Henry Cuellar

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Chair, during rollcall vote No. 405 on H.R. 2822, I mistakenly recorded my vote as ``yea'' when I should have voted ``nay.''

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 419, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' Amendment No. 47 Offered by Mr. Salmon

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, 95 percent of all consumers are outside the United States. When you look at who exports and who is involved in international trade, over 80 percent of the companies that do this are small- and medium-sized companies. In fact, in the State of Texas, 93 percent of all the companies that export are small- and medium-sized companies. One point that we understand, if we want to make sure that labor and environmental standards are higher in those countries that we want to deal with, the only way we can do that is by engaging, by talking, and by having a conversation; and that is why these trade agreements are important. Again, I support a TPA. I support TAA. On TPP, let's reserve our judgment, and let's make a decision on the facts at this time.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a noteworthy occasion: the fiftieth anniversary of Laredo Beauty College, Inc. For five decades, this school has served the community by providing thousands of aspiring stylists with the training they need to succeed, as well as providing affordably priced salon services to the general public. Upon its opening in 1965, Laredo Beauty College was the first cosmetology school in the Laredo area. The vision behind this significant contribution to the community was Peggy Dietrick, commonly known as Ms. Peggy. At the time of its founding, the school only offered courses in cosmetology. It has since expanded to include manicuring and cosmetology instructor courses as well. Today, Laredo Beauty College has 102 students and 17 staff members. The school is exceptional in the dedication it inspires in both students and staff, with many of the staff having worked for the school for over twenty years. One of the current owners, Judy Rodriguez, was a former student, and has been involved with the school for 43 years. Peggy Dietrick and her niece, Deborah Dietrick, make up the remainder of the school's ownership. In 1975, the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences recognized Laredo Beauty College for its achievements by conferring upon it national accreditation status. The school is currently a member of both the American Association of Cosmetology Schools and the Cosmetology Educators of America. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize the Laredo Beauty College for having been such an essential part of their community for the past fifty years.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I support TPA to give the President the authority to negotiate this agreement. It is very simple. A lot of those countries are already able to send their goods into our country duty free. What we want to do is allow our exporting companies to be able to export to those countries duty free, also, so we can send our goods over there. Look at what has happened in Texas. Texas exported more than $289 billion last year, up 146 percent from 2004. Let's look at the number of companies that export. They are not the big companies. Ninety-three percent of those 40,737 exporting companies were small- and medium- sized businesses. Again, Members, I ask you to please support TPA. It is good for Texas; it is good for the United States, and it is a no-brainer to allow us to export to those countries.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Delegate Plaskett for yielding the time to me, and thank you so much also to the majority manager for speaking in favor of this bill. And certainly I also want to thank Chairman Chaffetz and Ranking Member Cummings for their leadership and support, along with the committee members, for bringing this bill to the floor. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 891, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service, located at 141 Paloma Drive in Floresville, Texas, as the Floresville Veterans Post Office Building. Floresville is the county seat of Wilson County, Texas, which has 4,636 veterans currently residing there. Just across the street from this postal facility is the Frank M. Tejeda Texas State Veterans Home, which currently houses about 154 of our American veterans. It is fitting that we provide this acknowledgement to our Floresville veterans directly across the street from where many of them live now. There are many stories from veterans all across Wilson County that have served, but I want to highlight a few of those from Floresville. Let me start first with Frank Villarreal, who is a veteran who served in Vietnam with the U.S. Navy Seawolves helicopter squadron, which provided support for the Navy SEALs. Mr. Villarreal has received 15 awards for his service, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Gallantry Cross with Palm and Frame, the Civil Action Color with Palm and Frame, and the Combat Aircrewman Insignia. To highlight a couple of other gentlemen also, Pedro Devora and Rufino Gonzales both served on the same ship in World War II, on the USS Sangamon. They survived a kamikaze attack on their vessel, and they went home to live long lives in Floresville. Additionally, I want to also say that Mr. Devora and Mr. Gonzales obtained the medals they earned during their service that they recently just got from the Department of the Navy. For Mr. Devora, these medals are the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Honorable Service Lapel Pin, and the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with the Bronze Star also. For Mr. Gonzales, these medals include the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, the Combat Action Ribbon, along with the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal along with the Bronze Star also. Again, those are only just a few examples of the men and women from Wilson County--in particular, from Floresville--that have served. So I want to acknowledge the sacrifice of those veterans along with the veterans from my 28th Congressional District, individuals who served and put their country ahead of self and for whom I am recognizing with the renaming of the Floresville postal facility service. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank also the work of The American Legion Post 38 in Floresville and the VFW Post 8555 in Wilson County for the work that they have done in supporting our local veterans. The VFW Post 8555 in Wilson County has done a great job, and I want to thank them. So, Mr. Speaker, and to our ranking member and our ranking delegate, I just want to say thank you so much.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. I thank the ranking member for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, President John F. Kennedy once said: ``The U.S. did not rise to greatness waiting for others to lead. Economic isolation and political leadership are wholly incompatible.'' This is the moment for the United States to lead. I am voting ``yes'' on the trade bills that we have today. Trade is good for the United States: 95 percent of all consumers are outside the United States. Trade is good for Texas: last year we had over $289 billion of goods exported from Texas; 1.1 million jobs were created in Texas; millions of other jobs were created in the United States. Now, who are those small companies? Who are those companies exporting? Ninety-three percent of those companies in Texas are small- and medium-sized, so therefore this is how we create good jobs here in the United States. Ladies and gentlemen, let's support fair trade. Again, I ask you to support the trade bill today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. I thank the ranking member for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, I am an original cosponsor of H.R. 2393, the Country of Origin Labeling Amendments Act. As it has been discussed in this debate, the WTO has made its fourth and final ruling against the United States. Farmers and ranchers in my district in Texas will be hit with tariffs if we don't act right away. COOL has already put a burden on the beef, chicken, and pork producers in the State of Texas. For example, Texas cattlemen are required to spend another $35 to $45 per animal just to comply with complex cattle identification requirements mandated by COOL. This cost will only get worse if retaliatory tariffs are implemented on our exports, tariffs which are completely legal under the World Trade Organization agreement that we have. For example, I have spoken to my friends on the other side of the river, on the Mexican side, and they said that the American products that will be hit by tariffs include beef, wine, corn, corn syrup, furniture, dairy products, machinery, and a range of fruits and vegetables. That doesn't even include the tariffs that the Canadians will put, which probably includes jewelry, bread, beef, tomato products, and other goods. Again, we cannot afford these tariffs, and we should pass the amendments to this COOL bill that we have to remove the threat of those tariffs completely. In Texas, we raise beef, chicken, and pork that is ``made in the U.S.'' We only ask that this be voluntary labeling. We should act quickly to avoid those tariffs, so we don't punish those farmers and ranchers in the State of Texas. I thank the ranking member and the chairman for all the good work they have done.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Chairman, first of all, I want to thank the ranking member, Mr. Price, for the leadership that he has provided in this committee, and also, thank you to his staff. I also want to thank my friend Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart for his leadership in working on this bill in a bipartisan way. There are a couple things I just want to point out that are important to the State of Texas. First of all, one of the issues that we worked on together was to make sure that we direct the Federal highway authority to continue to develop a freight network that connects to our high-volume land ports of entry. Some of the maps that I have seen show that they don't connect to the land ports; but just to give you an idea, in my hometown of Laredo, the largest inland port, if you look at the trucks that come in, those are 12,000 trailers every single day. This is why this particular language got added: to make sure that the freight is connected to land ports of entry and will make sure that American communities are able to get products that are coming into the United States. The other thing I do want to emphasize that was put in in this particular bill has to do with encouraging the standardization of passenger rail standards between the U.S. and Mexico, which means basically from the San Antonio area to the Laredo area to the Monterrey area, and this is something that will be one of the first. I want to thank the chairman and the ranking member for putting in that language. Finally, the last thing I want to bring up is the language that helps HUD pay a little bit more attention to colonias. As you know, colonias are third-world communities that have no water and no sewage. Putting in this type of language will help thousands of people that live in third-world conditions. After speaking to Secretary Castro and speaking to the chairman and the ranking member, Mr. Price, this will put a focus on that. I want to thank the ranking member for his good work. I also thank my friend, the chairman, so much for working with me on this language.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Judson High School women's track and field team for their second state championship win under the leadership of Coach Renee Gerbich. On Saturday, May 16th, the Judson Rockets earned their spot as champions when Darionne Gibson, Dominique Allen, Zantori Dickerson, and Mariah Kuykendall won the gold medal in the final event of the UIL 6A state championship in Austin, the 1,600-meter relay. In the last eleven seasons, the team has won nine regional titles and two state championships. Last year, the Judson Rockets became the first women's track and field team in the Greater San Antonio area to win a state title in the UIL's 6A classification. As well as their triumph in the final event, the team broke the area record for the 200 with senior Kiana Horton's gold medal-winning performance. Kiana Horton, Talajah Murrell, Konstance James, and Kiara Pickens broke the city and school records for the 400-meter relay, winning the silver medal. They were joined at the championship by junior Maia Campbell, who competed in shot put. Mr. Speaker, this is a momentous occasion for Judson High School and I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize the Judson Rockets for their record-setting victory.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Mr. Joseph Alexander Scott, Jr. The City of San Antonio and the Great State of Texas lost a community leader, civic activist, job creator, and friend with the passing of this great man. Born on January 31, 1928 in Dallas, Joe Scott spent his life in service to those around him. From his service as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army in the Korean War to his fourteen years as a teacher in Edgewood ISD and his unmatched record as a leader in his Eastside community, Joe Scott truly embodied the concept of service above self. Mr. Scott earned a bachelor's degree from Prairie View A&M University, a Master's degree from Our Lady of the Lake University, and attended St. Mary's University Law School. Mr. Scott was first and foremost a family man. He was the first African-American licensed insurance agent in San Antonio and founded World Technical Services, Inc. (WTS) to provide jobs for people with severe disabilities and those who are unable to find employment due to past substance abuse or incarceration. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to honor the legacy of Joseph Alexander Scott, Jr. He was my dear friend. I will miss his friendship and the City of San Antonio will miss his leadership, but his legacy will live on and he will be forever remembered.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Azerbaijanis around the world, in celebration of Republic Day on May 28. Republic Day commemorates Azerbaijan's declaration of its independence from the Russian Empire in 1918, becoming the first Muslim democratic secular republic in the region. Although only lasting two years, the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan achieved considerable success in state-building and creating educational foundations for future generations. The Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan granted suffrage to women shortly after its creation, ahead of most Western democracies. Despite all of its successes, the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan was not in a position to weather the occupational forces of the then newly formed Soviet Russia. Consequently, Azerbaijan temporarily lost its independence in 1920 and later was brought into the U.S.S.R. In 1990, Azerbaijan regained its independence from the U.S.S.R., ending 70 years of Soviet rule. On August 30, 1991, Azerbaijan's Parliament adopted the Declaration on the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and on October 18, 1991, the independence was approved by the adoption of a Constitutional Act. Since its independence, the Republic of Azerbaijan has been an ally and is among the first nations who offered unconditional support to the United States in the global War on Terrorism, providing its airspace and the use of its airports for Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Today, Azerbaijan continues to be a strategic partner with the U.S. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking the people of Azerbaijan for their valuable partnership and congratulate Azerbaijanis around the world on the 97th anniversary of Republic Day.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the ranking member for yielding, number one. Number two, I want to thank him for the steady leadership he has provided as the ranking member. I also want to thank my good friend from Texas, John Culberson. We go back to the State legislature. I thank him for his leadership on this one particular issue that I want to bring up today, and that is the work that we are doing together in adding 55 new immigration judges--the largest amount of immigration judges that we are going to have at one time. So I want to thank him for working together to add that money, as well as the accountability for those judges. We have got to make sure that we not only have the judges, but we have got to make sure that they move those cases with all due process given to everybody--and to move them as soon as possible. I also thank him for the work that we have done on Stone Garden and other border law enforcement needs. Why do we need those new judges? Because right now there are more than 450,000 pending cases. There is a large backlog of immigration cases. There are about 250 judges right now, with about 58 courtrooms across the Nation, but we need to do more. If you look at the casework of an immigration judge, that person will handle about 2,100 cases. If you look at a Federal judge, that judge will handle about 440 cases. You can see the large amount of cases that we have. So, basically, some of those cases are taking about 2\1/2\ years to handle, and therefore we need to make sure that we have the judges in place to handle the backlog that we have. Just to give you an example, just in the last 6 months, 170,000 people crossed the border. Therefore, we need those judges. To conclude, I want to thank the chairman and his staff, as well as the ranking member and his staff.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Colonel (Retired) Jose Gerardo Garcia, M.D. of Laredo, Texas. Jose Gerardo Garcia was born on the 21st of November, 1935 to Gerardo and Anita Garcia in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. He received a Bachelors in Biological Sciences at la Escuela Preparatoria Federal and his Medical Doctor degree from la Universidad de Nuevo Leon Medical School in Monterrey in 1957. Following graduation, he completed psychiatry internships at Warren State Hospital in Warren, Pennsylvania and Austin State Hospital in Austin, Texas. IN 1965, Dr. Garcia became a naturalized citizen of the United States. His love of country compelled him to enlist in the United States Army in 1969. Dr. Garcia's 20 years of service allowed him to use his medical training, serve his country, and help others. Beginning as a major at Fort Dix in New Jersey and then as a surgeon in the Army National Guard, 36th Airborne division, he developed an expertise in aerospace medicine. With this knowledge, Dr. Garcia became a charter member of the U.S. Army Aviation branch upon its creation in 1983. Additionally, he was the first native Mexican physician assigned to the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General at the Pentagon, a position that allowed him to work directly with the White House physician. Following his promotion to the rank of colonel, Medical Corps, Dr. Garcia served as dean of the U.S. Army School of Aviation at Fort Rucker in Alabama. Dr. Garcia has been the first and only Hispanic to occupy this post. Additionally, Dr. Garcia served as chief training supervisor for the VA hospital in Houston, Texas, certified NASA flight surgeon supporting Space Shuttle landings at two primary landing sites, and as a medical consultant to the Texas Department of Corrections for inmates on death row. Dr. Garcia was also integral to the U.S. Army's adoption of research and clinical hyperbaric medicine. After 20 years of distinguished service, Dr. Garcia transferred to Reserve duty in 1989. In 1990 he married Yolanda Davila and settled in Laredo where he continued to practice medicine and be an active member of the community until his passing. Dr. Garcia served as medical director of Charter Hospital of Laredo, CEO and medical director of St. Joseph's Psychiatric Day Treatment Center and Laredo Drug Detection Services, medical director of Casa Amistad/San Antonio State Hospital, senior psychiatrist of Border Region MHMR, and clinical assistant professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. This beloved family man and talented doctor will be dearly missed and forever remembered for his faith, altruism, optimism, patriotism, and wisdom. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to honor the legacy of Colonel (Retired) Jose Gerardo Garcia, M.D. His exemplary service to this country and the people of Laredo will not be forgotten.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Consuelo Raymond Kazen, a lifelong Laredoan and wife of our former colleague, the late Congressman Abraham ``Chick'' Kazen, Jr. Consuelo R. Kazen died Sunday, March 22, 2015 in Laredo, Texas. Over the course of her long life, Mrs. Kazen gave her ``considerable creative talents and passion'' to a number of community organizations, building up a reputation as a widely revered citizen and well-respected teacher. She was actively involved in the Pan American Round Table, the Texas Senate Ladies Club, the Texas State Teachers Association, the Congressional Texas State Society, the Society of Martha Washington, and the Laredo Doll Club. A devoted Catholic, Connie was also a Lady in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre. Consuelo Raymond Kazen was born the 6th of May 1919 to Mr. and Mrs. Manuel J. and Santos Zapata Raymond Jr. who preceded her in death. Her beloved husband, Congressman Abraham ``Chick'' Kazen, Jr.; sisters, Teresa Raymond Flores and Mary Sanchez; and brother, Adolfo Raymond have also preceded her in death. Mrs. Kazen is survived by her sisters, Gloria Woods, Chabela Martinez and Zita Coffey; brothers, Manuel J. (Angelina) Raymond Jr. and Rolando (Amada) Raymond her children, Abraham Kazen III, Norma Kazen, Christina (Ronny) Attal, Catherine Kazen, and Jo Betsy Kazen as well as eleven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. She will be remembered as a ``nurturing mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend'' who will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and community. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to have the opportunity to honor the legacy of this great Laredoan, Consuelo Raymond Kazen. Her many contributions to South Texas and the City of Laredo will not be forgotten.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize retiring Pleasanton City Councilwoman Jeanne Burton Israel. She has served with distinction, and is now ending her tenure after six years on the Pleasanton City Council. A San Antonio native, Jeanne moved to Atascosa County in 1982, becoming the first female Fuel and Ash Operator at San Miguel Electric Power Plant. Two years later she relocated to her current home of Pleasanton. After twelve years at San Miguel Electric, Jeanne Israel started Errand Girl Services, a courier service in Pleasanton. Her position as a small business owner propelled her into local politics and in 2000 she served as Treasurer for the Atascosa County MHMR. Mrs. Israel also became an active and esteemed member of her local Lions Club, known for her initiative and dedication to the community. She founded and served as the advisor to the Lions' youth organization, the Pleasanton Leo Club from 2002 until 2006. Sitting on several City Charter Review Committees sparked her interest in local government and prompted her to run for a seat on the city council in 2009. From 2009 to 2015 Mrs. Israel has represented the people of District 6 on the Pleasanton City Council. During her 6-year tenure, she has been an avid supporter of the arts and has backed efforts to preserve and protect county history. Mrs. Israel has also been a proponent of education and increased citizen involvement in government. She has also worked to revitalize Pleasanton's downtown area and improve city infrastructure. In recognition of her outstanding service to the City of Pleasanton and the people of District 6, she has received awards from multiple community organizations in Pleasanton including the Pleasanton Lion of the Year, the Sons of Hermann Lodge #310 Humanitarian Award, and the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Jeanne Burton Israel on the occasion of her retirement from the Pleasanton City Council. Her years of dedication and commitment to her community have made Pleasanton, Texas a better place.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pleasanton City Councilman J.R. Gallegos on the occasion of his retirement after twenty-three consecutive years of service to the people of Atascosa County and the City of Pleasanton. J.R. Gallegos began his career as a public servant in 1989 when he was appointed to the Pleasanton Housing Authority Board of Directors. Three years later, at the age of twenty-eight, Mr. Gallegos was first elected to the Pleasanton City Council, representing the people of District Four. Since then, he has served on the Pleasanton City Council for twenty-three years. Mr. Gallegos has also been involved in a number of other community organizations and committees in Atascosa County and the City of Pleasanton. Over the last two decades, Mr. Gallegos has dedicated his career to improving and enriching the lives of Pleasanton residents. During his time on the City Council, he has supported the construction of a municipal airport terminal, the police and public works departments, and a sports complex. Mr. Gallegos was also involved in plans for the wastewater treatment plant expansion, the Civic Center and Library, City Hall renovations, and a variety of other infrastructure improvements. His contributions have been described as ``vastly improving the quality of life'' for Pleasanton citizens. It is clear that he has helped to ``pave the way to a bright future'' for the City of Pleasanton. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize J.R. Gallegos for his twenty- three years of outstanding service as a Pleasanton City Councilman.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the accomplishments of retiring City Councilman Roger Garza of Pleasanton, Texas. He has proudly represented the people of District 5 for eighteen years and has been crucial to the growth and prosperity of Atascosa County and the City of Pleasanton. A lifelong resident of Atascosa County, Mr. Garza attended Jourdanton Elementary and graduated from Pleasanton Independent Schools. After graduating, Roger enrolled in San Antonio College where he studied oil painting, still life portraits, and photography. With a keen interest in and talent for art, Mr. Garza went on to open Pleasanton Floral Photography and Tuxedo in 1975, which he still owns and operates today. As a small business owner and Atascosa County native, Mr. Garza has long-been active in local community and political affairs. Prior to his election to Pleasanton's City Council, he was a key player in the successful redistricting of Atascosa County. This success is what prompted him to run for Pleasanton City Council eighteen years ago. During his eighteen-year tenure on the city council, Roger Garza has supported and overseen the development and completion of the Pleasanton Civic Center, the cleaning of the Atascosa River, and the approval of the construction firm for a new fire station. In addition to his exemplary career as a public servant and small business owner, Mr. Garza is a committed husband and father of five. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize Councilman Roger Garza for his eighteen years of service to the City of Pleasanton.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Trevino family of Zapata, Texas. Six brothers--Teodoro, Antonio, Anselmo, Filiberto, Jr., Leopoldo, and Jose Manuel--proudly served the United States of America in World War II. Combined, the brothers served a total of fifteen and a half years, and by the end of the war, each was honorably discharged. The Trevino brothers were born to the late Filiberto Trevino and Luisa Cuellar Trevino. During World War II, Teodoro, the eldest, served in the Medical Corps; Antonio served in the Coastal Artillery; Anselmo served in the Engineer Corps; Filiberto, Jr. served in the U.S. Army Air Corps; Leopoldo served in the Field Artillery; and Jose Manuel, the youngest of the brothers, served in the Infantry. Despite the distance between them, the brothers were miraculously able to meet with one another over the course of their service; Antonio was fortunate enough to see each of his brothers. Despite the many hardships the brothers faced during their service, each was able to overcome whatever obstacles were presented. With support from their loved ones back home--as well as one another--the Trevino brothers dutifully served their country. They were brave, fearlessly taking down enemy planes and saving fellow soldiers by covering them with their own bodies to shield them from incoming enemy fire. After four and half years of wartime, the Trevino family was finally reunited. By June of 1946, all six of the brothers had returned home to Zapata, Texas. They were proud of their service, and it is with great pleasure that they share their experiences with their children and grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize the Trevino family for their incredible service to our great nation and their fellow countrymen during World War II.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Hilario ``Lalo'' Rodriguez of Laredo, Texas on the occasion of his retirement. For the last 42 years, Mr. Rodriguez has become a renowned and respected member of both the Laredo and HEB communities. Lalo Rodriguez began his career with HEB in 1972 as a carryout at the original Laredo 3 store. From there, he rose in the ranks, serving as a department manager in Carrizo Springs, Hondo, and Eagle Pass and then as top store leader in Crystal City in 1984. Most recently, Mr. Rodriguez served as a Unit Director in Laredo stores 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. As a result, he has emerged as a tenet of the HEB organization in Laredo. Over the last 42 years, Mr. Rodriguez has developed a reputation as an exemplary leader and role model at HEB. His colleagues describe him as ``one of Laredo's most iconic top store leaders'' and credit him with helping to position HEB as ``the retailer of choice'' in Laredo. During his 42-year tenure, Mr. Rodriguez has been a ``positive role model,'' helping to empower the next generation of leaders in Southwest area stores. Mr. Rodriguez is celebrated for his business acumen and love of the job. Many have attributed the rise of HEB in Laredo to his leadership and hard work. Overall, he will be remembered as being an effective business owner and merchant, as well as an exceptional developer of people. In addition to his 42 years of exemplary service to HEB, Mr. Rodriguez is a devoted husband and father of four daughters. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize Hilario ``Lalo'' Rodriguez for his 42 years of service to HEB and the people of Laredo.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a noteworthy American: Carlos Villarreal. From April of 2007 until 2014, Mr. Villarreal served as City Manager of Laredo, Texas. In his own words, he worked diligently to ``shape the growth and prosperity of [his] community.'' Carlos Villarreal graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration. He began his career in public service with the City of Laredo, serving as the Director of Community Development. During his time in this role, he became the department's chief planner and director for the renewal of urban housing programs, working tirelessly to ensure affordable housing for low-income Laredoans. Mr. Villarreal then served as the Assistant City Manager for ten years and went on to become the Executive Administrator for Webb County, where he oversaw the administration and management of all county departments and worked with county officials to improve county services. For the past eight years, Mr. Villarreal has served as the City Manager of Laredo. With his experience in government spanning over thirty-five years, Mr. Villarreal successfully procured two presidential permits for the Colombia Solidarity Bridge and World Trade Bridge, both of which allowed Laredo's port to become the country's number one land port for commercial trade. He has also maintained a valuable working relationship with the Mexican government at the local, state, and federal levels. Mr. Villarreal has also served as Past President of LULAC Council #12. He is the recipient of various awards such as the Republic of Mexico-Jose Lopez Portillo Presidential Medal for Outstanding Service, the Sportsman of the Year by the Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame, and the Tejano Achievers Award for Community Service. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize Carlos Villarreal for his outstanding service to the City of Laredo and its people.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the annual Church of St. Paul's ``Holy Smoke'' BBQ Cook-Off which takes place each March 6th and 7th, 2015 in the city of Mission, Texas. The ``Holy Smoke'' BBQ Cook-Off is an International Barbeque Cookers Association state championship event; the occasion features a festive combination of good music and good eating, with proceeds going to fund scholarships for area youth. Talented barbeque chefs from Texas face off to see who can cook up the tastiest brisket, pork spareribs, and chicken, along with beans, fajitas, pan de campo, and desserts. The ``Holy Smoke'' BBQ Cook-Off is an exciting time for young and old alike and is a much-anticipated gathering for residents of South Texas due to the scholarship assistance it provides to students in furthering their education. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize this celebration of Lone Star State-style food and music.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Mexico's Secretary of Agriculture, Enrique Martinez y Martinez. Secretary Martinez y Martinez's career has been characterized by extraordinary leadership and service to the people of Mexico. Before beginning his career, Secretary Martinez y Martinez attended the Monterrey Institute of Technology, where he majored in economics. From 1976 to 1978, he served as State of Coahuila Treasury Undersecretary in charge of revenues. He next served as Mayor of Saltillo, Capital of the State of Coahuila from 1979 to 1981. In 1981, he became Coahuila State General Secretary, and served in this position until 1987. Other leadership roles Secretary Martinez y Martinez has held include Chairman of the State Electoral Commission, State of Coahuila Municipal Development Director, Chairman of the National Conference of Governors (CONAGO), Chairman of the Border Governors Conference, Chairman of the Public Administration National Institute in the State of Coahuila, Federal Congressman in Mexico's 54th and 57th Congress, Chairman of the Regional Development and Production Support Committee, and Member of the Treasury and Public Credit Committee. From 1999 to 2005, he served as Governor of the State of Coahuila. He assumed the role Secretary of the Agriculture, Cattle Industry, Rural Development, Fishery and Food Ministry in 2012. Secretary Enrique Martinez y Martinez's service exemplifies a shining example of humility and dedication. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize Mexico's Secretary of Agriculture, Enrique Martinez y Martinez for his many accomplishments and great contributions to our neighbor to the south.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retiring acting Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, Thomas S. Winkowski. He has served with distinction, and is now ending his tenure after a 39-year career with CBP and other border security agencies. His tireless efforts have helped keep our borders secure and improved the efficiency and effectiveness of our border operations. Thomas Winkowski joined the U.S. Customs Service in 1975 as a cooperative education student. Upon graduating from Boston's Northeastern University in 1978, he was assigned to Los Angeles where he became a Customs inspector. He has subsequently served as Miami's port director, director at Los Angeles International Airport as well as Director of field operations in Miami from 2002 to 2007. Mr. Winkowski assumed the role of acting commissioner on March 30th, 2013, taking the lead role of the 60,000-employee Customs and Border Protection agency. He has been a consistent advocate for innovation and efficiency, and since serving as assistant commissioner in CBP's Office of Field Operations in 2007, he has developed CBP into a world-class law enforcement organization through a stringent process of modernization and expansion of global operations. Mr. Winkowski also served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement where he led 20,000 employees in more than 400 offices in the United States and 48 foreign countries. In recognition of his excellent and distinguished service, Mr. Winkowski was awarded the Meritorious Presidential Rank Award by President Bush in 2004. In 2009, his service was also recognized by President (Obama, who awarded him the Distinguished Executive Presidential Rank Award. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Thomas S. Winkowski, retiring acting commissioner of Customs and Border Protection. His years of dedication and commitment to our country have truly made this nation safer today. Thank you for this time.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a momentous occasion: the 100th anniversary of the Laredo Chamber of Commerce. For one century, this organization has been an instrumental and encouraging part of our community that wishes to see our city continue to grow and move forward. The Laredo Chamber of Commerce was founded in April of 1915 in Laredo, Texas. It is the largest and oldest business organization in Laredo, representing over 650 members from numerous industries, including financial institutions, retailers, and service providers. It is a voluntary, not-for-profit association that inspires development in business and tourism, and is a voice for the local business community. The Chamber is also a member of other associations such as the American Chamber of Commerce, the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It is in the Laredo Chamber of Commerce's mission statement that it is their duty to be proactive in order to further the success of the Laredo area while also strengthening the advancement of development in areas such as infrastructure and resources. In addition, the Chamber provides various workshops for community members, such as seminars, trainings, and informative customer service sessions. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize the Laredo Chamber of Commerce for their hard work and endless effort in improving our community these past 100 years. I thank you for this time.