Henry Cuellar

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I also thank Chairman Thompson for the strong leadership that he has shown on this bill. I also thank Mr. King for the bipartisan support that he has shown on this bill and with the committee. I rise in support of H.R. 1401, the Rail and Public Transportation Security Act of 2007. H.R. 1401 is an important piece of legislation that takes steps to secure our Nation's railroads, over-the-road bus networks, and the public transportation systems. In addition, the Rail and Public Transportation Security Act includes provisions that take strides in enhancing the security of transportation systems at our critically important international land borders. My hometown of Laredo, Texas, is one of the busiest ports of entry into the United States and a hub of international commerce. Approximately 1,600 railcars cross the border daily in Laredo. Additionally, 163,000 cars cross annually that are loaded with freight and headed to destinations throughout the United States. To meet the challenge of securing our Nation's border rail ports of entry, I worked with my chairman and my colleagues on the Homeland Security Committee to include two important additions to H.R. 1401. The first one supports the development and emergency response and recovery techniques that can be used at our international borders. The second gives rail inspection facilities at our international borders a priority to receive critically important rail security grant funding authorized by this legislation. I am proud to support this legislation that will make our Nation's rail, transit, and bus systems more secure and that will ensure that the safety of citizens living across the Nation are secure as they use these systems. Mr. Chairman, I again thank our chairman for the leadership that he has shown on this piece of legislation and for leading our committee.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the women of the Poth High School Girls Basketball Team in their stunning 72-70 double- overtime victory against the top-ranked Winnsboro in the Class 2A championship game. The story of the Poth High School Girls Basketball team is of a team that fought against the odds to achieve one of the best high school sports victories in Texas history. The team had lost in the semifinals each of the previous three years, and their game against Winnsboro was not one in which they were expected to win. The excitement of the crowd exploded when Whitney Wehymeyer scored thirty points and Lauren Waclawcyzk added sixteen points in the second overtime's final seconds to send Poth to the Class 2A state championship with their 72-70 win. Theirs was a story that echoed the classic underdog against the presumptive winner, but due to their remarkable team spirit and strong determination to win, they came out on top. I am very proud that these remarkable women have won the state championship, and that they are from Poth, a city in my congressional district. The city has shown strong support of women's sports teams in their community. Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize the women of the Poth High School Girls Basketball team, and I thank you for this time.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Chairman, I thank you for the strong leadership that you have provided on this legislation. I would like to talk to you briefly about the needs of colonias. As you know, many colonias exist around the borders in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California, only lacking the basic infrastructure that most Americans take for granted. Often these communities do not have paved roads, hospitals or even utilities. And when you look at the negative impact on the health of its residents, one of the greatest challenges we have is many colonias don't have access to water and sewer services. As you know, many colonias do not have sewer systems, forcing residents to rely on often inadequate waste water disposal methods such as small and outdated septic tanks. And even if colonias had adequate sewer systems, the border area lacks sufficient facilities to treat the waste water that we have. What I ask, Madam Chairman, I want to work with you and with Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson and other members of the committee to make sure that we pay special consideration to the needs of the colonias as you go into conference for H.R. 720 and as your committee reviews future legislation. I thank you for your strong leadership on the colonias issue, Madam Chairman.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution. While I believe that the President as the Commander in Chief has the inherent authority to manage the conduct of congressionally approved military action, I have serious concerns that a surge in the number of U.S. combat troops in Iraq is not the best course of action at this time. The deployment of 21,500 additional combat troops to Iraq is not the answer. I agree with former Secretary of State Colin Powell when he stated: ``I am not persuaded that another surge of troops into Baghdad for the purposes of suppressing this communitarian violence, this civil war, will work.'' Secretary Powell is not alone in his belief. Generals Wesley Clark, Barry McCaffrey, John Abizaid, and James Conway have also made statements to this same effect. I have traveled to Iraq and I have met with our military forces. And I believe our foremost commitment must be to their safety. I strongly believe that we must concentrate our efforts on preparing the Iraqi Government for the task of providing security to their own citizens. Our forces in Iraq should be primarily focused on training and supporting Iraq's own military and police. We must continue working to shift the responsibility for security from the U.S. forces to those of the Iraqi Government. It is only through this path that we will ensure the safe and orderly return of our brave men and women. Empowering the Iraqi people and the Iraqi Government must be our primary goal. I will continue fighting to ensure that our service men and women have every tool and every resource that they need to carry out their duties and return home safely. We must all dedicate ourselves to ensuring that our brave men and women in uniform have all of the unconditional support and thanks. Their sacrifices and bravery must never be forgotten. We should also be mindful of those who have served and serve in our National Guard and Reserve units, and those that are not yet American citizens but who still serve our country with distinction. Let us always remember the lives of more than 3,000 dedicated Americans who have lost their lives in this conflict, and the thousands and thousands of American soldiers that have been injured. It is time to be bipartisan and move forward with a comprehensive plan for handing over responsibility to the Iraqi Government and stabilizing the region. Iraq must become the responsibility of the Iraqis. Let's surge forward only in the commitment to transfer responsibility for Iraq to the Iraqis. Only together can we ensure the safe return of our brave and dedicated American troops.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Carmen Salinas on her work representing Mexico as Senora Internacional during the Washington Birthday Celebration, which is the largest celebration of its kind in the United States. Mrs. Carmen Salinas was born on September 4, 1933, in the City of Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico. Her early steps in the arts were marked by her strong desire to give the public a great performance. In 1964, Mrs. Salinas worked in television under the direction of Mr. Ernesto Alonzo in the productions of `` La Vecindad,'' ``La Frontera,'' ``Sublime Redencion,'' and ``El Chofer.'' Her theatrical work includes productions of ``Cada Quien Su Vida,'' ``Vine, Vi y Mejor Me Fui,'' but according to critics, her best performance was in ``Aprendiendo a Ser Senora.'' Mrs. Carmen Salinas' work on the big screen is to be admired. She has starred in big-screen productions including ``Distrito Federal,'' ``Paso de Cojo,'' ``Que Viva Tepito,'' ``Danzon,'' ``Albures Mexicanos,'' and ``Nos Reimos de la Migra,'' among many others. Her performances in the small screen include super hits such as ``Abrazame Muy Fuerte,'' ``Preciosa,'' ``Mi Pequena Traviesa,'' and ``Maria Mercedes.'' She is also recognized as a successful entrepreneur, particularly for her theatrical presentation ``Aventurera,'' one of Mexico's most popular theatrical productions in recent history, which also has been featured in many cities in the United States with great crossover appeal. She was recently honored in New York by the A.C.E. Awards, and also received the ``Palmas de Oro'' award. The Hispanic community is proud to consider Mrs. Carmen Salinas as one of its most influential role models. Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize the dedication of Carmen Salinas to the Hispanic-American community in the United States.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Paul Rodriguez on representing the United States as Senor Internacional during the Washington Birthday Celebration, the largest celebration of its kind in the United States. Mr. Rodriguez's career has spanned more than two decades and includes starring roles in over 30 films and countless television series and specials. Some of Mr. Paul Rodriguez's series include ``Trial and Error,'' ``Grand Slam,'' and for over four years he hosted ``El Show de Paul Rodriguez,'' an entertainment talk show for the Spanish-language Univision network. This particular show reached an international audience throughout the United States and 17 other countries in Central and South America. His directorial debut came in 1994 with the film ``A Million to Juan,'' a family comedy in which he also wrote and starred. Mr. Rodriguez moved nicely from television to motion pictures, making his feature film debut in the picture comedy ``D.C. Cab,'' followed by many films such as ``Miracles,'' ``Born in East L.A.,'' and ``Made in America.'' Mr. Rodriguez recently had the opportunity to work with the legendary Clint Eastwood in the film ``Bloodwork.'' It is estimated that Mr. Paul Rodriguez has performed live to well to over one million concert goers from coast to coast. Within Hispanic communities, Mr. Rodriguez is considered the ``Original Latin King of Comedy.'' Mr. Paul Rodriguez remains strongly rooted in the Latino Community, working with civic and educational groups, and his main contributions go to The National Hispanic Scholarship Fund (NHSF), but he also contributes to such charitable efforts such as Comic Relief, and hosts the annual Elizabeth Glazer Pediatrics AIDS Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament. Mr. Rodriguez is the one of the few stand-up comedians who performs in two languages (Spanish/English) and was voted as one of the most influential Hispanics in America. He has also been the recipient of the Ruben Salazar Award by the National Council of La Raza. Madam Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the dedication of Paul Rodriguez to the Hispanic-American community in the United States.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts for his kind words, and the gentleman also from California for the kind words. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 437, a bill to name the postal facility of Rio Grande City, Texas, after Lino Perez, Jr. Mr. Lino Perez, Jr., is a role model and a leader in south Texas, who helped ingrain a rich tradition of public service in his community. Mr. Perez was born in Rio Grande City, Texas, in 1914. He attended high school in south Texas, as well as in Austin, and then returned home to Rio Grande City shortly after graduation to begin his post office career. He first started with the United States Post Office in 1934 under the guidance of his father, who was then the postmaster of Rio Grande City. Lino Perez, Jr., worked through the ranks of the Rio Grande City Post Office; and after two decades, 20 years, he was named postmaster for Rio Grande City. Under his leadership, the Rio Grande Post Office was upgraded to a second-class post office. Mr. Perez also established the city's first mail delivery, created several rural routes in Starr County, and helped lay that foundation for his community's further progress. In addition, Mr. Perez served several terms on the Starr County Hospital Board of Directors, was actively involved in the Knights of Columbus, including being Texas State deputy, the highest Knights of Columbus position in Texas. After 41 years of loyal service, Lino Perez retired from the Rio Grande Post Office. Forty-one years of great service. Mr. Perez still resides in the region, is warmly remembered by his family, friends and community as a community leader. Lino Perez, Jr.'s service to our country shall be remembered and celebrated through this small tribute, and I urge swift passage of this bill. Again, I want to thank the gentleman from California and the gentleman from Massachusetts.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Placida Pena Barrera on her reaching the milestone of her 80th birthday. She is one of the most inspiring members of the community in the City of Laredo and in the State of Texas. Mrs. Placida Pena Barrera was born on July 13, 1926, in the City of Guerra in the great State of Texas. She moved to Roma, Texas, and commuted to Rio Grande City to attend high school, where she graduated in 1945. Five years later, she met Raymundo Barrera and together they raised six children. She was committed to being the best mother for her children. With her husband's retirement, she decided to work as a clerk for the Laredo Independent School District, while also taking classes at Texas A&M International University. Placida graduated from Texas A&M International University in 1978, at the age of 52 with a degree in teaching. Mrs. Barrera has worked consistently to uplift the lives of children in Laredo, Texas, through her 22 years of teaching at United Independent School District. While there, she established the Laredo chapter of the NASA's Young Astronauts program. For her work, she was awarded certificates of appreciation. She and her husband were also recognized by the Department of Journalism at the University of Texas at Austin for their publication of ``U.S. Latinos and Latinas and World War Two Oral History.'' After serving her community as an educator for nearly two decades, Mrs. Barrera retired in 2000, and is enjoying her time with her husband and their grandchildren. It is because of her work that the youth in the community were able to realize their potential to create a new and better future for themselves. Madam Speaker, I am honored to have had the opportunity to recognize the dedication of Mrs. Placida Pena Barrera to her community, and ask you to join me in honoring her on her birthday. I thank you for your time.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Danny Valdez on his inauguration as Webb County Judge on January 1, 2007. Judge Valdez was first elected into office as justice of the peace in May 1982 and has served for nearly 25 years. This inauguration marks the start of his sixth 4-year term with the court in Webb County. Judge Valdez has received numerous awards such as the Community Service Award by LULAC Council No. 12, and the Nuestro Orgullo Award by S.C.A.N. due to his passion in working with at-risk youth in the community, and addressing issues such as truancy, gang violence, drug abuse, teen pregnancy, and juvenile delinquency. He also was recognized for his commitment to the rule of law by the Laredo Bar Association with the Liberty Bell Award and the 2005 Hispanic of the Year Award by LULAC Council No. 7. Aside from presiding over one of the busiest courts, Judge Valdez is actively involved in community activities such as working with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Education Program in bringing male and female inmates to local middle and high schools to educate students about the dangers involved in making the wrong choices. He worked with the Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust in the development of the Lamar Bruni Vergara Boys' Scout Camp Huisache and was also instrumental in the development of the Lamar Bruni Inner City Recreation Center. Judge Valdez also reached out to low-income families by chairing the Annual Toys for Tejanitos Drive, the Angel Wish Program, and the Annual Fishing Derby for physically challenged students. Judge Valdez has given out over $60,000 in scholarships to promising young students from the Laredo Independent School District. He also started the Supply Our Students Campaign that has raised funds for nearly 70 tons of school supplies for low-income students in Webb County. He is truly one of the great Laredoans and it is because of him that the youth in the community have realized their immense potential in creating a new and better future for themselves by learning from the values of Judge Valdez. Madam Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the dedication of Judge Danny Valdez to his community.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor David Gonzalez on his retirement from the Rural Development Agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on January 3rd, 2007. David Gonzalez began his career with the USDA Rural Development Agency, which was previously known as Farmers Home Administration, on May 26, 1971 as a student trainee in San Diego, Texas. He received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Texas A&M University at Kingsville in 1972 and returned back to work with the Farmers Home Administration in San Benito, Texas, as an assistant county supervisor. Five years later, he was promoted to county supervisor for Willacy County and then transferred to Edinburg in Hidalgo County. Mr. Gonzalez's commitment to his service with the agency was recognized with his next promotion to assistant district director in Rio Grande City in 1980 and then to area director for the Rio Grande Valley in 1991. He served with distinction and honor for 16 years in the Rio Grande Valley, and helped to provide crucial funding to the communities in the area. Mr. Gonzalez has given back so much to the community in the Rio Grande Valley in his tenure with the Rural Development Agency. After working tirelessly for nearly two decades, he will enjoy his retirement with his wife, Edna, and his five grandchildren, Daniel David, Jorge Alberto, Zenon David, Dayna Dalinda, and Dennis David. Madam Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the dedication of David Gonzalez to the Rio Grande Valley community.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 150th anniversary of the Sebastopol House State Historic Site in the City of Seguin, located in the 28th District of Texas. This 3,000 square foot home was built in 1856 and is constructed mainly of limecrete, an early form of concrete, a material rarely used in the area. Joshua Young, who lost his son in the Civil War, built the Sebastopol House and later sold the house to his sister, who then sold it to Joseph and Nettie Zorn. Joseph Zorn served as Alderman, Postmaster, and Mayor of Seguin for twenty years, was instrumental in the growth and the modernization of the city, and left a remarkable legacy in the creation of the trustee-managed, free public school system in 1891. The house remained with the Zorn family until the death of Calvert Zorn, when the house was rented out to families, including that of Robert and Mary Ybarra, who lived in the house for many years. The Sebastopol House faced the threat of demolition in the early 1960s, but was saved by the Seguin Conservation Society to serve as a historic house museum until 1976, and was restored to its original condition in the 1980s by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to preserve this important piece of Texas architectural history. As we look back on the past 150 years of this house and its inhabitants with pride, we also look forward to an enduring future for the Sebastopol House State Historic Site. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to honor the 150th anniversary of the Sebastopol House State Historic Site.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Judge George P. Kazen as a recipient of the 2006 Longhorn Legacy Awards, given to him on October 5th, 2006 by the Laredo Chapter of the University of Texas Ex- Students Association. Judge Kazen received his law degree with honors from the University of Texas School of Law in 1961, and thus began a long, accomplished career in law. Shortly after graduation, he served a term as a briefing attorney for the Texas Supreme Court, entered the United States Air Force as a JAG officer, and was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal in 1965. He returned back to the city of Laredo in 1965 where he practiced law until he was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to become United States District Judge in 1979 for the Southern District of Texas. The Southern District of Texas includes divisions in Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Laredo, Corpus Christi, McAllen, and Brownsville. Judge Kazen also is a member of the FISA Court based in Washington, DC. He has received a number of accolades and awards such as the Dean Leon Green Award from the Texas Law Review Association in 1998, the Samuel Pessarra Award for Outstanding Jurist from the Texas Bar Association in 2004, and the Mr. South Texas Award in 2000. He is extensively involved in several legal and civic organizations such as the Fifth Circuit District Judges' Association, the Laredo Civic Music Association, the Boys and Girls Club of Laredo, and the St. Augustine- Ursuline Board. He served as a member of the Laredo Community College Board of Trustees from 1972 to 1979 and has lectured at various legal and judicial seminars throughout the country. Judge Kazen has been married to the wonderful Barbara Ann Kazen for 44 years since 1962 and has four children and seven grandchildren. He is a member of the Blessed Sacrament Church, where he is president of the Parish Council and is a lector and eucharistic minister. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the dedication of Judge George P. Kazen to the city of Laredo and to promoting the University of Texas at Austin as one of its most accomplished alumni members.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the inauguration of the new Main Facility of the Gateway Community Health Center, Inc., on October 20th, 2006, in the City of Laredo. The Gateway Community Health Center, Inc., first began as a Migrant Health Clinic administered by the Laredo-Webb County Health Department in 1963, and has rapidly grown to one of the largest community health centers in South Texas in providing a variety of much-needed services to underserved residents of Webb County. Today, the Gateway Community Health Center operates over five sites in Webb County, serving over 18,007 residents of Webb County in 2005 alone. The new facility, which is being inaugurated today, is expected to increase the number of users in late 2006 and 2007. The continued growth of the population in Webb County present challenges for the Gateway Community Health Center, Inc., but the dedication of its staff, especially that of Mr. Miguel Trevino, the C.E.O., will be able to make sure these challenges are met with the support they have from the community. The new Main Facility will help Gateway in providing more services and expanding its outreach to the residents of Webb County. I am very proud of the staff of Gateway Community Health Center, Inc., and their partners in making this dream possible for Laredo and Webb County. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to honor the inauguration of the new Main Facility of the Gateway Community Health Center, Inc., in the City of Laredo in the Great State of Texas.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Robert Hunter, who has served for twenty years in the Texas State House of Representatives, and his dedication to the City of Abilene, Abilene Christian University, and the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas. Robert Hunter was born in 1928 in Dodge City in Kansas, as the tenth child of twelve children. He enrolled at Abilene Christian College after graduating from San Mateo High School in California in 1948. Shortly after graduation from college, he married his wife, Shirley Long of Austin, in Thailand, and served in the United States Navy as Security Aide to two admirals in the South Pacific and in Washington, D.C., from 1952 to 1955. Hunter then accepted the invitation of Abilene Christian College President Don H. Morris to become director of special events. There, at his alma mater, he quickly moved up the academic ladder to become the Executive Vice President of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas. During his work with the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas, he coordinated the passage of the Texas Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG) program, which helped Texas students attend private colleges and universities in the State of Texas. In 1970, Hunter served on the City Council in the City of Abilene, and thus began his passion for civic service in which he ran for the Texas State House of Representatives in 1986, won the seat to this day which he has remained a wonderful voice for his constituents and for the State of Texas. In the Texas House of Representatives, Hunter chaired the House Committee on International and Cultural Relations, and is currently vice-chairman of the Regulated Industries Committee and serves on the Government Reform Committee. He also serves on committees for several national legislative organizations. In 2006, Hunter will have completed his tenth term as State Representative, with more than $1 billion appropriated for the Texas Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG) program, and more than fifty years of service with the Abilene Christian University. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the passion Dr. Bob Hunter has in serving as State Representative for the State of Texas, and his wonderful commitment to higher education for Texas students.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Herbert H. Richardson for his incredible dedication to the scientific community at Texas A&M University as Director of the Texas Transportation Institute and Associate Vice Chancellor for Engineering. Dr. Richardson was born in the State of Massachusetts and was educated at Colby College in Maine and at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he received a B.S. and M.S. degree with honors in 1955, and the Sc.D. in 1958 from MIT. Shortly after graduation, he served as a faculty member, then as head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Association Dean for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for 27 years. Under his leadership, he conducted and directed a wide-ranging research program, and made numerous publications of his research in mechanical engineering and transportation systems. He then served as the first Chief Scientist of the U.S. Department of Transportation from 1970 to 1972, and joined the Texas A&M University System in 1984 as Vice Chancellor for Engineering, and Dean of the College of Engineering and Distinguished Professor of Engineering. Dr. Richardson brought together the three engineering research and service agencies--the Texas Engineering Experiment Station, the Texas Engineering Extension Service, and the Texas Transportation Institute-- to form an integrated Engineering Program. In 1993, he became Director of the Texas Transportation Institute, the largest university- affiliated transportation research organization, and Associate Vice Chancellor for Engineering. Under his leadership, the Texas Transportation Institute has become home to nine national research centers with expenditures ranging to $36 million. Dr. Richardson has also received numerous accolades and awards from his peers for his exemplary academic leadership such as the recently awarded 2006 Roy W. Crum Distinguished Service Award from Transportation Research Board, Rufus Oldenberger Medal, Centennial Medal and the Benjamin Garver Lamme Medal by the American Association for Engineering Education; and in addition to these awards, he was elected to several notable organizations such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Association for the Advancement of Science, National Associate of the National Academies and the Research Council. In his 22 years of academic service with the Texas A&M University System, Dr. Richardson has shown exemplary leadership in building strong academic and research programs, thus helping make the College of Engineering and the Texas Transportation Institute one of the unparalleled centers for excellent education in engineering. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the strong academic leadership of Dr. Herbert H. Richardson for the Texas A&M University System.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Councilman Gary M. Kelly, an American hero--a soldier, a leader, a father, a husband, and city councilman in the City of Cibolo, who recently passed away on October 15th, 2006. Councilman Kelly was recently named Mayor pro tem by the City of Cibolo before his death in honor of his lifetime commitment to the city and to the community. Gary M. Kelly was born on October 1st, 1948, in the City of Utica in the State of New York to his parents, Raymond and Arlene Kelly. He graduated from high school in Whitesboro, New York, and then attended the Syracuse University College of Forestry in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science. He earned a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Alaska in Fairbanks in 1975. Shortly after graduate school, Gary joined the Squadron Officer School in 1976, thus beginning nearly thirty years of service in the United States Air Force. Councilman Kelly served his country with great honor in the United States Air Force and received numerous military awards and accolades such as the Legion of Merit, Joint Service Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, to name just a few. He also rose quickly within the military ranks from Second Lieutenant to Colonel. His military career was focused on program management and logistics support of weapon systems for the United States Air Force at Kelly Air Force Base. It was just not his country he served with great passion, it was the City of Cibolo in the State of Texas as City Councilman. He was sworn into office on May 25th, 2005, and made numerous accomplishments such as writing the charter for the City, overseeing the creation of two fiscal budgets, establishing the Streets and Drainage Committee, the Public Safety Committee, and the Business Development Committee. He worked as the liaison to the Capital Improvements Committee, and Planning and Zoning Commission. He also was known for being a great mentor to new members of the City Council and to commission chairs. He is survived by his wife, Patricia C. Kelly, his two sons, Allen Dearborn and Scott Kelly, his mother, Arlene, his two sisters and their spouses, Cindy and Gregory Hobbs, Karen and Raymond Jankowski, his brother, Chris Kelly and his wife, Kathleen, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, and friends of the family. He truly led by example and inspired his children to be the best they could be in achieving their dreams and goals. He will be missed by us all and especially by the City of Cibolo in the State of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize Councilman Gary M. Kelly.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Elmo Lopez, Sr., as a recipient of the 2006 Longhorn Legacy Awards, given to him on October 5, 2006 by the Laredo Chapter of the University of Texas Ex- Students Association. Elmo Lopez, Sr. is a native of the city of Rio Grande and now currently resides in the city of Laredo in the State of Texas. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with degrees in music, a Bachelor of Arts in 1953 and a Masters in 1957, and thus began a long, accomplished musical career. Shortly after graduation, he worked as Band Director for the Laredo Independent School District, bringing his experience as a band member of the UT Longhorns Band to Lamar Junior High, Martin High School, and Nixon High School from 1953 to 1967. During this time, he served in several posts with the Texas Music Educators Association. Mr. Lopez's passion for music was recognized by the Texas Legislature for promoting good will between the United States and Mexico through musical exchange programs. He also was honored in 1963 with Laredo Paso Doble, a musical composition written by Professor Clifton Williams at the University of Texas at Austin. In addition to having guest conducted the UT Longhorn Band on numerous occasions, he also conducted the United States Armed Forces band and the Special Presidential Band of Mexico. In 1987, Mr. Lopez founded the Laredo Chapter of the UT-Exes as a way to keep the connection between the University of Texas at Austin and its alumni in the city of Laredo. He dedicated his time and energy to the University including 12 years of service on the Board of Directors of the UT Dad's Association, and was named Distinguished Alumnus in 1993 and honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Laredo UT-Exes. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the dedication of Mr. Elmo Lopez, Sr. to his music and to the community of the city of Laredo.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Ethel Minor, the outgoing President of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), for her 14 years of service to the San Antonio Chapter of the NAACP. Ms. Minor was born on November 26, 1922 in the City of San Antonio in the State of Texas. She attended Prairie View A&M University and majored in Business Administration at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas. She then began her 35 years of service to Kelly Air Force Base as an Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist in the Black Employment Program, fighting for equal treatment of employees at the Kelly Air Force Base until her retirement in 1980. Ms. Minor was involved in the civil rights marches and protests throughout Bexar County during the turbulent 1960s, was elected to the San Antonio Branch of the NAACP in 1987, and served for 10 consecutive years from 1987 to 1996, and 4 years from 2003-2006. Under her remarkable leadership, the San Antonio Branch of the NAACP succeeded with the voter registration drives. She also promoted the education of the African-American youth, advocated for the local African-American community, and organized the San Antonio Annual Martin Luther King Day March Celebration, which has become the largest annual civil rights celebration in the entire Nation with over 100,000 attendees. In addition to her work as the first female President of the San Antonio Branch of the NAACP, Ms. Minor is extensively involved in many community service and educational organizations including the Centennial, Scholarship, and Diversity Committees at St. Philip's College, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, and the National Council of Negro Women. She was the first black PTA President at Brackenridge High School, a Member of the District Educational Improvement Council (DEIC) in the East Central School District, and the Program and Nominating Chair of the International Training and Communication ITC. She has received numerous honors and awards such as: the Yellow Rose of Texas which was given to her by then-Governor Mark White, the Key to the City of New Orleans, the Friend of Education Award from American Federation of Teachers, Top Ladies of Distinction Spirit Award, and the Martin Luther King Award. She was also an inductee into the Women's Hall of Fame and has been presented several awards by the local branches and the state chapter of the NAACP as well involved in the religious community at the Antioch Baptist Church where she remains a devoted member. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the passion Ms. Minor has demonstrated in advancing the civil rights of the African-American community.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, whereas, the Vaqueros are the true original cowboys of South Texas, and they were an essential part of the early ranching industry in Jim Hogg County. Whereas, Vaqueros were renowned for their exemplary ranching and stock-handling skills, which were needed for the development of ranches and without them, the ranching industry would not have developed to the State it is today. Whereas, the skills and the ranching practices shown by the vaqueros have left a lasting impact on modern ranching. The equipment of the vaquero--saddle, chaps, bandana, lasso, and spurs--has become the standard gear of all Texas cowboys. Whereas, the first ranches founded in the area with the help of the vaqueros were Randado, Las Noriacitas, Las Animas, San Antonio Viejo, Las Emamadas, Las Viboritas, El Baluarte, and San Javier. Some of these ranches are still held by descendants of the original owners such as Randado, which was visited by General Robert E. Lee during the Civil War. Whereas, ranching remains one of the vital elements of the economy in Jim Hogg County, and the City of Hebbronville is located on the land that once was a part of the Las Noriacitas Ranch. W.R. Hebbron, the town's namesake, established the city along the route of the Texas Mexican Railway in 1883. Be it hereby resolved, That Congressman Henry Cuellar, in representing the 28th Congressional District of the State of Texas, commends the City of Hebbronville on its celebration of the history of the vaquero on November 4, 2006.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor COL James D. Rogers for his outstanding service in the United States Army during the Vietnam war. COL James D. Rogers went above the call of duty in his service as senior advisor to the 11th Vietnamese Ranger Battalion on Operation ``Harvest Moon'' in the Thang Binh District. On December 8, 1965, the entire battalion came under attack with heavy casualties on the Ranger side. The Battalion's executive officer was killed, the command group radio operator was wounded, and CPT Dzu Thua Nguyen, the commander of the 11th Vietnamese Ranger Battalion, was wounded in both legs. During this battle is when Colonel Rogers displayed extreme bravery in fighting off the enemy, tending to the wounded during the withdrawal, and safeguarding their lives while air support was being called in. He remained behind, and carried Captain Dzu on his back to safety over dangerous, cane-filled terrain in which he wounded his foot by stepping on a punji stake. Despite this injury, he kept on going, and carried Captain Dzu to the safety of the reserve company where he and his assistant senior advisor, LT Jan Senecal, worked with the battalion in repelling further attacks. Six months after that heroic display in the face of absolute danger, Colonel Rogers was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his valor on May 18, 1966. Mr. Speaker, I am truly honored to have had this time to recognize the bravery and dedication of COL James D. Rogers to his fellow soldiers and to the United States of America.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my strong support for the permanent normalization of trade relations (PNTR) with Vietnam. With the Doha round of global trade talks in limbo, the U.S. must continue to pursue an active bilateral trade agenda that makes real gains for America's working families. My hometown of Laredo has been transformed by trade. Since the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), I have watched as trade transformed communities in Texas from areas of marginal business activity, to some of the most rapidly developing counties in the nation. Laredo now serves as the largest inland port in North America and takes in 60 percent of all NAFTA traffic. But our current trade agreements are simply not enough. In today's global economy, we cannot afford to stand idle but instead must push ahead with increased trade liberalization. The Vietnam agreement does just that. Agricultural products are crucial exports for my congressional district. With Vietnam's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and our new trade relations, Vietnam will reduce tariffs on most U.S. agricultural exports to 15 percent or less. Texas farmers will be able to sell in the Vietnamese market on a level playing field with competitors in other WTO member countries. Without PNTR with Vietnam, Texas's exporters will lose. I urge my colleagues to join me today in making history and supporting America's working families by granting Permanent Normal Trade Relations to Vietnam.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 476, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Adan Gutierrez, the local columnist for the Zapata County News, one of the largest community newspapers in Zapata County. Adan Gutierrez was born on August 29th, 1946, in the City of Zapata in the State of Texas. He currently resides in the City of Zapata as one of its most involved members of the community. He served proudly in the United States Army for ten years, and shortly after being honorably discharged, started working at the local library in 1984. His passion for literature was evident and helped him become the Assistant Librarian in less than two years. He was on his way to a higher administrative position within the Library when he suffered from a brain aneurysm in 1993. But this did not slow him down; instead, it made him even more involved in the community through his frequent correspondence with the editor of the Zapata County News regarding current news events. Due to the quality of his writing, he was invited to become a regular columnist for the Zapata County News in writing about the history of Zapata County, cultural local events, and other social events. He presently is teaching conversational Spanish at the Zapata County Public Library to residents of the community. It is said of Mr. Gutierrez's involvement with the Zapata County News by his fellow peers that ``Adan has a conversation with Zapata County every Thursday morning and we really enjoy it.'' One can only wish to have the extent of local community impact that Mr. Gutierrez has and I commend him for it. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize Mr. Adan Gutierrez.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Eduardo Andres Lucio, Sr., the father of the Texas State Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., who recently passed away on September 4, 2006 at 89 years of age. Eduardo Andres Lucio, Sr., was born on November 10, 1916, in the City of Brownsville in the State of Texas to his parents, Teodoro Lucio and Maria Antonia Lopez Lucio. He then was baptized into the Roman Catholic Church at the historic Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Brownsville on June 11, 1916. He was one of 11 children: eight brothers and three sisters. Mr. Lucio also has a long familial lineage that stretches all the way back to King Ferdinand the Catholic of Spain, and several of his ancestors were conquistadores who fought with Hernan Cortez in the early 1500s in Mexico. Some of the descendants of his ancestors include the founders of Matamoros, Monterrey, Mier, Saltillo, and Camargo, Mexico. In 1937, during the Great Depression, he worked at the Chapman Ranch in Kingsville, Texas, and joined the Civilian Conservation Corps in Bonita Canyon in the small town of Douglas in Arizona. He later met and fell in love with his wife, Josefa Liendo, who would become his future wife of 65 years and mother to his 10 children. He then joined the United States Army Air Corps on December 30, 1941, in San Antonio, Texas, to fight on behalf of the United States of America in World War II. He was a part of the 46th Service Squadron which served in North Africa and in Italy. Mr. Lucio was honorably discharged from the Army of the United States on July 3, 1945, for a near-fatal injury which he had suffered in battle. He has various decorations and citations which include the EAME Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, four Bronze Service Stars, and four Overseas Bars. In 1996, during a ceremony held in the City of McAllen in the State of Texas, other World War II medals and ribbons were given to him by Vice President Al Gore. He worked hard for his family by achieving his goals of a higher education, first with the diploma from Brownsville High School on May 30, 1949, and then an Associate in Business Degree from Texas Southmost College in Brownsville, Texas, on May 29, 1950. He then worked at the Cameron County Courthouse in the Sheriff's Office for almost 30 years, and in his last 3 years, he served as Head Office Deputy Sheriff with great pride. Mr. Lucio retired from his civil service in 1979, and enjoyed his retirement as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the Disabled American Veterans of America. He also took great strength from his faith as a Roman Catholic parishioner of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Mr. Lucio is survived by his 19 grandchildren, four step- grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and four step-great- grandchildren. His eldest son, Texas State Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., has served as a public official for over 33 years. He has left behind a remarkable legacy in his children, who have degrees in education, administration, supervision, business, engineering, classical music, law, medicine, theater arts, school counseling, chemistry, biology, pharmaceutical sciences, and technology. He truly led by example and inspired his children to be the best they could be in achieving their dreams and goals. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize Mr. Eduardo Lucio, Sr.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Jose ``Pepe'' L. Gonzalez who recently passed away on September 8, 2006, at 82 years of age. He will be forever remembered for his passion for higher education for our youth and his commitment to public service. Mr. Gonzalez was born in the City of Laredo on June 16, 1924 and left the city to serve in World War II with the U.S. Army Air Force in the Aleutian Islands, and later served with the United States Naval Reserve as a Lieutenant in Laredo. He then attended the University of Notre Dame and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1950, followed by a Master of Public Health degree from Johns Hopkins University in 1964. Thus began his legacy of providing health care services to the citizens of Laredo by developing the Laredo-Webb County Health Department, often cited for its achievements in disease control, health promotion and chronic disease prevention, and innovative programs in environmental health. He will be forever remembered for his work in promoting environmental health through his collaboration with organizations such as the Pan-American Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control, the U.S.-Mexico Border Health Association, the Texas Health Advisory Committee, and the Henry J. Kaiser Foundation. The last project he was involved in was the Rio Bravo Foundation, which aims to improve the health of residents along the border region along with the ``Nuestra Gente'' project which focused on improving living standards for the colonias along the border. In addition to his public service, he was dedicated to his Roman Catholic faith as a Papal Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre and as a parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Church in Laredo. Mr. Gonzalez was also a large part of community events such as the famous Washington Birthday Celebrations Associations and established the bridge ceremony that is one of the hallmarks of the Washington Birthday Celebration. Mr. Gonzalez was also a proud alumnus of the University of Notre Dame and dedicated his life to the University by being the Notre Dame recruiter of South Texas, passionately recruiting young scholars for the past 21 years to attend Notre Dame in addition to being on the Hispanic Board of Alumni for 15 years. Mr. Gonzalez was preceded in death by his wonderful wife, Margarita V. Gonzalez, and is survived by his daughters, Alejandra G. Brady, Gabriela G. Tawil and his grandchildren, Ryan Joseph Brady, Joseph Jakob, and Elliot James Tawil. He is also survived by his brother, Ignacio Gonzalez, brother and sister-in-law, Jorge and Olga Verduzco, and the rest of his family. He has left behind a remarkable legacy, and without that legacy, the City of Laredo has suffered a sad loss in one of its greatest members of the community. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the legacy of Mr. Jose ``Pepe'' L. Gonzalez.