Floor Statements

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.

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.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Miss Addison Humphreys of McAllen, Texas, a member of the McAllen High School Class of 2027, whose academic excellence, leadership, and service reflect the very best of South Texas.

Miss Humphreys ranks among the top four percent of her graduating class, which has more than 470 students, and has pursued a rigorous course of study in preparation for a future in medicine. As State President of Texas HOSA--Future Health Professionals, she represents more than 51,000 students across 1,570 chapters and is the first student in McAllen Independent School District and Hidalgo County history to hold both area and state HOSA office.

Her commitment to service extends far beyond the classroom. She founded Books2Border, a youth-led literacy initiative that has distributed more than 5,500 books and 20 laptops, established five community libraries, rebuilt school libraries in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico, and expanded educational opportunities for more than 2,500 students in Mexico.

Overall, Miss Humphreys has also completed more than 1,300 documented hours of community service. Through DHR Health's LASER program, she is researching childhood obesity and Type II diabetes risk in the Rio Grande Valley, has been selected to present her work internationally, and has helped educate more than 2,500 students about stroke recognition.

South Texas is home to countless young people with big dreams and a desire to make a difference. Miss Humphreys is a fine example of that promise, reflecting the hard work, compassion, and spirit of service that define our communities.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Miss Addison Humphreys for her distinguished academic achievement, leadership, and service, and I wish her continued success in the years ahead. She has a bright future ahead of her and has made South Texas proud.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Olga H. Montes for 27 years of dedicated service to the City of Combes.

Since first being elected to the Combes City Commission in 1999, she has devoted herself to strengthening her community and improving the quality of life for its residents. During her tenure, Combes has grown from a small town into a thriving city with new businesses, programs, and services for families and seniors.

Ms. Montes always understood that public service extends beyond holding office. She has worked to ensure families have the support they need, providing Thanksgiving meals, clothing for children, and celebrations for local youth.

Beyond the City Commission, Ms. Montes has also made a lasting impact by mentoring young women interested in public service. Her guidance and encouragement have inspired the next generation of leaders in South Texas.

After nearly three decades, Ms. Montes plans to retire from the Combes City Commission at the end of her current term. Her retirement marks the conclusion of an extraordinary chapter, but her legacy will endure in the hearts of the families she helped uplift and the city she helped build.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 34th Congressional District of Texas, I extend my deepest gratitude to Olga H. Montes for her decades of leadership and commitment to the people of Combes. South Texas is stronger because of her contributions, and I wish her continued health, happiness, and success in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Nueces County Commissioner Joe A. Gonzalez (JAG) for his decades of public service and contributions to the people of Nueces County.

Commissioner Gonzalez has devoted more than four decades to serving his community and country. His career began in law enforcement and criminal justice, where he served as a Corpus Christi Police Officer, Texas State Parole Officer, and the United States Department of Justice. He later served as Nueces County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Place 1, before becoming Nueces County Commissioner for Precinct No. 2 in 2011.

Throughout his tenure at the county, Gonzalez focused on expanding opportunity and improving quality of life. As Justice of the Peace, he helped establish the Truancy Reduction Alternative Program Solutions, an initiative focused on early intervention, education, and helping young people succeed. He later established the Joe A. Gonzalez (JAG) Education Is Our Freedom GED College Scholarship Program, which has helped thousands of local students pursue higher education.

As a Nueces County Commissioner, Gonzalez worked to improve healthcare access, veterans' services, rural infrastructure, public transportation, education, and community development. He helped establish Veterans Memorial Courtyards in the Agua Dulce, Banquete, and Bishop communities creating permanent places to honor those who served our Nation. He also worked to improve drainage, wastewater systems, and colonia infrastructure, while expanding access to healthcare services in underserved rural communities.

Additionally, Gonzalez served six years in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and twelve years in the United States Air Force Reserve. His dedication to both his country and community reflects a lifetime of commitment to others.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 34th Congressional District of Texas, I congratulate Joe A. Gonzalez (JAG), Nueces County Commissioner, on his remarkable career and thank him for his commitment to the people of Nueces County and South Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Maria M. Casas, lovingly known by her family as ``Nana,'' and to commemorate her 106th birthday.

Born on September 14, 1920, in Benavides, Texas, to parents Porfirio and Santos Mendez, Maria is the oldest of five children. From her early days in Los Horcones Ranch, she learned the values that would guide her throughout her life: faith, hard work, devotion to family, and generosity toward others.

Mrs. Casas met her husband, Victoriano Casas, at a church festival in Benavides. Together, they built a loving home and raised five children: Hilda Doris, Norma, Maria Isabel, Victoriano Jr., and Jose Daniel. Over the years, their family has grown to include 14 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren, with another on the way. Mrs. Casas has the remarkable privilege of witnessing the strength of the family she helped build across many generations.

Mrs. Casas has also spent a lifetime sharing her talents with her community. Whether sewing and quilting, tending her garden, baking and cooking for those she loves, or preparing Pan de Campo with her husband and family for local festivals, she finds joy in bringing people together. A lifetime member of the Catholic Daughters at Saint Francis de Paula Catholic Church, she faithfully supports her parish through quilt donations, fundraising, and service.

For 106 years, Mrs. Casas has shown what it means to live a life grounded in faith, strengthened by family, and enriched by service to others. Her long life is not only an extraordinary milestone, but a tremendous blessing.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 34th Congressional District of Texas, I congratulate Mrs. Maria M. Casas on the joyous occasion of her 106th birthday. I join her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, extended family, and many friends in celebrating a truly remarkable life, and I wish ``Nana'' continued blessings, happiness, and the love of her family as they honor this very special day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable life and service of Mr. Ramiro ``Ram'' Chavez, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, educator, musician, and pillar of the Corpus Christi community.

Mr. Chavez proudly served in the United States Army from 1967 to 1969. As a combat medic with the 199th Infantry Brigade in Vietnam, he treated wounded soldiers during intense fighting, including the Tet Offensive. Among his many military honors, he earned the Combat Medical Badge, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with ``V'' for valor, and the Purple Heart.

Upon returning home to Corpus Christi, Texas, Mr. Chavez remained deeply committed to his community. He earned a bachelor's in music education from Texas A&M-

Kingsville and a master's in school administration from Texas A&M- Corpus Christi. He then spent 25 years with the Corpus Christi Independent School District as a band director, music teacher, and assistant principal. In 2024, Veterans Memorial High School dedicated the Ramiro ``Ram'' Chavez Performing Arts Hall in recognition of his lifelong service. Through education and music, he inspired generations of South Texas students.

Mr. Chavez also founded and led the Veterans Band of Corpus Christi, bringing veterans together through music to honor American service members and preserve the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Through this organization, he fostered camaraderie among veterans while strengthening the community's appreciation for their service.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Texas' 34th Congressional District, I am proud to honor Mr. Chavez for his extraordinary life of service, sacrifice, and dedication. His legacy will continue to inspire veterans, students, musicians, and all South Texans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the admirable career and dedicated service of Sergeant J.J. De La Cerda, Director of the Nueces County Veterans Services.

Sergeant De La Cerda has devoted his life to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. He is a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, serving honorably from 2001 to 2005 with the 1st Marine Division, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines, and deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Throughout his military career, Sergeant De La Cerda distinguished himself through exemplary leadership and courage. In recognition of his service, he earned numerous honors, including the Iraq Campaign Medal with two Bronze Campaign Stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with a Gold Star, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with Bronze Star.

Since his honorable discharge in 2005, Sergeant De La Cerda has continued his lifelong dedication to veterans through a distinguished career in public service. He began by overseeing State Veterans Cemeteries in Mission and Corpus Christi, Texas, and now serves as the Director of Nueces County Veterans Services, where he works to ensure veterans and their families receive the recognition and benefits, they deserve. For his tireless work, he has been awarded the Texas Veterans Commission Top Performer Award and the Corpus Christi Mayor's Committee for Veterans Affairs Veteran Advocate of the Year Award.

Sergeant De La Cerda has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless veterans across South Texas. From assisting veterans with federal benefits claims to ensuring our Nation's heroes receive dignified final honors: he has exemplified the highest ideals of public service.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Texas's 34th Congressional District, I extend my deepest gratitude to Sergeant De La Cerda for his courage, integrity, and the personal sacrifices he made in devotion to our community. He is a source of pride and inspiration for all South Texans, and I am honored to recognize his contributions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Mr. John Wood's lifetime of service to the people of Brownsville, Texas, and the Rio Grande Valley.

For decades, Mr. Wood has dedicated his time to strengthening our community through both civic engagement and public service. Before entering elected office, Mr. Wood served as chair of the local chapters of the American Red Cross and United Way, Chairman of the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Board of Directors for the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas. His dedication to improving the lives of those around him laid the foundation for a distinguished career in public service.

As a Brownsville City Commissioner and Cameron County Commissioner, Mr. Wood earned the trust of his constituents by remaining accessible and attentive to their needs. He successfully secured state funding to rebuild roads, install a new drainage system, lay sidewalks, and install streetlights, delivering critical infrastructure improvements that enhanced neighborhoods and improved the quality of life for countless families.

As a Commissioner on the Brownsville Navigation District Board, Mr. Wood continued to lead with integrity and vision. He advanced reforms to the port's employee retirement fund and raised the minimum wage. Commissioner Wood also advocated for the deepening of the

Port, resulting in major investments, diversifying the economy, and transforming the region for generations to come. Throughout his tenure, he championed responsible stewardship and long-term investment in one of South Texas's most important economic engines.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Texas' 34th Congressional District, I extend my deepest gratitude to Mr. John Wood and his decades of service. His leadership has strengthened the Brownsville community and expanded economic opportunity throughout the Rio Grande Valley. It is leaders like him that continue to define the spirit of integrity and service of South Texas, and for that, we are forever grateful.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the remarkable leaders of the N'de Apache Nation for their unwavering commitment to public service and preserving a rich cultural heritage that continues to inspire people across our Nation.

I am proud to recognize Chief Angel Geronimo Sanchez RedEagle, Vice Chief Andrew Aranda, War Chief Armando Garcia, Jr., Chief Ricardo Gonzalez, Vice Chief Rudy Perez, War Chief Chuck Boers, Chief Darrell Chavez, Chief Gabriel Carrasco, Chief Carlos Abrego, Chief Dan Lara, Vice Chief Salvador Aranda, Chief Moises Hernandez, and Jerry Geronimo Martin, Medicine Man and Shaman of the N'de Apache Nation, for their dedicated leadership and service.

Through their dedication to expanding educational opportunities, preserving history and traditions, supporting humanitarian efforts, and serving their communities, they have made a lasting difference in the lives of countless people. Their work to educate future generations, support children and families, and preserve Apache history and traditions reflects a steadfast commitment to uplifting others and strengthening the communities they serve.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Texas's 34th Congressional District, I am honored to recognize the N'de Apache Nation for their impact of their public service on South Texas and communities across the Nation. Their leadership, generosity, and commitment to preserving their heritage deserve our deepest gratitude and recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable career and dedicated service of Mr. Tony Acevedo of the Memorial Service Detachment in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Mr. Acevedo has devoted his life to serving both his country and his community. Drafted to the United States Army in 1972, he bravely served in Vietnam with the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, and the 525th Military Intelligence Expeditionary Brigade. His efforts in transporting soldiers, equipment, supplies, and classified messages were essential to advancing the efforts of the U.S. military.

After leaving the service in 1973, Mr. Acevedo earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice at the University of Texas Pan American and valiantly continued his service as a police officer with the Corpus Christi Police Department, where he served for over 30 years, including 18 years as a hostage negotiator. Throughout his law enforcement career, he has demonstrated extraordinary courage and an unwavering commitment to protecting the people of South Texas.

After retiring from the force, Mr. Acevedo joined the Memorial Service Detachment Honor Guard, where he participated in more than 4,150 military burial ceremonies, laying U.S. servicemen and women to rest with honor and respect. His dedication has brought comfort and support to countless military families during some of their most difficult moments.

Mr. Speaker, throughout his life, Mr. Acevedo has displayed a clear dedication to public service to our Nation and the Corpus Christi community. His decades of selfless service exemplify the very best of public dedication and patriotism which deserves to be recognized.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished career and 22 years of dedicated service of Mr. Mark Milum, City Manager of Los Fresnos, Texas.

As a native Texan, Mr. Milum has devoted his life to improving the lives of those in our community. Although he did not begin his career in public service, he demonstrated an early commitment to serving others by volunteering at his children's school. This passion for giving back ultimately led him to a career in local government, where he has distinguished himself as a thoughtful and principled leader.

When Los Fresnos needed honesty and integrity in the Office of City Manager, Mr. Milum answered the call to serve. Under his leadership, the City strengthened its emergency fund, invested in critical infrastructure, and paved neighborhood streets.

Mr. Milum has long understood that true public service transcends effective governance. Throughout his career, he has modeled what it means to genuinely listen to constituents, champion their needs, and serve with unwavering dedication. When a group of young residents came to his office with a request to build a public place for children to skateboard, he rose to the challenge. Thanks to his leadership, the city constructed the Los Fresnos Skate Park.

Mr. Milum has strengthened the City of Los Fresnos, improved the quality of life for its residents, and left a lasting impact on the community he proudly serves.

Mr. Speaker, the 34th Congressional District of Texas extends its deepest gratitude to Mr. Milum for his service. He is a source of pride and inspiration for all South Texans, and I am honored to recognize his contributions. We wish him a happy retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 175th Anniversary of Rio Grande Lodge No. 81, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and honor their unwavering commitment to serving the Brownsville community.

Since 1851, Rio Grande Lodge No. 81 has strengthened South Texas through dedicated civic engagement and public service. By supporting youth initiatives, assisting seniors, and investing in local facilities, the Lodge has strengthened our community and improved the lives of countless families.

Education has long been at the heart of the Lodge's mission. From sponsoring early literacy programs to funding scholarships, their work empowers and provides vital resources for students to finish high school and earn their bachelor's degrees. These initiatives have fostered a love of learning, greater civic responsibility, and patriotism within generations of young people.

Beyond the classroom, the Lodge has worked to improve the lives of families throughout our community. Its members have helped provide dental care, medical treatment, and financial assistance, while also helping parents and grandparents by building ramps in homes to enhance safety and accessibility.

Rio Grande Lodge No. 81 has also worked diligently to preserve the rich history of Brownsville and South Texas. Through its longstanding support of local museums, the Lodge has helped ensure that future generations understand the sacrifices, traditions, and stories that have shaped our region and our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Texas' 34th Congressional District, I extend my deepest gratitude for the 175 years of service provided by the Rio Grande Lodge No. 81. Its outstanding contributions have inspired generations of South Texans, and I'm confident they will inspire many more.