Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Captain Michael D. Bishop, U.S. Navy Commanding Officer, for his distinguished military service.

Captain Bishop has served in the U.S. Navy since his enlistment in 1991 and has built an exceptional career marked by operational excellence, leadership, and dedication to the development of future servicemembers. His first role was with the ``World Watchers'' of VQ-1 at Naval Air Station Agana in Guam. He was later selected for the Enlisted Commissioning Program and graduated summa cum laude from Ohio State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science.

Over the course of his service, Captain Bishop has accumulated more than 3,000 pilot flight hours and over 7,500 hours in military aircraft. His career reflects extraordinary dedication, professionalism, and patriotism, and he

continues to exemplify the very best of the United States Navy.

Captain Bishop has served in numerous operational and training assignments, earning recognition for his aviation expertise and leadership. Since assuming command at Kingsville Naval Air Station in 2024, he has overseen the training of future Navy, Marine Corps, and Allied tactical pilots through Training Air Wing TWO (TW-2). Under his leadership, the installation has continued to strengthen its relationship with the Kingsville community while maintaining the highest standards of military readiness and instruction.

Captain Bishop's guidance has helped shape the next generation of military aviators. Drawing on his operational and instructional expertise, he will continue to drive leadership excellence at NAS Kingsville during his tenure.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 34th Congressional District of Texas, I congratulate Captain Bishop on his many achievements and thank him for his continued service. His leadership serves as an example for servicemembers across South Texas and the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Dr. Gonzalo Salazar for his dedication to the students, educators, and families of Los Fresnos Consolidated Independent School District (CISD).

Over the course of his distinguished career, Dr. Salazar has served in numerous leadership roles within the Los Fresnos CISD, culminating in his tenure as Superintendent beginning in 2006. From his early service as Assistant Principal at Lopez-Riggins Elementary to his leadership as Principal of Palmer-Laakso Elementary and Olmito Elementary, Dr. Salazar consistently worked to expand opportunities and improve outcomes for students.

Under his leadership, campuses earned recognition for college readiness from the Texas Education Agency, reflecting his commitment to equipping students with the tools they need to succeed. As Superintendent, Dr. Salazar prioritized educator support through professional development and innovative leadership initiatives, strengthening the district as a whole and fostering a culture of excellence. In recognition of these efforts, Dr. Salazar was named Region One Superintendent of the Year in 2024, reflecting his vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to educational achievement.

Dr. Salazar's career stands as a great example of the impact someone can have on an entire community. His legacy will live on in the success of the countless students and families he has served throughout South Texas.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Texas's 34th Congressional District, I commend Dr. Salazar for his exemplary service and extend my deepest gratitude for his contributions to the Los Fresnos community and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of an issue threatening the Texas Gulf Coast shrimping and fishing industry, an industry that has thrived for generations but is now under threat to unfair competition from foreign countries and foreign import seafood.

This is an issue that this administration said they would address under America First policies, but they forgot the Texas fishing industry, and now labor shortages exacerbate the H-2B visa caps that are preventing small, family-owned businesses from securing the necessary workforce.

To make matters worse, our shrimpers must now catch three times the load to make up for the high fuel costs of $80,000 per vessel.

In response to this crisis, I co-led the House-passed Save Our Shrimpers Act to block taxpayer-funded projects from financing foreign shrimp industries.

The administration must provide immediate relief by giving our shrimpers and fishermen the ability to hire the workforce they need to survive the season.

I strongly urge President Trump and this administration to release more H-2B or H-2A visas so we can bring certainty to the coastal communities and ensure the American shrimping and fishing industry can survive.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend students Ahmed Sarihan, Julio Huereca, Jacob De la Cruz, Vianney Garza, and Laura Hernandez of the Harmony School of Innovation's Service Leadership Society (SLS) in Brownsville, Texas, for their outstanding achievement at the SLS State Conference. I would also like to congratulate their club sponsor, Ms. Priscilla Martinez. These students successfully passed a bill alongside their peers, demonstrating tremendous intellect and dedication for improving South Texas communities through leadership and civic engagement.

Their proposal sought to ensure safe drinking water in schools by requiring public and charter schools to conduct biannual testing of water fountains and bottle filling stations. By leveraging existing state and local agencies, their plan demonstrated both practicality and a strong commitment to public health.

This team worked hard over the course of the year, refining their proposal during after-school sessions, while learning first-hand about public service and policymaking. At the State Conference, they debated on the floor of the Texas State Capitol, persuading peers from SLS chapters from across Texas to vote in favor of their bill.

Students like these who pursue civic engagement set a powerful example for their peers and community. I am proud of their contribution to the culture of debate and problem-solving that makes South Texas and the United States so great.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Texas's 34th Congressional District, I commend these students for their initiative to build stronger and healthier communities. I cannot wait to see what other achievements they will have in future years. I hope their success inspires more students to become involved in public service across the region.

Mr Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable life and service of Jose Noe Mendez, who recently celebrated his 101st birthday. A proud veteran, dedicated mechanic, and important pillar of our community, Mr. Mendez's life reflects a legacy of service.

At just 17 years old, Mr. Mendez pursued an education in aircraft engine mechanics in Corpus Christi, Texas, quickly proving himself as one of the top students in his program. He was soon drafted into service during World War II and deployed to the front lines in Germany where he served in the 1st Infantry Division.

Mr. Mendez served with exceptional courage during some of the most difficult battles, including the Hurtgen Forest and the Battle of the Bulge. For his bravery, he earned the Purple Heart. Following the war, Mr. Mendez was honorably discharged in 1947 with the rank of Technical Sergeant after serving as a guard during the Nuremberg Trials.

Upon returning home, Mr. Mendez remained deeply committed to his community. He helped organize the Freedom Party in Benavides, Texas, and led the creation of a vocational school for veteran focused on mechanics. Later, he settled in Corpus Christi, where he owned and operated Mendez Automatic Transmission for 47 years.

Alongside his professional and civic accomplishments, he built a loving family, sharing 62 years of marriage with his wife.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Texas's 34th Congressional District, I am proud to recognize Jose Noe Mendez for his extraordinary life of service, sacrifice, and resilience. His continued dedication inspires all those around him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Mrs. Yvonne Brown for her commitment to educational excellence and for receiving the Teacher of the Year award at St. Patrick's School in Corpus Christi, Texas. Mrs. Brown was honored by the St. Patrick's community for over 19 years of service and dedication to its students.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Ms. Laura Canales, a trailblazing Latina artist widely recognized as a pioneer of Tejano music.

Ms. Canales was born in Kingsville, Texas, where she emerged as a powerful force in Tejano music during a time when the industry was overwhelmingly male dominated. Through her early work with groups such as Los Unicos and El Conjunto Bernal, and later with Laura Canales & Encanto and Los Fabulosos Cuatro, she helped elevate the genre and expand opportunities for Latina artists. Her album No Regrets achieved notable success, and between 1983 and 1987, she earned multiple honors as Female Vocalist and Female Entertainer of the Year at the Tejano Music Awards.

Ms. Canales is often remembered as the ``grand dame of Tejano music,'' a title which reflects both her musical excellence and her role as a mentor and inspiration to others. Among those she influenced was the late Selena Quintanilla, who would go on to achieve global recognition. Laura Canales helped pave the way for Selena and many other inspirational women, demonstrating that women could lead and thrive in Tejano music.

Beyond her musical accomplishments, Ms. Canales was deeply committed to education and personal growth. She earned a degree in psychology from Texas A&M University and continued her studies at the graduate level, embodying her belief in the importance of creating opportunities beyond the stage.

Mr. Speaker, Laura Canales's contributions to music and culture continue to resonate across South Texas and beyond. Her legacy lives on in the artists she inspired and the doors she helped open.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the Defending American Property Abroad Act, a bipartisan effort to protect the property rights of American companies operating overseas.

Mexico's ongoing efforts to control a deep-water port owned by U.S.- based Vulcan Material Company not only puts American jobs at risk, but it is a direct violation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

We must enact proper safeguards to provide our businesses the certainty needed to operate without fear of unlawful asset or property seizure.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the Defending American Property Abroad Act.

With this bill, we will reinforce the rule of law, protect our supply chains, and assure that American businesses continue to create jobs and grow our economy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of Dr. Rito Silva, a student-centric and visionary leader in the academic field.

Dr. Silva has served his community of Alice, Texas, as councilman and mayor for a combined seven years. Dr. Silva is proud to be a

first-generation alumnus of Texas A&M University-Kingsville and later returned to serve as the Vice President for Student Affairs and Community Relations.

Throughout his exemplary career, Dr. Silva has dedicated his time to expanding student access and improving retention in his community. He played a critical role in developing innovative programs such as the Javelina Promise and the Javelin Relight Program. Under his leadership, Texas A&M University-Kingsville saw consistent growth in first- generation student enrollment, including a 17 percent increase in his first year.

Dr. Silva also prioritized building strong relationships within the university and across South Texas, working closely with local school districts, community colleges, and creating ties across the broader South Texas community. He established several initiatives such as the Superintendent Symposium to strengthen collaboration with regional educators. Dr. Silva also advanced efforts to improve health services for students and employees through expanded on-campus care and community partnerships, particularly in support of rural health care.

In recognition of his service and impact, he has received numerous honors, including the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Hispanic Heritage Award and the Lone Star College Administrator of the Year Award.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 34th Congressional District of Texas, I congratulate Dr. Rito Silva on his many accomplishments and thank him for his continued service to our community. His leadership has strengthened educational opportunities and has uplifted communities across South Texas, and his impact will be felt for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the admirable career and dedicated service of Commander Bradley Lile of the Kingsville Police Department.

A native Texan, Commander Lile has committed his life to serving and protecting our community. He is a proud veteran of the United States Army and has served in the Army National Guard and the Texas State Guard. Since joining the Kingsville Police Department in 1997, Commander Lile has demonstrated strong leadership and an unwavering commitment to public service.

Throughout his tenure, Commander Lile has served with distinction in numerous positions, including Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Detective, Corporal, Patrol Corporal, Detective Sergeant, Patrol Sergeant, Communications Sergeant, Patrol Division Commander, Interim Police Chief, and his current role as Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division. In addition, he has taken on critical assignments such as Field Training Officer Coordinator, Crime Stoppers Coordinator, and Public Information Officer.

Commander Lile's expertise is also highlighted by his multiple certifications through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, including Master Peace Officer, Instructor, SFST Instructor, Court Security Officer, and Sexual Assault and Family Violence certifications. Commander Lile is also a certified Latent Print Examiner and is qualified to testify on fingerprint evidence in the 79th and 105th District Courts.

Through his multitude of experiences, Commander Lile has displayed a strong passion for public service and a clear understanding of what it means to serve and strengthen our community. It is an honor to represent exemplary citizens such as Commander Lile whose dedication, leadership, and integrity have made a lasting impact on those he serves. Our community has been made better because of his service.

Mr. Speaker, our community extends its deepest gratitude to Commander Lile for his courage, integrity, and the personal sacrifices he made in service of our community. He is a source of pride and inspiration for all South Texans, and I am honored to recognize his outstanding contributions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor

the distinguished career and dedicated public service of the Honorable Jaime E. Carrillo, Kleberg County Court at Law Judge in Texas.

A graduate of Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University), where he earned his Bachelor of Political Science, he later received his Juris Doctor from Texas Southern University's Thurgood Marshall School of Law. His academic achievements laid the foundation for a career rooted in integrity and professionalism.

Judge Carrillo has devoted more than three decades to the legal profession, including over twenty years in private practice and nearly a decade serving on the bench since his election in 2016.

In addition to his judicial and legal service, Judge Carrillo is a published author of legal articles, training materials and has served as an instructor and lecturer on a variety of legal topics.

Beyond the courtroom, Judge Carrillo has remained deeply engaged in his community. He has served as President of the Kleberg County Bar Association, held leadership roles within the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the Texas Defense Lawyers Project. Judge Carrillo also participated in organizations including the Kingsville Noon Lions Club and the Knights of Columbus. His commitment to membership, legal education and community outreach reflects his dedication not only to the profession, but also to the people he serves.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Texas's 34th Congressional District, I commend Judge Jaime E. Carrillo for his years of service, his leadership in the legal community, and his commitment to justice.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of the late Rene Vasquez of Robstown, Texas.

Known throughout our community as the ``Voice of Robstown,'' Mr. Vasquez was a beloved broadcaster whose voice became synonymous with local sports and community pride. He began his broadcasting career in the 1980s as a baseball color commentator and later spent nearly forty years at Magic 104.9 Radio.

Mr. Vasquez's became a trusted voice in our community as he covered Robstown sports, broadcasting championships, playoffs, and state title contests. He is now being nominated for induction into the Texas Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

Throughout much of his career, Mr. Vasquez faced serious health challenges, including diabetes and kidney disease. He persevered through these complications, often rescheduling his dialysis so he could still be on air for Friday night football broadcasts. He always remained deeply committed to his work and the community he proudly represented. He will be remembered for his dedication, community spirit, and unwavering love of sports.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Texas's 34th Congressional District, I honor Mr. Rene Vasquez's remarkable life and commend his service, commitment to Robstown, and the amazing legacy he leaves behind.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th anniversary of Texas' Southernmost College (TSC), the first institution of higher education in the Rio Grande Valley. For a century, Texas Southmost College has made a lasting impact on our community, expanding opportunity and improving the quality of life for generations of South Texas families.

Since its founding in 1926, Texas Southmost College has grown into one of the most affordable and accessible higher education centers in the region. It has empowered students to pursue their academic and professional goals close to home.

Throughout this time, TSC has grown to be a nationally recognized, community-rooted, and student-centered institution dedicated to transforming lives through high-quality education. Its commitment to serving the Rio Grande Valley has built a stronger workforce and brighter future for our region.

As Texas Southmost College marks its centennial, it continues to expand access to education through its dual enrollment program. Partnering with 24 public, private, and charter schools, TSC allows students to earn college credit, often at no cost, and even earn an associate's degree before graduating high school.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 34th Congressional District of Texas, I congratulate Texas Southmost College and all those who have contributed to its mission over the past century. May TSC continue to strength, serve, and uplift the Rio Grande Valley for many generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Watch Commander Ruben Garcia, Jr. for his distinguished 25 years of service with the United States Border Patrol.

Watch Commander Garcia currently serves at the Harlingen Border Patrol Station, a role which he assumed on April 21, 2024. He previously served as Watch Commander at the Hebbronville Station beginning May 22, 2022. Since joining the U.S. Border Patrol on August 21, 2000, as a member of Class 448, he has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the mission and the men and women he leads.

Promoted to Supervisory Border Patrol Agent in December 2008 at the McAllen Station, Mr. Garcia managed the Border Community Liaison program, served as an Intelligence Officer, and contributed to the Station and Sector Confined Space Entry Team. In addition to his many roles, he also established the first Border Patrol Explorer Post at the McAllen Station, reflecting his commitment to mentorship and community engagement. In 2016, he was selected to serve as a Special Operations Supervisor, overseeing the Rio Grande Valley Horse Patrol Unit and later coordinated the unit's participation in the 2017 Presidential Inauguration Parade in Washington, D.C.

Throughout his career, Mr. Garcia has served in multiple leadership capacities, including Acting Deputy Patrol Agent in Charge at McAllen and Acting Assistant Chief at Headquarters over Specialty Programs. In this role, he coordinated the National Horse Patrol Program and earned a Commendation Medal for Meritorious Achievement. Mr. Garcia holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice with a minor in English from the University of Texas--Pan American and served eight years in the United States Army Reserves.

Mr. Speaker, Watch Commander Ruben Garcia, Jr.'s career reflects integrity, professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to public service. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring his strong leadership and his enduring contributions to South Texas and our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 37th annual Hands Across the Border ceremony, a cherished tradition that honors the deep friendship and shared cultural heritage between Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico.

Each year, community leaders from both cities gather at the Gateway International Bridge, transforming a point of separation into a powerful symbol of unity. The ceremony includes the release of doves, the exchange of gifts between children, and the recognition of distinguished members of the community. This event coincides with Brownsville's Charro Days Fiesta, Sombrero Festival, and Fiestas Mexicanas, which commemorate our community's ties to Mexican culture.

These cultural festivals were established by the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce in 1964 to strengthen cross-border relations. This shortly followed the creation of the Mr. Amigo Association to honor distinguished Mexican citizens who foster goodwill and friendship with the United States.

Since 1969, when Lic. Jorge Perez y Bouras was recognized as the first Mr. Amigo honoree, many notable individuals, including Juan Gabriel, Vicente Fernandez, and Lola Beltran, have been celebrated for their cultural diplomacy and binational goodwill. These events are integral to the continuity of the relationship between Matamoros and Brownsville.

Mr. Speaker, the Hands Across the Border celebration stands as an enduring symbols of unity, heritage, and cooperation between Brownsville and Matamoros. These events are integral to preserving the strong cultural and economic bonds that define the Rio Grande Valley and our relationship with Mexico.