Henry Cuellar

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Atascosa County Sheriff Tommy Williams. Tommy Williams is an excellent example of a Sheriff who understands the needs of his community. Sheriff Williams has been serving his community since 1973, when he first became sheriff of Atascosa. Sheriff Williams is a man who believes in the value of community involvement and intervention. He has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Master Peace Officer certificate. Williams has also served as President of the Sheriff's Association of Texas. He is a member of the National Sheriff's Association, Sheriff's Association of Texas, the Poteet VFW Post and the American Legion Post. Sheriff Williams believes that an informed public is better equipped for preventing crime in our streets and neighborhoods. As part of his duties and responsibilities, Sheriff Williams provides security for the operation of county and district courts as well as enforcing county ordinances and other state laws. Sheriff Williams is a major resource for his county and sets a great example for his law enforcement community. Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to recognize the past and future accomplishments of Atascosa County Sheriff Tommy Williams.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Constable Robert Blount in my congressional district, for his exceptional career in law enforcement. Robert Blount was elected as Constable of Precinct Four in January 2005, but has been actively serving his community for the last sixteen years. He believes in establishing a solid law enforcement agency that is committed to the needs of the community, and has devoted his department to serve the public through honesty and integrity . Constable Blount is an excellent example of an elected official who understands the needs of his community. The mission for his department is to promote safety in the community by enforcing court orders, supporting early intervention activities, and to work together with neighboring law enforcement agencies. Constable Blount is a man who believes in the value of community involvement and intervention. Currently he is focusing his department on lowering truancy levels and high school dropout rates, reducing neighborhood crime, and maintaining clear communication within the people in his community. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Bexar County Constable Robert ``Mike'' Blount for his dedication and service to the community.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the many contributions of Judge Diana Bautista. Judge Bautista works day after day for the betterment of the 40,000 members of Atascosa County in Texas. It is because of people like her that the legislation we do on this very floor is able to run the country so efficiently. Through her post as Judge of Atascosa County, Diana Bautista works for the betterment of the people in the community that she so vigorously serves. Judge Bautista's service did not begin with her current position as a county judge; she has held other public service positions in law enforcement. She has been an official of the Pleasanton Police Department and the Atascosa County Sheriff's Office where she ensured the safety of the general public. It was during her tenure with public service offices such as these that she gained the necessary experience to understand what the people of Atascosa County need. In 2002, she was elected to her post as the Atascosa County Judge, and has served there ever since. Judge Bautista always puts the people of Atascosa County first in whatever she does. She serves on numerous committees throughout the area to make sure her constituents are getting all the necessary tools from the local government they need. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have this opportunity to recognize the contributions of Atascosa County Judge Diana Bautista.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished public service of Commissioner Weldon P. Cude. A seventh generation Atascosa resident, Mr. Cude started his career as a Texas water well driller in 1984. In 1988 he became Pleasanton's ``Young Citizen of the Year,'' and later became the youngest person elected as an Atascosa County Commissioner. Commissioner Weldon P. Cude is no stranger to the needs of his community. In 1996, he was elected Pleasanton's ``Business Person of the Year,'' and has served as Director of ``The County Bank,'' the ``Atascosa County Economic Development Corporation,'' and the ``Atascosa County Appraisal Board.'' Since 1983 Mr. Cude has served as a pillar of the business community. As an independent business person, he has contributed as President of both Premium Well Drilling Incorporated and the Fat Cowboys Steakhouse. He has also served his community as Vice President for Goldwell Investments Incorporated. Employing over 150 employees, he understands the values of hard work and dedication. Commissioner Weldon P. Cude lives in Atascosa with his wife Gayla Cude, and his five daughters: Aubry, Stephanie, Jennie, Lindsey, and Jessica. It is a pleasure to recognize the accomplishments of Commissioner Cude, his dedication to the community has helped to make Atascosa a better place to live and work. Mr. Speaker, County Commissioner Weldon P. Cude is an exemplary public servant. I am proud to have the chance to thank him here today for all he has done for his fellow Texans.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the dedication of Harlandale Independent School District Board Member Tomas Uresti, of my Congressional District for a lifetime of distinguished public service. Tomas Uresti is a long time Harlandale resident, and a former school employee. He has proudly served the Board of Trustees since 2002, and currently serves as Secretary of the Board. Mr. Uresti is a committed servant to the community of Harlandale, and has served as Board President, Building Committee Member, and Policy Committee Member. Over the last 25 years he has committed his time to coaching the students of the community in softball, basketball, and baseball. He has served as a mentor at Gillette Elementary School, Kingsborough Middle School, and Harlandale High School. Along with his many accomplishments to the people of Harlandale Independent School District, Tomas Uresti has six children and one granddaughter with his wife Rosemary, three of which are graduates of Harlandale High School. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have had this opportunity to honor Tomas Uresti for his hard work and contributions to the community.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the dedication of Harlandale Independent School District Board Member Gracie Acuna of my Congressional District. Gracie Acuna was first elected as Board Member of District four in 1987, and currently serves as Vice President. During her time on the Board she has served in a variety of capacities including President, Vice President, and Secretary. Gracie holds the honor of being the first Hispanic woman to serve as President of the Board, which she held for four terms. She has assisted the Board further by serving as Chairman of the Finance Committee and Curriculum Committee. Ms. Acuna is actively involved in organizations that affect our community. She has served as President of the Bexar County Federation of School Boards, San Antonio Federation of School Boards, San Antonio Transit Board Member, President of the Harlandale Lions Club, TASB Legislative Advisory Council, and a Life Member of State PTA. Gracie Acuna is grateful for being elected and feels honored by the confidence the voters have demonstrated in her. She has two sons with her husband Willie, and attends San Jose Mission Church. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have had this opportunity to recognize the dedication of Gracie A. Acuna to Harlandale Independent School District.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Atascosa County Commissioner David Caballero for undertaking a lifetime of distinguished public service. Commissioner Caballero has followed in the footsteps of his father, who was once a long-serving Atascosa Constable, in seeking an elected position of leadership. After serving his first term, his tireless devotion to ensuring that Atascosa County continues to develop economically, creating more jobs for the constituents he serves, led him to pursue and win term of service as County Commissioner. Most importantly, Commissioner Caballero has continued to hold the values of community, faith and family in the highest regard. Nothing exemplifies this more than his committed participation with the Pleasanton Little League, St. Andrews Catholic Church of Pleasanton, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church of Leming, and the Verdi Community Center. He has spearheaded and now hosts an Annual Easter Egg Hunt that serves as an excellent opportunity to draw the entire community of families together in his precinct. Commissioner Caballero most deserves recognition for choosing to be an agent for real change, focusing on making government smarter and serving his constituency while saving his County money. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand in recognition of the dedication of Atascosa County Commissioner David Caballero.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Atascosa County Commissioner Freddie Ogden for his dedicated service to the people of Texas. Mr. Ogden was born in Poteet, TX, in 1950. He attended Poteet High School, and began his career in public service soon after, working for Atascosa County Precinct 2 as a motor grader operator. Beginning in 1975, he worked for the Atascosa County Sheriff's Office, and in 1976, he graduated from the Alamo Area Law Enforcement Academy and became Police Chief for the city of Poteet. While continuing his career as a law enforcement officer, Freddie Ogden also married Danna Roby, moved to Charlotte, TX, and raised two sons, one of whom has continued the family tradition of law enforcement as a corrections officer. Mr. Ogden began working for the Atascosa County Sheriff's Office in 1978, and was promoted to Assistant Chief Deputy and Chief Deputy Sheriff in 1982 and 1984. He was recognized for his extraordinary service, winning Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in 1985. Mr. Ogden was rewarded for his service with an appointment as County Commissioner of Atascosa Precinct 3, a post which he still holds. He further contributes to the public good through his work as a volunteer deputy for the Atascosa County Sheriff. Mr. Speaker, Freddie Ogden remains a tireless public servant, and I applaud his energy, competence, and dedication.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Texas State Representative Tracy King for his many accomplishments in business and in government. Mr. King was born in Baytown, Texas, in 1960. After graduating from Carrizo Springs High School, he attended Southwest Texas Junior College for a year, and then transferred to Texas A&M University, where he completed his B.S. in Agricultural Engineering. Upon his graduation, Representative King began working at the Beltone Hearing Aid Center in San Antonio. He moved up quickly, and was responsible for opening the branch office in Uvalde. In 1987, he became owner of the local Beltone Hearing Aid Center, serving 16 counties in Southwest Texas. He has been active in a number of nonprofit organizations, including the Kiwanis Club and the first Methodist Church, and he is a former president of the Texas Hearing Aid Association. Tracy King was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1994, and is currently serving his fifth term. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee, and is Chairman of Budget and Oversight for the House Regulation Committee. Mr. Speaker, the life of Tracy King is an example of what hard work and responsible service can accomplish, and I am proud to have the opportunity to recognize him here.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize retired Sergeant Major Benito V. Guerrero and his many years of service in our United States Army. Mr. Guerrero was born north of New Braunfels, Texas on April 3, 1935. He began his military career very early as the Advisory President of his Junior ROTC Program at Jefferson High School in San Antonio, Texas. Upon graduating high school, Guerrero joined the army in 1956. By 1959 Mr. Guerrero's airborne unit was deployed to Germany and became part of the 8th Infantry Division. Because Mr. Guerrero graduated in the top ten percent of his class at the 7th U.S. Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy, he was selected to attend the Federal Republic of Germany Airborne School in 1962. Throughout his many years of service Mr. Guerrero has served all over the world and has received such awards as the Purple Heart with 1st Oak Leaf Clusters, the Meritorious Service Award, the National Defense Medal, and the Outstanding Noncommissioned Officer Award, just to name a few. Retired Sergeant Major Benito V. Guerrero retired from the United States Army after over 30 years of honorable service to our Country. He is the epitome of dedication and professionalism. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this opportunity to recognize the many achievements and service of Retired Sergeant Major Benito V. Guerrero.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of San Marcos City Councilman Gaylord Bose, of my Congressional District. Gaylord Bose was born near Avoca, Nebraska near Cass County, and graduated in 1957 from Avoca High School. In 1958 he enrolled at the University of Nebraska, and in 1960 he began his own business. Mr. Bose was involved in many community activities in their hometown, he served on the school board, as a member of the Weeping Water co-op Association, Secretary of the Volunteer Fire Department, president of the local sports program for young people, a 4-H club leader, church council, Sunday school teacher, and member of the Cass County 4-H Board. In 1982 Gaylord and his family moved to Waller, Texas to work for Star of Hope Rescue Mission, a substance abuse rehabilitation program. Wanting to expand his ability to help others, he enrolled at the University of Houston and studied chemical abuse counseling program. He later earned a license as a chemical dependency counselor. In 1989 he was offered a job with the Wackenhut Corporation and became the Center Director of the Kyle facility. After Gaylord Bose moved to San Marcos he became an active member Greater Castle Forest Neighborhood Association, and he was appointed by the San Marcos City Council to the Transportation Committee. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have this opportunity to recognize Gaylord Bose for his dedication and contributions in the community.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of San Marcos City Councilman John A. Diaz, of my Congressional District. John Diaz is lifelong resident of San Marcos and has been an active participant in the community throughout his lifetime. He is a proud graduate of San Marcos High School, and also attended the Austin School of Fine Arts. He is an inspiring businessman, and is the self-employed owner of Sign-Arts. Mr. Diaz works constantly to ensure the people of San Marcos, Texas get the services they need from the local government. John is a board member of the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce and San Marcos Hispanic Chamber Board of Directors. John has served on the City Planning and Zoning Commission, the Central Texas Higher Education Authority, and the San Marcos School Board. He has been a constant fixture of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). Throughout his years with the organization he has served as President, State Secretary, and District Director. Mr. Speaker, Councilman John A. Diaz understands the concerns of the citizens, small businesses and everything else that is the great city of San Marcos. It is because of this connection with the populace and his long standing record of public service that I am proud to let the people know of the commitment of John Diaz to the community.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the important contributions of San Marcos City Councilman John Thomaides, of my Congressional District. In 2003 John Thomaides was elected to San Marcos City Council. Mr. Thomaides was chosen to represent the Council on the Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors. He has been active in city affairs since he came to San Marcos ten years ago. John has served on the City's Drainage Advisory Board, the Citizen Review Commission, and as chair to the Transportation Advisory Board. After arriving in San Marcos John opened Alpha Pure Water Company, and has quickly become a leader in business and community organizations. In January 2003 the Area Chamber of Commerce awarded him ``Small Business Person of the Quarter'' and in October 2003 he was honored again with ``Small Business Person of the Year.'' John Thomaides has consistently worked to improve the quality of life for his constituents, and is a 2003 graduate of the Leadership Academy of Public Service. He has served as president of the San Marcos Tennis Association, and as Ambassador for the Area Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Speaker, John Thomaides serves as an example of what discipline, courage, and dedication can accomplish, and I am proud to have had this opportunity to thank him.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, in the ongoing debate on Social Security, I think it is essential that we take the time to put a face on the people served by and protected by Social Security. All of the numbers and charts help us make the outline of the arguments, but it is the letters that I receive from my constituents that show the real face of Social Security. I would like to take the time to show one of those letters, one of the 400-plus letters I have received. A gentleman named Hector MacDonald from Laredo, Texas. It says, ``Dear Congressman Cuellar, As a member of the National Committee to preserve Social Security and Medicare, I am writing to urge you please oppose any legislation or plan that would divert dedicated Social Security payroll taxes into private individual accounts or in any way harm the benefits, structure or traditional role of Social Security. As you know, President Roosevelt and Congress created Social Security in 1935 to protect retired Americans from experiencing a poverty ridden old age. And America's more than 35 million seniors have invested their hard earned money into Social Security during their long working lives. Social Security represents a covenant between government and its citizens. I therefore stand against the administration's policy and plans to reform Social Security through partial privatization or any other plan that would undermine the promise of the program's full guaranteed lifetime benefits. One of my top priorities as a citizen and a voter is the protection of Social Security benefits for all current and future retirees. I sincerely hope among your top priorities as an elected official that you will also help defeat the privatization and other proposals that threatened our retirement security. I urge you to work closely with the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare and protect the benefits we have worked for, paid for and have earned. Very sincerely, Mr. Hector MacDonald'' from Laredo, Texas. Again, I have received many letters like this, and I think this letter, Mr. Speaker, speaks for itself. I received over 400 letters like this one opposing the privatization of Social Security. I have taken the time to read these letters, and I have taken a great deal of time to carefully review the proposal and listen to all sides of the debate; and after a thorough analysis I have come to see clearly that this proposal to privatize Social Security does not pass my legislative test. That is, it will not make our families stronger. The current proposal to privatize Social Security jeopardizes our safety net by pulling the security out of Social Security. It takes our guaranteed benefits and gambles them on a stock market. It threatens to pose benefit cuts, raising the retirement age. And finally it assures adding a tremendous sum to our existing $7 trillion debt. Social Security has always been the one source free from risk and designed to reserve as a bedrock guarantee for our seniors. The system was created and has served for generations as social insurance, not social investment; and we owe it to ourselves and our children, especially our seniors, to preserve that bedrock guarantee.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the important achievements of Judge Elma T. Salinas Ender in Laredo, Texas of my Congressional District. Appointed as Judge of the 341st District Court by Governor Mark White, Judge Elma T. Salinas Ender became the first Mexican-American woman appointed and elected to a district court bench in state and U.S. history. Her knowledge and commitment that she has brought to the bench has made her an inspiration too many. Professional activities include: member of the Governor's Juvenile Standards Task Force; the Funding/Judiciary branch of Government in Texas; State Bar of Texas; and has served on the Texas Bar Association council for ``Women in Law.'' Judge Salinas Ender is involved in numerous civic and community activities, i.e. Laredo 1010 Youth Task Force; Communities in Schools; and Leadership Laredo. She holds a Juris Doctor degree from St. Mary's University School of Law in San Antonio, Texas. Judge Salinas Ender is a fine example to women in our community, demonstrating what hard word and dedication can accomplish. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have this opportunity to recognize the contributions of Judge Elma T. Salinas Ender.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Wilson County Judge Marvin Quinney for a lifetime of dedicated public service. A native Texan, Marvin Quinney grew up in Wilson County. In 1968 he worked with the Texas Department of Safety. Mr. Quinney served his community as a DPS state trooper in Wilson County for 27 years. He also served his country as a Military Police Officer in Vietnam and in the United States. Providing a valuable service to our courts, Marvin Quinney has spent years as a Court Security Officer at the John Wood Federal Courthouse in San Antonio. He also belongs to numerous trooper organizations and participates in multiple safety projects for the citizens residing in his county. Marvin Quinney currently serves as the County Judge of Wilson County, and currently serves as the presiding officer of the Wilson County Commissioners Court. He has been instrumental in the growth and infrastructure development of Wilson County, and serves the office with honor and distinction. Mr. Speaker, Wilson County Judge Marvin Quinney is a credit to his community and a tremendous resource to his country. His concern for the people and his willingness to work hard has enabled him to accomplish great things and help serve the people of his community.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Susan Reed for her distinguished career in law, and her many contributions to the justice system in the state of Texas. Susan Reed was raised in San Antonio, Texas, and graduated from Alamo Heights High School. She attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she received an undergraduate degree in Economics, and completed her JD at the University of Texas Law School in 1974. Ms. Reed began her legal career as an Assistant District Attorney for Bexar County in 1974. She served in that position for eight years, and was chief prosecutor in the 144th and 187th District Courts. Following a successful career in civil practice, Ms. Reed served as Judge of the 144th District Court for 12 years. She was Administrative Judge for the District Courts of Bexar County in 1996 and 1997, and spearheaded the development of the gang unit within the Adult Probation Department, which she counts as one of her proudest accomplishments. Her work on this project resulted in her being awarded the Judge of the Year Award by the Texas Gang Investigators Association. Since 1998, Susan Reed has served the people of Bexar County as District Attorney. She is a member of the National Advisory Council on Violence Against Women, and a member of the Regional Anti-Terrorism Task Force. She has been a tireless advocate for victims of crime, and a powerful force for making our communities and our State safer. Mr. Speaker, the people of Bexar County have benefited greatly from Susan Reed, and I am proud to have the opportunity to thank her today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the outstanding contributions of SSG Michael Paul Barrera, and to acknowledge the renaming of Veterans Elementary School as SSG Michael P. Barrera Veterans Elementary. After enlisting in the Army in December of 1995 at the age of 18, he completed his basic training in Fort Knox, KY. Michael was always passionate about his job and strove to be the best. His commanding officers recognized him with such commendations and achievement awards as a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. On April 9 of 2003 Michael was sent to Iraq with the 4th Infantry Division from Fort Hood, TX, in support of ``Operation Iraqi Freedom.'' During a routine trip for food as Michael and his crew were returning to camp, an improvised explosive device that had been buried in the sand was set off by remote control as the tank rolled over it. As a result of his injuries, Michael passed away on October 28, 2003, at the age of 26. Michael joined a long list of family members in service. In light of his outstanding service, he was appointed Sergeant by the young age of 20. He sought to make a career in the Army, aspiring to become an ROTC instructor. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to have this opportunity to recognize the bravery and dedication of SSG Michael Paul Barrera.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the important achievements of Laredo Police Chief Agustin Dovalina III in Laredo, TX in my Congressional District. Agustin Dovalina III was named interim police chief for the City of Laredo Police Department in 1996, and was subsequently named as the LPD chief in 1997. He began his law enforcement career with the Laredo Police Department in 1978 as a patrolman and rose through the ranks of Laredo's finest. He has served prior posts as a Patrol Officer, Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain. Under this administration, the police department has evolved into a thriving, highly successful, and professional organization with unprecedented personnel and equipment growth. He currently oversees a multi-million dollar departmental budget and over 500 employees, including over 400 full-time police officers. Recognized nationally, Chief Dovalina is a firm believer and staunch advocate of community- based policing philosophies as evidenced by the continued commitment of the Laredo Police Department to continually enhance its delivery of Community-Oriented Policing Services in our city. Chief Agustin was one of the featured speakers at the 2002 National Community Policing Conference, where the Laredo Police Department was honored for the success of its community-based policing efforts. Police Chief Dovalina has both a Bachelor and a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and is a graduate of the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government's State & Local Executives Program. He is also a graduate of the 178th session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy. He holds a Master Peace Officer Certification and Police Instructor Certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards & Education and, is an active member of the Texas Chapter of FBI NA Associates. He also serves as Regional Representative to the National Criminal Justice Association and is an adjunct professor of Criminal Justice. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have this opportunity to recognize the dedication of Laredo Police Chief Agustin Dovalina III.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the dedication of Harlandale Independent School District Board Member Joseph J. Cerna, of my Congressional District for a lifetime of distinguished public service. Mr. Cerna is a San Antonio native and a graduate of Harlandale High School. He received a Bachelor's of Science Degree at Mississippi State University. Currently he is serving his community as an educator, contributing much of his time and efforts to educational matters. Joshua Cerna was elected to District 1 Board of Trustees in 2002, and through his years of service he has held the position of the Board's Vice President, Secretary, and currently he serves as President. His active role in the District has led him to join various committees such as the Building Committee, Finance Committee, and for the past three years he has been the Chairman of the Curriculum Committee. Mr. Cerna was one of the architects of the Bexar County School Board Coalition, which brings together different School Board leaders to communicate ideas that will lead to a higher level of education for students, parents, and teachers. He also serves as a member of the TASB Legislative Advisory Council, and TASB School Board Advisory network. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have had this opportunity to thank Harlandale Independent School District Board President Joshua J. Cerna for all he has done in my community.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tell the Congress about a man who works constantly to ensure the people of Webb County Texas get the services they need from the local government. Judge Louis Bruni is and always has been committed to working for others; he is the ideal public servant. The sixth-generation Laredoan has held multiple positions of service to the community from his first position in 1994 as a Laredo City Councilman up to his current position as the Webb County Judge. Every post Judge Louis Bruni has occupied he has pumped out results to the people he so faithfully serves. As Laredo City Councilman he played an influential role in securing funding for roads and recreational areas within his district and also was a driving force behind the construction of the city library. In 2001 he was elected to serve as the Webb County Judge. It can be seen in this position that he currently holds how dear to his heart the people of Webb County are. He has efficiently allocated the resources of Webb County to better serve the populace in a countless number of ways. Take for instance his environmentally conscious idea of turning all carbon-based waste materials into electric power creating an extra energy source sufficient enough to power 800 additional houses. Not only is he a crusader for the proper usage of the environment, he also wants to ensure all his fellow members of Webb County get the first- class economy they deserve. His life in the public sphere should be a model for people who want to give all they can to their communities. Mr. Speaker, Judge Bruni is not alone a public servant but also a father of two amazing children Fredick and Allison, and I am proud to that him for everything he had done for our community.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the many accomplishments of Hays County Commissioner Susie Carter. Susie Carter is a proud lifelong citizen of Hays County. She and her husband, John, live on the same farm where Susie grew up. She earned degrees from Southwest Texas State University and the University of Texas at Austin, and returned to rural Hays County to serve her neighbors. Susie has served Hays County in a variety of capacities: as a health professional, college instructor, character education consultant, and public servant. She was elected President of the Concerned Taxpayers of Hays County, and remains an advocate for taxpayer rights and fiscal responsibility. As county commissioner, Susie has consistently worked to make Hays County a better place to live. She led the reconstruction of some of the county's worst roads, installed traffic signals to make intersections safer, passed resolutions to protect the local environment and water supply, and fought against illegal dumping. She has been an advocate for low taxes and budget discipline, and a watchdog for the rights of taxpaying citizens and local government. Susie Carter has been a farsighted and effective advocate for her county. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this opportunity to recognize the many achievements of Hays County Commissioner Susie Carter.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Chairman, I believe very strongly in balancing our budget and reducing the deficit, but I think we need to set certain priorities that are important to our families. My hope is that we do this in a bipartisan approach, that we develop a consensus, and I do want to thank the gentleman from Iowa and the committee for allowing us to put some committee report language dealing with education in the budget and with results-oriented budgeting which I believe we need here at this House. We need to balance the budget, but I think we need to protect our families and we need to make sure that we ensure that we are not trying to fix the deficit on the backs of the country's working class. The budget includes the termination of 150 programs. Nearly one in three of them are in education. It eliminates programs essential to our children's futures, such as Even Start, Upward Bound, Talent Search, Gear Up, Perkins loans, Pell grants and LEAP programs. It also does not allow us to give the full funding for special education. It also eliminates certain programs, such as the vocational education, nearly $1.3 billion in cuts. The safe and drug-free schools State programs which are so vital to our communities is eliminated. Again, I believe in education. In my life, education has been one of the most invaluable tools that has made it possible for me to open up doors, move forward to attain higher goals and make my dreams a possibility. I feel very strongly about financial aid. In fact, I think we need to restore the funding to these vital education programs, especially increasing the $100 maximum Pell grant award. This fulfills the President's request of increasing the maximum Pell grant by $100 without paying for it by taking from other parts of the education budget. As a member of the Committee on the Budget, I think we should ensure that the Federal Government investment is available to fulfill our commitment to helping low income students get into and graduate from college. College enrollment is slated to grow by almost 19 percent between now and 2015. This group increasingly will be comprised of full-time, nontraditional students, college age, first generation, low income and minority students. Most of these will likely need and will qualify for student financial aid. My test for considering any budget proposal is whether it will make our families stronger. This budget proposal in my opinion does not make our families stronger. I urge our colleagues to vote in favor of strengthening and protecting our young children by protecting education. Mr. Chairman, again, I hope we do this in a bipartisan approach and find a consensus.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, rise today to honor the contributions of State Representative Yvonne Toureilles of my Congressional District. Yvonne Gonzalez Toureilles was born and raised in Texas. Her father worked as a truck driver while studying to become a pharmacist. With a family on the way, he helped Yvonne's mother finish her degree and become a teacher. Yvonne's parents did more than just tell her that education brings opportunity, they showed her. She aimed high and graduated with honors from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Later, she enrolled and received a Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law. After earning her law degree, Yvonne put her education to work for the State of Texas--first learning the process as a researcher at the Texas House of Representatives, then defending Department of Public Safety troopers for several years as an Assistant Attorney General. Yvonne also served as Legal Counsel for the Texas Workforce Commission. Yvonne has served as Treasurer and Vice-President of the Coastal Bend Bar Association and is a member of the Coastal Bend Women Lawyers Association. Yvonne Gonzalez Toureilles then came home to South Texas to raise her family. After marrying her high school sweetheart, Marc Toureilles, at the Saint Theresa Catholic Church in Premont, they gave birth to their first child, Genevieve, in Alice, Texas. Yvonne now lives and works in Alice where her practice primarily consists of family law. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have this opportunity to recognize State Representative Yvonne Gonzalez Toureilles.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the many accomplishments of Texas State Senator Jeff Wentworth. Senator Wentworth has deep roots in Texas. A fourth generation Texan, he graduated from Alamo Heights High School, went to college at Texas A&M, and received his law degree from Texas Tech University School of Law. He has been serving the public in many capacities for most of his adult life: his previous employment includes one year as a university system regent; six years as a county commissioner, three years as a congressional assistant, and three years as an Army counterintelligence officer. He served five years in the Texas House of Representatives, and was first elected to the Texas Senate in 1992. He is currently the Senate President Pro Tempore, and Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He chairs the Texas Legislative Tourism Caucus, and remains a practicing lawyer, with the firm of Loeffler Tuggey Pauerstein Rosenthal, LLP. Senator Wentworth is now in his fifth term, and continues to work tirelessly for the more than 700,000 constituents in his district. Jeff Wentworth is a genuine American success story, and a tremendous advocate for the people of San Antonio and for all the people of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have this opportunity to recognize the many achievements of State Senator Jeff Wentworth.