Joaquin Castro

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of the life of Mrs. Mary Theresa ``Terry'' Vasquez who passed away on Sunday, October 5, 2025. A kind soul who selflessly dedicated her life to serving others, Terry's impact on the community is profound. Her legacy of service will surely inspire others in the future to care for those in need. A native of San Antonio, Terry was raised in a large family with eight siblings and her two parents, Reyes G. Schultz and Maria Del Refugio ``Mary Ruth'' Montez. She attended and graduated from Fox Technical High School, where she met her husband, Juan. Terry committed her life to serving others. She had a remarkable nursing career of over 50 years. As a nurse, Terry cared for countless individuals, providing them with the care they needed, both in and out of the home. When her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, she returned to San Antonio to care for her. This powerful experience inspired Terry to document her journey as her mother's caregiver in the book Mi Mamacita Tiene Alzheimer's. Her book is a testament that reminds us of the shared experiences that define our lives. Terry was a tireless advocate for healthcare. She was a member of the American Nurses Association, the National Association of Hispanic Nurses, the national and San Antonio chapters of the Alzheimer's Association, the National Caregivers Association, the Virginia Nurses Association, and the Alexandria Long Term Care Coordinating Committee. She was also the Virginia State Representative for the National Family Caregivers Association. Additionally, she was a member of the civic organizations Las Comadres Para Las Americas and MANA, a National Latina Organization. She is survived by her husband, the Honorable Juan Vasquez; her son Juan, Jr. and daughter-in-law Tania, and her son Jaime and daughter-in- law Veronica; and her eight grandchildren, Claire, Maryn, Juan, III, Lauren, Daniella, Viviana, Jonathan and Juan Pablo. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to celebrate the life of Mrs. Mary Theresa ``Terry'' Vasquez. She was a bright light in the community who made an impact on countless lives. She will be greatly missed.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Communities Organized for Public Services (COPS), also known as COPS/METRO. On Sunday, October 26, 2025, community members will gather to recognize five decades of transformational leadership and community empowerment in San Antonio. Attendees will reflect on past accomplishments, honor the leaders who paved the way, and reaffirm their shared commitment to building a more just and equitable future for all San Antonians. For half a century, COPS/Metro has empowered community members to voice their opinions and influence policies that impact their lives. This diverse, nonpartisan coalition of religious congregations, schools, civic groups, labor and professional organizations, and nonprofits has built connections across communities and achieved meaningful, lasting change. Working with partners in both the public and private sectors, COPS/ Metro has established a strong forum for advocacy that has enhanced the quality of life for families throughout Bexar County. From affordable housing and workforce training to environmental justice and government accountability, COPS/Metro has promoted fairness, opportunity, and dignity for all residents. COPS/Metro has consistently supported the people of San Antonio with dedication and purpose. I commend COPS/Metro for fifty years of outstanding leadership and community service, and I look forward to its continued success in the years ahead.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in celebration of the 70th wedding anniversary of Dennis and Irene Koudelka. Mr. and Mrs. Koudelka exchanged their vows on July 30, 1955, at St. Gerard Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas. The couple exchanged their vows after Mr. Koudelka returned from the Korean war, where his heroic actions awarded him a Bronze Star at the Battle of Pork Chop Hill. Mr. Koudelka served our Nation in the United States Army for eight years, where he was Active Duty from 1952 to 1954 and a reservist from 1954 to 1960. Mr. and Mrs. Koudelka have two children, Mrs. Debbie Hannasch and Mr. Steve Koudelka. They are the grandparents to Mrs. Amanda Pawkett and the great grandparents to Reed and Rylie Pawkett. Mr. and Mrs. Koudelka dedicated themselves to serving the community. At St. Luke's Catholic Church, Dennis coached football and flag football for the parish's Catholic Youth Organization teams. Irene served as the church's area chairwoman. She also served as the Hillcrest neighborhood chairwoman, in addition to being her daughter's Girl Scout Brownie leader. Seventy years after they exchanged their vows, they are still creating memories with their family, friends and loved ones. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Dennis and Irene Koudelka's 70 years of marriage--their love story is one of admiration, respect, hope and joy.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume for the purposes of closing. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to champion the protection of Uyghurs as a Member of Congress. Yet, let me point out someone who is also a fierce champion of the Uyghurs, perhaps their strongest supporter across the Capitol, and that is our current Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Then-Senator Rubio gave an important speech in the Senate to get the Uyghur Forced Labor Protection Act over the finish line just a few years ago in 2021. Yet, now, as Secretary, he has overseen drastic cuts to religious freedom and human rights programming that helps the Uyghurs. I hope that this bill augurs a return to Senator Rubio, rather than what is a disheartening and nonstrategic policy that we have seen from the State Department today. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this legislation and encourage my colleagues to do so, as well, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2635 to support the human rights of Uyghurs, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. I am a proud supporter of Representative Kim's Uyghur Policy Act of 2025. The House Foreign Affairs Committee has played an important leadership role in pushing for the protection of Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang in the face of genocide and forced labor, as my colleague mentioned. In the last few years, the Congress and the House Foreign Affairs Committee have prioritized this issue, including marking up and enacting the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, thanks in large part to Representative Jim McGovern and Speaker Emerita Pelosi's leadership, but our work is far from done because Beijing's oppression continues. The legislation before us today is a strong, bipartisan bill. I hope it sends a clear signal to the Trump administration about Congress' intent. So far, the administration has cut congressionally authorized programs that support human rights in China, including initiatives empowering Chinese and Uyghur-related diaspora groups to combat transnational repression and defend religious freedom. Despite the fact that Radio Free Asia helped break the story about China's program of detention, reeducation, and forced labor, this administration is trying to close Radio Free Asia as we speak. It has shut down the only independent Uyghur language service in the entire world. I thank Representative Kim and Representative Bera for their leadership on this bill and hope this administration reverses course. These cuts aid the CCP, not the victims of their abuse or the American people. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join in supporting this measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time for the purpose of closing. I applaud the sponsor and cosponsors of the bill for their work on this legislation. We should be working more closely together with allies who share our values. That is the central idea behind the AUKUS agreement and the driving principle of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support it, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Dean).

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4233. The AUKUS Agreement established by the Biden administration was a historic accomplishment, and Congress has played an important and constructive role in laying the legislative foundation for closer cooperation between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. With this latest legislative effort, Representatives Kim and Dean are continuing and furthering that legacy and promoting a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific. AUKUS is an important way to bolster our alliance structure in East Asia and the Pacific and do what we do best as a nation: work with our allies toward a common cause, in this case, a free and open Indo- Pacific. The AUKUS agreement accomplishes these ends by providing Australia with additional submarine training and technology in Pillar I, as well as knitting together cooperative defense research and development efforts between Australia, the United States, and the U.K. in Pillar II. This bill builds on important, bipartisan provisions agreed to in the fiscal year '24 NDAA which set the foundation for AUKUS and provides minor technical improvements, as well. Principally, it clarifies and enshrines the ability for AUKUS partners to reexport and retransfer defense material and technology within the AUKUS construct and through established and secured channels. The bill also provides other technical fixes and clarifications to the already strong bipartisan AUKUS foundational text which continues to serve all three AUKUS countries. As the Trump administration conducts its belated review of AUKUS, many of us here in Congress on both sides of the aisle look forward to seeing AUKUS continue forward. This bill is a helpful contribution to its shared goals. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join in supporting this measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Foster).

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the PARTNER Act. This is a bipartisan bill, supported by colleagues on both sides of the aisle, that strengthens American diplomacy, science, and leadership in the world. The PARTNER Act does something very simple but very important. It extends basic legal protections, known as privileges and immunities, to several key international organizations that the United States works closely with but that, until now, have lacked the same recognition that we give to other multilateral institutions. Let me explain why this is very important. These legal protections are not special favors. They are the standard tools that allow international organizations to do their work effectively and independently. They protect institutions from lawsuits, taxation, or other interference that could disrupt their missions, while still ensuring that individuals remain accountable for their own private actions. They are reciprocal. Just as American diplomats and officials enjoy these protections when we serve in international organizations abroad, we extend them to our partners here in the United States. It is the basic infrastructure of diplomacy. Why is this bill important right now? First, our strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific. ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is central to U.S. engagement in Asia. Recognizing its diplomatic status here in the United States shows our commitment to the region's future and to working with our Asian partners on equal footing. Second, the Western Hemisphere, of which we are a part, is obviously incredibly important to the United States. CARICOM, the Caribbean Community, plays a crucial role in democratic governance, regional security, and disaster preparedness. Extending privileges and immunities supports CARICOM as a unified voice for the Caribbean and strengthens U.S. ties to a region where influence should be felt through real and consistent engagement. Third, science and technology leadership. CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is one of the world's premier scientific organizations. It is partnering with United States researchers on the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, a $3 billion project based right here in United States. This is some of the most important and cutting-edge physics research in the world that will, hopefully, allow us to better understand the universe. By extending privileges and immunities to CERN, we can speed up the timeline for this groundbreaking work, control costs, and ensure that American scientists remain at the forefront of the discovery. Fourth, our Pacific and African partners. This bill authorizes the President to extend protections to the Pacific Islands Forum, a vital regional body in the South Pacific where small island nations are on the front lines of climate change and facing significant diplomatic overtures by China. The bill fixes a gap in U.S. law by ensuring the African Union's observer mission to the United Nations in New York receives the same recognition as the AU itself. Taken together, these provisions make clear that the United States values our partnerships and will invest in multilateral cooperation that advances our interests and our American values. Mr. Speaker, Congress has extended privileges and immunities before to the European Union, to the African Union, and, of course, to the United Nations and the Organization of American States. This bill simply applies the same standard to other organizations that the United States works with every single day. At a time when our competitors are working overtime to expand their influence in Asia, the Caribbean, the Pacific, and Africa we cannot afford to sit back. The PARTNER Act is a concrete step to strengthen U.S. leadership, deepen our alliances, and keep America the center of global diplomacy and science. I thank all of my colleagues, Democrat and Republican, for their leadership and for their work on this bill. This bill has broad bipartisan support. It is good for American diplomacy, good for American science, and good for American leadership in the world. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the PARTNER Act, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I support this bill on undersea cables and believe it is a smart step to develop a strategy for American economic statecraft in this important area. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2503. Communication systems and access to the internet are highly dependent on undersea cables. Ninety-nine percent of intercontinental data travels via undersea fiber-optic cables on the ocean floor. It goes without saying that control and manufacture of these cables matter not just for economic development but will matter in any conflict. The United States, with allies and partners, must maintain strategic independence and should seek to become the primary source of this critical infrastructure. This bill will force the Bureau of Industry and Security to provide a study along these lines, which is long overdue. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join in supporting this measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Colonel Willard Alvin ``Bill'' Barnes who is turning one hundred five years old on August 30, 2025. Colonel Barnes was born in Atkinson, Nebraska, on August 30, 1920. Raised by his maternal grandfather, Ole Torske, he was imbued with an understanding of the power of service, loyalty, and hard work at an early age. In 1942, Colonel Barnes bravely answered the call to defend our Nation by enlisting in the United States Army shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He completed his training at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center in Mississippi, where he then became a member of the 85th Infantry, Custer Division. He was deployed to the North African Theater of Operations during World War II. Upon the campaign's completion, he and his division traveled to Italy where they fought in three campaigns in the Rome-Arno region, the North Apennines and the Po River Valley. Following Colonel Barnes' service in World War II, he returned to Nebraska where he enrolled at Creighton University and earned his bachelor's degree and Juris Doctor degree. Upon graduation in 1952, he began a twenty-eight-year career in the United States Air Force as part of the Judge Advocate General's Corps. Colonel Barnes' time in Judge Advocate General's Corps sent him across the world in service to our country. Throughout his career, he served domestically in Idaho, Alaska, California, Washington, D.C., Illinois and New Mexico, and internationally in London, Madrid and Seoul. After nearly four decades of military service, Colonel Barnes retired, but his commitment to service did not end. He dedicated himself to serving senior citizens, unhoused persons and his church community. As rich as Colonel Barnes' military career is, so is his familial life. He was born to his mother Anna Torske Barnes and had two brothers, Olin Barnes and Raymond Barnes. He married Elaine Spielman Barnes on July 16, 1948, with whom he would spend 72 years of his life. They had three children, M.J. Barnes, Barbara Barnes and Kari Rugh. He has three grandchildren, Alex Barnes, Nicholas Barnes and Kalie Kyo, and one great grandchild, Katherine Millie Barnes. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the life and career of Colonel ``Bill'' Barnes on his 105th birthday. I thank Colonel Barnes for his service to our country and the San Antonio community.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Leonardo ``Flaco'' Jimenez who passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025. A pioneer of Conjunto music, his music powerfully defined the arts. He brought generations together through his one-of-a kind talent. He is survived by his wife, Adela, his eight children, and his brother, Santiago Jimenez, Jr. A San Antonio native, Mr. Jimenez was born into a family of musicians. He was the grandson and son of trailblazing accordionists who encouraged ``Flaco'' to pursue music. He played with his father's band as a child, launching a career that spanned more than seven decades. As ``Flaco'' began to master the accordion, he soon packed Texas' dance halls at a young age. His performances captivated audiences and spread throughout the country. His incredible talent led to collaborations with notable musicians who dominated the air waves. These collaborations exposed regions across the country and world to the Conjunto sound. ``Flaco'' was an international ambassador of Conjunto music, and by extension, Mexican-American culture. Everywhere he performed, the rhythm from his accordion did more than move the crowd. It exposed people to the Mexican-American ethos. The shared stories of hope, love, perseverance and triumph touched and shaped the soundtrack of American life. The power in ``Flaco's'' music forged a legacy defined by success, With albums such as eAy Te Dejo en San Antonio y Mas!, and hits like ``Margarita, Margarita'' and ``(Hey Baby) Que Paso,'' he received many prestigious accolades. ``Flaco'' became a 6-time Grammy Award Winning artist and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. His album, Partners, was inducted into the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress in 2021. He also received various hall of fame inductions and lifetime awards. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to celebrate the life and legacy of a Conjunto and Tejano music icon who will long be remembered in my hometown, across the State of Texas, and around the world.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of the American G.I. Forum's 77th anniversary. It is an honor to shed light on an organization who dedicates itself to strengthening our democracy and building a legacy of service. Dr. Hector P. Garcia founded the American G.I. Forum in 1948 to address the inequalities Hispanics faced in the postwar era. Dr. Garcia mobilized veterans like himself, who valiantly served our Nation, to advocate for the growth and development of communities in need. From a single chapter in Texas, the American G.I. Forum quickly expanded throughout the state and country. The organization began to achieve widespread notoriety for its work within the community. It improved access to government hospitals for veterans, ended the poll tax in Texas, created pre-schools for Spanish speaking children, and improved equity for veterans' burial services. The organization broke down barriers for veterans in housing and education, reaching those that the country had forgotten about. After 77 years, the American G.I. Forum continues advocating for equitable opportunities. For our veterans and their families, they offer essential services that address issues ranging from healthcare accessibility to workforce readiness and housing. Additionally, they work to empower our youth by offering scholarships to students intending to enroll in higher education. It is through their efforts that our communities continue to take the steps forward to ensure a strong and thriving democracy. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize to the American G.I. Forum and their accomplishments in serving our Nation.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Three years ago today, I was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer. That day, my youngest child, my daughter, turned 2 months old. There is a drug that I have to take every month, every 28 days, and the first time I saw the bill for that, the list price on that drug was $24,000 per injection. For people that don't have insurance or Medicaid or aren't covered, they are not getting that shot. They are not going to survive, some of them. This is a choice for some of you between your career and saving people's lives. There are so many folks who have reached out over the last several months panicking about their disabled children, about their senior citizen parents who are in nursing homes, people struggling with cancer, Alzheimer's, dementia, sickle cell, diabetes, all of these illnesses. You have the power today to make sure that they can live with dignity and stay alive, or you can choose your career. That is your choice. We choose to keep people alive. We choose to have healthcare in this country. We refuse to cut healthcare for 17 million people nationwide and 1.6 million people in Texas because it is wrong and it is immoral and we can take a different course.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and accomplishments of U.S. Ambassador Lino Gutierrez. Lino honorably worked at the Department of State for almost 40 years, serving as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Acting Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs. He valiantly carried the flag abroad as the U.S. Ambassador to Nicaragua and Argentina and served as a high-level adviser in the National War College. Even after his retirement, he found other ways to serve our community and give back to his community. He led the Una Chapman Cox Foundation and was a professor at George Washington and Johns Hopkins Universities. I know it brought him great joy to mentor the next generation of foreign affairs professionals, particularly emerging leaders from the Latino community. Lino nobly represented U.S. economic and social interests. He defended our national security and rallied support for the United States. He was good neighbor, a model citizen, a loyal friend, and a loving husband and father. Our Nation owes him a debt of gratitude.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of National Public Health Week and the UT School of Public Health San Antonio. It is an honor to shed light onto a mission devoted to strengthening our communities, improving quality of life, and ensuring that everyone has equal access to quality health and wellness services. Health extends beyond clinics and hospitals. It is the cornerstone of a strong nation. By engaging our communities, public health workers address health care disparities and implement competent wellness programs that provide essential services to diverse communities. The opening of the UT School of Public Health San Antonio--the newest addition to the UT Health San Antonio system--underscores the dedication to implementing tools that lead to a healthier life. The institution is a step forward in addressing the challenges faced by communities in San Antonio and South Texas. Through cutting edge- research, the new generation of public health workers will drive our nation forward. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize and bring attention to this special celebration.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to be here tonight with members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and with our Democratic leader as well, to celebrate and remember a man who made a difference: Raul Grijalva. He never forgot where he came from. Just as importantly, he never forgot why he came. He was somebody who lent a voice to the vulnerable and to the folks who had been discarded and forgotten. He was a man of his community. I served 10 years in Austin in the State legislature and am now in year 13 here. As I meet all the people that represent and serve the districts that they do, I always wonder how closely each person represents the average person walking down the street in their district. Raul Grijalva was that every person. To me, that is one of the biggest compliments that can be paid not only to the people who sent him here but also to him. He left the same way he came in, a man of principle who stood up for what he believed, who fought for the people that he represented, and always spoke truth to power. He was a legend of Mexican-American activism, known across the country for protecting our national parks, the environment, fighting for early childhood education and higher education, and uplifting immigrants and marginalized communities. As all of us know, he was also a kind and brilliant man. He had a kind heart but a fierce spirit. He was a fearless voice for Arizonans and all Americans. Mr. Speaker, Raul will be missed. My condolences go out to his family and to his community.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate Our Lady of the Lake University's 130th anniversary. A true San Antonio institution, the university's dedication to public service extends further than the classroom, uniting generations of students, faculty, staff, and community members. Since 1895, Our Lady of the Lake has been a true Jewel of San Antonio's Westside. Established by the Sisters of Divine Providence, the school was created with the intention of serving the community in all aspects of life. Throughout the school's 130 years, it has held true to its traditions, while constantly innovating to ensure its position as a preeminent institution of higher education. Whether it was teaching grade school students at the turn of the twentieth century as a parochial school, providing individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds with access to higher education, or implementing community- based social service programs, Our Lady of the Lake has continually shown San Antonio and beyond that it is built on a commitment to service of all. Now, in 2025, Our Lady of the Lake is a university that embraces its history to continually drive academic excellence and community development. As a leader in numerous academic disciplines, the university attracts students from throughout the United States and the world. Across Our Lady of the Lake University's three campuses, more than 75 undergraduate and graduate programs, and successful athletic programs, the university has positioned itself to inspire current and future generations. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize an educational legacy defined by success, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to service.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Joseph Bernal, a veteran, educator, and pillar of San Antonio and Texas politics who passed away on January 25. Born on San Antonio's westside during the Great Depression, Dr. Bernal graduated from Lanier High School before enlisting in the U.S. Army where he supported postwar reconstruction efforts in Japan. Upon his return to San Antonio, he earned a bachelor's degree through the GI Bill, which was soon followed by a master's degree and a Ph.D. As a young teacher, he witnessed the grave inequities facing Hispanic students, an experience that would lead him to elected office in the Texas Legislature and the State Board of Education, where he fought to repeal laws that banned speaking Spanish in public schools, championed the State's first bilingual education law, and led efforts to create the University of Texas at San Antonio and the UT Health Science Center. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to celebrate the life and service of a trailblazer who will be long remembered in my hometown and across the State of Texas.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Judge Andrew Carruthers as he retires from the bench after more than half a century as a distinguished legal advocate and public servant. Judge Carruthers was born in Fort Worth, Texas in 1945. His father, a minister, tended to a congregation of more than 600 worshippers at St. Andrew's Methodist Church, which was the largest Black Methodist church in Fort Worth. Despite the discrimination and segregation facing Black families, the young Carruthers children were surrounded by teachers, nurses, entrepreneurs, and other community leaders, leaving them with no shortage of role models. In 1957, his father accepted an appointment to become pastor of St. Paul Methodist Church in San Antonio. The new congregation was warm and welcoming, and San Antonio quickly became home for the Carruthers family. Judge Carruthers graduated from Cuney Elementary School, Frederick Douglass Junior High, and Highlands High School, where he played in the band and ran cross-country and track. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin in 1969, Judge Carruthers became a program representative for the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, where he tended to Houston's neediest people. Shortly, after, he enrolled in law school at Texas Southern University and later attended St. Mary's University, where he supported himself as a bailiff for District Judge James E. Barlow of the 186th District. After passing the bar exam, Judge Carruthers began his legal career, working first as an Assistant District Attorney in Bexar County and later for then-Texas Attorney General John Hill. He was then hired as a professor at Thurgood Marshall Law School, where he taught for eight years. In 1982, Judge Carruthers returned to San Antonio and opened the Law Offices of Carruthers and Cunningham with his wife, Willie. Their son, Andrew C. Carruthers was born in 1983. Judge Cunningham is also blessed with two daughters, Aloyce Williams and Tammye Turner. In 1989, Judge Carruthers was appointed Criminal Law Magistrate of Bexar County, a position that he would hold for the next 35 years. During his time as Criminal Law Magistrate, Judge Carruthers worked to advance the court's understanding of what it means to be competent to stand trial. This work is reflected in his presentations at legal conferences and the expansion of Bexar County's competency and sanity evaluation programs. Today, because of Judge Carruthers' leadership and innovation, the court now offers inpatient, outpatient and jail-based restoration programs for individuals with mental illnesses, and community based and residential care programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The dedication Judge Carruthers has demonstrated for the last 52 years has been instrumental for local judicial programs. His work has aided many and will continue to help individuals seeking assistance. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to express my gratitude for Judge Andrew Carruthers as he celebrates his retirement.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Communities Organized for Public Service, known as COPS/Metro, for fifty years of dedicated service to the San Antonio community. For half a century, COPS/Metro has helped community members use their voices to influence the policy that affect their lives. This broad, nonpartisan coalition of religious congregations, schools, civic associations, labor and professional organizations, and non-profits has enacted powerful change over the years. Working with both the private and public sector, COPS/Metro provides a productive forum for advocacy that has changed Bexar County for the better. COPS/Metro brings together community members from many different walks of life to share their perspectives and organize for progress. COPS/Metro members have had an impact on everything from housing affordability and job training to environmental justice and government accountability. Whether the issue is improving city streets or making sure workers are paid a living wage, COPS/Metro has ensured services are delivered to those in need. I commend all the great work this organization has done in our community and for the growth and opportunity they have fostered for the San Antonio region. I look forward to seeing many more years of continued success for COPS/Metro.

Mr. CASTRO of Texas

Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Jorge Cortez, who passed away on November 11, 2024, at the age of 81. Known for his signature red apron, white guayabera and white hat, Jorge was not just an icon of San Antonio's culinary world but also a visionary artist and a champion of the city's vibrant cultura. A proud son of my hometown of San Antonio, Mr. Cortez leaves behind his seven children--Pete, Deborah, Christina, Paloma, Carino, Alexandra, and Sol Jorge, twelve grandchildren, and one great- grandchild. In 1941, Mr. Cortez's parents, Pedro and Cruz, purchased a small three-table cafe that would become an iconic and beloved community institution. Mi Tierra Cafe was more than a place to dine--it became a haven for comunidad, filled with musica, murals, and the aromas of their authentic comida. After their father passed away in 1984, Mr. Cortez and his siblings committed themselves to preserving and expanding his legacy, creating a thriving business rooted in honoring and promoting their Latino culture. Under their leadership, La Familia Cortez grew to include five beloved restaurants, employing more than 600 San Antonians. Mr. Cortez's creative spark was also behind the invention of sizzling fajitas, a dish that has become synonymous with Tex-Mex cuisine. Mr. Cortez was more than a restaurateur; he was an artist and a visionary leader who believed in using art and culture to uplift the community. His artistry extended beyond the murals of Mi Tierra to shape the cultural fabric of downtown San Antonio. Mr. Cortez played a key role in the establishment of Zona Cultural, a 44-block historic district designated by the City of San Antonio and the State of Texas that celebrates the diversity, creativity, and commerce of San Antonio. His vision for Zona Cultural transformed it into a hub of heritage and innovation, ensuring that future generations could experience and cherish the richness of the city's history. La Familia Cortez is the definition of the American dream, and the Cortez family continues to shape San Antonio for the better. Mr. Cortez was a lively and much-admired member of our community, and he will be greatly missed.