its passage, and played an important role in expanding access to benefits for those who have gone above and beyond to serve our communities.

Paying Tribute to the Honorable Rose Guerra Reyna

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor State District Judge Rose Guerra Reyna for her service to Hidalgo County.

Earlier this month, Judge Reyna announced that, after 28 years, she will be retiring from her role.

For over two decades, she has upheld the rule of law with fairness and justice in Hidalgo County. She has presided over thousands of cases, worked to improve the judicial process, and mentored many young attorneys throughout her tenure.

Though she will be missed, her legacy will live on in the courtroom. Her commitment to justice in south Texas is unwavering, and we are so fortunate to have public servants like Judge Reyna in south Texas. We wish her the best as she carries out her term and begins her well- deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the judge.

1944 Water Treaty

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to address an issue that is critical to my community in south Texas, Mexico's refusal to fulfill its water obligation. Their refusal to comply with the agreements of the 1944 Water Treaty has caused mass devastation with our farmers and ranchers in south Texas.

Last Congress, we had our one sugar mill in Texas close. That was 500 jobs that were lost and millions of dollars of economic impact in south Texas.

Food security is national security, and we have lost our sugar mill, and we are on the verge of losing our citrus industry. We ask that the Mexican Government repay us the water that they owe us which is now over 1 million acre-feet of water.

It is simply unacceptable that the Mexican Government has not given us the water that they owe us. This not only affects the people of south Texas, but it affects the entire Nation.

Again, food security is national security, and we urge the Mexican Government to pay us our water immediately.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 35, the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, which I am proud to have co-led with Congressman Ciscomani.

Agent Raul Gonzalez was stationed in my community of McAllen, Texas, and was dedicated to protecting the Rio Grande Valley and, quite frankly, all of the Nation. In 2022, he tragically lost his life while pursuing a car full of illegal immigrants.

By passing this legislation, we can take critical steps to protect the safety of law enforcement officers and prevent this tragedy from ever happening again.

This bill will make failing to yield to Border Patrol agents or law enforcement a Federal crime. Further, if anyone is killed during the apprehension, it could result in life in prison.

Criminals will think twice before engaging in dangerous and reckless behavior like a high-speed chase from Border Patrol agents.

Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. I am committed to protecting those who protect us, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill in honor of the life and service of a Texas hero, Agent Raul Gonzalez.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 224, the Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act.

Veterans, particularly disabled veterans, have made extraordinary sacrifices for our Nation, and it is simply unacceptable that those who selflessly defended our freedoms are met with bureaucratic red tape when they return home.

Government overregulation should never stand in the way of veterans' ability to receive the help they need. That is what this legislation will fix.

Due to inconsistencies in the way income eligibility is determined for Community Development Block Grant assistance, a veteran could be disqualified simply because their service-connected disability compensation is counted as income in one case but excluded in another. This simply doesn't make sense.

This is the result of HUD currently allowing multiple different definitions of income for CDBG assistance, some of which count service- connected disability received from the VA as income while one does not. To put it more simply, the same veteran who may have been disqualified for assistance could very well be eligible if the grantee would only have used the proper definition of income.

This legislation will create a standard and ensure VA service- connected disability income is always excluded from income calculations when determining eligibility for CDBG assistance.

By passing this bipartisan legislation, we are correcting an issue that HUD has failed to address. Further, we will require a report from the GAO to identify any additional inconsistencies in the treatment of service-connected disability income within housing programs.

Last Congress, I was proud to see this legislation garner bipartisan support in the Financial Services Committee and pass out of this House as recently as this past December. We will continue to build on this progress to ensure federally funded programs best serve our veterans and do not penalize them for the benefits that they have earned.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the bipartisan cosponsors for this legislation, including Congressman Brad Sherman, and I urge my colleagues to join me and vote in favor of H.R. 224.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding.

I rise in support of H.R. 965, the bipartisan Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act, which I am proud to co-lead.

Our veterans, particularly disabled veterans, have sacrificed immensely for our Nation. Unfortunately, when they return home, they are met with unnecessary bureaucracy and government overregulation.

Though we can never repay them for their sacrifice, we can show gratitude by ensuring that bureaucratic obstacles do not stand in the way of veterans receiving the support they need.

H.R. 965 will make certain that disability benefits received by a veteran are not counted against a veteran seeking housing assistance under the HUD-VASH program.

These programs are intended to help veterans, so let us ensure that we do all we can to ensure they achieve that mission by enacting commonsense measures.

I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan solution to ensure those that sacrificed so much for this great country are not penalized for benefits they have earned through their selfless service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate an extraordinary milestone for an extraordinary man, Live Oak County Sheriff Larry Busby.

Sworn in on New Year's Day for his 12th consecutive term, Sheriff Busby has cemented his place in history as Texas' longest serving sheriff. With a remarkable 50 years in law enforcement, 44 of those years as sheriff of Live Oak County, he exemplifies dedication, resilience, and leadership.

Sheriff Busby's philosophy of treating everyone with respect has earned him not just the trust of his community but also their enduring support.

His history, rooted in cowboy values of hard work and responsibility, inspires all of us. Whether as a teacher, cowboy, or law enforcement officer, he has always served with honor and humility.

I congratulate Sheriff Busby on this historic achievement, and I thank him for his unwavering commitment to Live Oak County. Here is to the legacy he continues to build and the many lives he has touched along the way.

Honoring Lieutenant Oscar Trevino

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant Oscar Trevino of the Edinburg Police Department in Texas. Lieutenant Trevino retired after an extraordinary 37 years of service.

On January 10, Lieutenant Trevino marked the conclusion of his remarkable career with an emotional last call over the radio, a powerful moment that symbolized his unwavering dedication to protecting and serving his community.

Lieutenant Trevino's legacy is one of courage, leadership, and selfless commitment. He has made an indelible impact on Edinburg, and his years of service will not be forgotten.

As he begins his well-deserved retirement, we express our deepest gratitude and wish him all the best in his upcoming retirement and new chapter of life.

We thank Lieutenant Trevino for his service and sacrifice.

Celebrating University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's Chess Team

Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the historic achievement of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley chess team, who claimed their first outright victory at the Pan American Intercollegiate Chess Championship earlier this month.

Out of 91 teams, UTRGV's A team delivered a flawless performance, winning all six matches, a feat unmatched in the tournament. This victory exemplifies talent, teamwork, and the ``vaquero,'' ``cowboy,'' spirit.

This win secures UTRGV's spot in the prestigious President's Cup, where they will compete for their fourth national collegiate chess championship. Their success is a testament to the extraordinary caliber of UTRGV students.

I congratulate the team, their coach, and the entire UTRGV community. We are all so proud of them and look forward to cheering them on in April.

Honoring Dr. Milton Louis Gonzalez

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my guest for this year's National Prayer Breakfast, Dr. Milton Gonzalez from McAllen, Texas.

For over 25 years, Dr. Milton Louis Gonzalez has taught and inspired south Texans. He has dedicated his life to ensuring that the next generation is able to reach their potential and live a life full of faith.

Not only has his gift for speaking touched many, many lives, but his insightful speeches have empowered people all across the United States and the world.

Outside of his incredible work, Dr. Gonzalez is a great man of faith, devoted husband, proud father of two, and grandfather.

I am honored to recognize Dr. Gonzalez. It was my pleasure to have him join me in praying for our Nation and our leaders at the National Prayer Breakfast.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Guadalupe County Commissioner Greg Seidenberger on his well-deserved retirement after a lifetime of extraordinary service to our country and community.

Greg began his career with 20 years in the United States Air Force, serving as a command pilot during the Vietnam war and leading the squadron operating out of Seguin Auxiliary. He then served as a pilot for American Airlines for 18 years.

For the past 12 years, Greg has dedicated himself to Guadalupe County as commissioner for precinct 1, transforming the county and ensuring the foundation for a brighter future.

Mr. Speaker, I wish Commissioner Seidenberger a joyful retirement.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Guadalupe County Commissioner Greg Seidenberger on his well-deserved retirement after a lifetime of extraordinary service to both our country and our community.

Greg began his career with 20 years in the United States Air Force, serving as a command pilot during the Vietnam war and leading the squadron operating out of the Seguin Auxiliary Airfield. He then served as a pilot for American Airlines for 18 years.

For the past 12 years, Greg has dedicated himself to Guadalupe County as the commissioner for Precinct 1, transforming the county and ensuring the foundation for a bright future.

I wish Commissioner Greg Seidenberger a joyful retirement. Again, I congratulate him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dale Murden, a dedicated leader in south Texas agriculture, for winning the 2024 Texas Farm Bureau Pioneer Award.

As president of the Texas Citrus Mutual, Dale is a steadfast advocate for the State of Texas' citrus industry, championing legislative priorities such as the 1944 water treaty issue, pest and disease management, and leading innovation that strengthens our agricultural community.

Dale's work supports thousands of farmers and helps preserve the rich farming heritage of south Texas.

On behalf of the 15th Congressional District of Texas, I congratulate Dale on this well-deserved recognition, and I thank him for his service to our farmers and to the great State of Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a truly remarkable woman from Alamo, Texas, Clemencia Esteviz, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday on November 22.

From her early days at working in the fields to her dedicated service to the Diocese of Brownsville, Clemencia has lived a life filled with resilience, hard work, and unwavering devotion to her family and to others.

Her family treasures the warmth that she brings to every Christmas gathering, where her tamale-making traditions have created many cherished memories for generations. She has extended her nurturing spirit beyond her immediate family, raising her niece's child as her own.

I wish Clemencia a happy birthday and congratulate her on this incredible milestone.

Emergency Aid

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to sound the alarm for our farmers in south Texas and American food security. South Texas farmers are facing a crisis due to the Mexican Government's failure to honor its water obligations under the 1944 water treaty. This neglect has left over 960,000 acre-feet of water undelivered, devastating our agricultural sector.

The Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers, after 50 years, has shut down, taking 500 American jobs with it. Our citrus and our vegetable farmers have seen millions in losses, and row crop yields are down 40 percent. Without immediate action, more livelihoods will be destroyed.

Keep in mind, Mr. Speaker, food security is national security. That is why I have introduced H.R. 10113, the South Texas Agriculture Emergency Assistance Act. This bill provides $280 million in emergency aid to our farmers.

Earlier in 2024, water was selling for around $300 per acre-foot. At that amount, the value of the water deficit is about $280 million, the amount we are requesting in emergency aid. This does not come close to equaling the losses to producers, but it is a starting point for funds needed to aid the region.

Mr. Speaker, I urge leadership to include this legislation in any emergency aid bill that comes to the floor.

Let's stand with our farmers and ensure that they have the resources to recover and thrive, which ultimately means American farmers feed American citizens and that we do not depend on foreign actors for our food.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6751) to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint commemorative coins in recognition of the life and legacy of Roberto Clemente.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6751, a bill to mint a commemorative coin in recognition of the exemplary life and legacy of Roberto Clemente.

Roberto Clemente has inspired countless Americans through his impressive athletic achievements and unyielding generosity.

Born on August 18, 1934, in Carolina, Puerto Rico, Roberto Clemente was the youngest of seven children. From an early age, he excelled athletically, especially at baseball.

After a brief stint in the minors, Clemente joined the Pittsburgh Pirates for the 1955 season. He would go on to become arguably the greatest Pirate to ever wear the jersey, a 15-time all-star, two-time World Series champion, and the 1966 National League MVP winner.

To underscore just how much Clemente meant to the sport of baseball, he would become the second player in history to have the 5-year waiting period waived before being inducted into the Hall of Fame through a special ballot in 1973.

Roberto Clemente was much more than one of the greatest baseball players of all time. He was a fierce advocate for racial equality.

Clemente insisted the Pirates provide African-American and Latino players with their own bus so they could travel to restaurants. He was also widely known for his philanthropic efforts. He spent much of his time away from the ballpark collecting donations for Latin American countries, visiting children in hospitals, and putting on baseball clinics for kids from Pittsburgh to Puerto Rico.

Clemente's reputation for generosity continued until his tragic death in 1972 while delivering aid to Nicaragua following a devastating earthquake. His untimely passing at the age of 38 was honored by 3 days of official national mourning in his native Puerto Rico, which brought an abrupt stop to Presidential inauguration celebrations.

When celebrations resumed, Puerto Rico's Secretary of State Fernando Chardon gave a befitting tribute: ``We have with us today the spirit of a man, Roberto Clemente, who helped teach independentistas, statehooders, and commonwealthers how to play good baseball and become better citizens.''

H.R. 6751 will honor Roberto Clemente for his outstanding achievements both on and off the baseball field.

Mr. Speaker, I support this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it, as well.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Puerto Rico (Mrs. Gonzalez-Colon).

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. I am prepared to close if the gentlewoman is prepared to close. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6751, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7480) to amend section 102(a)(20) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to require the exclusion of service- connected disability compensation when determining whether a person is a person of

low and moderate income, a person of low income, or a person of moderate income, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this bill.

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

I rise today in strong support of my bill, H.R. 7480, the Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act, and urge my colleagues to join me in passing this critical legislation.

Our Nation's disabled veterans have made extraordinary sacrifices in service to our great country. It is our duty to ensure they receive the respect and support they have earned, especially when it comes to housing.

This bipartisan bill addresses a glaring oversight. HUD currently allows multiple different definitions of income to determine eligibility for community development block grant assistance. This inconsistency means a veteran could be disqualified simply because their service-connected disability compensation is counted as income in one definition but excluded in another. This is not just a bureaucratic glitch. It denies veterans vital assistance.

H.R. 7480 fixes this by requiring VA service-connected disability be excluded from income eligibility calculations. It ensures no veteran is penalized for benefits they earned.

This is a commonsense, bipartisan solution. Let us act today to remove these obstacles and honor our veterans with the dignity they deserve.

I thank the bipartisan cosponsors of this legislation, including Congressman Brad Sherman and the multiple veterans associations that have offered their support, including The American Legion.

Again, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 7480, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers and am prepared to close.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

I would like to take a moment to say what a proud moment this is. In the crazy Halls of Congress, we can actually get some commonsense legislation passed off the House floor. I am confident that the Senate will see how important this small change can be in making a big difference specifically with our veterans.

Our veterans give so much to this great country, and I am so proud that we came together. I thank my colleague, Congressman Sherman, for working in a bipartisan manner to get this bill done. I know how important his bill is, as well. Ultimately, it is about our veterans and making sure that our veterans are not homeless.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 7480, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with immense pride to honor the incredible achievement of Ernest Servantes and David Kirkland, the talented owners of Burnt Bean Company, a barbecue restaurant in Seguin, Texas.

They were recently presented with the prestigious Bib Gourmand award during the inaugural Michelin Guide Texas ceremony in Houston. This recognition places Burnt Bean Company among an elite group of 45 distinguished establishments across Texas.

Ernest and David's dedication and passion have not only earned them this award but also three James Beard Award nominations in the past, affirming Burnt Bean Company's place as culinary leaders in our Nation.

Today, we celebrate Burnt Bean Company as a beacon of hard work, creativity, and excellence that continues to put Seguin and Texas on the map.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true American hero from my home State of Texas, Mr. Francisco Ybanez.

Born on September 28, 1922, near George West, Mr. Ybanez has lived a life of dedicated service to our Nation. Before World War II, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps, but when his country called upon him to serve in the military, he answered with courage and commitment.

Enlisting in 1942 at Fort Sam Houston, Mr. Ybanez became a marksman, rifleman, and a AAA auto weapons crewman for the 601st. He fought bravely in the Pacific, serving in the Philippines and Okinawa, earning numerous honors, including the Asiatic Pacific Medal with two Bronze Stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, and the World War II Victory Medal.

Today, at almost 102 years old, Mr. Ybanez resides in Alice, Texas, surrounded by generations of his beautiful family. His legacy of service and sacrifice is an inspiration to all Americans. I ask my colleagues today to join me in celebrating his extraordinary life. I wish Mr. Ybanez a happy birthday.

Congratulating Chief Roman Flores

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate and recognize Chief Roman Candelario Flores as the new fire chief of Alamo, Texas. Chief Flores brings over two decades of invaluable experience in firefighting and emergency response to his new role, making him a tremendous asset to the city of Alamo and its residents.

With an associate's degree in fire services administration and certifications such as master firefighter and fire inspector, Chief Flores is a true leader in public safety.

Mayor J.R. Garza and the people of Alamo have rightly expressed their excitement for his leadership, and I share in their excitement. Chief Flores' dedication extends beyond his firefighting duties. He is deeply involved in youth programs, church groups, and local economic development. His commitment to serving others exemplifies the values we hold dear in south Texas.

I congratulate Chief Flores on his well-deserved appointment, and I look forward to working with him and seeing the positive impact he will make in Alamo, Texas. I congratulate Chief Flores.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to honor the profound contributions of Hispanic Americans to the fabric of our Nation. From the fields of agriculture to the Halls of Congress, Hispanic men and women have shaped America's story with hard work, faith, and a deep love of this country.

Our vibrant culture, rooted in strong family values and perseverance, continues to inspire new generations. As the first Hispanic from my community to serve in Congress, I am proud to be part of this legacy, a legacy that reminds us of the power of ``the American Dream,'' ``el sueno Americano'' for all.

This month, let us not only reflect on our history, but also recommit ourselves to policies that uplift Hispanic families and every American. Together, we can build a bright future that honors our heritage and strengthens our Nation.