Henry Cuellar

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dennis E. Nixon, Chairman of International Bancshares Corporation (IBC), on his being selected as an inductee into the 2006 Texas Business Hall of Fame on October 26, 2006. Mr. Nixon is widely recognized as one of the nation's leading banking authorities. Since joining IBC in 1975, he has been instrumental in the ranking of the bank as the largest minority-owned bank organization in the United States with assets of $10.3 billion with over 200 full service branches throughout Texas and Oklahoma in over eighty communities. IBC is headquartered in the City of Laredo and employs over three thousand in the South Texas region and in Oklahoma. Mr. Nixon's approach to banking is based at the community level in which all customers large and small retain the same value, and this approach has been achieved through the involvement of IBC in community service. Mr. Nixon believes in the importance of corporate social responsibility, and has encouraged his employees to be active volunteers in community service with various non-profit organizations. As a result, IBC was the winner of the 2001 Governor's Volunteer Award in the corporate business category. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me to honor Dennis E. Nixon, Chairman of International Bancshares Corporation, in recognition of his selection as an inductee into the 2006 Texas Business Hall of Fame.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Chairman, thank you for this opportunity and for crafting a good bill that supports the critical missions of the Department of Homeland Security. Within this bill you have done a great job of increasing the amount of Customs and Border Protection and Immigration Customs Enforcement officers and addressing the critical needs along the border. I am a big supporter that in order to protect the border we have got to start off with optimum staffing levels of law enforcement agencies charged with protecting our borders. This is certainly true in my hometown of Laredo on the border. Your bill goes a long way towards addressing the staffing needs of CBP and ICE in Laredo as well as along our borders through substantive funding increases and extensive planning requirements. But there is certainly more work to be done, and I hope to be able to work with you, Mr. Chairman, and with your committee on addressing the staffing needs on these agencies, especially along the border in Laredo. Secondly, there is a serious condition along my area of the border caused by carrizo cane. This invasive plant grows wildly along the banks of the Rio Grande and conceals many illegal activities and illegal crossings. This is why the Riverbend Project in Laredo is so important. I am very appreciative of your supportive report language that reflects my proposed ideas about making the border more secure, and I hope to be able to continue to work with you and the ranking member in the committee to address this problem

Mr. CUELLAR. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I believe that the best method to secure our borders is through more law enforcement on the ground; more technology, which is cameras, sensors and air surveillance; and more detention beds. Again, this bill takes huge strides to address these needs. Mr. Chairman, I thank you for the time. And thank you to Mr. Sabo for the great work you have been doing.

Mr. CUELLAR. I yield to the gentleman from Kentucky.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Jose Ollervides, a highly regarded anchor with KLDO TV News, a subdivision of Univision. He was recently honored by the Texas State Teachers Association with the prestigious Texas School Bell Award for his excellent coverage on educational issues that affects teachers and students in the State of Texas. Mr. Ollervides is a highly intelligent, driven professional who is well-regarded in his community and among his peers in the broadcasting industry. He graduated from Universidad Del Noreste, in Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico with a Licenciado in Ciencas De La Comunicacion, which is similar to a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. Within ten years of his graduation from Universidad del Noreste in Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico, he attained the prestigious position of being a television reporter for the KLDO TV Station, an affiliate of Univision in Laredo, Texas. The station was rated by Nielsen as #1 for the last five years, where due to his strong work ethic, he was instrumental in reporting important news and events for the community of Laredo, Texas, and other affiliates such as KWEX TV Station in San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the great honor bestowed upon Mr. Jose Ollervides by the Texas State Teachers Association.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. John W. Montoya, chief patrol agent for the Laredo Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, for his incredible dedication to the city of Laredo, TX. He will retire from his long and distinguished 29 years of service in the Border Patrol on Friday, May 26, 2006. Mr. Montoya was born in Albuquerque, NM, where he spent his youth, and later attended El Paso Community College where he earned an associate in business administration. He also attended the University of New Mexico and the University of Texas at El Paso. He and his wife, Silvia, have six children. Mr. Montoya first joined the Border Patrol in 1976 as an agent in the El Paso Sector. In 1982, he was promoted to supervisory Border Patrol agent, a position he held until 1987, when he was promoted to deputy regional chief of the Border Patrol for the INS Regional Office in Dallas, TX. In 1990, he left the regional office for an appointment as assistant chief patrol agent for the Del Rio Sector, and after another tour in the Dallas Regional Office as assistant regional director for Border Patrol, he returned to Del Rio for the position of deputy chief patrol agent. In 2004, he was appointed and selected for the Senior Executive Service, SES, which is made up of leaders with proven executive skills, who have a strong commitment to government and to public service. As chief patrol agent for the Laredo Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, he was responsible for an area of 110,000 square miles and 172 river miles of border, with a large staff of 987 agents on board and 126 support personnel. The Laredo Sector extends as far north as the Oklahoma border and includes the cities of Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston. His service in law enforcement and protecting our border is truly commendable. It is always sad to lose such a valued member of the law enforcement community in South Texas, and I wish him and his family the best in their future endeavors. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the bravery and dedication of John W. Montoya.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Chairman, I respectfully disagree with Mr. Goode. I understand why he wants to protect the border, but being from the border, I understand that the military already provides technical support, construction of roads, clearing of brush; but they do have a very different mission from the Border Patrol. What we need to do is keep in mind that the Border Patrol's mission is to enforce immigration law. What we need is a smart, tough, border security policy, not the military, and certainly not a wall, but more technology and more Border Patrol agents. Being from the border, I understand what we need to work on, and I would ask the House to please consider the Members from the border that do live there and live there on a daily basis.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Judy Gruber and Mr. Robbie Greenblum for their community service to their religious community. They will be honored at the Annual L' Chaim celebration on May 22, 2006. Judy Gruber is a longtime supporter and member of Chabad Lubavitch of south Texas. She has served on the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation and on the San Antonio Association for Jewish Education and Rekindling Tradition committees. Robbie Greenblum is an immigration attorney in San Antonio, TX, and has been an ardent supporter of Chabad's outreach efforts in south Texas. He has been instrumental in organizing Chabad's Torah Study Group which has been ongoing for the past decade. He was a past chair of the Community Relations Council of Jewish Education and spearheaded the Latino and Black Jewish dialog programs. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize Ms. Judy Gruber's and Mr. Robbie Greenblum's dedication to community service.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. CUELLAR. Again, Mr. Chairman, I want to thank Chairman King and Mr. Thompson, also, for working in a bipartisan approach. I ask for approval of my amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, first of all I want to thank the chairman of the Homeland Security Committee and the ranking member, Mr. Thompson, for allowing me to present this particular amendment. I believe this amendment is acceptable to both gentlemen. Ensuring national security and promoting economic trade is critical to our Nation's future. Balancing security aspects while maintaining the efficient flow of trade at the United States land ports is critical. My amendment provides that the Secretary of Homeland Security look at the challenges for implementing border security programs while not hindering or negatively impacting the flow of trade and business at land ports. This is critical to land ports because in 2004, for example, the top 10 U.S. land ports for land trade with Canada and Mexico totaled over $635 billion. Land ports handle more than 20,000 containers coming through international ports of entry every day. The Port of Laredo in my hometown, for example, is the fourth busiest port overall in the United States, and the Nation's busiest inland port with $131 billion worth of goods and merchandise processed in 2004 alone. The Transportation Bureau of Statistics report for Laredo for 2004 reveals crossings of over 1.4 million commercial trucks, 3,400 trains with 317,000 containers, 38,000 buses, 4.5 million pedestrians, and 6.7 million private vehicles that cross the Laredo area. These statistics show the urgent need to examine and address the unique security challenges faced at land ports. H.R. 4954 is a good bill, and I certainly support this bill. I hope we can add this amendment, which is acceptable to both the chairman and the ranking member. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Adolfo E. Gutierrez for his induction as a laureate in the 2006 Laredo Business Hall of Fame, and for his incredible dedication to the City of Laredo, Texas. Adolfo E. Gutierrez was born and raised in Laredo, Texas. He graduated from J.W. Nixon High School in 1974 and graduated from Texas A&M University in 1977. Shortly after graduation, he started his first four businesses, Melanie's Auto Sales, Clark Car Clinic, Fancy G Iron Works, and later, 3-G Electrical Supply which he opened using the money from his first three businesses, at age 21 in Laredo. In 1979, Mr. Gutierrez married his high school sweetheart, Mary Alice York, and the couple have three children, Mary Kathryn, Adolfo Jr., and Amanda Leigh. At just thirty-nine years of age, Mr. Gutierrez joined Falcon National Bank as President and CEO. Under his leadership, Falcon Bank grew from 20 employees and $52 million in assets to 245 employees and over $500 million in assets, and includes offices in San Antonio, Eagle Pass, Buda, McAllen, Del Rio, and offices in Guadalajara and Monterrey in Mexico. Mr. Gutierrez has admirably served the community of Laredo, Texas, through his membership and work in several civic, social, educational, and governmental organizations such as the Laredo Under Seven Flags Rotary Club, the Salvation Army, the March of Dimes, and the United Way. For his dedication and hard work in making the Laredo business community stronger and better, he will be honored by the Junior Achievement League in his induction into the 2006 Business Hall of Fame. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the bravery and dedication of Adolfe E. Gutierrez, and I thank you for this time.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Mr. Samuel Alexander Meyer for his induction as a laureate in the 2006 Laredo Business Hall of Fame, and for his incredible dedication to the City of Laredo, Texas. Samuel Alexander Meyer was born on November 19th, 1917, the only child of the late Samuel Meyer of Rochester, New York, and Maryanne Alexander Meyer of Laredo, Texas. During his summers that he spent as a young boy with his Aunt Frances and Uncle Lewis Alexander on Victoria Street, he got to know the City of Laredo. He graduated from the University of Rochester in 1940 with a bachelor's degree and attended graduate school at the University of Texas with a degree in Spanish and Latin-American civilization. After graduation, Mr. Meyer served in the United States Navy for four years in the South Pacific as an ensign from 1941 to 1946, and joined the faculty at Laredo Junior College in 1947 where he taught Latin-American history and economics for five years. Mr. Meyer married Olga Rosenbaum, and had three children, Frances Carolyn, Miriam Alexis, and Alexander Samuel Meyer. In 1953, he became a co-owner of Laredo's only Studebaker automotive dealership, and then later assumed responsibility for one of Laredo's first men's stores, Alexander Fine Men's Wear. He also started Meyer Investments while running the family business. Mr. Meyer has admirably served the community of Laredo, Texas, through his membership and work in several civic, social, educational, and governmental organizations as chairman of the board of trustees at Laredo Community College, chairman of the board for the Laredo Public Library, member of the Child Welfare Board for Webb County, director of the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra, a member of the Socratic Club, president of the Civic Music Association, president of the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Laredo, president of the Astronomy Club, a member of the Somosiete hunting lodge, a member of the French Club, and a member of the Stardusters. For his dedication and hard work in making the Laredo business community stronger and better, he will be honored by the Junior Achievement League in his induction into the 2006 Business Hall of Fame. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the bravery and dedication of Samuel Alexander Meyer, and I thank you for this time.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Leo Greenblum for his induction as a laureate in the 2006 Laredo Business Hall of Fame, and for his incredible dedication to the City of Laredo, Texas. Leo Greenblum was born in 1923 in Augustow, Poland, and moved with his family to Tampico, Mexico, in 1926 in search of a better life. His family later moved to Nuevo Laredo, where his brother, Irving Greenblum, was born. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a chemical engineering degree in 1946 after his military service in World War II. Mr. Greenblum has admirably served the community of Laredo, Texas, through his membership and work in several civic, social, educational, and governmental organizations such as Tesoro Savings and Loan, Mercy Hospital, and the Nuevo Laredo Chamber of Commerce. He also operated Mueblerias Mexico, the largest retail furniture and accessory business in Nuevo Laredo, for 65 years, before closing the business in 2002 to enjoy retirement with his wife, Sue, and his three children and four grandchildren. For his dedication and hard work in making the Laredo business community stronger and better, he will be honored by the Junior Achievement League in his induction as a laureate into the 2006 Business Hall of Fame. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the bravery and dedication of Leo Greenblum, and I thank you for this time.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Irving Greenblum for his induction as a laureate in the 2006 Laredo Business Hall of Fame, and for his incredible dedication to the City of Laredo, Texas. Irving Greenblum was born in 1929 in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, and moved with his family as a young boy to the City of Laredo. He graduated from Martin High School in 1946 and later graduated from the University of Texas in 1950 with a degree in Latin-American economics. Mr. Greenblum has admirably served the community of Laredo, Texas, through his membership and work in several civic, social, educational, and governmental organizations such as the Banco BCH, Laredo Philharmonic, Children's Museum, San Antonio Manor Home for the Aged, Ruth B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center, Congregation Agudas Achim, and the DeMolay Masonic Children. In addition to his community service, Mr. Greenblum has served on the boards of International Bancshares Corp. and International Bank of Commerce. He currently serves as president and founding member of the Laredo Area Community Foundation. For his dedication and hard work in making the Laredo business community stronger and better, he will be honored by the Junior Achievement League in his induction into the 2006 Business Hall of Fame. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the bravery and dedication of Irving Greenblum, and I thank you for this time.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Ruben M. Garcia on his 75th birthday and for his remarkable dedication to the City of Laredo, Texas. Ruben M. Garcia was born on April 27th, 1931, to Manuel B. Garcia and Elena Montemayor, in Laredo, Texas. He graduated from Martin High School in 1950 and served his country in the Korean War. After his wartime service, he returned back to Laredo and married Helen Ramirez. Mr. Garcia has admirably served the community of Laredo, Texas, through his membership and work in several civic, social, educational, and governmental organizations such as the Federal Reserve Bank of San Antonio, Central Power and Light Board, Laredo Junior College, Laredo Development Foundation, Laredo Chamber of Commerce, South Texas Private Industry Council, Laredo International Fair & Expedition. In addition to his community service, Mr. Garcia was honored as the Laredo Morning Times Man of the Year in 1974. Since his retirement from his family business in the construction industry, he has dedicated himself to raising cattle. For his dedication and hard work in the ranching industry, he was honored as Rancher of the Year by the Laredo International Fair and Expedition in 2006. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the bravery and dedication of Ruben M. Garcia.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jose ``Lefty'' Martinez, a lifelong resident of Laredo, for his bravery and service to the nation during World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Jose Martinez passed away recently on March 23rd, 2006, in San Antonio, Texas. There were many that lost their lives during World War II, however, Lefty Martinez's valiant return reminded us of the sacrifices made in defending our freedom and liberty. It was the call to service that drew Lefty at the age of seventeen. It was March 1946, when Lefty had enlisted in the Marine Corps, which took him to the Barbers Point Naval Air Station in Hawaii, working on C-46 and C-54 aircraft transports. When his two-year tour was cut to fifteen months, however, he remained with aviation for years after he left the Marine Corps as a civilian contractor. Veterans' training benefits gave him the opportunity to receive federal licensing as an aircraft mechanic, enabling him to serve all over the United States and in places such as the Philippines, Thailand, France, and Vietnam. In Vietnam, he lost half of his civilian contract crew during the 1968 Tet Offensive, and shortly afterwards, he returned back to Laredo, Texas. In Laredo, Lefty joined veteran organizations and was the commander of the Catholic War Veterans Post 1908. He also was a former member of the American Legion, VFW, Marine Corps League and Vietnam Veterans of America. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree Assembly No. 2565, and a former member of the Laredo Evening Lions Club and the Webb County Heritage Foundation. What I remember about Lefty was his dedication to his country. In the spare time he had, he always stopped by the middle and high schools to talk about his war experiences, and he showed the importance in serving one's country with honor and dignity. It is a great loss to this country to have lost such a great veteran, and I hope we will continue to treat our veterans today with the respect they deserve. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the bravery and dedication of Jose ``Lefty'' Martinez.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th anniversary of Marion State Bank in Marion, TX. The Marion State Bank was granted a State charter on October 26, 1906, 30 years after the establishment of Marion as a town. The Marion State Bank has operated for almost a century without changing ownership and has not merged with any other banking institutions, ranking it seventh in the State of Texas in terms of longevity, and one of the original 130 chartered banks in the State of Texas. In addition, the Marion State Bank will celebrate its 100th anniversary with total assets of close to $43 million. It has served as a major partner in the economic growth of the greater Marion community for a century which includes the communities of New Berlin, Marion, Zuehl, and Santa Clara. The bank has assisted farmers and ranchers to produce crops, buy cattle and land as the major economy of the 80- square-mile area that they have served for the past century. The Marion State Bank stands as an exemplary banking institution that has provided the community with stability and commitment to the future of the citizens of the greater Marion community. The bank has weathered many outside influences and economic changes, but it stands today as a symbol of a home-owned bank that brings a sense of community in an ever-changing and fast-paced world. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to honor the 100th anniversary of Marion State Bank in the State of Texas.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Judge Marcel Notzon II, who has admirably served Laredo for the past twenty-three years as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of Texas. After such a long and distinguished career, Judge Notzon is retiring this month to spend time with his wife of forty-four years, Nora Lee, and his thirteen grandchildren. It is a great honor for me to enter into the record the accomplishments of Judge Notzon in recognition of his legal career which has spanned over thirty-nine years, and extraordinary service to the federal judiciary. He served his country as a part of the United States Navy from 1956 to 1960, and was honorably discharged from his service. Following his discharge, he attended Laredo Junior College, and went on to complete law school at St. Mary's University, where he graduated first in his class. Judge Notzon is well-known in Laredo for his compassion for people, including the defendants that come in front of him in the court. He has made great contributions to the community as well through his involvement with the Boys and Girls Club of Laredo, Little League, and other charities since 1974. Early in his legal career, he joined the Laredo Legal Aid Society, an organization that offers legal representation to those who otherwise could not afford it. It is his exemplary compassion, and his deep commitment to his faith that makes him such a great public servant to the community of Laredo. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me to honor Judge Marcel Notzon II, who has left a lasting impact on the South Texas legal community, and the country at large.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rosendo Carranco, an upstanding citizen of Laredo, Texas, who was recently awarded the Spirit of Jerusalem Award by the state of Israel. It is a great honor for me to enter into the Record the accomplishments of Mr. Carranco in tribute to his dedication to the business community, and numerous charitable works that have benefited the citizens of Laredo. After he graduated from Texas A&M University in 1977, he returned to Laredo to start his own accounting firm, Carranco & Lawson, where his wife, Mary, serves as partner. In addition to his work as an accountant, Mr. Carranco works as a real estate developer whose work includes the Cielito Lindo subdivision, and he is also involved in various business ventures that include insurance, oil, and gas. He and his wife, Mary are the proud parents of three children, Andrew, Kathryn, and Robert. Mr. Carranco is well known in Laredo for his gregarious and outgoing demeanor as well as numerous contributions to community service. He is a beloved coach in the local youth basketball, football, and baseball teams as well as a highly active participant in the Boys and Girls Club, Young President's Organization, United Way, Junior Achievement, Laredo A&M Club, and Daybreak Rotary organizations. His exemplary compassion and his deep commitment to his faith make him a fine role model for young people in Laredo, Texas. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me to honor Rosendo Carranco, recipient of the Spirit of Jerusalem Award by the state of Israel.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. First of all, I want to thank Mr. Keller and Mr. Miller for the work they have been doing on this particular bill, H.R. 609. My amendment is a very straightforward amendment that allows the student aid application process to be simple and straightforward and make sure that it complies with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, to make sure that it meets the expectations of today's students. We want to make sure that we reduce the paperwork, and when we talk about student aid, that we minimize the amount of paperwork involved; and especially when we work on trying to get the free application for Federal student aid paperwork and the other work to make sure that when a student is trying to get this information, we reduce the paperwork and make it as simple as possible. The second part of the amendment calls for a one-stop center for finding financial aid for students. As Members know, in order to get this information, whether you are talking about students, parents, or counselors across the Nation, it is sometimes difficult to get this information. The more we can enhance the one-stop center so the information is in one place, this will make it easier on the students and make sure that we do one thing, and that is, make student aid opportunities as accessible and as simple as possible for the students, the parents and the counselors. I believe this amendment is acceptable to both Mr. George Miller and Mr. Keller. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Again, I thank Mr. Keller and Mr. Miller for allowing me to present this particular amendment. This amendment is very simple. It deals with the Pell Grant Plus. The Pell Grant Plus is an excellent program that allows extra financial aid to students that take the extra recommended courses or the college preparatory courses. Studies show that students who take the college preparatory courses, two things are going to happen: one, their success rate in college increases, and the second part is that the probability or the possibility of those students going off to college will increase. So providing this incentive through Pell Grant Plus to make sure that they take the college preparatory courses is good for all students across the Nation. This amendment, what it does is instead of just allowing the academic courses from universities, this allows students to take the certificates from universities or colleges across the Nation to be allowed to take this Pell Grant Plus and to be eligible to receive Federal student aid. Examples of certificate programs from my district and across the United States, Palo Alto College provides certificate programs in accounting and electromechanical technology. Texas A&M International University in Laredo allows education certificates in early, middle school and high school education, and other universities also do this. This allows the students who take those certificate programs to be eligible for the Pell Grant Plus. Again, the Pell Grant Plus is an excellent incentive, and what I am trying to do is make sure that students across the board take those college preparatory courses. This will be good for education in general. Again, I believe this amendment is acceptable to Mr. Keller and to Mr. Miller also. Madam Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Betty Flores, an accomplished mayor from my hometown of Laredo, Texas. Mr. Speaker, Mayor Flores was elected mayor of Laredo in 1998. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to bring Laredo into the 21st century with success and pride. Whether it be through economic development or the rich culture Laredo is known for, Mayor Flores has been there finding ways to advance the city's agenda. Last year, Laredo received its highest financial rating in its 227- year history. This is the consequence of Laredo being one of the Nation's largest land ports, with 74 of the Fortune 100 companies and 52 countries conducting international trade via the Port of Laredo. Mayor Flores has earned many awards including Laredo Times Laredoan of the Year and Texas Women of the Century from the Woman's Chamber of Commerce of Texas. This is Mayor Flores's last year in office, and she will be missed. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have the opportunity to honor a citizen like Mayor Betty Flores.