Charlie Gonzalez

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Chairman, at the heart of the Republicans' budget proposal is the thought, ``the number of makers diminishes and the number of takers grows.'' As a result, our government, economy and country will collapse. Forget about the impoverished view that this offers us, a vision of an America that can't be bothered or is unable to care for anyone who needs help. So let's have a discussion about who truly would be the ``taker'' and who truly would be the ``maker.'' People who manipulate an unfair tax system at the expense of millions of others, makers, when you look at the Republican proposal. Corporations that don't invest in their own country, paying a lower tax rate on their profits than their employees would pay on a $40,000 salary, those are makers under the Republican plan. Wall Street firms that ruined our financial system, then asked working families to bail them out while they pay billions in bonuses, those are also makers under the Republican plan. Yes, that's who the Republicans have identified as the makers, and it rewards them quite handsomely in their proposal. Their budget would perpetuate a taxation and employment system that has resulted in stagnant wages for workers and allows 5 percent of the wealthiest among us to enjoy 66 percent of all the wealth while 80 percent of Americans share only less than 13 percent. Now, who would be the takers under this Republican plan? The 9.4 million students working towards a college degree so they can get a good job and contribute to this economy, whose Pell Grants would be slashed; 218,000 low-income kids and families who will be removed from Head Start, depriving them of a decent education, again, takers under the Republican plan; 2,400 schools that serve 1 million low-income students across the country that would have to shut their doors, takers under the Republican plan; countless seniors who would no longer be able to remain in nursing homes because of cuts in Medicaid funding. Those are the takers. You decide, America, who are the takers and who are the makers? This is not a Pathway to Prosperity. It's a dead end.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, on April 4, 2011, San Antonio lost a great public servant when Sergio Shearer passed away at the age of 71. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Sergio Shearer as we celebrate his life, which was highlighted by decades of community service, philanthropy, and leadership. Sergio Shearer was born on December 4, 1939 to Chita Shearer in Weslaco, Texas. He later married Lucinda S. Leyva and fathered three children, Andrea Rhea Shearer-Lee, Michael Leyva Shearer, and Kara Kristine Shearer. He graduated from North Texas University with a degree in Psychology, while simultaneously attending cosmetology school in Ft. Worth, Texas. After serving in the United States Army, Sergio opened a successful and prestigious salon in McAllen, Texas which he operated for over 13 years. In 1976, the Shearer family purchased the Magic Valley College in San Juan, Texas. Through his tireless efforts, Sergio expanded Magic Valley College to become the University of Cosmetology Arts and Science. As a result of Sergio's direction and dedication to educating others, he created five campuses in the Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio, Texas. His efforts have touched the lives of many. As a leader in the cosmetology industry, Sergio was appointed by Governor Ann Richards to the Texas Cosmetology Commission. He also served as the Vice President of the National Association of Cosmetology Schools, Director of the Texas Association of Cosmetology Schools, and Regional Director of the Interstate Council of State Boards. In 1989, he was inducted into the Pivot Hall of Fame. In addition to his dedication to the cosmetology industry, Sergio was committed to serving his community. He served as the Chairman of the Edinburg Housing Authority, Board Member of the Hidalgo County Special Olympics, Honorary Member of the Confederate Air Force and as a member of the Order of the Alhambra. Sergio was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus, where he achieved the rank of 4th Degree Knight. Following the loss of his daughter, Kara Kristine Shearer, Sergio cofounded the Kara Shearer Learning Center, which partners with the Edinburg Housing Authority to serve underprivileged children. Upon his retirement, Sergio moved to the San Antonio area to be closer to his family. A lifelong fisherman, hunter, and accomplished golfer, Sergio was always happiest when he was outdoors. The City of San Antonio and the State of Texas feel a little emptier now, but we have all lived richer, better lives because of the life of Sergio Shearer. His life may have ended, but his contributions will live on and generations shall enjoy the fruits of his labor.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring The Paisano on its 30th anniversary as the independent student newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio. For 30 years, The Paisano has remained an all volunteer, student run publication that has celebrated freedom of the press, independent college news reporting and entrepreneurship. Throughout this time, The Paisano has been staffed by dedicated teachers, students and community volunteers who have kept the spirit of independent journalism alive in their community. I am proud of a publication that circulates 7,000 free copies among UTSA campuses and their communities each week without the support of student fees or tax dollars. The Paisano Educational Trust, which operates as the publisher of this newspaper, offers modest scholarships for students and instills the spirit of entrepreneurship by providing on the job training. I am inspired by the passion of students who run a publication without the support of a formal journalism department or program and the teachers who dedicate their time to foster their students' creativity. From story design to photography training, the fundamentals of journalism and the basics of business are taught through the creation of The Paisano. San Antonio has benefited greatly from the diverse Paisano staff who then entered the workforce to become lawyers, accountants, school teachers, poets, writers, environmental researchers, advertizing specialists and editors. I congratulate this newspaper on their 30th anniversary and wish for its continued success.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this bill. My first observation is, after hearing my colleagues on the other side of the aisle this morning, it reminds me of the movie ``Groundhog Day,'' the same thing over and over again, same old same old. My advice would be that taking your notes from 2009 and 2010 are stale and irrelevant today. Now some, I guess the cynics out there, are wondering why you would proceed with this measure as soon as you took over the majority. Some would say that it is just political theater, but I venture to guess that there's another reason: time is not on your side. The more time you allow for this bill and its full implementation, you lose your argument because you're wrong. You said it was a government takeover of health care. Wrong. Time has proven you wrong. You said it would be costing thousands and thousands of jobs by now. You were wrong. And with the passage of more time, that only will be solidified that you misread it. I'm not questioning your intent or sincerity, but you just were simply wrong. Because what happened in the interim? People found out that they were able to get insurance for their children despite preexisting conditions. They could keep their children up to age 26 years on their policies. Seniors were helped with the problems they faced with the doughnut hole. That's what's happened. So I understand. You were in charge for 12 years and did nothing. We moved forward with something meaningful, and all you can think of is to go back to the inaction. And you say ``replace.'' Then why do you force repeal without a discussion to the American people of what you want to replace it with? Isn't that a fair assumption? You were wrong in 2009. You were wrong in 2010. And you are wrong today. Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Madam Speaker, I am from San Antonio, and in my hometown, about a year and a half ago, a convenience store owner was murdered by a robber. The brother of the slain owner observed that both his brother and the murderer got up that same morning and made conscious choices: His brother chose to go to work and support his family--a right and a good thing. The murderer made a choice to rob and kill--an evil and a destructive thing. On January 8, 2011, in Tucson, many people got up that morning and made a choice to do the right and good thing. Only one person got up that morning and decided to do an evil and destructive thing. We cannot and will not allow the cruelty of one person to overshadow the goodness that each of his victims represents. We in this Chamber are not helpless. We offer our prayers for those who died and for a speedy recovery for those who have survived. And, to Gabby, I know we all join in saying: Hurry back. This House needs you. We love you. But we can do more. We can set an example that creates a fertile environment for constructive discourse that extends beyond the confines of this Capitol. Despite the heartache and the tragedy of last Saturday, we find solace and inspiration that, in our Nation, the United States of America, the goodness of the many will always triumph over the evil of the few.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker--and of course I hope that we do have a vote on the DREAM Act--but this is really a plea to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to prove a former official and spokesman for the Bush administration wrong. Michael Gerson wrote yesterday in The Washington Post: ``Whatever its legislative fate, the DREAM Act is effective at stripping away pretense. Opponents of this law don't want earned citizenship for any illegal immigrant--even those personally guilty of no crime, even those who demonstrate their skills and character. The DREAM Act would be a potent incentive for assimilation. But for some, assimilation clearly is not the goal. They have no intention of sharing the honor of citizenship with anyone called illegal--even those who came as children, have grown up as neighbors and would be willing to give their lives in the Nation's cause.'' I implore and I request fair consideration and that we prove Michael Gerson wrong. My fear is that he may be very, very accurate in what this vote represents.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a man who has spent his whole life pursuing the well-being of others, especially that of children, through his medical practice, education, and leadership. After many years of service to his community, Dr. Fernando A. Guerra, a long time practicing pediatrician and a dear friend of mine, is now retiring from his post as Director of Health at the San Antonio Metro Health District. Having received his bachelor of arts degree from the University of Texas in Austin, his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, and a master's of public health degree from the Harvard School of Public Health where he was a Kellogg Fellow, it comes as no surprise that Dr. Guerra has been recognized as a leading contributor to medical research and literature. We are forever grateful for Dr. Guerra's work in numerous areas, including immunizations, community health, and health disparities, as his work and leadership have made a difference for the people of our Nation's seventh largest city and its surrounding areas. Over the years, Dr. Guerra has offered his expertise to many boards and committees, and he will continue to serve in this capacity in retirement. One of Dr. Guerra's greatest passions is educating and mentoring the next generation of public and private health professionals. As the Director of Health at the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, he has mentored physicians in training from both the public and private sectors, including the Residents in Aerospace Medicine, RAMS, program. Through the RAMS, he has been able to give back to the military he served in as a member of the U.S. Army Medical Corps during the Vietnam War, for which he received both the Bronze Star and the U.S. Army Commendation Medal with ``V'' distinction. In light of all that Dr. Guerra has accomplished in his long and prosperous career, I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this extraordinary man of scholarship and public service for all that he has done for the people of Bexar County and our Nation.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. I, too, rise along with my colleague from Texas to protect the integrity of this House. I just simply want to do it in a different manner than the wording that is reflected in this resolution, which is not there. And it is not just. And I think we have an opportunity to still protect the integrity and reputation of this House, but to do it in a fair and reasonable manner. You have heard about all of the allegations, but I want to quote from what transpired during that committee hearing. Mr. Butterfield states: ``In all of your investigation of this matter, do you see any evidence of personal financial benefit or corruption?'' And the prosecuting attorney, the one that may have recommended the censure, replies, ``I see no evidence of corruption. Do I--do I believe, based on this record, that Congressman Rangel took steps to enrich himself based on his position in Congress? I do not.'' This is a chance for this House to rise to the occasion and to do the right thing. And that's what furthers the reputation and the good name of this House, by doing the fair and just thing. We are held to a higher standard, and that's why Mr. Rangel has admitted to his misdeeds. But since when do we forfeit the right to fair and just treatment? Since when? When we take the oath of Members of Congress? I think not. We are a jury today. And if you were a jury, you'd be admonished, do not let prejudice, bias, or sympathy play any part in your deliberations. But the truth is we are a very different kind of jury. We worry that we are going to be scrutinized and whatever decision we reach today in our vote may result in political criticism. That's the greatest fear. But we will overcome that and do the fair and just thing.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, a meeting at the Department of Commerce prevented my presence in the House for a vote earlier today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on the motion to concur in the Senate Amendments to the Claims Resolution Act of 2010 (H.R. 4783).

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Madam Speaker, today I would like to recognize a woman who has reached a milestone in her life that few have had the opportunity to reach. Most individuals are lucky to see 80 years of life. Few have ever reached the age of 90. But fewer still have had the blessing of living on this earth for 100 years, the course of an entire century. That is why it is with great honor I come to you today to recognize the 100th birthday of Mrs. Mary Trevino, on this day, the 26th of September, year 2010. Mrs. Trevino has spent the last one hundred years growing in wisdom, her work ethic, and her love for others. Like all people, her life is marked with both times of testing and times of celebration. What makes Mrs. Trevino an outstanding woman, however, is that she has gone through her trials with great perseverance, and through her times of celebration with great joy. As a woman that embodies the entrepreneurial spirit, one of Mrs. Trevino's greatest accomplishments in her life is the founding of El Mirador Restaurant. This restaurant has been the means by which Mrs. Trevino's passions for sharing great food and good company have had a way to express themselves. El Mirador is a place that has contributed to the community of Texas' 20th District for more than 40 years, and like Mrs. Trevino, it is still going strong. Madam Speaker, that is why I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and celebrating the 100th birthday of Mrs. Mary Trevino; for a life well lived and years more to live well. I wish Mrs. Trevino all the best and hope that our nation's great City of San Antonio can be blessed by her presence for many more years to come. May her days be filled with life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, for her and her loved ones.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the Lackland Gateway Heritage Foundation for their dedication to memorializing the proud heritage, tradition of honor, and legacy of valor of our country's Air Force and the countless sacrifices and contributions that our airmen make to defend and preserve the freedom of this nation. Since 2003, the foundation has been working tirelessly in their efforts to pay tribute to our enlisted airman. Thanks to the vision of the Lackland Gateway Heritage Foundation, efforts for a modern museum are underway at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas to commemorate the transformation of young men and women into patriotic military professionals and leaders. The United States Air Force Airman Heritage Museum aims to make San Antonio the prime destination for those seeking to learn, understand, and admire the Air Force's history and traditions, providing an educational opportunity for the thousands who already visit Lackland Air Force Base and the many more who will do so in the future. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Lackland Gateway Heritage Foundation as we recognize their noble efforts to memorialize the heritage of our United States Airmen.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in favor of this piece of legislation. As we only have about a minute, my observation, after listening to all of my colleagues and to my dear friends, is thank God physicians don't practice medicine the way we practice enacting legislation. Can you imagine if you were wheeled into the emergency room? You'd have five qualified physicians, and they'd all start arguing about, ``How are we going to save the life of this particular patient?'' They don't come to any real conclusion. Some say, We need to do this immediately. Some of them say, We can wait 6 months. Others say, We can wait 2 years. It doesn't work. It doesn't work in that operating room, and it shouldn't work in this Chamber. We are all in agreement. We are all in agreement that it is broken, and now we have given the other side a chance to work with us. Last year, as it has already been pointed out, we had something that was for an extended period of time that was going to work on a solution which would give the doctors the kind of predictability they require in order to have practices where they can open their doors in the morning, but we only got one vote from the other side. You know, let's all put that aside today. Let's start working together. It's 6 months. It's not long enough. We acknowledge it. Let us just rededicate ourselves to making sure that doctors can practice medicine.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute Ronald A. Gettelfinger as he steps down after eight years as president of the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America. Since 1964, Mr. Gettelfinger has been a part of the American automotive industry. When Bob King assumed the presidency of UAW on June 15, 2010, it marked the end of an era. As a chassis line repairman, after his election by his fellow UAW members to represent the workers at Ford's Louisville Assembly plant, and his during his twelve years in the leadership of UAW, Ron Gettelfinger has worked to ensure that his workers, American workers, get a fair deal. He has fought to protect a strong manufacturing sector in the United States of America, so that the Arsenal of Democracy could continue to lead the world, not just through our production but through the standards we hold dear. His priorities have been a just and decent wage for honest work. Recognizing the importance of ending our dependence on foreign and fossil fuels, as President of UAW he pushed for a national investment in new technologies to produce energy-saving vehicles. These past 44 years have seen great changes in the automotive industry. There have been good times and bad. Through it all, Ron Gettelfinger never forgot for whom he worked. The past two years may have been some of the toughest. But the reorganizations of General Motors and Chrysler have marked a turning point and things are looking up. The new GM is leaner and tougher than we have seen in years, with the Chevrolet Volt leading the way into a bright future. We all look forward to that bright future, and I trust that Ron Gettelfinger looks to it with pride in the role he played in making it possible.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor John Jesse Saldana, Sr., a civil servant, community leader, and former serviceman who passed away June 9, 2010. Mr. Saldana made history through both his illustrious postal career and military service. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 45 years and was appointed to the position of postmaster on December 7, 1974. Mr. Saldana was the first Spanish-surnamed postmaster since 1836 and was the first merit postmaster in the nation. He worked not only as the Postmaster of San Antonio, but as the manager for the San Antonio Sectional Center covering a service area of 33,000 square miles, 226 post offices and 4,527 employees in South Texas. He was named ``Postmaster of the Year'' in 1983. As a Combat Infantry Officer in the European Theater during World War II, Mr. Saldana was wounded twice in action in the Huertgen Forest and in the Battle of the Bulge, where he was the sole survivor of his unit. For his valiance and heroism in service, he was awarded a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts with Oak Leaf Cluster. Mr. Saldana also tirelessly worked to preserve the history and cultural heritage of San Antonio. Mr. Saldana served as president of the Canary Island Descendants Association and the Harp and Shamrock Society. In 1981, he was named by the Islenos Canarios Committee as the Chairman of the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the Villa de San Fernando. He was also a lifetime member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas. Mr. Saldana also worked to preserve our nation's military history by returning to his alma mater, Lanier High School, of which he was Valedictorian of the Class of 1939, to meet with students each Veteran's Day. Lanier honored him as one of the first to be commemorated on their ``Wall of Fame.'' Additionally, Mr. Saldana was very active in many church, civic, and philanthropic organizations. He was a life-long Oblate Associate and was presented with the Oblate cross in 1973 for his active participation with the Oblate fathers. He was a founding board member of Sisters Care of San Antonio, a ministry which offers in-home assistance to many elderly who are ineligible for government assistance. He was a director of the United Way and the Vice-Chairman of the combined federal campaign. He was also a member of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. San Antonio has suffered a great loss and it is my humble honor to rise to recognize the many contributions that Mr. Saldana has made in his lifetime and to extend my thoughts and prayers to his family.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Madam Speaker, a personal matter prevented my presence in the House this past Thursday, April 15, 2010. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' during Rollcall vote 211 on final passage of the Continuing Extension Act of 2010 (H.R. 4851).

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of a real American hero, SSG James S. Clark of Aco 1/17 IN. I ask that this poetic tribute penned by Albert Caswell of the Capitol Guide Service, be placed in the Record in honor of Staff Sergeant Clark. On October 15, 2009, James lost his leg and almost his life, in an IED explosion in Khandahar Afghanistan. Like many of our fine sons and daughters, who have been injured, he has, and will continue to, inspire us all with his faith, courage and determination during his recovery. James plans to move to San Antonio, Texas to live with his wife Kae-c and their children Samarra and Izeyah and their family to receive treatment. We welcome another great American veteran and his family with open arms, to our community of heroic heroes--patriots who have served our Nation over the years. I Stand

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my words of congratulation to one of San Antonio's most distinguished citizens. Manuel ``Maber'' Bernal was born in Veracruz, Mexico, on November 19, 1904. In 1930, he began his career in broadcasting when Mexico's Radio XEW-AM first went on the air. Over the next 23 years, Mr. Bernal's fame, both in Mexico and in the United States, grew. He was well known for his radio performances, as an actor, author, and producer for XEQ and Radio Cadena Nacional. His voice was known to millions from his dubbings of Disney movies into Spanish. In 1953, after years of business trips here, Mr. Bernal made the United States his home. He settled in San Antonio, Texas, where he helped to build the radio station KCOR, the first full-time Spanish- lanugage radio station in the United States. In addition to authoring several novellas and radio jingles, Mr. Bernal was dedicated to bridging the gap between his Spanish-speaking audience and their government. He worked with the local Social Security Administration District Manager to produce ``Su Seguro Social,'' tapes which introduced Americans to the Social Security Administration and explained its workings. As America transitioned into the television era, so did Mr. Bernal, and he continued to ensure that his work benefited the community. His program on KCOR-TV--once again the first full-time Spanish-language television station in the country as well as the first UHF station--was called ``Escuadron de Auxilio,'' ``The Help Brigade.'' KCOR would become the foundation of the Spanish International Network and, later, Univision. Manuel Bernal turned 105 years old on November 19, 2009. Over more than century, he has seen tremendous changes in the world and, often enough, he was at the forefront of those changes. I may be late in saying it, but I want to congratulate Mr. Bernal on a lifetime of accomplishment. I hope that his 105th birthday was a joy and I wish him many, many more.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Madam Speaker, on December 11, 2009, San Antonio lost a great public servant when Balbina ``Barbie'' Hernandez passed away at the age of 62. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Barbie Hernandez as we celebrate her life, which was highlighted by decades of community service, philanthropy, and leadership. Balbina Hernandez was born on November 2 and was named after her paternal grandmother. She was nicknamed ``Barbie'' in high school and was by known by this name the rest of her life. She was an active member of her community, serving countless organizations and served the City of San Antonio for 18 years, which included being part of then Mayor Henry Cisneros' administration. As a single parent, Barbie passionately worked to be a role model for young women and boldly carried a red purse to remind people of the disparity in pay between men and women. Also, as a proud Vok, Barbie was dedicated to Lanier High School and worked to make a difference for the students attending her alma mater. After working tirelessly to earn her bachelor's degree from the University of the Incarnate Word she set out to work for the Mexican American & Hispanic Physicians Association, MAHPA, as Executive Director. At MAHPA, Barbie took great joy in working to make college and medical school a reality for so many kids. The City of San Antonio and the State of Texas feel a little emptier now, but we have all lived richer, better lives because of the life of Balbina ``Barbie'' Hernandez. Her life may have ended, but her contributions will live on and generations shall enjoy the fruits of her labor.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Madam Speaker, a personal matter prevented my presence in the House this past Thursday, December 03, 2009. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on final passage of the Permanent Estate Tax Relief for Families, Farmers, and Small Businesses Act of 2009 (H.R. 4154).

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Henry R. Munoz III, a public servant who has dedicated his professional career and philanthropic efforts to serving others, on the special occasion of his 50th birthday. Born in San Antonio on December 14, 1959, Henry Munoz has honored us with his vision and leadership for decades, benefiting our cities, state and country. As a longtime friend, I know firsthand his track record of service to this nation and especially to the great State of Texas. Throughout his life, Mr. Munoz has engaged in a number of different professions: entrepreneur, artist, philanthropist, and activist. From his appointments to the Texas Department of Transportation, VIA Transit, Smithsonian National Board, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum, and many more, Mr. Munoz has dedicated his passion and efforts to raising funds for these prestigious organizations. Mr. Munoz has also raised over $5 million in student scholarships, allowing young leaders in our communities pursue their dreams through higher education. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Henry Munoz III as we celebrate his 50th birthday, a life highlighted by decades of community service, philanthropy, and leadership.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak of sad tidings. The south Texas legal community lost a great leader and a great friend on October 16, 2009, when Judge Solomon Casseb, Jr. passed away at the age of 94. A native San Antonian, Judge Casseb graduated from Central Catholic High School and St. Mary's University before earning his law degree at the University of Texas Law School in 1938. After several years in private practice, he enlisted as a private in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II, and was honorably discharged as a Major by the time he returned from overseas. He then practiced law until his appointment and two subsequent elections to serve as a Judge of the 57th District Court in Bexar County. He presided over many important cases during his career, though none may be more famous than 1984's Texaco case, which resulted in what was the largest award of damages in history. During his time on the bench, Judge Casseb was repeatedly honored by his colleagues in the legal community time and again as an outstanding jurist, and the endowed Judge Solomon Casseb Jr. Research Professorship in Law at the University of Texas Law School stands as a tribute to the esteem in which he was held. Before and after he obtained senior status in 1985, Judge Casseb worked to improve the lives of the people of South Texas outside of his official duties as well. He was a co-trustee of the Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust and was a bold and diligent advocate for the poorest citizens of his community. Solomon Casseb Jr. was a great judge, a great friend, and a great man. His family, friends, and all those who had the privilege to know him will miss him deeply.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart, to report the passing of the Revered E. Thurman Walker after a long illness. For more than 22 years, Reverend Walker was a leader in the city of San Antonio, first as assistant pastor and for the past 16 years as the senior pastor of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. Under Reverend Walker's leadership, Antioch grew to three thousand members and opened the Christian Academy, a private school at the Church, in 1995, and the Antioch Community Transformation Network, an organization dedicated to community service, in 2000. Reverend Walker was the spiritual leader of his congregation, but he insisted that the church play a role in the whole community and in the daily lives of all San Antonians. The church has been a pillar in the San Antonio community for a long time, but its role and reach increased under Reverend Walker as well. He forged alliances with other churches, particularly through the Community Churches for Social Action, and with other religious and social service organizations and with the city's political and business leaders. As his wife, Jo Angelia Walker, recalled his words, ``If the church is doing nothing to serve and minister to the community then we might as well lock up the doors, close down and go home!'' Reverend Walker gave a voice to so many different groups of people in San Antonio's community, uniting people around their shared ideals and helping them to productive discussions even when their views diverged, always seeking out the best path for every one. He touched the lives of so many men, women, and children during his too short life. Though he may be gone, that legacy will live on forever.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the end of an era. For just shy of 35 years, Chris Marrou has anchored the news broadcast at San Antonio's KENS-5 television. On November 24, 2009, he will give his final broadcast. Though he spent his youngest days in San Marcos, TX, Chris was born in San Antonio and has lived in the city for most of his life. He was among the first students at Robert E. Lee High School. After being voted ``Most Likely to Succeed'' by his graduating class, it was off to Princeton University where he began his career in broadcasting on the campus radio station, WPRB. Upon graduating, Chris returned to San Antonio, working first in radio, for KITE and KBAT, before moving into television with WOAI, where he soon began covering sports. San Antonio lost him briefly when a Dallas radio station lured him away, but he soon returned, taking over the anchor spot at KENS-5 television on December 24, 1973. And what a Christmas present that was. Over the past 36 years Chris has been one of the most trusted and respected voices in San Antonio and South Texas, even during his brief sojourn in Boston. He has won numerous awards from the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters and other organizations. Not content with just one career, however, Chris began attending St. Mary's University School of Law, graduating with his Juris Doctor in 2007, the same year he was voted ``Best TV News Anchor'' by the San Antonio Express-News. After passing the Texas bar later that year, he founded the firm of Ramiriz, Marrou & Martinez de Vara, P.L.L.C. with some of his law school classmates. Chris Marrou has been a great friend to the City of San Antonio, a familiar and trusted friend, welcomed into the homes, and hearts, of millions of people at 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. every night. He will be greatly missed, though we wish him the best as he moves into the next phase of his life.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the substitute. This substitute includes medical liability reforms that draw on the Texas model. I'm from Texas. Let me tell you about the Texas experience. We were promised that medical malpractice reform in Texas would result in attracting doctors to underserved areas. Today, Texas ranks 43rd out of the 50 States in the number of doctors per capita. We were promised that it would rein in health costs. Health care costs in Texas with Medicare alone rose 24 percent in the 3 years after Texas tort reform. We were told that it would reduce the cost of health care insurance for Texans. Premiums actually increased 86.8 percent from the years 2000 to 2007. The average insurance policy for a family in Texas went from $6,638 to $12,403. We were told that it would make health insurance plans more readily available for Texans. Today, Texas has the highest rate of uninsured adults and the highest rate of uninsured children. If ever there was a time not to mess with Texas, it is tonight. Vote ``no'' on the substitute.

Mr. GONZALEZ

Mr. GONZALEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Tibotec Therapeutics, part of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies, for demonstrating continued innovation and corporate responsibility in the fight against HIV/AIDS by conducting the groundbreaking GRACE study. GRACE, which stands for Gender Race And Clinical Experience, is the largest study to date in treatment- experienced women with HIV to examine gender and race differences in response to an HIV therapy. Findings from this historic study were recently presented at the International AIDS Society conference in Cape Town, South Africa. In the United States, women are increasingly affected by HIV/AIDS, accounting for more than one quarter of all new HIV/AIDS diagnoses, with African American and Latina women representing seventy-nine percent of women living with the disease. People of color, both women and men, have been historically underrepresented in clinical trials in the United States, and HIV/AIDS disproportionately impacts our African American and Latino communities. In my home state of Texas, there are about 73,000 people living with AIDS, and Latinos represent almost one- quarter of these cases. There are over 5,000 people living with HIV/ AIDS in San Antonio, and many more in the surrounding counties. In terms of new HIV infections, Latina women are infected at a rate almost four times as high as white women. Through innovative strategies, the GRACE study was able to enroll approximately seventy percent women, sixty percent African Americans and twenty-two percent Latinos. The trial was designed to help overcome some of the barriers which have historically deterred women and people of color from participating in clinical studies, including stigma, language and cultural barriers, and lack of child care, transportation, and personal support systems. Based upon advisor and community input, study participants could obtain assistance to cover costs associated with their participation in the study, including funds for travel and childcare, as well as food vouchers. I am very proud that one of the study sites in this historic clinical trial is located in my congressional district. Results of the GRACE study showed that there were no statistical differences in the safety, tolerability, or effectiveness of the HIV regimens used in the study between male and female participants, or for people of different ethnicities. Importantly, from my perspective, the GRACE study clearly showed that, with the appropriate commitment from the trial sponsor and input from affected communities and providers, clinical trials can, indeed, enroll meaningful numbers of women and racial and ethnic minorities. With the GRACE study, Tibotec Therapeutics and Johnson & Johnson continue to demonstrate their leadership and corporate social responsibility as innovators and leaders in the pharmaceutical industry. I commend them for their continuing commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS and for their leadership in addressing the disproportionate impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on women and people of color.