Vicente Gonzalez

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 105th birthday of Ms. Ofelia Garcia, whose life has been defined by perseverance, joy, and devotion to her family.

Ms. Garcia was born in 1921 in San Pedro, Tamaulipas, Mexico, where she demonstrated great strength and determination from an early age. After the loss of both her parents, she was raised by her aunt. To support her family, she and her brother, Jose, traveled to Big Springs, Texas, to pick cotton, often carrying sacks heavier than she was.

On October 7, 1950, Ms. Garcia married Leonel Garcia Sanchez. Together, they raised five children--Ruben, Salvador, Bertha, Leonel Jr., and Dora Ella--in Rancho La Palanga, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Her dedication to her family has remained a constant throughout her life, reflected in the care she provided for her ailing aunt while her husband worked in Mercedes, Texas.

Ms. Garcia's strong work ethic is a true example of the American spirit. After becoming a U.S. Citizen in 1967, she and her family moved across the country in search of work, traveling to Ohio to pick produce and later to Michigan to work in a packing shed.

Ms. Garcia is known for the joy she brings. Music has always been an important part of her life, whether she is doing chores, gardening, or dancing, while her sense of humor fills the room with laughter. She brings such warmth and positive spirit, touching everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Texas's 34th Congressional District, I am proud to honor Ofelia Garcia for a lifetime of love and devotion to her family. She is a source of pride and inspiration to all who know her, and I am honored to recognize her remarkable life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable life of Juan Manuel Escobar, a native South Texan whose life was defined by integrity, valor, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.

Mr. Escobar was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He enlisted at age 19 and served proudly with the 1st Marine Division in Vietnam. His dedication and strong character earned him selection as a Marine body bearer and member of the Presidential Honor Guard. These qualities continued to define his service in theater, where he was wounded in action and awarded the Purple Heart in recognition of his courage and sacrifice.

After his honorable discharge, Mr. Escobar continued his education at Pan American University before beginning a career as a teacher and football coach at Rio Grande City High School. In the classroom and on the field, he became a dedicated mentor and role model for countless young people.

Mr. Escobar carried that same sense of duty into a 25-year career with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. While in this role, he took on critical assignments, including serving as the Patrol Agent in Charge of the Kingsville Station and as a Senior Special Agent with the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force.

Mr. Escobar continued serving his community through elected office, representing District 43 in the Texas House of Representatives, and later as Kleberg County Judge.

Beyond the positions he held, Mr. Escobar remained a devoted husband and father. His life was guided by a commitment to family, mentorship, and a desire to make a difference in the lives of those around him.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Texas's 34th Congressional District, I am proud to honor Juan Manuel Escobar for his extraordinary life of service, sacrifice, and excellence. South Texas is better place because of him, and I am thankful for the lasting mark he left on our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you to urge President Trump to fulfill his promise to the city of Corpus Christi, Texas, a community he made a solemn promise to.

We heard him loud and clear. When the President visited our city, he called our request for sustainable Federal funding for water projects a serious money ask. He then went on to say to the people of Corpus Christi: We are going to take care of it.

Today, I am asking him to keep that promise, and I urge you to ensure that he does.

Corpus Christi is a leading energy hub for the country and the world. Water is not a partisan issue. It is not a luxury. It cannot wait for another election or another round of political speeches. Reliable water in one of the most important energy hubs in our country is a national security concern. The time to act is now.

Families, hospitals, schools, military installations, small businesses, and thousands of workers who keep the port of Corpus Christi are relying on you today.

I was born and raised in Corpus Christi. This is my hometown. I know its people. They work hard. They pay their taxes, and they help power the economy of Texas, the country, and the world. They should not have to wonder whether their community will have enough water to survive and grow into the future. We need the administration to act immediately, identify the Federal funding available, designate the responsible agency, and provide a firm timetable to get this done. We need the President to deliver.

If congressional action is required, send it to me. I am ready to work with Republicans, Democrats, State leaders, and local officials to get this done and get this done now. Everyone has a responsibility here. Local and State leaders must also do their part, and the Federal Government must fulfill its commitment.

Mr. Speaker, remind the President that Corpus Christi welcomed him. He made a promise to the people, and it is his obligation to fulfill those promises.

Its people listened to him. They took him at his word. Now it is time for action, Mr. President. Release the Federal support. Help us secure a dependable, long-term, sustainable water supply.

A promise made in Corpus Christi must be a promise kept. Our families cannot live on promises. They need water, and they need it now.