Mónica De La Cruz

Ms. DE LA CRUZ

Ms. DE LA CRUZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the bill.

Ms. DE LA CRUZ. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 10167) to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to stop minting the penny, to require cash transactions to be rounded up or down to the nearest 5 cents, and for other purposes.

Ms. De La Cruz

Ms. De La Cruz. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor former mayor, Dolly Perez, on her retirement after nearly four decades of service to the city of Premont. Dolly's deep commitment to her hometown is a family legacy, inspired by her father who served on the city council over 70 years ago. After giving 36 incredible years of service as Premont's city secretary, Dolly answered the call to leadership, successfully running for mayor to finish community projects, balancing the city budget, and building a brighter future for the town she loves. Her decades of sacrifice, compassion, and leadership have left an incredible mark on the community. I thank Mayor Dolly Perez for her extraordinary lifetime of public service and congratulate her on her well-deserved retirement. Honoring Retired Air Force Major Homer Gallegos

Ms. De La Cruz. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of an American hero and a pillar of the McAllen community, retired United States Air Force Major Homer Gallegos. Born and raised in McAllen, Major Gallegos answered the call to duty in 1968, enlisting in the Air Force and serving a tour of duty in south Vietnam. He dedicated 30 years to the Air Force Reserves, ultimately retiring at the rank of major. His service to our Nation did not end when he took off the uniform. For over two decades, Major Gallegos worked as a licensed professional counselor at the McAllen Vet Center, helping his fellow veterans heal from the invisible wounds of war. He served as a commander of the VFW Post 8788 for over 20 years, where he stood in the honor guard to provide final military honors to Rio Grande Valley veterans. His lifetime of selflessness earned him the national Hands and Heart Award from the Secretary of Veteran's Affairs. His legacy will forever be defined by his faith, devotion to his family, and his servant's heart. 100th Anniversary of Falfurrias Volunteer Fire Department

Ms. De La Cruz. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the incredible men and women of the Falfurrias Volunteer Fire Department for 100 years of service to south Texas. The department's history traces back to 1926, when local citizens formed a bucket brigade to fight a fire breaking out in Falfurrias. Recognizing the need for an organized operation, the brave community members officially established the department. From its earliest days, operating with an old Jeep carrying a single barrel of water, the department has grown into a modern emergency response powerhouse with a fleet of over 15 trucks, covering more than 500 square miles across Brooks County. For 100 years, their mission has remained unchanged: to serve with honor and with bravery. We are grateful to the Falfurrias Volunteer Fire Department for keeping Brooks County safe. Recognizing Special Interns

Ms. De La Cruz. Mr. Speaker, I would like to quickly recognize that we have special interns from the district that are celebrating their birthday today. I would like to wish a happy birthday to David Rodriguez and Joseph Uribe. We wish them many blessings, today and always. God bless them.

Ms. De La CRUZ

Ms. De La CRUZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Aurora Guzman from McAllen Memorial High School for being selected as a Texas Girls Coaches Association all-star player. A brilliant athlete and student, Aurora is known for her captivating energy on the court. Behind her success are years of hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to her sport. Aurora has shown true leadership, helping to elevate the Lady Mustang basketball team while earning recognition as a premier player in the region. She not only represents McAllen Memorial, but she also represents the entire Rio Grande Valley and every young athlete who dreams of playing on the big stage. I thank Aurora for representing south Texas with pride. I congratulate her on this prestigious honor. We wish her the best of luck next month at the TGCA all-star game. Recognizing McCreery Aviation

Ms. De La CRUZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize McCreery Aviation on 80 years of exceptional service in south Texas. Founded in 1946 by J.F. ``Mac'' McCreery, the company began as a small flight school following World War II. What started as one aircraft has grown into a premier, full-service aviation provider at McAllen International Airport, serving aircraft owners and international travelers across the region. Today, under the leadership of Mac's son, Bob McCreery, the company reflects the strength of the family-owned business built on hard work and commitment. Through high-quality maintenance, pilot training, and support for international trade, McCreery Aviation continues to play a vital role in our community. Madam Speaker, I congratulate McCreery Aviation on eight decades of service. I wish them continued success for generations to come. Recognizing Alice ISD

Ms. De La CRUZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Alice ISD, the recipient of the 2026 Small School District title at the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards. This milestone highlights the exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication shaping the future of the Alice community. With this award comes $50,000 in grant money for student-centered upgrades across six campuses. These funds will bring new changes, from an outdoor science classroom and digital marquees to transforming the Schallert Elementary Library into a modern workspace. None of this would be possible without the dedicated administrators, teachers, and support staff who lift their students up. I congratulate the superintendent, Dr. Anysia Trevino, the Board of Trustees, and the entire Alice ISD community on this grand achievement.

Ms. De La CRUZ

Ms. De La CRUZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6644, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which will make the American Dream of homeownership affordable again for countless Texas families. By expanding housing supply, restoring efficiency to outdated HUD programs, supporting our veterans seeking homeownership, and protecting families from corporations unfairly competing with them to purchase homes, this legislation brings homeownership back within reach for all Americans. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of H.R. 6644.

Ms. De La CRUZ

Ms. De La CRUZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding, and I thank Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis for working so hard to get this piece of legislation on the floor today. I stand proudly to support H.R. 1329, the bipartisan Smithsonian American Women's History Museum Act, as an original cosponsor. For 30 years, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have worked together to establish a space that carries on the legacy of the American women who fought tirelessly for our rights. It is absolutely unacceptable that any Member would oppose this bill because they want a biological male, a man, to be honored in the space designed for women, biological women. Any vote that opposes this legislation undermines every woman who fought for our right to vote, our right to own a home, our right to attend college, and even our right to own our paychecks. Ultimately, I represent a community that understands the difference between a man and a woman, a community that respects women, a community that will be proud that today and always they can count on me to stand up for biological women and stand up for common sense. Common sense, let's think about that. Let's think about common sense, which obviously my colleagues on the other side of the aisle do not have and lost along the way. Today, I will ``with pride''; ``con orgullo'' vote ``yes'' on this bill. I will vote ``yes'' on this legislation. I will vote ``yes'' for my ``grandmother''; ``abuelita,'' who is in Heaven smiling down, and ``for my mother''; ``para mi mama,'' who is watching right now on C- SPAN ``with pride''; ``con orgullo,'' watching her daughter speak on behalf of women here in America, to tell our story, to share our history, women's history. I will vote ``yes'' for this legislation. I will vote ``yes'' for biological women. Today, I will vote ``yes'' for common sense.

Ms. De La CRUZ

Ms. De La CRUZ. Mr. Speaker, in honor of National Police Week, I rise to recognize two exceptional officers from Texas' 15th Congressional District, Trooper Juan Zuniga and Trooper Roman Gonzalez. Trooper Zuniga, a McAllen native, has spent over 12 years protecting the citizens of our State. Since graduating from the Department of Public Safety Academy in 2013, he has served as a mentor and a highly skilled expert in crash reconstruction and drug recognition. Edinburg native, Trooper Roman Gonzalez, has led a life defined by sacrifice. Before his 17-year career as a trooper, Roman served as a U.S. marine in Iraq where he earned the Combat Action Ribbon for his courage on the front lines. Both of these men continue to go above and beyond as members of the elite Texas DPS Honor Guard. They ensure that our fallen heroes are laid to rest with dignity, precision, and respect. Troopers Zuniga and Gonzalez represent the very best of south Texas. I thank them for their service. Police Chief Jaime Ayala

Ms. De La CRUZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Police Chief Jaime Ayala of the Edinburg Police Department who was recently awarded the Mike Gentry Executive Leadership Award by the Texas Police Chiefs Association. This award is reserved for those who embody exceptional leadership in law enforcement. Since stepping into his role, Chief Ayala has shifted the department's focus from simply responding to crime to actively preventing it. By building a proactive agency and deploying drones for real-time emergency responses, he has ensured that Edinburg remains at the cutting edge of public safety innovation. Under his leadership, the Edinburg Police Department was awarded the Rio Grande Valley's Favorite Law Enforcement Agency for the third year in a row. This honor reflects his team's deep commitment to serving and connecting with our beautiful community. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Chief Ayala on this incredible achievement. Honoring Sergeant Joshua Roque

Ms. De La CRUZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Alice native Sergeant Joshua Roque for his outstanding service and leadership at the Jim Wells County Sheriff's Office. Since joining the department 6 years ago, Sergeant Roque has demonstrated exceptional work ethic and leadership. Moving from his role as a correctional officer to patrol sergeant, he has distinguished himself not only as a deputy but also as a resilient member of the SWAT team. He is known throughout the agency for his professionalism and positive attitude that he brings to every shift. Whether he is supervising his squad or making critical decisions under pressure, he leads with integrity. Mr. Speaker, I thank Sergeant Roque for his dedication to public safety and unwavering commitment to the mission of the Jim Wells County Sheriff's Department.

Ms. De La Cruz

Ms. De La Cruz. Mr. Chair, I thank our chairman. When I say thank you, I mean thank you, thank you, thank you. It has been 3 long years that we have not been able to pass the most bipartisan farm bill that this Chamber has seen, and what the other side of the aisle is saying is completely nonsense. Our chairman has gone from east to west, from north to south, from Democratic to Republican counties and States to see what our farmers truly need. Guess what? This farm bill shows it. The American people who are watching this right now at close to midnight is saying to themselves: What is the holdup? It has been 3 years. This is a bipartisan farm bill. This is a farm bill that meets the needs of the farmers. And guess what. It meets the needs of our American people. It will ultimately lead to lower prices for not only our farmers but for the everyday American who is buying groceries at the grocery store. This nonsense needs to stop. This bipartisan showcase that is happening tonight must stop. It is time to pass the farm bill and not wait a moment longer. Every trade association and every farm association are saying to pass the farm bill--not the activists, but the actual people who believe that farmers and American national security and farm security come first.

Ms. De La CRUZ

Ms. De La CRUZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Lawrence Gelman. For nearly 40 years, he served as a pillar of our South Texas community. A brilliant physician and visionary leader, he founded DHR Health, pioneering the physician-owned model in the Rio Grande Valley and championing the idea that doctors were the best qualified to run hospitals. Today, DHR Health is one of the largest physician-owned hospitals in the United States of America and the only Level I trauma center south of San Antonio. Dr. Gelman's influence reached far beyond the hospital walls. A radio host and dedicated steward of the arts, he spent decades preserving historic stained glass windows now permanently housed at the Gelman Stained Glass Museum in San Juan, Texas, which remains a gift to the Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Gelman will be remembered for his love of God and his family. He leaves behind a legacy of generosity to his friends, family, and community. Recognizing Officer Joel Pulido

Ms. De La CRUZ. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to congratulate Officer Joel Pulido for 28 years of service with the Edinburg Police Department. Officer Pulido started with the department in 1997 as the calm voice on the dispatch radio. Not long after, he joined the field after earning his badge and became a mentor to the next generation of recruits. Throughout his career, he was committed to keeping criminals off our streets and protecting our community. His exceptional detective work solved 26 murder investigations with a perfect conviction rate. He didn't just close the cases. He delivered justice for families when they needed it the most. Mr. Speaker, I thank Officer Pulido for nearly three decades of integrity and service. I congratulate him on a well-deserved retirement.

Ms. De La CRUZ

Ms. De La CRUZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of H.R. 6644, the Housing for the 21st Century Act, sponsored by Chairman Hill. This legislation includes dozens of commonsense, bipartisan housing solutions that meet the needs of the housing crisis that everyday Americans are dealing with. I am particularly proud to see three key provisions of mine included to update the FHA's mortgage insurance loan limits for residential multifamily construction to bring more homes on the market, ensure veterans are made aware of the VA loan products they are eligible for, and strengthen the coordination of our Federal housing agencies to maximize the impact of our current Federal housing programs. H.R. 6644 is a critical step toward putting our housing sector back on the right footing, and I urge my colleagues to join me in support.

Ms. De La CRUZ

Ms. De La CRUZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Hill for yielding. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 3390, the Bringing the Discount Window into the 21st Century Act of 2025, which has received broad bipartisan support in the Financial Services Committee. H.R. 3390 addresses needed improvements for the Federal Reserve's discount window operations and technology to ensure it is better equipped to serve depository institutions, including community banks, which strengthens the resiliency of our U.S. financial system. The Federal Reserve's important role as the lender of last resort is supported by the Fed's discount window. In times when depository institutions need liquidity, they can rely on the discount window to fulfill short-term liquidity needs by pledging high-quality collateral such as U.S. Treasuries in return for cash. Unfortunately, as we saw most recently in the 2023 bank failures, stigma remains, which can cause the discount window to be underused or banks to delay accessing it for fear of market reactions. Bringing the Discount Window into the 21st Century Act ensures that Congress acts on the bipartisan consensus to modernize the Federal Reserve's discount window operations and reduce the stigma of accessing it. H.R. 3390 does so by requiring the Federal Reserve to conduct a review of the discount window to identify deficiencies and develop a remediation plan. This review will identify improvements in all aspects of discount window operations, including technology, operating hours, stigma, and interaction with other providers of liquidity, including the Federal Home Loan Banks, during both normal operations and times of financial stress. By improving efficiencies in the U.S. banking system, we are ensuring homeowners, small businesses, and farmers can access capital from their financial institutions when they need it most. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of H.R. 3390.

Ms. DE LA CRUZ

Ms. DE LA CRUZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a McAllen native, Firefighter Sergeant Jhonier Daniel Marin. Sergeant Marin's life is defined by answering the call to service. At age 18, he joined the U.S. Army Reserve. By age 19, he was a certified Texas firefighter. From overseas operations to the front lines of our own southern border in Eagle Pass, Texas, Sergeant Marin has selflessly protected our great country. His leadership is exceptional. Out of 25,000 troops, Sergeant Marin was 1 of only 13 selected to be honored by President Trump in the Oval Office this past December, where he received the new Mexican Border Defense Medal. Today, he continues to protect his community as a firefighter for the city of Mission. I congratulate Sergeant Marin on this recognition and thank him for his unwavering service to south Texas and our Nation. Honoring Estela Rodriguez

Ms. DE LA CRUZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant Estela Rodriguez of the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office on her retirement after 32 years of service. For over three decades, Sergeant Rodriguez has not only been a dedicated member of law enforcement but also a mentor and a leader. Through her work to create the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office Women's Empowerment Conference, she opened doors for the next generation of female officers, instilling confidence in the women who will follow in her footsteps. Her legacy is not just the badge worn but the countless officers who stand taller today because of her. Sergeant Rodriguez leaves behind a department and a community that are better because of her work. We thank her for 32 years of selfless service, and we wish her a long and well-deserved retirement. Honoring the UTRGV Vaqueros Football Team

Ms. DE LA CRUZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the UTRGV Vaqueros for finishing their inaugural season with nine wins, including all seven home games, making the Vaqueros the winningest first-year program in football championship series history. The team proved that the Rio Grande Valley is a football powerhouse. Every home game, fans across the valley showed up to cheer on their team, selling out all seven home games and ranking top 15 for attendance among FCS teams across the Nation. I congratulate the players, coaches, and the fans on a great season that put UTRGV football on the map and gave the valley a legacy that will not be forgotten. We are already looking forward to the next season. V's up.

Ms. DE LA CRUZ

Ms. DE LA CRUZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 225, the HUD Transparency Act of 2025. This commonsense legislation requires annual testimony from the Department of Housing and Urban Development's inspector general. By doing so, the HUD Transparency Act adds formal oversight over HUD that does not currently exist. In the past, Congress has gone years without hearing from HUD's inspector general. With a budget that exceeds $70 billion, we must have proper oversight over HUD to ensure housing programs are working for all Americans. That being said, my bill will require the inspector general to provide Congress with recommendations and insights into reforming HUD's programs and rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in our Federal spending. Housing issues impact all Americans. I commend this administration for their focus on restoring the American Dream of homeownership by bringing down housing costs and cutting red tape. Our HUD programs play a critical role in increasing the affordable housing supply and access nationwide. However, the success of HUD's programs relies on the Department's ability to root out fraud, waste, and abuse. The HUD Transparency Act aids in this by adding critical oversight to ensure that those who qualify for HUD's programs can receive the housing assistance that they need.

Ms. DE LA CRUZ. Mr. Speaker, this legislation has a strong record of bipartisan support, including passage in the House in the 118th Congress. As this legislation continues to receive overwhelming bipartisan support, I strongly urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in passing this important piece of legislation, the HUD Transparency Act of 2025.

Ms. De La Cruz

Ms. De La Cruz. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jonathan Rodriguez, a U.S. history teacher at Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Memorial Early College High School for his heroic and compassionate actions. Without hesitation, Mr. Rodriguez jumped to the rescue to help one of his former students following a vehicle collision. For his compassionate actions, the PSJA ISD awarded the first-ever Heart of Service Coin. This coin is a distinct honor awarded to individuals who embody the values: protecting, serving, and rising above, in all aspects of our community. Mr. Rodriguez exemplifies these ideals every day, going above and beyond for his students and bringing his experience as a volunteer firefighter to his role as an educator. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Rodriguez for his heroism and his quick action to save a young student's life. Celebrating 40 Years of Wilson County News