Henry Cuellar

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, due to unforeseen flight issues, I was unable to vote today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 238.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, due to personal obligation, I was unable to be present today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 161.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, due to unforeseen weather causing flight cancellations, I was unable to be present today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 94.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of Dr. Alfredo Trevino, who passed away on December 25, 2022. A native of Laredo, Texas, a doctor, a veteran, and a community leader, Dr. Trevino led a remarkable life. After completing medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, Dr. Trevino joined the U.S. Air Force as a Major and completed his internship and residency at Lackland Air Force Base, during which time he treated veterans of the Vietnam War. He moved back to Laredo in 1978 and opened the Trevino Eye Clinic, where he would go on to practice for 43 years. He cared for indigent patients and provided services to local clergy and the Sacred Heart Children's Home. An active member of the Laredo Daybreak Rotary, he attained a perfect attendance record at meetings over 36 years. Having established a successful medical practice, Dr. Trevino would go on to discover one of the great loves of his life: tennis. He was an accomplished player, and he shared his love of the game with Laredoans of all ages. The City of Laredo honored him in 2011 with ``Doc T Day'' after he became the first Hispanic President of the United States Tennis Association Texas. The Laredo Independent School District and Martin High School named its newly renovated tennis courts after Dr. Trevino and his loving wife and partner of nearly 54 years, Tina. She shares her husband's love for the game and commitment to growing the sport in South Texas. I consider myself profoundly lucky to have known Dr. Trevino. He touched the lives of countless South Texans, and he will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. While Dr. Trevino is no longer with us, his legacy will live on in all those whose lives he touched.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of Ricardo Molina Sr., who passed away on December 29, 2022. Mr. Molina leaves behind a giant legacy. A native of Laredo, Texas, he was a tireless advocate for education and young people in South Texas. After joining the United ISD Board of Trustees in 1996, Mr. Molina spearheaded efforts to bolster school security, reduce rates of drug use and dependency, and establish the district's dropout recovery program. He was also an advocate of adult education programs in Webb County, believing that learning is a lifelong endeavor. Mr. Molina's life is a testament to the value of education and hard work. At different times in his life, he worked in oil fields, cotton fields, and machine shops. He identified most with kids from working- class backgrounds, always fighting to ensure they had the very best opportunities in the classroom and beyond. When UISD opened a brand new, state-of-the-art middle school in August 2022, it was only fitting that the new school bear Mr. Molina's name. As a pillar of our community, Mr. Molina will be missed dearly. My thoughts are with his loved ones, and I pray that they find comfort in the beauty of their memories with him--and in the knowledge that Mr. Molina touched the lives of so many in our community.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, it has been more than two months since 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died alone in a hospital bed in Tehran. Two days before her death, Amini had been arrested by the Iranian regime's ``morality police.'' Her crime, in their eyes, was wearing a loose-fitting headscarf and tight-fitting pants. The Iranian regime claims that she died of a heart attack, but we know the truth: the police beat her to death. The world has a tendency to look away from tragedies like Amini's. Stories like hers fade from the news cycle until they are forgotten or met with indifference. But when the Iranian people take to the streets every day to protest Amini's murder and demand fundamental rights, they make it impossible for the world to avert its gaze. By virtue of their courage, they force the world to bear witness. In the streets, protestors chant the inscription on Amini's tombstone: ``Beloved Mahsa, you will not die. Your name will become a rallying call.'' And her name has become just that. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the brave women of Iran who are fighting for the right to live in freedom and dignity. I rise in support of the men standing alongside them who are demanding political rights and an end to theocratic rule. And I rise to solemnly recognize the terrible cost that the people of Iran are paying as they take to the streets. Security forces have killed hundreds of protestors, firing on them with live ammunition and beating them severely. Those caught up in mass arrests could face the death penalty. The people of Iran are putting their lives on the line to demand fundamental freedoms. They suffer today in hopes of building a better tomorrow--for themselves, for their families, and for future generations. This is a profoundly noble effort that deserves not just our admiration, but also our support. Those taking to the streets across Iran should know that we are watching them and that we are praying for them. And members of the Iranian regime should know that when a people truly yearn for freedom, and are willing to give their lives for it, their cause is a flame that will never go out.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Bexar County Judge Nelson W. Wolff and his more than half a century of service to the City of San Antonio and Bexar County. Judge Wolff will step down from his position at the end of this year. I would like to congratulate him on a highly distinguished career and wish him the very best in the next chapter of his life. Judge Wolff was first elected to public office in 1971 when he won a seat in the Texas House of Representatives. He would then be elected to the Texas Senate and the San Antonio City Council before serving as Mayor of San Antonio from 1991 to 1995. He was appointed Bexar County Judge in 2001, a position he would be elected to five times. Throughout his decades in public service, Judge Wolff has spearheaded efforts to strengthen economic and workforce development, improve public services, invest in public education, and build out critical infrastructure. He helped found our nation's first all-digital public library, established a $1 million fund to spur growth in the local tech sector, and paved the way for the San Antonio Missions to receive a UNESCO designation. As Bexar County Judge, Judge Wolff has been a tireless advocate for public safety. He has paired strong investments in law enforcement with commonsense criminal justice reforms aimed at helping those with mental health and drug dependency issues. On behalf of the 28th District of Texas, I would like to congratulate Judge Wolff once again on a well-deserved retirement and thank him for his decades of service. It is an honor to call him not only a colleague, but a friend. I wish Judge Wolff, his wife Tracy, and his six children all the best in the next chapter of his life.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Mr. Richard Perez of San Antonio, Texas. After 15 years serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Perez will step down from his position at the end of this month. Thanks to Mr. Perez, the Chamber is stronger and more influential than ever. I would like to congratulate him on his many successes and wish him the very best in the next chapter of his life. A native of San Antonio, Texas, Mr. Perez learned about the importance of small businesses--and the challenges that they face--at an early age while working for his family's landscaping company. He would go on to serve as Assistant to the City Manager in my hometown of Laredo, Texas and as Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the Clinton Administration. He then returned home to San Antonio where he would be elected to the City Council and eventually take the reins at the local Chamber. Under Mr. Perez's tenure, the Chamber successfully advocated for the establishment of Texas A&M University--San Antonio and passage of the Vista Ridge Pipeline project. Mr. Perez also oversaw the design and implementation of a new governance structure and strategic plan for the Chamber. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chamber was not only a powerful advocate for the interests of local businesses, but also a critical resource for businessowners trying to make sense of the new pandemic relief programs established by Congress. With more than 1,650 members, Mr. Perez has harnessed the power of San Antonio's business community to make the city a friendlier place for entrepreneurs and employers. He has been a tireless advocate for the San Antonio business community, and I have greatly enjoyed working with him over the years. Once again, I would like to recognize all that Mr. Perez has contributed to the Chamber, to the City of San Antonio, and to the State of Texas. I congratulate him on his work over the past 15 years, and I look forward to seeing what the next chapter of his life holds.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Randy J. Howe on his retirement after 34 years spent protecting our nation's borders. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Mr. Howe for his service to our great nation. After graduating from Niagara University in 1988, Mr. Howe joined the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service in San Diego, California. He went on to work for the newly established U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), where he held various leadership positions, including Preclearance Director, Buffalo Area Port Director, Executive Director of Operations at the CBP Headquarters, and eventually Director of Field Operations for the Laredo Field Office. As a native of Laredo, Texas, and a strong supporter of our law enforcement agencies along the border, I know just how demanding Mr. Howe's job can be. He and his colleagues are on the front lines of the battle against the importation of illicit drugs and human smuggling. His work is also critical to supporting trade and unlocking supply chains across North America. Mr. Howe is responsible for operation and enforcement activities at eight international ports of entry that span 450 miles in South Texas. He leads over 3,300 dedicated officers across 18 international crossings, eight airports, three rail crossings, two dams, a seaport, and a ferry. He also leads the Machinery Center of Excellence, which manages 37 partner accounts, incorporating 191 importers of records representing some of the nation's largest corporations. I would also like to recognize Mr. Howe's family. He and his wife, Athina, are celebrating 30 years of marriage. His children have followed in their father's footsteps to serve the public good: his son, Mackenzie, is also a CBP officer, and his daughter, Angelina, is a registered nurse. On behalf of the 28th District of Texas and on behalf of a grateful nation, I want to congratulate Mr. Howe on his well-deserved retirement and thank him for his decades of service. I wish him the best in the next chapter of his life.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Mayor Pedro Ignacio Saenz, Jr. After serving the maximum two terms as mayor of my hometown of Laredo, Texas, Mayor Saenz will step down at the end of this year. I would like to congratulate him on his many accomplishments in office and wish him the very best in the next chapter of his life. A third generation Laredoan, Mayor Saenz is a pillar of our community. He raised his family in Laredo. He built a highly successful law practice there and specialized in oil and gas for 30 years. Mayor Saenz was president of both the South Texas Food Bank and the Laredo Affordable Housing Corporation--and he served for 12 years on the board of Laredo College, including as Board President, where he was instrumental in establishing the South Campus. As mayor, he was a tireless advocate for the City of Laredo. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Saenz shepherded the city through a public health emergency. He helped the city manage difficult cross-border politics and challenging water issues. He helped lay the groundwork for closer binational cooperation with Nuevo Laredo and for substantial new investments in infrastructure. Being a mayor is a 24/7 job. After serving two full terms, Mayor Saenz has earned the right to step away and spend more time with his family, including his wife Minerva, his 3 children, and his 5 grandchildren. I congratulate him on his work over the past 8 years, and I look forward to seeing what the next chapter of his life holds.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Orlando Canizales, a former boxing world champion and native son of Laredo, Texas. Born in Laredo in 1965, Mr. Canizales began boxing at the age of ten at the local Boys and Girls Club. After going 108-12 as an amateur, he turned professional in 1984. He would become one of the world's best fighters in the late 1980s to early 1990s. In 1988, Mr. Canizales became a world champion after winning the International Boxing Federation bantamweight title, knocking out the defending titlist in the fifteenth round. He would go on to make a division record 16 title defenses. Mr. Canizales continued fighting until 1999, until he decided to hang up his gloves. He retired with a record of 50-5-1 with 37 knockouts. Mr. Canizales was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2009. He gave a rousing speech in which he spoke about the life lessons that boxing had given him. ``Boxing has taught me a lot in life.'' he said. ``That dedication, discipline and determination will pay off in the long run and not to be easily swayed by obstacles and bumps in the road.'' His brother, Gaby, was also a world champion. A boxing gym on Guadalupe Street in my hometown of Laredo now bears both of their names. Today, Mr. Canizales spends much of his days working with young boxers, continuing the South Texas tradition of producing some of America's finest fighters. On behalf of the 28th District of Texas, I would like to again invite my colleagues to recognize Mr. Canizales, a truly legendary Laredoan, and celebrate all his accomplishments.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, today I rise to welcome Samuel Alejandro Garcia Sepulveda, governor of the Mexican state of Nuevo Leon, to the House of Representatives. Nuevo Leon has a significant economic footprint. It's a leader in education and several major industries. It's also home to Monterrey, Mexico's second-largest metropolitan area. But folks back home in Laredo know Nuevo Leon for different reason: it's our neighbor across the border. Governor Garcia has a central role to play both at home and in U.S.-Mexico relations, and I am honored to welcome him here today. The Laredo-Colombia Solidarity International Bridge, which spans from Nuevo Leon to my hometown of Laredo, is a critical artery for North American trade. With this visit, Governor Garcia is strengthening the bond between Nuevo Leon and Laredo, and between the U.S. and Mexico-- not only in the realm of trade, but also security cooperation, healthcare, and more. At just 34 years old, Governor Garcia is already an accomplished attorney, a former local deputy and senator in Nuevo Leon, and the author of several books. He has a bold vision for his state and for his country. By investing in education, infrastructure, and sustainable growth, Governor Garcia is putting Nuevo Leon on the path toward a more prosperous future. Madam Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in welcoming Governor Garcia to the House of Representatives. Governor Garcia is a truly committed public servant with a bright future. I look forward to working with him to deepen the ties between our two communities and our two countries.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I would like to clarify for any of my colleagues who might be concerned that these three offshore lease sales provided through the Inflation Reduction Act are somehow being rushed through or will be conducted with insufficient administrative process. That is simply not the case. These sales were scheduled under the Obama Administration under the 2017-2022 five-year plan. That Interior department subjected the plan to a large programmatic environmental impact statement. They then underwent a multi-sale EIS. These sales then also went through a supplemental EIS. Thus, the idea that any further process should be required is just not credible and that is why the bill requires them to occur by a date certain. It is in our national interest to do so as quickly as possible so that the energy crisis does not become even worse and so that the fuel and revenue these sales will generate can find their way into our economy sooner than later.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Maria Guadalupe ``Lupita'' Aguilar. Maria Guadalupe ``Lupita'' Aguilar was born and raised in Laredo, TX. A proud daughter of a WWII Veteran and a farmworker turned seamstress, Lupita was taught about the values of community and service at an early age. Lupita honorably graduated from Nixon High School and Laredo Community College and made a career in the service industry--working in housing and health care spaces primarily focusing on servicing low- income, Latino families throughout Laredo and Webb County. The biggest accomplishment of her life has been being a mother of four grown children who are in their late 20's and early 30's: Jorge ``Georgie'' Aguilar, Jaime ``JB'' Aguilar, Lorena Aguilar, and Randy Aguilar. Watching them graduate from college, start a job and form their own families has been a blessing. Guided by her Catholic faith, positive mentality and optimism, Lupita has surmounted many challenges in the past including beating breast cancer twice. During her free time, Lupita enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and traveling when she gets the opportunity. She and her husband reside in Rio Bravo, TX--just blocks away from the Rio Grande--where they've lived for over 20 years. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Maria Guadalupe ``Lupita'' Aguilar.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Mr. Deutch for yielding and for his strong leadership on this issue, and I certainly want to thank my classmate, Ms. Wasserman Schultz, for bringing this bill to the floor, plus all of the Members in a bipartisan way, I thank them so much. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my solidarity with the Cuban people who have exercised their human rights to peacefully demonstrate for their rightful freedoms and their liberty, their libertad. This past July thousands of Cuban citizens took to the streets and in unison, they chanted: libertad, libertad--liberty, liberty. They protested for freedom. They protested for liberty. They protested for vida--life--and for patria--also country. They wanted a change after more than six decades of authoritarian rule. Demonstrators were shown waving American flags symbolizing the liberty that they so desperately want. One protester remarked to the press: It felt so good to finally be able to protest in our country. It is only human to feel fear, but that moved to the background because you knew that we were doing the right thing. The Cuban Government reacted to such demonstrations with unjust imprisonment of hundreds of protesters, and, of course, they cut off people's access to the internet as part of the government's crackdown. In closing, the people of Cuba deserve the right to protest. They have the right to have freedom--libertad--patria y vida. Mr. Speaker, I ask that we support this legislation and pass this.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Representative Jackson Lee for her leadership in this effort to make sure that we protect not only other diplomats, but our agents that work overseas. I also want to thank Mr. Michael McCaul, one of my co-leads on this, Mr. Bill Pascrell, Mr. Filemon Vela, and other Members, all bipartisan, that support this. On the Senate side, the lead sponsors were Senator John Cornyn and also Senator Chris Coons, and a whole bunch of other folks. I certainly want to say thank you so much. Mr. Speaker, this legislation is important because this is a bipartisan bill, and it ensures that individuals who harm or attempt to harm U.S. Federal officers or employees serving abroad can be brought to justice and prosecuted in the United States. Furthermore, this bill will improve the safety and the security of not only the agents but any diplomat or any Federal employee that works outside the U.S. or overseas by ensuring that crimes that are committed against Americans serving abroad can be prosecuted by United States courts. As the chairwoman mentioned a few minutes ago, it was very unfortunate what happened, and it is a change on the--we want to make sure that the intent of the law that has been there will be followed, and that basically just means that that section 1114 of the United States Code would say that it also covers foreign jurisdiction. So, therefore, we ask that we support this legislation because as it was mentioned, on February 15, 2011, ICE Special Agent Jaime Zapata and also his colleague, Victor Avila, were ambushed by members of the Mexican drug cartels in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Unfortunately, as it has been mentioned, Special Agent Zapata died because of his injuries. ICE Special Agent Jaime Zapata's murderer cannot be brought to justice because of that loophole in the current law, and this bipartisan legislation will close that loophole and ensure that the safety of all Federal employees serving our Nation abroad will be protected. There must be severe consequences brought to bear against any individual who harms any of the Federal employees who are serving abroad. We need to know that the heroism of Special Agent Zapata and also Special Agent Avila, by holding those people who committed violence, are held accountable. Furthermore, this issue and this bill is also important to me because Special Agent Zapata was assigned to the Homeland Security Investigations Office located in my hometown, Laredo, Texas, while he served on the Human Smuggling and Trafficking Unit as well as the Border Enforcement Security Task Force known as BEST. So, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairwoman for her leadership, and the ranking member, also. Mr. Speaker, today we honor our fallen servicemembers to award them with this Congressional Gold Medal. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation, H.R. 5142. On August 26 at 9:44 a.m., an explosion from a suicide terrorist bombing in Afghanistan killed 13 of our servicemembers. One of those servicemembers was my constituent, Lance Corporal David Lee Espinoza from Rio Bravo. He was born in Laredo and graduated from the city's Lyndon B. Johnson High School in 2019. His mother, Elizabeth Holguin, and his father, Victor Dominguez, and his brothers and sister, Angel, Victor, and Delilah, mourn his loss and are endlessly proud of David and his service. When we attended David's funeral in Laredo, we all knew that families across the United States also mourned their loved ones. David joined the Marine Corps with the intention of protecting our Nation and demonstrating his selfless acts of service to his country. He embodied the American values of grit, dedication, service, and valor. May Lance Corporal David Lee Espinoza and our fallen servicemembers forever be honored and never be forgotten.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Eduardo A. Garza Robles for winning the Laredo Chamber of Commerce's Businessperson of the Year award. Mr. Garza has demonstrated the utmost dedication to his community through his many years as a customs broker. Mr. Garza began his career as a customs broker in 1987 after working his way to the title of general manager of a customs broker firm. Shortly after obtaining his license as a Mexican customs broker, he founded his own customs agency in 1988. His company, Uni-Trade Group, has developed into a significant institution in international trade, especially in the United States and Mexico. Uni-Trade Group has over 15 offices internationally and its global presence through its alliances and partnerships has allowed it to cover 50 countries. Along with owning and operating a successful Mexican customs agency, Mr. Garza diversified his business in other industries and consolidated them as a 3PL company, offering services such as transportation, logistics, bonded warehouses, and free trade zones. He used his expertise and knowledge from operating Uni-Trade Group to expand to other industries such as oil and gas, commercial and residential real estate development, insurance, and graphic design, creating many job opportunities for the people of his community. Between 2003 and 2013, Mr. Garza served three year-long terms as Vice-President and Secretary of the Association of the Customs Brokers Association of Guadalajara, Jalisco. Mr. Garza has been a true leader and influential figure in our community. In 2017, his company Uni-Trade Group hosted the NAFTA Roundtable Discussion to discuss the significance of NAFTA, now the USMCA. This event brought together local private sector leaders, directors of public institutions, as well as Texas lawmakers like me and Senator John Cornyn. He has also been a prominent member of the Catholic Church in Laredo, Texas. Eduardo has been a friend throughout the years, and we have partnered on numerous occasions to better improve binational trade. Eduardo, I congratulate you for winning this award, and I wish you, your wife Juantia, your six children and seven grandchildren many more years of prosperity.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I want to thank Chairwoman DeLauro for yielding to me, along with her staff for working on these seven bills, along with the ranking member, Kay Granger. Even though I know we do have some differences, I know we will also get together toward the end of the year. Having said that, I stand in opposition to the en bloc amendments. I also stand in opposition to the recent Nuclear Regulatory Commission, NRC, conduct which runs counter to Federal law. The NRC is fighting massive opposition from elected officials, including two Governors, a Democratic Governor from New Mexico and a Republican Governor from Texas, and the public against the licensing of nuclear fuel storage facilities in Texas and New Mexico. That is why I offered and withdrew my amendment in the committee markup, so we can work and continue working as this bill moves forward. The NRC not only lacks the consent but is acting unilaterally despite clear opposition in a bipartisan way. The law is very clear. Section 42, U.S. Code 10155, says that the Governor can disapprove--and again, both Governors have disapproved. Section 42, U.S. Code 10166, notice of disapproval, also talks about when the Governor gives the disapproval. Again, the Republican Governor from Texas and the Democratic Governor from New Mexico have done that. The law is clear. They have to follow the law, and we must clarify that NRC can only license a DOE-monitored retrievable storage facility once consent has been given by the State and the local community. I want to thank Chairwoman Kaptur for expressing her willingness to work with myself and Ranking Member Kay Granger on this particular issue that is so important to us. I am confident that the final version of this legislation will clearly establish the NRC consent-based licensing approval standard.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and achievements of Miguel A. Conchas, one of Laredo's preeminent business leaders and a distinguished member of our community. Miguel has served for 29 years as President of the Laredo Chamber of Commerce, nourishing and advancing the quality of business, economic vitality, and community standards. Our city has undoubtedly flourished because of his outstanding enthusiasm and commitment to his work. Mr. Conchas began his career as an Elementary school teacher and served as an Administrator for the College of Education at Laredo State University. His fondness for teaching unquestionably influenced his success in training and cultivating local business development. After his career in education Miguel served as the Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau Director, targeting promotional programs to improve Laredo tourism. Appropriately, his impressive career as President of the Chamber includes a long list of awards, often recognizing his success and diligence in trade and business expansion in Laredo. He received monumental recognition from state and federal leaders for his activism for NAFTA, which was instrumental in the legislation becoming law. Throughout his long career, Mr. Conchas has sought to better his city through education, activism, and professional development. He and I have worked closely over the years on trade projects, and I consider him a close friend. Miguel is the embodiment of hard work and optimism, and I wish him a long and very happy retirement with his wife, Cynthia. May this ending bring many new beginnings for him and his family.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the diplomatic tour of Ambassador Elin Suleymanov of Azerbaijan. Since regaining independence in 1991, Azerbaijan has faced ethnic and geopolitical opposition, imperiling its independence and democracy. Ambassador Suleymanov--one of the longest-serving ambassadors in Washington--has served as a force of peace and diplomacy in the region, working honorably to advance prosperity and enhance the U.S. relationship with Azerbaijan. We congratulate him as the U.S. and Azerbaijan will mark 30 years of diplomatic relations next year. Before his diplomatic tour, he was the first Azerbaijani to graduate from the University of Toledo in 1994 as a part of the U.S.- funded Muskie Fellowship. In 2004, Ambassador Suleymanov became the first Azerbaijani to receive the Master of Law and Diplomacy degree from the Fletcher School at Tufts University. Following his academic pursuits, he served as Azerbaijan's first Consul General in Los Angeles, establishing the nation's diplomatic presence on the West Coast. Ambassador Suleymanov's personal concern for Azerbaijan inspired his concerted advocacy for the refugee crisis. Before joining diplomatic service, he worked with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, providing care and protection to the thousands of people displaced by the three-decades-long Armenia Azerbaijan conflict. Additionally, Ambassador Suleymanov has a special partnership with the State of Texas. The Ambassador is especially fond of the City of Laredo and has helped establish educational partnerships between TAMIU and universities in Azerbaijan. He has visited Laredo for the Washington Birthday Celebration more frequently than any other ambassador accredited in Washington, and he has a special appreciation for Laredo's own Palenque Grill. I am pleased to congratulate Ambassador Suleymanov on decades of building a strong relationship between Azerbaijan and the United States. I commend Ambassador Suleymanov's significant contribution to our legislative branch, working closely with Members of Congress to expand the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus and deepen the friendship between our nations.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the achievements of Mary Trevino in consideration of her forthcoming retirement as Director for the College Assistance Migrant Program at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU). While her professional capacity at TAMIU will come to an end, her dedication to higher education and philanthropy will endure in her students, colleagues, and greater communities. In 1968, Ms. Trevino graduated from Raymond & Tirza Martin High School, located in Laredo, TX. Thereafter, she attended Texas A&I University in Laredo, graduating in May 1972 with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with a certificate in Secondary Mathematics and History. Following graduation, she went on to collect over 43 years of administrative experience at TAMIU. In her many roles at the university, she has served as Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Associate Vice President for Student Services, Director of Institutional Research & Effectiveness, and Special Assistant to the President. As Director for the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), Ms. Trevino serves students who are migratory or seasonal farmworkers and often the first generation in their families to attend college. CAMP emboldens students to achieve a higher education by providing collaborative academic support services across the university. Accordingly, Ms. Trevino's efforts have earned her numerous honors and recognitions. For example, she was named as Outstanding Administrative Employee at Laredo State University in 1992; she served as Board President for Communities in Schools from 1998 to 1999 and 2003 through 2004; she served as President for the TAMIU Alumni Association from 1992 to 1993, and she served as President of United Way of Laredo from 2009 to 2010. Her penchant for learning and teaching and her connection to TAMIU has also inspired her family; two of her four children share her alumnus status at TAMIU and currently hold teaching positions in public schools. I am pleased to congratulate Mary Trevino on over 50 years of service to TAMIU and the Laredo community. Ms. Trevino's devotion to higher education is an impressive achievement. I wish her the best of luck in all her future endeavors, and Go Dustdevils. Madam Speaker, again, I recognize the career and character of Mary Trevino.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Funeral Director and Embalmer Raul Villegas, Jr. (May 15, 1962--January 20, 2021). Mr. Villegas demonstrated never-ending patience and compassion to the families in his community during his life. Mr. Villegas was born in Laredo, TX and attended J.W. Nixon High School. He then attended the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service and graduated in 1986. After that, he served his 35-year career as a Texas Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer dedicated to the families of Laredo and Webb County, Texas. During this time, he was a great team leader and community member. As a funeral service professional, he met and exceeded expectations by having ceaseless patience and sympathy. Mr. Villegas had the right words for every situation and was reliable and strong even when those around him were undergoing difficult times. Mr. Villegas will have an enduring impact on his family, team members, and all of the families in the community he served. He lived and worked his entire life by the principles of endless patience and kindness. I want to commemorate the life of Raul Villegas, Jr. and his numerous contributions to his community. As we move forward, let us take the time to appreciate Mr. Villegas and his notable life and career. However, in the words of President John F. Kennedy, ``As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.'' Mr. Villegas is survived by his beloved wife Maricela G. Villegas; children, Raul Villegas III (Melissa Guerrero), Marlene (Fernando Garza, Jr.) Villegas, David (Anabel) Villegas, Danny (Michelle) Villegas, Ricardo (Jessica) Ramirez, Jr., Melissa (Salvador) Silva, Roberto C. Ramirez (Vivian); parents, Raul and Hortencia Villegas; siblings, Irma (Wayo) Butron, Jerry (Lily) Villegas, Eddie (Juanita) Villegas, Javier Villegas, and Sammy (Anna) Villegas; 20 grandchildren; as well as other family and friends. Madam Speaker, again I rise to recognize the life and career of Raul Villegas, Jr.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise in favor of Dreamers who call the U.S. home. Dreamers are our neighbors, our colleagues, our classmates. They are individuals that serve as essential workers, teachers, medical personnel, that fully contribute to our country and make America stronger. They pay taxes. They work. They have no criminal record. They help us, and those are the type of individuals that we need. Madam Speaker, my question is: Why are we afraid of a 7-year-old?

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, farm work is hard work. Both of my parents, Odilia and Martin, were farmworkers. It is very hard work. It is one of those type of jobs that is very necessary to make sure that we bring food to the table. I represent several areas that are rural, and my ranchers and my farmers need an ag work program. It has to. They need it. I have always said, if an American wants the job, let them have that job. But if they are not going to fill that position, then we need to have a guest worker plan, just like we did during World War II, where we did the Bracero program. Therefore, we need to support this for our ranchers and our farmers. I will tell you this, it is not amnesty. What Ronald Reagan did in 1986, that was amnesty. This is not amnesty. And if you want to talk about border security, this will help secure the border. Let me explain. If you have people who will come into a secure system to come work, and then they go back, then you can have Border Patrol focus on the people who have the bad motives, the people who want to bring in drugs, the people who want to smuggle or traffic people. So this actually will help border security if we set this up right, like they did in World War II. Madam Speaker, I ask Members to support this program. It is needed by our farmworkers. We need to do it. Madam Speaker, I want to thank Chairwoman Zoe Lofgren and Mr. Nadler for their work.