Henry Cuellar

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the impeachment. It is very simple. What we saw on January 6 was a person, the President of the United States, incite a crowd to come and attack the Capitol. We have to make sure that we stand up for democracy. If we don't do this, then what are we going to stand for? We stand for democracy. We stand for American values. And I stand for the impeachment of Donald Trump.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Rosa Maria Ceballos de Llano on being named the City of Laredo's 2020-2022 Poet Laureate. Rosa was born in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico to parents Manuel Ceballos and Evangelina Ramirez de Ceballos. She attended Colegio America Elementary School in Nuevo Laredo before attending St. Augustine High School in Laredo, TX, where she was class valedictorian. She would soon earn an Associate of Arts Degree from Laredo Junior College and then a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish and History from Texas A&I University-Kingsville. Years later, she would continue her studies at Laredo State University where she earned a Master of Science in Secondary Education and Spanish. In 1969, Rosa joined the Laredo Independent School District, where she taught for 39 years. Over the course of her time at Laredo ISD, she was known as an outstanding teacher and an inspiring person. She was an individual who dedicated her time to ensuring that her students gained an enriching education while always pushing them to challenge themselves with new experiences. For example, she sponsored study abroad trips to Spain, hosted oral Spanish poetry and prose contests, and created a Mother's Day program of original poetry and prose compositions. She would also have her students present their poetry to dignitaries honored at the annual LULAC Senor Internacional. In addition to her work at Laredo ISD, she also served as an Adjunct Spanish Professor at Texas A&M International University for several years. She was also a Hispanic Studies PhD Candidate at Texas A&M University-College Station, where she passed all oral and written exams. Rosa is also a renowned artist, Her poetry has given a strong and distinct voice to those in the border community. She understands the unique experience of Laredoans and brings that familiarity to a larger audience. I appreciate her work and the guidance she has given to countless students. Her work in the field of education is both moving and a reminder of how many lives can be touched by just one individual. For her work, she has received numerous awards, including: Laredo Morning Times Woman of the Month, Cigarroa High School Teacher of the Year and the Raices Award, Webb County Heritage Foundation Traditions and Folklore Award, El Manana Literary Award, National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship, Laredo's Golden Apple Award, Laredo Chamber of Commerce Bell Award, University of Texas Excellence in Teaching Award, and Texas Spanish Teacher of the Year. She was also inducted into the Laredo Women's Hall of Fame in 2000. Madam Speaker, I congratulate Rosa Maria Ceballos de Llano on this prestigious recognition and I wish her the best moving forward.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Wilson County Commissioner (Pct. 1) Albert Gamez and his 19 years of service to his community. Commissioner Gamez was known as a hands-on public servant that took an active interest in all the issues that he faced. He was an individual that was committed to getting the job done and in an efficient manner. There are numerous stories about him that attest to his work. For example, if a storm had passed through the community and caused any damage, he would be there immediately. If there was a fire in the area, he would be sure to show up and make sure that the local firefighters had everything that they needed. In addition to his active approach, he was known for fiscal responsibility and making sure that his county had the funds they needed to make infrastructure improvements. For his efforts, Commissioner Gomez was honored with several awards and recognitions. He was awarded the Watershed Wise Award by the San Antonio River Authority (SARA), recognized by the Floresville Volunteer Fire Department for 30 years of service, and noted by the Floresville City Council for voicing his concerns regarding the building of a prison in the city. In addition, he was recognized for his work during the floods of 1998 and 2002. As we move forward, let us take the time to appreciate the work of public servants like Commissioner Gamez and all the individuals who commit themselves to the public good. It is critical that we recognize those who took it upon themselves to improve their community. 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.'' Madam Speaker, I take this opportunity to recognize the career and service of Wilson County Commissioner Albert Gamez.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and service of United Independent School District Superintendent Roberto J. Santos. Mr. Santos will retire after more than 38 years serving the United Independent School District. Mr. Santos is an individual who committed his life and career to the betterment of his community. Throughout his career in the field of education, he showed a steadfast dedication to every student he served. He also showed strong leadership in how he managed one of the largest school districts in the State of Texas. During his tenure as Superintendent, United ISD earned an ``A'' rating by the Texas Education Agency two years in a row. In addition, and more importantly, Mr. Santos earned the respect and trust of his colleagues and the many people he helped during his tenure. Mr. Santos's success as superintendent undoubtedly comes from the experience he gained serving in various roles for United ISD, including: Associate Superintendent for Student Support Services, Assistant Superintendent for Support Services, Director for Human Resources, and Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent. The skills he acquired through these different positions enabled him to have the tools he needed for when he eventually became superintendent in 2005. Over the course of his many years in public education, Mr. Santos attained numerous awards and recognitions. He is the recipient of the ``Unsung Heroes Award'' by the Laredo Next Generation Rotary Club; Future of Texas Award; Laredo Diploma Plus Foundation Leadership Award; Imaginarium ``Image Award''; Latin American International Hall of Fame; Border Olympics Honorary Director; Martin High School Tiger Legend; LULAC Council No. 12 Tejano Achiever; Gateway to Mexico All-Sports Clinic Hall of Honor; American Cancer Society Relay for Life Honorary Chairman and March of Dimes Honorary Chairman. I want to congratulate Mr. Santos on his service to the United Independent School District. His compassion, hard work, and leadership has molded an essential institution for the community, driving local economic and academic prosperity in Laredo. As we move forward, let us take the time to appreciate Mr. Santos and all the educators who dedicate their lives to preparing the next generation for becoming valuable members of society. 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.'' Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the career and service of Superintendent Roberto J. Santos.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor South Texas College Founding President Dr. Shirley Reed. Dr. Reed has retired after more than 26 years serving as the founding President of South Texas College. I first met Dr. Shirley Reed in the middle of a dusty field in Rio Grande City for the groundbreaking of South Texas College's Stan County campus. Even though the wind was raising the dust and getting into our eyes, both of us were excited about the opportunities this new campus would bring for students and our community. Dr. Reed invited me to speak at this groundbreaking ceremony because as Chairman of the Education Subcommittee on Appropriations in the Texas State Legislature, I secured funding for fast-growing colleges throughout Texas, including South Texas College. Since then, we have been working together to fund projects that advance access to quality education for the people of South Texas. South Texas College was founded back in 1993 and Dr. Reed was selected as its founding President. At that time, it was known as South Texas Community College and had about 1,000 students enrolled. However, through her steady leadership it grew into a multi-campus college with an enrollment of just under 30,000 students. It is also recognized as the only community college in the State of Texas to offer 5 baccalaureate degrees. This was all accomplished despite the considerable doubt and obstacles that she faced when she was working towards her vision for the school. Now, she is a source of inspiration and a reminder of what can be accomplished through hard work and dedication. I want to congratulate Dr. Reed on her tenure at South Texas College. Her passion, hard work, and leadership has created a revered education institution, driving regional and economic prosperity in the region. As we move forward, let us take the time to appreciate President Reed and all the educators who dedicate their lives to preparing the next generation for their futures. 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.'' Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the career and service of Dr. Reed.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and service of Universal City Police Chief Gary Speer. Chief Speer has retired after 40 years in law enforcement and 36 years of service with the Universal City Police Department. Chief Speer is an individual who consistently displayed the utmost commitment to his community. He began his career in law enforcement in 1981 as a reserve officer for Bexar County Precinct 3. He eventually served in a few different departments before joining the Universal City Police Department as a patrolman in 1984. Over time he steadily rose through the ranks. He achieved the rank of Sergeant in 1989, Lieutenant in 1997, Assistant Chief in 2001, and soon earned the position of Chief in 2007. During this time, he was also honored with several awards including Police Officer of the Year by the Lions Club and Police Officer of the Year for the State of Texas by the American Legion. I have worked with Chief Speer over the years and witnessed first- hand the essential work he has done to keep his community safe. He cared deeply about the people he served and consistently showed what it means to put the well-being of others first. The dedication that he has shown to us all should be a constant reminder of how we should be in our daily lives. This devotion to others is also consistent with the history of his family. Chief Speer's Grandfather, father, and brother all served their communities as members of law enforcement. In addition to the hard work and dedication he showed as a member of the law enforcement community, he is also an active member of his community. He is a member of Shriners International, the San Antonio Livestock Exposition and its Scramble Committee, the Texas Police Association, and the Texas Police Chiefs Association. But most importantly, he is a devoted father and grandfather. As we move forward, let us take the time to appreciate the service of heroes like Chief Speer and all the individuals who risk their lives each day to keep us safe. 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.'' Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the career and service of Chief Speer

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Mr. Mario R. Jorge. Mr. Jorge is retiring after serving the Texas Department of Transportation for more than 36 years. Mr. Jorge, at the age of 12, immigrated with his family from Cuba to the United States in 1974. While it was a challenging process for him and his family, they knew they were on the right path for a better future. Among the many difficulties he personally faced, Mr. Jorge started his education in the 7th grade without being able to speak a word of English. However, with hard work and diligence he was able to overcome this obstacle. He also found that he was particularly talented in the field of mathematics. Utilizing his skill in mathematics, Mr. Jorge went on to earn a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Texas as well as a professional engineer's license. Mr. Jorge began his career with TxDOT as a member of the survey crew and as a construction inspector for the Pharr District in 1983. In 1984, he was employed at the Dallas District where he worked in construction inspection and roadway design. He then transferred to the Pharr District in 1985 where he worked for several years and received the TxDOT Design Award for the US 83/281 interchange project in Pharr, before being promoted to Area Engineer in 1993. However, through his continued hard work he was eventually promoted to District Engineer for the Pharr District in 2002. It was under his leadership and guidance that the district completed the expansion and designation of over 100 miles of interstate system on I-2 and US 69, as well as several international projects. Nonetheless, after many years of service with the Pharr District, he soon became the District Engineer for the San Antonio District in 2013. In San Antonio, Mr. Jorge led the district with an even larger project delivery portfolio which included expansions on US 281, I-10 West and East, 1-35 NEX, and LP 1604 North and South, an energy sector project delivery program, and countless other initiatives with local partners and stakeholders. I have worked with Mr. Jorge for many years and witnessed first-hand his dedication to his work. A trait that he learned from his parents, who risked their lives and worked hard to realize the American dream. I also want to recognize him for being a strong leader who made sure to always treat his colleagues with respect and care. A characteristic that allowed him to be successful in all of his endeavors. Madam Speaker, I congratulate Mr. Jorge on an outstanding career and wish him all the best in his next chapter of life. I also wish the best to his wife, Elsa, as well as his three sons and the rest of his family.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Sheriff Joe D. Tackitt, Jr. after 28 years of dedication and service to Wilson County, Texas. Sheriff Tackitt was elected in 1992 and over the course of his career, he worked tirelessly to keep his community safe. Through his hard work and efforts, he helped bring the Criminal Justice Center to Wilson County and improved communications across the sheriff's office while saving taxpayer money. He also increased the number of full-time deputies on patrol to 25 and secured a nearly $7 million budget. In addition, he created the Sheriff Santa Program to help families in need during the holidays. I have worked with my friend Sheriff Tackitt for several years and witnessed first-hand the important work he has done for his community. We must never forget his leadership during the tragedy at Sutherland Springs Church in 2017 and how much he cared for his community as a third-generation native of Wilson County. The dedication that he showed to others should be a constant reminder of how we should be in our daily lives. For his leadership and service, Sheriff Tackitt has received several awards. In 2018, his office was presented with the EMS Telecommunicator Award by the Texas Department of State Health Services for outstanding achievement. In addition, the Sheriffs' Association of Texas recognized Sheriff Tackitt and his staff in 2019 for the outstanding support they provided for the 141st Annual Training Conference and Expo. In addition to his hard work as sheriff, he is active in his community as a member of the Sheriff's Association of Texas, the Floresville Lions Club, and the Texas Jail Association. Along with his involvement in the community, he also served as a member of the Texas Air National Guard and is a devoted family man. As we move forward, let us take the time to appreciate the service of heroes like Sheriff Tackitt and all the individuals who risk their lives each day to keep us safe. 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.'' Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the career and service of Sheriff Tackitt.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I want to thank Chairman DeFazio for his leadership, his staff for working hard on this particular bill, and the ranking member and his staff for doing this. I want to talk about one project that got added, and that is the Chacon Creek in Laredo, Texas. This is a project that we have been working on for many years with the city of Laredo. Now, this will provide the flood control, the work that we need to do, that starts off from Lake Casa Blanca all the way to the Rio Grande, miles of area that will provide not only for the environment but also for the quality of life for Laredo. I want to thank Chairman DeFazio so much for his great work, and we appreciate him in Laredo, Texas.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and service of Mr. Jose Camacho, who has retired after serving 37 years as the Executive Director of the Texas Association of Community Health Centers (TACHC). Armed with his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those less fortunate, Mr. Camacho earned his law degree from the University of Texas in 1973 and worked in private practice until 1979 when he became the Director of the Farmworker Policy Impact Project at Texas Rural Legal Aid in Austin. In 1982 Mr. Camacho became the General Counsel for the National Migrant Referral Project and in 1983, he began his career with TACHC as General Counsel where he assisted in the development of the organization. Mr. Camacho became the Executive Director of the Texas Association of Community Health Centers in 1984 and served in that capacity until his retirement in 2020. Mr. Camacho's career was devoted to the development of grassroot, community- controlled organizations in low-income communities whose purpose is to provide comprehensive health care services to medically indigent residents. Mr. Camacho's north star has been the Federally Qualified Health Care Program which affords low income communities the opportunity to mobilize residents around the need for culturally appropriate health care services and develop a system of health care that is responsive to local residents. TACHC is the federally designated primary care association for the state and is the link between federal, state, and local entities providing health care for Texas' most vulnerable populations. TACHC started with a membership of seven (7) community clinics in 1983 serving approximately 7,500 patients annually. While the organization had a humble beginning, Mr. Camacho's forward-thinking and leadership helped grow it into the reliable and successful organization that exists today. During Mr. Camacho's tenure, TACHC exceeded expectations and extended service to over 100 organizations within Texas. As the largest network of primary care clinics in Texas, TACHC-member clinics have over 550 delivery sites, throughout Texas providing health care to over 1.6 million patients annually; approximately 80 percent are patients with incomes below poverty. Heavily involved with the Texas State Legislature, the United States Congress, local community action groups and the American Health Lawyers Association, he initiated numerous legislative proposals which improved how health services were provided in Texas. Additionally, he initiated cost-saving contracts which helped save money for community health centers and allowed them to increase and expand valuable services to patients. Health centers serve communities suffering from shortages of primary medical, dental, or mental health providers. Their mission is to serve low-income and uninsured individuals who lack access to quality and affordable healthcare. With Texas continuously leading the nation in the number of uninsured, now estimated to be well over 5 million in 2019, Mr. Camacho made it his mission to advocate to the state and federal government to strengthen and preserve the health care safety net and assisted in the development of health centers in medically underserved communities. He negotiated and reviewed legal documents, conducted policy analysis, and drafted legislative proposals on behalf of TACHC and the community health centers the association serves. In additional to his role of General Counsel to TACHC's Board of Directors and members, Mr. Camacho provided steadfast support directly to Texas Health Centers, keeping them informed, designing and implementing training programs related to regulatory requirements, legislative changes, industry trends and available opportunities--all with the focus on expanding access to care and enhancing both the quality and scope of services provided to vulnerable populations across Texas. Needless to say, Mr. Camacho has had a tremendous impact on health services in Texas, and his work will not be forgotten. His commitment to and vision for TACHC laid the foundation for its future success and set an example for community health centers throughout Texas. He cares deeply about the people he served and consistently showed what it meant to be a good leader. He guided--he motivated--he inspired. The dedication that he exhibited should be a constant reminder of how we should live our daily lives. This recognition is to commemorate Mr. Camacho for his loyalty and devotion to others, and for ensuring the best quality of health care for all Texans, especially those with limited resources. As we move forward, let us take the time to also appreciate the service of heroes among our community like Mr. Camacho--all those individuals who spend their lives committed to service and ensuring health and safety of others. 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.'' And so, we take time today to express our gratitude for Mr. Camacho's work. His impact on the health status of Texans has been incredible. The example he set in his career serves as the model of commitment and dedicated service that many of his former colleagues now live by. We are so grateful for Mr. Camacho and his life's work. His legacy of service to the less fortunate is truly remarkable. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing the career and service of Jose Camacho.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the International Association of Drilling Contractors on its 80th anniversary as a trade association. In 1940, the International Association of Drilling Contractors, commonly known as IADC, was formed to address the need for a collective voice advocating for the interests of the oil and natural gas contract drilling industry. Since then, IADC has been the world's leader in developing drilling safety protocol and standard operating procedures. Over the past 80 years, IADC has been instrumental in shaping the upstream oil and gas industry. In 1947, IADC began sponsoring industry training for college students, and by 1962 had developed the Incidents Statistics Program (ISP), an industry-leading safety incident reporting program that is still in operation today. In 1968, IADC led the publication of the Accident Prevention Manual and standardized the color-coding of oilfield servicing equipment. In 1983, IADC held the first joint Society of Petroleum Engineers/IADC Drilling Technology Conference, which persists today as an annual event, and in 1994 introduced the RigPass program to help service companies assure their field personnel are properly grounded in the basics of rig operations and safety. IADC also introduced the industry's Competence Assurance Accreditation (CAA) program, circa 2004, which assures field personnel possess the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities required to function safely in the oilfield. These are just a few examples of the initiatives IADC has undertaken to make the oil field a safe and prosperous place to operate. Today, IADC continues to exemplify the ideal model of leadership and remains committed to teaching the core values of safety, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement of technology to generation after generation of America's energy workforce. Over the years, IADC has maintained 1,000 plus members worldwide, seventeen regional chapters, seven student chapters, and has accredited the training of nearly 2 million persons employed in the oil and gas industry, the vast majority of which have been hardworking Texans. Headquartered in Houston, IADC itself is part of Texas' vibrant energy sector. With nearly 300 members companies in-state, IADC plays a critical role in the production of Texas' 3.6 million barrels of oil per day. Additionally, IADC's compendium of industry-leading reference media and periodical resources informs more than 1.5 million industry stakeholders each year and the global distribution of these materials has been crucial to informing national authorities charged with developing vital compliance initiatives for oil and gas industry activities worldwide. I would like to extend my gratitude to the International Association of Drilling Contractors for eighty years of unwavering competence, professionalism, and commitment in support of the transformational drilling industry that sustains the energy intensive demands of our modem society. Madam Speaker, again I recognize the 80th anniversary of the International Association of Drilling Contractors

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairwoman Lowey for all the wonderful work that she has done on this appropriation bill, a very balanced bill that she has done, and I want to thank Kay Granger and also Mr. Calvert for the work that they have done, even though we do have a disagreement. Let me talk about the wall. With all due respect, I always get a kick out of people who don't live close to the border, they might live about 1,000 miles away from the border, but they are the first ones who would tell us what we need to have at our border, in our own backyard. Earlier this month, President AMLO from Mexico was at a press conference with President Trump. President Trump had said we need a wall, and we are going to have Mexico pay. I did not hear the President say: Where is that check to pay for the wall? So what is happening is, the master dealmaker is now asking the U.S. taxpayers to pay for this wall after he promised that Mexico would pay for this wall. Again, the taxpayers are paying for this. We are taking money away from the defense. We are taking money away from military construction. And we are taking money away from other places to pay for that 14th century solution called a wall. I will tell you where we are on the wall. After 3 years, we only have 3 miles--and I emphasize 3 miles--of new wall. Everything else is replacement. Everything else is double wall--only 3 miles of new fencing that we have had. Again, if you look at it, and I think you have seen some of the videos, the wall is falling apart. It is falling apart. Again, why are we spending billions of dollars to build this wall when it is falling apart? If you ask every Border Patrol chief, including the Border Patrol chief under President Trump, if you ask him, ``How much time does the wall buy you?'' they say, ``A few seconds or a few minutes, depending on who wants to cross over.'' So why are we spending billions of dollars to stop this? I have asked the experts on the border, which is Border Patrol: Do we need a wall? I always ask this question: Is it post-2012, or pre-2012? Because before 2012, the Border Patrol agents were saying that the wall was ineffective and a waste of taxpayers' dollars itself. Now, there are two main reasons why people called for the wall. One is to stop people coming in illegally, and the other is to stop drugs. Let me talk about people coming in illegally. If you look at it, the last 7 consecutive years, visa overstays exceeded illegal border crossings. If you look at the last 2016-2017 numbers that we have, visa overstays accounted for 62 percent of the newly undocumented immigrants that we had. If you look at the number one violators, with due respect to our Canadians, it is Canadians that are the number one violators of these visa overstays. So it is not people coming from the south, but it is visa overstays. I dare you to say that we need a wall on the northern border. I dare any of you all to say that, and I bet nobody is going to say that. If you want to stop folks from coming in, look at visa overstays. Sixty-two percent of the undocumented immigrants that we have are visa overstays. Now, the other reason is drugs. Drugs, we have to stop the drugs. If you look at the official numbers from CBP, you will see that in FY19, just last year, 89 percent of the cocaine coming into the United States came up through bridges, our bridges. Only 11 percent came through in- between bridges. If you look at heroin, 84 percent of the heroin that came into the United States came in through our bridges, and then the rest came in in-between. If you talk about fentanyl, and I have heard so many people talk about fentanyl, 92 percent of all the fentanyl coming into the United States comes through our bridges, and only 8 percent in-between itself. If you talk about meth, 81 percent of all the meth coming into the United States comes through our bridges. Again, I want to stop drugs. I want to stop illegal migration. But we have to make sure that we look at this the right way. Finally, let me say, I believe in private property rights. Why is it that we have forgotten about private property rights for all of those people who live along the border? Imagine if you had land there for generations and then here comes the big bad Federal Government to take the land away. We have to protect the environment, private property rights, and if you want to stop drugs and people coming in, let's do it the right way. So again, I believe in law and order, but we have to do it the right way.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman DeFazio and Ranking Member Graves and their staff for the wonderful work that they did for putting this bipartisan bill together, and also Chairwoman Grace Napolitano. Mr. Speaker, for the last 14 years, I have been working in Congress to advocate for the full authorized funding of Laredo, Texas' Chacon Creek Restoration Project. The Army Corps now, once we get this done, can carry out the flood risk management and ecosystem project totaling about $52 million. The flood mitigation component will evacuate 250 homes from the floodplain, from Lake Casa Blanca all the way down to the Rio Grande along the Chacon Creek. This ecosystem restoration component will also include 417 acres of wetland and riparian restoration. This is a natural treasure that we have in Laredo, Texas, and it will provide hundreds of acres of new recreational and educational parklands. Mr. Speaker, the Chacon Creek is a tremendous natural resource in Laredo, and I thank the ranking member and committee staff for doing this great work.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I also rise in support of H.R. 2420 for several reasons. If you look at the impact of the Hispanic culture here in the United States, all you have to do is go back. The first language that was ever spoken in the United States, a European language, was Spanish. The first settlement in the United States was St. Augustine, Florida. And if you look at the impact that the Spanish culture has had on the U.S., all you have to do is look at the State symbols like the State coats of arms, seals, and flags, and you will see that the coats of arms and the flags of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Montana, New Mexico, Texas, Puerto Rico, Los Angeles, Santa Fe, St. Louis, San Diego, Baton Rouge, Riverside, Pensacola, Cupertino, and St. Augustine all have the symbol. Finally, let me just say this as I close. Even the U.S. dollar has had an impact. When the Spanish explorers developed settlements in the United States, they brought along the trading coins, or Spanish dollars, that were used regularly by the people in that region.

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, in 1775, the Spanish dollar was announced as the first currency with legal use in the United States, and this was approved by the Continental Congress, suggested by Thomas Jefferson. The design of the American dollar in 1792 was based off its Spanish counterpart. All you have to do is look at the dollar sign, and you will see the Spanish influence. Again, the Spanish culture has had an influence, and I certainly ask all Members to support this legislation.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman DeFazio for yielding. I also thank his staff for working very hard to put this bill together that will add $1.5 billion to the $1 trillion that will be added for our highways and the infrastructure that we need. Thank you so much. I am pleased to offer this bipartisan amendment in order to designate the I-27 Ports-to-Plains Corridor as a future interstate that starts in Laredo, the largest inland port in the country. I thank Jodey Arrington, Brian Babin, Lizzie Fletcher, and Ben Lujan for all the work that they have done to get to this point. This designation will make Texas and New Mexico eligible for increased Federal funding to complete the I-27 highway expansion project, creating economic growth, jobs, and trade opportunities across those two states. The I-27 expansion would immediately grow the Texas GDP by $17.2 billion and create 178,000 construction jobs. It would also add 17,710 long-term employment opportunities in the new I-27 corridor. It would also make Laredo the only port of entry that will have I-35, I-69, and I-27 as corridors, also. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues in the House to pass this bipartisan amendment that will help improve trade in south Texas, Texas, and across New Mexico.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Lipinski for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, my amendment is very simple. What it does, it directs funding for road crossings at international bridges. An area like my hometown in Laredo, which is the largest inland port, handles more trucks than any other place across the country, handles more trains than any other place across the country. In fact, it is the number one truck crossing and rail crossing in the country. In fact, 60 percent of all the trade between the U.S. and Mexico comes through one port, and that is the Port of Laredo. This grant money is going to be important to make sure that we help fix those grade crossings at international crossings because, again, when a train stops in the middle of a street for hours and hours and hours, that creates traffic congestion. We have to make sure that we allow trade to go through but at the same time not stop the people going to school, work, or going on an emergency basis. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to pass this amendment and ask for approval of this bill.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and service of Chief Patrol Agent, Felix Chavez. Chief Chavez has retired after several decades of service as a member of the U.S. Border Patrol. Chief Chavez began his service with the U.S. Border Patrol in 1985 at the Sierra Blanca Border Patrol Station in what is now Big Bend Sector. Over time, Chief Chavez would go on to serve in a variety of roles and Sectors before eventually becoming Chief Patrol Agent of the Laredo Sector. As Chief, he was responsible for over 86,673 square miles in 101 counties from the U.S.- Mexico borders to the Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas borders. Chief Chavez showed strong direction and experience as Chief Patrol Agent of the Laredo Sector. In addition, he also ensured that the Laredo Sector was led with honor and integrity. He developed these leadership qualities and skills over the course of his career after serving in a variety of positions including: Border Patrol Agent, Senior Patrol Agent, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent, Field Operations Supervisor, Patrol Agent in Charge, Assistant Chief Patrol Agent, Deputy Chief of Southwest Border Operations, Deputy Chief Patrol Agent for the Tucson Sector, and Chief Patrol Agent of Del Rio Sector. In addition, Chief Chavez is a graduate of Ashford University with a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management. In addition, he completed the Executive Institute at the University of Chicago's Graduate School of Business and the Customs and Border Protection Command Leadership Academy. He is also a graduate of the National Defense University Capstone Program. As we move forward, let us take the time to appreciate the service of individuals like Chief Chavez and all the men and women who risk their lives each day to protect our communities. 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. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and service of Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator, Steve Landin. Chief Landin has retired after 30 years of service as a member of the City of Laredo's Fire Department. Chief Landin is an individual who showed true leadership and poise under great pressure. Since first becoming emergency management coordinator in 2005 and eventually Fire Chief, he helped lead the City of Laredo through three federally declared disasters as well as the ongoing pandemic. In addition, despite these difficult circumstances, he also managed to be a devoted family man and example for his community. I have personally worked with Chief Landin over the years and witnessed first-hand the important work he has done for our area. Through his efforts, he helped ensure that Laredo's Fire Department was amongst the best in the country. In addition, he has set the standard for future fire department leaders. Chief Landin's service to the City of Laredo will never be forgotten. He cared deeply about the people he was serving and consistently showed what it meant to always put the safety and well-being of others first. The dedication that he showed to us all should be a constant reminder of how we should be in our daily lives. However, Chief Landin's service to others is not over. He will now be working for Webb County as its new Emergency Management Coordinator. Once again showing his commitment to others and devotion to our community. As we move forward, let us take the time to appreciate the service of heroes like Chief Landin and all the individuals who risk their lives each day to keep us safe. 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. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, Mark Twain said many years ago: ``Thunder is impressive; but it is lightning that does the work.'' Look, we can talk about doing things, or we can get the work done. I think today we should choose to get the action done. This is the first step that we need to take in order to help the folks that live in our district, the small businesses, the cities and the counties and the front-liners. We know what's going to happen. We are going to go ahead and pass this bill, this particular bill. It is going to go over to the Senate. We will negotiate with the Senate. We will come back. And sometime in the near future, we will be voting, and this particular bill will become law. Mr. Speaker, we can either talk about doing things or we can take the first step. I choose to take the first step and get this bill moving. Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to support this legislation, the HEROES Act.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I am honored to include in the Record remarks made by Her Excellency, Martha Barcena Coqui after she was recognized for the prestigious Mr. South Texas Award for the 123rd Washington's Birthday Celebration on February 22nd, 2020 in Laredo, Texas. The Mr. South Texas designation is presented to a deserving individual who has made a significant and lasting contribution to the growth and development of Laredo and the South Texas region. Ambassador Barcena is a distinguished career diplomat and noted for being the first woman appointed Ambassador of Mexico to the United States. Ambassador Martha Barcena's Remarks at Mr. South Texas Luncheon I am humbled and honored to receive this recognition that showcases the closeness of our ties at a very important time. I want to thank the Washington's Birthday Celebration Association and the International Bank of Commerce for putting together this great event. I also want to thank Mayor of Laredo, Pete Saenz, the officials that work at the City of Laredo and the rest of the business community leaders and special guests that join us here today. American writer James Baldwin used to say that ``the past is all that makes the present coherent''. Today, I believe that the present of Laredo and the U.S. cannot be understood without its shared history with Mexico. Texas is close to us because its history is closely intertwined with Mexico and with Mexican and Latino immigrants in this country. As the first female Ambassador of Mexico to the U.S., I have proudly repeated that the Latino community, and among them, the Mexican community, are the past, the present and the future of this country. In fact, my own personal story reflects the stories of millions that live on either side of the border but comprise one close-knit community. My grandmother's ancestors arrived from Europe in the Mayflower and finally settled in Texas. They were what Emma Lazarus brilliantly described as the ``huddled masses yearning to breathe free''. My great great grandfather, Leonard Pierce Jr., from Maine, served as President Lincoln's Consul in Matamoros, where he cared for the Confederate territory refugees and enlisted Union sympathizers. His family finally settled in Laredo, where my grandfather, a French immigrant, married Rachel Pierce Cushman. My grandmother, Claire Jannet Pierce was born here in 1904. The family migrated to Mexico later on, but other part of the family stayed here. That is why, the last time I was here I got to visit a school that bears the name of my great aunt, Alma Allerton Pierce Elementary. I can feel this sense of fellowship, supported by a binational, bilingual and bicultural community, that is so characteristic of Laredo. Our border is one of the busiest and most frequently crossed international borders in the world, but it is way more than a customs and immigration checkpoint. When we talk about the border, we are also talking about us. We are talking about people that move, that invest, that shop and that socialize across the boundary line. When we talk about the border we talk about ranchers, railroad builders, miners, investors and immigrants. We talk about thousands of people who cross the border every single day in both directions to work, conduct business, attend school or get medical treatment. When I come to the border, I see an environment of opportunity defined by social and commercial exchanges, and of common natural landscapes. I also see it as the symbol of our economic stature as a region. Together, the 10 Border States would constitute the world's 4th largest economy. Dear friends: We are neighbors by geography, but partners and allies by choice. In less than a century, we transformed mistrust into a strong, collaborative and mutually beneficial relationship. Our special partnership has made us grow together and prosper together. Today, the great state of Texas has witnessed firsthand the benefits of the close trade with Mexico, twenty-eight years after NAFTA was signed here in San Antonio. Under NAFTA, exports from Texas to Mexico increased 350%. In a striking comparison, Texas' exports to Mexico are greater than all U.S. exports to Japan and India combined. Mexico is Texas main trading partner, its first export destination and its number one source of imports. Our bilateral trade rose to more than 200 billion dollars in 2019 and there are almost half a million Texans whose jobs depend on trade with Mexico. Moving forward, we are confident that NAFTA successor, the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, USMCA or TMEC, will be a strategic component for economic growth in North America and the ongoing creation of opportunities in cities like Laredo. With the passing of USMCA, we accomplished three additional objectives: (1) To support North America's competitiveness, with rules of origin that strengthen regional value chains (2) To increase trade and investments, and (3) To restore certainty and stability Now is the time for implementation and as Laredo is the main port for bilateral trade we have multiple challenges ahead, particularly in the area of infrastructure and personnel for the port, to be able to grasp the opportunities that we have ahead of us. But when I talk about infrastructure is not only the ports of entry, it's water sanitation, and it is also realizing that we share a common environment and discussing how are we going to deal with the challenges that a border wall will bring to that environment. We have shared this environment for centuries, and this construction can change it permanently. This is something that we have to reflect on, because, above all, the wall will be a symbol that will separate us, while our rivers, our landscape and our bridges had united us. Dear all, Mexico is well aware that all of the opportunities that stand before us cannot be fully seized, and will not be fully seized, without a careful reconsideration of the difficulties that lie ahead. There is no silver bullet that will resolve all of our challenges overnight, but we are confident that we are moving in the right direction. Today, the U.S.-Mexico relationship is at a crossroads, and the decisions that we take from now on will impact the direction of both our countries and the lives of millions of people. We have sensitive pending issues like migration, where reality requires that we see it, not as a national security problem, but as a phenomenon that can allow us to establish a link between demographic profiles and labor markets. We are convinced of the necessity of a continuous dialogue, especially on divisive issues, because as long as we remain neighbors, American and Mexican futures will be intertwined. The role of cities like the two Laredos, its community and its values are key in this shared future. Thank you very much.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, on Monday, March 2, 2020 I regret not being present for a vote session. Had I been present, I would have voted in support of H.R. 5003--Fair Debt Collection Practices for Servicemembers Act, Roll Call vote 79, and voted in support of H.R. 5932--Ensuring Chinese Debt Transparency Act of 2020, Roll Call Vote 80.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 I regret not being present for a vote session. Had I been present, I would have voted in support of H. Res. 387 Condemning continued violence against civilians by armed groups in the Central African Republic and supporting efforts to achieve a lasting political solution to the conflict, Roll Call vote 81, and voted in support of H.R. 4508 Malala Yousafzai Scholarship Act, Roll Call Vote 82. personal explanation

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, on Friday, February 28, 2020 I regret not being present for a vote session. Had I been present, I would have voted in support of H.R. 2339--Protecting American Lungs and Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019, Roll Call vote 78, and voted in support of H.R. 2819--Gold Star Mothers Families National Monument Extension Act, Roll Call Vote 76.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Councilman Gerard Jimenez. Mr. Jimenez was a dedicated public servant who served Floresville, Texas as a Councilman for almost two decades. He retired from Kelly Air Force Base and later went on to study Business Administration at Texas Tech University. Born and raised in Floresville, Councilman Jimenez had a great sense of humor and captured the essence of being an enlightened public servant for Floresville, who pushed for the advancement of the city. He was a beloved and loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, and community leader. His life was dedicated to the best interests of his community and family. He shared in the vision of economic advances and took strides to help maintain the growth of the city. Mr. Jimenez passed away on January 6, 2020. He is survived by his wife Sylvia Leal Jimenez, and four children; Gerard Scott Jimenez and wife Serena, Christopher Michael Jimenez and wife Ashley, Jade Jimenez, and Jewel Jimenez; and his siblings Samuel, Alice, Ruby, and Gloria Jimenez. He is preceded in death by his late parents, Samuel and Mary Ann Jimenez. Gerard will be remembered as a dedicated citizen of his community, an admirable public servant, and a close friend. The city of Floresville will declare November 8th as Gerard Jimenez Day, forever cementing his memory and service into the community he dedicated his life to serving. Madam Speaker, I thank Councilman Gerard Jimenez for the many contributions to the City of Floresville, and express my deep appreciation for his dedication to the progress of the city.