Henry Cuellar

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the accomplishments of the First Lady of Honduras, Ana Rosalinda Garcia de Hernandez, a steadfast advocate for the rights and welfare of unaccompanied migrant children. First Lady Ana Rosalinda Garcia de Hernandez was born on September 21, 1969 in Tegucigalpa, Municipality of the Central District, Honduras. She is the daughter of Jose Guillermo Garcia Castellanos, a physician; and Carlota Carias Pizzatti. Ms. Garcia de Hernandez received her law degree in legal and social sciences, with distinction, from the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH) in 1991. She met her future husband, Juan Orlando Hernandez, while she was a student. The couple married in 1990, and they have three children: Juan Orlando, Ana Daniela, and Isabella. She and her husband have lived in the United States, where she pursued a Certificate of Graduate Studies in Public Sector Management at the University at Albany, completing her studies in 1995. In 2002, she passed the Lawyer and Public Notary examination from the Supreme Court of Justice of Honduras. The couple first began their social services work in Lempira, Honduras, where they demonstrated their commitment to humanitarian work by aiding the neediest families in that area of the country. In 2006 they began what came to be called ``Por Una Vida Mejor'' (``For a Better Life''), a pillar of success in the Honduran government's program for families. Vida Mejor emphasizes early childhood education. While her husband was serving as President of the National Congress from 2010 to 2014, Ms. Garcia Carias initiated, developed, and led social service projects through the Office of Social Development, building ``Vida Mejor'' into one of the most successful national programs. First Lady Garcia de Hernandez leads a commission, created by her husband Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, to help address the crisis of unaccompanied minors leaving Honduras. She has traveled to visit many immigration detention centers in the United States, where she listens to the stories of mothers and children who have taken great risks in search of opportunity. She advocates for the human rights of these migrants and ensures that their experiences are not forgotten. First Lady Garcia de Hernandez is committed to ensuring the welfare of these children in the detention centers as well as their dignified and safe repatriation process. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize the First Lady of Honduras Ana Garcia de Hernandez a compassionate leader and devoted servant to her people.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Chair, I do support Mr. Poe's amendment. With all due respect to my good friend, we do want to secure the border. We just want to do it in the right way. While some people are talking about securing the border with a wall-- a 14th century solution--I think if we use the aerostats, we can provide coverage and surveillance to make sure that we secure the border. In fact, in south Texas, including in my district, we have five of those aerostats right now. The communities support them. The Border Patrol certainly supports them. In fact, in appropriations, I am asking for five new aerostats so we can go ahead and secure the border. Each aerostat covers about 20 miles. So if you want to cover the border-- 1,954 miles of border--divided by 20, with about 97 or 98 aerostats, minus the 5 that we already have in place, we will secure the border in an electronic way. This also helps us secure the border on the Mexico side. In talking to the Border Patrol, they have used some of that information because they can go 20 miles into Mexico, and already we have coordinated some of those activities with the Mexican law enforcement officials to stop those drug gangs before they come over to the U.S. You turn the camera 20 miles into Mexico, and with about 97 aerostats, we can secure the whole border. Again, I support this amendment, and I thank the gentleman very much for yielding.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement of Veterans Service Officer, Mike Lambaria of Atascosa County, Texas. He has proudly served the people of Atascosa County for nearly 10 years. Mike Lambaria was born on October 4th, 1944 to Mike Lambaria Sr. and Ruth Lambaria. After graduating from Pleasanton High School, he attended the University of Kansas and graduated with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in History. After college, Mr. Lambaria joined the U.S. Army and courageously served his country in Vietnam. He received multiple awards for his service, including: Army Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Expert Infantryman Badge. Following his retirement from the Military in 1985, Mike worked as a military liaison with McDonnell Douglas until 1988. In 1989, he worked in Saudi Arabia as an advisor for logistics and combat. He returned home in 1992, becoming a teacher and coach at Poteet High School until 2006. After his tenure with Poteet High School, Mike began his career as a Veterans Service Officer for the Atascosa County Veterans Services Office. Mike was known to go above and beyond in his duties. He would drive veterans to their appointments, then come back, see veterans in the office, and help them submit claims. He also assisted homeless veterans in finding places to stay and worked with local churches and organizations to get homeless veterans food and clothing. Mike has even provided monetary assistance to homeless veterans with funds out of his own pocket. Beyond his dedication to his work, Mike is an active member of the community, serving on the Atascosa County Historical Commission, Atascosa County Crime Stoppers Board, Atascosa County Healthcare Center Board, and the Chairman for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program. In addition to his exemplary career as a public servant, Mike Lambaria is a committed husband to Anita Lambaria. Together they have three sons: Scott Michael, Craig Anthony and John, as well as eight grandchildren. According to Mr. Lambaria, he could not have accomplished the past 25 years of success without the support and love of his wife. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize Mike Lambaria, a decorated war hero, a devoted Veterans Service Officer to Atascosa County, and a loving family man.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. I thank my friend for yielding. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I want to thank Chairman Ed Royce for his leadership and for the help of his staff on this particular bill. Also, I thank my friend, the ranking member, Mr. Eliot Engel, and his staff also for supporting and helping us on this particular bill. As the lead sponsor of this bill, I rise in support of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, this bill will provide equity in the law and removes a level of uncertainty. In 1962, Congress authorized the Starr-Camargo International Bridge Company to construct, operate, and maintain the private toll bridge between the United States and Mexico near Rio Grande City, which is a city in my district. Congress, in drafting this original authorization, included a sunset clause of 66 years. In doing so, Congress left a level of uncertainty in the law, as it did not state what should happen to the bridge once the 66 years went by. Congress has authorized private toll bridges or other bridges along the U.S.-Mexico border before, yet previously had not included this sunset on the authorization. This sunset clause, while still a number of years away, has already begun to create issues for the owner and operator of the Starr-Camargo Bridge bill. Due to this uncertainty around what should happen to this bridge should the authorization lapse, they are unable to get much-needed long-term financing to make improvements and finance the long-term maintenance and operations of the bridge. This bill will give the Starr-Camargo Bridge permanent status. The Starr-Camargo Bridge plays an important role in our Nation's commerce and the economy of south Texas. The bridge supports 200 to 300 commercial trucks per day, consisting of construction materials as well as fresh fruits and vegetables coming north and machinery, oil, and recyclable products going south. The bridge further supports the crossing of around 4,000 cars a day. Today the United States trades an estimated $531 billion in goods and services with Mexico, our Nation's third largest trading partner, and this trade is only expected to grow in the future. In order for our Nation to take full advantage of this trade, we must be clear in these sorts of uncertainties in the law. This bill, by ending the authorization's sunset, will afford the bridge greater opportunities to pursue and finance projects that will enhance and expand the capacity of the bridge and supporting facilities and further improve trade between the United States and Mexico. I would like to thank Senator Cornyn for working with me on this legislation and for taking that lead and, as I said a few minutes ago, Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel for their support as well as their staffs. I also would like to thank local leaders, Starr County Judge Eloy Vera and State Representative Ryan Guillen, for their support of this legislation. I ask my colleagues to support this important bill.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a team of students from Mission Jr. High School for earning the opportunity to compete in the National Science Bowl. The National Science Bowl was created by the Department of Energy in 1991 to encourage students to expand their knowledge within the subjects of mathematics and science, and pursue careers in such fields. Since its inception, approximately 265,000 students have participated; helping the National Science Bowl grow into one of the largest science competitions in the nation. The competition is comprised of Middle and High School teams of four students, one alternate, and a teacher advisor. The teams will compete with each other in the topics of biology, chemistry, life science, earth science, physics, energy, and math. The competition is a fast- paced question and answer session and will be held on April 28th, 2016 through May 2nd, 2016 in Washington, D.C. The team from Mission Jr. High School includes: Briana Diaz, Lucas Dovalina, Rodrigo Moran, Paul McCoy, and Damian Gonzalez, along with their coaches and sponsors Carolina Barrero, Jesus Razo, and David Land. They recently won the Regional Science Bowl Championship and were one of only forty-seven teams across the nation that qualified for the National Science Bowl. This will be the third time in a row that a team from Mission Consolidated Independent School District will compete. However, they are the first team to represent Mission Jr. High School. I applaud these bright students and look forward to seeing what they will accomplish in the future. As students begin to consider which career path to choose, it is important to provide increased support and learning opportunities so students are able to graduate and compete in a globally competitive workforce. I believe competitions such as the National Science Bowl bring awareness to students about a possible STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) career. I am proud to have this team of students from Mission Jr. High School represent the 28th District of Texas.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I am not recorded on any votes as I was delayed in traveling back to Washington, DC. If I had been present, I would have voted: ``Yea,'' on rollcall 164, passage of H.R. 4820--Combating Terrorist Recruitment Act of 2016. ``Yea,'' on rollcall 165, passage of H.R. 4096--Investor Clarity and Bank Parity Act.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement of City Manager Dan Nick of Jourdanton, Texas. He has proudly served the people of Jourdanton for nearly eighteen years. Dan Nick was born on April 21st, 1948 in Duluth, Minnesota. After graduating from high school in 1966, Dan attended the University of Minnesota-Duluth and graduated with a degree in Business and minor in Economics in 1970. After graduation, Mr. Nick enlisted in the U.S. Army and courageously served his country, and completed a tour in Vietnam. He returned home to Minnesota in 1972. After moving and briefly working for the city of Boise, Idaho, Dan began a 25-year career with Morrison-Knudsen Construction Company. His career took him all over the country, helping to build and work on America's infrastructure in states like Wyoming, Utah, Alaska, and Missouri. He and his family chose to settle down in Atascosa County, Texas in 1981 where he worked for seventeen years as a business manager for Lignite Mine, located just south of Jourdanton. In 1998, he embarked on his career as the City Manager of Jourdanton. For nearly 18 years Dan has worked to improve quality of life and opportunities in Jourdanton. His efforts helped to bring a number of new facilities to the city. Some notable accomplishments include: a new water waste treatment plant, a municipal complex, a municipal court, a police department, and council chambers. Presently, the construction of a new sports complex is under way for the city; another project Dan had a hand in accomplishing. Dan Nick's impact as City Manager can be seen in the prosperity and success of the city of Jourdanton. In addition to his exemplary career as a public servant, Dan Nick is a devoted husband and father to Kathryn Hendrickson and their two children Kimberley and Daniel. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize Dan Nick, a patriotic American citizen, a devoted City Manager to Jourdanton, and a loving family man.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the ten year anniversary of Texas Border Business. Roberto H. Gonzalez founded Texas Border Business in 2005 as a source of business news for South Texas and Northern Mexico. Since its inception, it has been regarded by the business community as one of the most valuable and credible sources for commerce news. Their high caliber reporting and journalistic integrity offers the region's businesses a well-balanced and informative source for news. Regular features include industry and market reports, company success stories and executive insights. The newspaper also provides regular updates on educational programs serving businesses, ongoing features introducing local company web sites, as well as articles on local politics and how they affect business in the Rio Grande Valley. In addition, Texas Border Business covers the high-tech industry, with reports on e-commerce, broadband, wireless, data storage, web design, computer peripherals, and security. Furthermore, Texas Border Business also serves as a reminder that perseverance is the key to success. Roberto H. Gonzalez started this publication using the last few dollars that he had. His home was being foreclosed and bills were piling up. He had been unemployed for over a year and had barely enough money to make it day to day. However, he never lost hope. After, ten years of success through hard work and dedication, this anniversary shows what can be accomplished. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize Texas Border Business on its ten year anniversary and I congratulate Roberto Hugo Gonzalez and the Texas Border Business team for their important contributions to the business community in the Rio Grande Valley.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Richard A. Leyendecker, a decorated war hero and successful business owner. Mr. Leyendecker was born to Peter P. Leyendecker Jr. and Emma Jordan Leyendecker. A lifelong resident of Laredo, Texas, he attended St. Peter's Memorial School and Martin High School. He enrolled in Texas A&M University until, at the age of 19, he enlisted into the Army Air Corps to serve his country during World War II. Mr. Leyendecker was a heavy bomber in the European Theater during World War II. In August of 1944, while he was flying a mission in support of the Normandy invasion, he was shot down and declared missing in action. He endured prisoner of war camps for nearly a year before American troops were able to liberate him. In recognition of his service and sacrifice, Mr. Leyendecker received the Prisoner of War Medal, the European-African Middle Eastern Ribbon with 4 bronze stars, and the WWII Victory Ribbon, among other honors. After returning home, Mr. Leyendecker resumed his studies at Texas A&M University, earning a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. Upon graduation he began working with his father at their family construction business in Laredo. He and two of his four sons, Gary and Mark, founded Leyendecker Construction, Inc. in 1980. Another son, Paul, also joined the company in the 1990's. Mr. Leyendecker worked tirelessly to build a successful family business and valued the work of his employees. In addition to his many accomplishments, Mr. Leyendecker was a proud husband and father. He is survived by his wife, Blanche Flores, and their four sons Richard, Gary, Paul and Mark. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to remember the legacy of Richard A. Leyendecker: a hero to his country, a successful business leader, and a loving family man.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Texas Land Commissioner George Prescott Bush and Mexican Secretary of Social Development Jose Antonio Meade Kuribrena, who have been recognized as the 2016 Senor Internacional Award recipients by LULAC Council 12 in Laredo, Texas. For over 30 years, LULAC Council 12 has recognized Latinos on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border for their service to the community and exceptional individual achievements. George P. Bush currently serves as the Texas Land Commissioner, a post in which he continues the public service legacy of the Bush family. Commissioner Bush was born in Houston, Texas, to former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and Columba Garnica Gallo. After graduating from Rice University, Commissioner Bush worked as a public school teacher in Miami. He then went on to earn a Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas Law School. After attending law school, he co-founded a private equity firm, Pennybacker Capital LLC, and later founded an energy consulting firm, St. Augustine Partners. In 2007, Commissioner Bush joined the Naval Reserve and in 2010, he courageously served an eight-month tour of duty as an officer in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. In 2014, he was elected Texas Land Commissioner, beginning his political career. Commissioner Bush prides himself on supporting our veterans, increasing funds for public education, and providing a path for the U.S. to become energy- independent. Secretary Jose Antonio Meade was born in Mexico City, Mexico, and is an economist, lawyer, diplomat, and currently serves as Mexico's Secretary of Social Development. He received his degree in Economics from the Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico, one of Mexico's preeminent institutions of higher learning. He continued his education at Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, where he studied law and also received his PhD in Economics from Yale University. He served as a professor at ITAM and Yale University. He has received recognition for his research on Economic Analysis of the Law and has also been given the National Tlacaelel Award. Throughout his illustrious career, Secretary Meade has served his country in several important posts such as: Chief Executive Officer of the National Bank for Rural Credit, Chief Executive Officer of Financiera Rural, Secretary of Energy, Secretary of Finance and Public Credit, and Secretary of Foreign Relations. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize Commissioner George Prescott Bush and Secretary Jose Antonio Meade Kuribrena.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mexican Secretary of Social Development Jose Antonio Meade Kuribrena, who has been recognized as a 2016 Senior Internacional Award recipient by the LULAC Council 12 in Laredo, Texas. For over 30 years, LULAC Council 12 has recognized Latinos on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border for their service to the community and exceptional individual achievements. Secretary Jose Antonio Meade was born in Mexico City, Mexico, and is an economist, lawyer, diplomat and currently serves as Mexico's Secretary of Social Development. He received his degree in Economics from the Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico one of Mexico's preeminent institutions of higher learning. He continued his education at Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, where he studied law and also received his PhD in Economics from Yale University. He served as a professor at ITAM and Yale University. He has received recognition for his research on Economic Analysis of the Law and has also been given the National Tlacaelel Award. Throughout his illustrious career, Secretary Meade has served his country in several important posts such as: Chief Executive Officer of the National Bank for Rural Credit, Chief Executive Officer of Financiera Rural, Secretary of Energy, Secretary of Finance and Public Credit, and Secretary of Foreign Relations. Secretary Meade, has proven to be a strong advocate for the well- being of others. He has worked towards eliminating poverty, advanced food and nutritional programs, and has helped to create employment opportunities for those in need. His career serves as an example of what someone can accomplish through hard work and perseverance. He is an inspiration to many and it is my hope that others follow in his path. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize Secretary Jose Antonio Meade Kuribrena.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Chair, on Wednesday, February 3, 2016, I am not recorded on rollcall vote No. 58, Issa of California Part A Amendment No. 6. Had I voted, I would have voted ``aye.'' Amendment No. 7 Offered by Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Stephen J. Pringle, Associate Director of Government Affairs for Texas Farm Bureau. Mr. Pringle was born on the 5th of May, 1949 in Marlin, Texas. He was raised in Hill County where he attended Hubbard High School. He then received his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Texas A&M University and upon graduation, served as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army at the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Depot in Indian Head, Maryland. Mr. Pringle's passion for agriculture began in 1973, when he served as a staff member to the United States House Committee on Agriculture. While working for the committee he had the honor of attending the World Food Conference in Rome and was present on the House floor during the swearing in of Vice-President, Gerald Ford. After leaving the committee, Mr. Pringle worked as an assistant to the President of Texas A&M, served as State Executive Director of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, and worked at the International Association of Drilling Contractors in Houston. From there, Mr. Pringle went on to spend 26 years at the Texas Farm Bureau where he worked tirelessly to support and protect the livelihoods of Texas' many farmers and ranchers. Mr. Pringle also built lasting relationships with countless members of Congress and the Texas Legislature during his tenure at the Texas Farm Bureau and it was a privilege to work with him. Over the course of his career, he has also been involved in his local community. He served as President of his local Texas A&M Alumni Association, President and Board Member of the Waco Camp Fire Organization, served on the original Waco Education Association, and has been active in the Government Relations Council for the Houston Chamber of Commerce. In addition to his many accomplishments, Mr. Pringle is a proud husband and father. He has been happily married to his wife Linda for forty years and their daughter, Lara, has grown up to be a successful attorney in Houston, Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to celebrate the work of my friend Stephen J. Pringle. His passion and commitment to the farmers and ranchers of Texas will long be remembered and I congratulate him on his retirement.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, December 18th, I am not recorded on any votes because I was absent due to a death in the family. If I had been present, I would have voted: ``yea'' on rollcall 705, on the Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2029 with House Amendment Number 1--Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016. Stated against:

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, December 17th, I am not recorded on any votes because I was absent due to a death in the family. If I had been present, I would have voted: ``yea,'' on rollcall 701, on ordering the previous question on the Rule; ``no,'' on rollcall 702, on agreeing to H. Res. 566--Rule providing for consideration of Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2029 with House Amendment #1--Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 and Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2029 with House Amendment #2--``Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015''; ``yea,'' on rollcall 703, on Concuring in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2029 with House Amendment #2--``Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015''; ``yea,'' on rollcall 704, on approving the Journal.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, December 16th, I am not recorded on any votes because I was absent due to a death in the family. If I had been present, I would have voted: ``yea'', on rollcall 695, to concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2820--Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Authorization Act of 2015; ``yea'', on rollcall 696, passage of H.R. 4246--National Guard and Reservist Debt Relief Extension Act of 2015; ``yea'', on rollcall 697, passage of S. 1090--Emergency Information Improvement Act of 2015; ``yea'', on rollcall 698, to concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2297--Hizballah International Financing Prevention Act of 2015; ``yea'', on rollcall 699, passage of H.R. 3750--First Responders Passport Act of 2015, as amended; ``yea'', on rollcall 700, passage of H.R. 4239--Tracking Foreign Fighters in Terrorist Safe Havens Act.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, December 15th, I am not recorded on any votes because I was absent due to family reasons. If I had been present, I would have voted: ``Yea'', on rollcall 694, passage of H. Res. 536--Supporting freedom of the press in Latin America and the Caribbean and condemning violations of press freedom and violence against journalists, bloggers, and individuals exercising their right to freedom of speech.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, December 3rd, I am not recorded on any votes because I was absent due to family reasons. If I had been present, I would have voted: ``nay,'' on rollcall 666, on ordering the Previous Question providing for further consideration of H.R. 22; ``yea,'' on rollcall 667, on H. Res. 546, providing for consideration of the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 22; ``yea,'' on rollcall 668, on the Cramer Amendment to H.R. 8; ``nay,'' on rollcall 669, on the Rouzer Amendment to H.R. 8; ``nay,'' on rollcall 670, on the Pallone Amendment to H.R. 8; ``yea,'' on rollcall 671, on the motion to recommit H.R. 8; ``yea,'' on rollcall 672, on passage of H.R. 8; ``yea,'' on rollcall 673, on passage of the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 22.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, December 2nd, I am not recorded on any votes because I was absent due to family reasons. If I had been present, I would have voted: ``nay,'' on rollcall 653, on ordering the Previous Question providing for further consideration of H.R. 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015; providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany S. 1177, to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to ensure that every child achieves. ``Nay,'' on rollcall 654, on agreeing to H. Res. 542--Providing for further consideration of H.R. 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015; providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany S. 1177, to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to ensure that every child achieves. ``Yea,'' on rollcall 655, on the motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 644. ``Nay,'' on rollcall 656, on the Upton amendment to H.R. 8. ``Nay,'' on rollcall 657, on the Tonko amendment to H.R. 8. ``Yea,'' on rollcall 658, on the Gene Green amendment to H.R. 8. ``Nay,'' on rollcall 659, on the Beyer amendment to H.R. 8. ``Nay,'' on rollcall 660, on the Schakowsky amendment to H.R. 8. ``Yea,'' on rollcall 661, on the Tonko amendment to H.R. 8. ``Yea,'' on rollcall 662, on the Castor amendment to H.R. 8. ``Yea,'' on rollcall 663, on the Polis amendment to H.R. 8. ``Yea,'' on rollcall 664, on the Barton/Cuellar/McCaul/Flores/Conaway amendment to H.R. 8. ``Yea,'' on rollcall 665, on agreeing to the Conference Report to Accompany S. 1177--Every Student Succeeds Act.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the kind words of the gentleman from Illinois. I understand the amendment that he was trying to get in. Actually, I was trying to help try to get his amendment accepted, but it is up to the Rules Committee and the democracy there. This amendment is very simple. It is something that we have added in the appropriation bill on different agencies. We all have voted for this in the appropriation bills time after time after time, and it is to help the Minority-Serving Institutions. I ask the gentleman from Texas and Members to please accept this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Chair, I thank Mr. Barton for the leadership he has provided on this bill. I rise in support of H.R. 702 that repeals the ban on crude oil. This ban reflects an America of yesterday. It is our job, as Members of Congress, that our laws reflect the America of tomorrow. If you look at why this is important, this ban hurts the economy and prevents the creation of jobs. This ban imposes an estimated $200 to $300 billion cost to the economy and discourages domestic, made-in- America crude oil production. By lifting the ban now, we will create 359,000 new jobs. How do I know? Because I represent the Eagle Ford and I have seen small-business people, men and women, that work very hard every single day to have this type of job. And I think we owe it to them and across the Nation. This ban also reduces the Federal direct spending by $1.4 billion, according to the CBO. So it also helps our deficit. This ban is something that we need to change, and we need to make sure that we lift this ban. What about gasoline prices? You heard Mr. Ryan. You heard other folks. According to the General Accounting Office, this will bring prices down from 1.5 cents to 13 cents. The CBO says the same thing: 5 cents to 10 cents. The administration's own agency, the Energy Information Administration, says it will bring it down one penny or remain. It doesn't go up. It goes down. This ban also doesn't allow us to use our powers in foreign policy. Why are we allowing Russia or Iran to dictate what happens in this world? This is why we need to make sure that we support the repealing of this ban. Now, who supports this? Mr. Barton, you know it is a bipartisan bill. Democrats and Republicans support this bill, but it is also supported by business, small-business owners, and by some of the labor organizations. We have talked to those labor organizations. Mr. Chairman, support H.R. 702, a bipartisan bill.

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Chairman, I am here, of course, to talk about an amendment to H.R. 702, this important legislation before us that will lift this outdated ban on the export of oil, modernize the U.S. energy economy, and create U.S. jobs. The amendment that I bring forward is to help Minority-Serving Institutions grow the leaders of the future in the oil and gas industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that Hispanics will account for 74 percent of the growth in the Nation's labor force from 2010 to 2020. This amendment ensures that our Minority-Serving Institutions, such as Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Historically Black Colleges and Universities, can create a competitive and able workforce in our oil and gas industry. This will ensure that our Nation can continue to compete in the global market far into the future. Hispanic-Serving Institutions are about 12 percent of the nonprofit colleges and universities, yet they enroll 59 percent of all Hispanic students. The other part of this amendment, Mr. Chairman, is that it also calls for the Department of Energy to encourage public-private partnerships between the energy sector and Minority-Serving Institutions. This is an amendment that I think will be good for all workers across the Nation. I ask all Members to vote in favor of this amendment and to support the underlying bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retiring CEO of Gateway Community Health Center, Miguel Trevino, Jr. Born on April 14, 1944 in Laredo, Texas. Mr. Trevino started his career 48 years ago with the Laredo-Webb County Health Department working on the Migrant Health Program. This program later became the private, not-for-profit corporation Gateway Community Health Center, which has provided preventive health programs including: Family Planning, Breast and Cervical Cancer Services, and Immunizations. As the former President of both the Texas Association of Community Health Centers and the Community Health Network of South Texas, Mr. Trevino was passionate about bringing health care needs to the forefront in his community. A proud husband and father of three, Mr. Trevino is a man of values who has always extended a hand to those in need. His compassion and persistence were exemplified every day by his eagerness to greet everyone the moment he walked in the door and his willingness to pay for patients who couldn't afford services. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Mr. Trevino. He never wavered and stood his ground; all to benefit the community and those in it who were most vulnerable. Thank you for this time.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 427, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''