Vicente Gonzalez

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Fred Del Barrio, who was recently named Business Man of the Year by the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. In 1984, Fred Del Barrio, a high school senior at the time, reluctantly took his first job at the McDonald's on Conway Avenue in Mission, Texas. By the age of 20, he was the manager of the McDonald's at El Centro Mall in Pharr; by the age of 23 he was the supervisor of three stores; and by the age of 31 he owned his own franchise. Today, Mr. Del Barrio is the proud owner of 13 McDonald's franchises. Mr. Del Barrio has been described by his peers as exceptionally humble and versatile. Moreover, when the Rio Grande Valley Chamber of Commerce chose him for Business Man of the Year they cited his knowledge of ``the value of giving back to the community.'' Because he has been in their shoes, Mr. Del Barrio understands the importance of fostering relationships with his employees. Even though the job has changed over time, Mr. Del Barrio strives to give all of his employees the resources they need to get ahead. Mr. Speaker, it is honoring to represent industrious and productive South Texan. Fred Del Barrio's business acumen and contributions to the community are a shining example of what the 15th District of Texas has to offer.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call No. 112, I was inadvertently recorded as voting ``nay.'' I support H.R. 4545, the Financial Institutions Examination Fairness and Reform Act, and my vote should be recorded as ``yea.''

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of William ``Billy'' Leo, a public servant, small business owner, and proud resident of La Joya, Texas, who passed away Saturday, March 17, 2018. From 1974 to 2011, Billy, known as ``Mr. Democrat,'' served his community in a number of capacities. He served as County Clerk for Hidalgo County, Mayor of the city of La Joya, School Board Trustee for La Joya lSD, and from 1988 through 1996, Billy served as a delegate for the Democratic National Committee. During this time, Billy was also the proprietor of beloved local convenient store chain, Leo's Food Mart. In 1960, Billy graduated from Texas A&I Kingsville with a degree in political science . . Shortly thereafter, he emerged as a political leader, following in his father, Leo J. Leo's, footsteps. Both men served the people of Hidalgo County with great honor. He once said of La Joya and his life, ``I worked hard and cared for my city. That's all I want to be remembered for. I was here and I think this is the best city there is.'' Mr. Speaker, South Texas lost one of our greatest public servants, but his legacy will live on. It is a privilege to continue the fight William ``Billy'' Leo championed his entire life: making sure every voice in Hidalgo County, and South Texas, is heard.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to cast my vote for Roll Call vote 70 on February 13, 2018. Had I been present, my vote would have been the following: Yea on Roll Call Vote 70.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to cast my vote for Roll Call votes 51 and 52 on February 5, 2018. Had I been present, my votes would have been the following: Nay on 52, and Aye on Roll Call vote 51.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the previous question so that we can immediately bring the Dream Act to the floor. I stand before you today with a reopened government, ready to transform discussion into action. This is the 19th time that we have requested a vote on the Dream Act. Congress did not create this emergency. This is a mere negotiation tactic brought about by the actions of a single man. The time for tactics is over. Now is the time to put your vote to work and break the deadlock issue. We are a nation of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. A great man once said: ``The bosom of America is open to receive not only the opulent and the respected stranger, but the oppressed and persecuted of all nations and religions, whom we shall welcome to a participation with all our rights and privileges. . . .'' That man was George Washington, Mr. Speaker, our country's first President. Now let us take a moment to reflect on this and how President Washington saw our country. George Washington would welcome an opulent and respected stranger, you know, like folks from Norway. However, we should also welcome the oppressed and the persecuted of all nations and all religions in the world. Compare George Washington's words to President Trump's, who said: ``I do business with the Mexican people, but you have people coming through the border that are from all over. And they are bad. They are really bad. You have people coming in, and I am not just saying Mexicans. I am talking about people who are from all over that are killers and rapists, and they are coming into this country.'' Please, Mr. Speaker, do not let this era be known as the day that America surrendered. Do not let our country go down the path of religious persecution. Do not let our country fall to the dictates of convenience. The United States of America sets the tone for the rest of the world. In other words, Mr. Speaker, if we do not help the less fortunate than us, who can we count on? It is not easy to say no, Mr. Speaker. It is easy to surrender. It is a rare occasion where an easy choice is the right choice. It is up to us, the leaders of our country, to take the hard path, the path taken by our ancestors. About 800,000 young people living in our country, also known as DREAMers, are facing an uncertain future. Many criticize how DACA was created, some even criticize the granting of a status quo on immigrants. I say this is un-American. I say to these critics that it is time to become problem solvers for our country. We only have a few days left under the current continuing resolution to pass a bill that provides DACA recipients a pathway to citizenship. We made a promise to the American people and to 800,000 DREAMers who are American in every way except on paper. To all the DREAMers, I want you to know that I stand with you. Today I call on every Member of Congress to remember that we are a nation founded by immigrants. I call on you to give these DREAMers a chance. Let's get it done.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on roll call No. 690 I was inadvertently recorded as voting ``no.'' I support the Women in Aerospace Education Act and my vote should be recorded as ``yes.''

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to cast my vote for Roll Call votes 685, 686, and 687 on December 18, 2017. Had I been present, my votes would have been the following: Nay on 685 and Aye on Roll Call votes 686, and 687.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding community member and upstanding citizen, Mr. Ron Dominguez of Rockport, Texas. A proud U.S. Army veteran, Mr. Dominguez has continued to honorably serve his community as a Ride Captain with the Patriot Guard Riders; a Little League Volunteer; a Volunteer Rescue Worker at Ground Zero and post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans; and as a Mentor at the Robert Barnes Regional Juvenile Facility Boot Camp. Mr. Dominguez was also a member of the Aransas County Class Leadership Class XVIII. He achieved all of this while being a loving husband and father. As you can see, Mr. Dominguez has accomplished many amazing feats, and I have no doubt that he will go on to accomplish more. And even after countless successes, he has remained humble, owing his achievements to Tellisah, his wife, who has always offered her unwavering and steadfast support. Mr. Speaker, I again offer my congratulations to Mr. Dominguez, his wife, Tellisah, and their 6 beloved daughters. His empathy, goodwill, and perseverance have not gone unnoticed. Mr. Dominguez and his family have made the state of Texas and the United States a better place, and it is my honor to acknowledge him today.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to cast my vote on October 31, 2017 for Roll Call Vote 591. Had I been present, my vote would have been the following: Aye on Roll Call Vote 591

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Weslaco, Texas native, Mrs. Teresa P. Perez, who is celebrating her 80th birthday. Born on October 14, 1937, she has been a pillar in the community. Mrs. Perez has resided in Weslaco since 1938 and been a lifelong member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. Mrs. Perez has held many successful roles throughout her life but none more important than those to her family as a daughter, sister, mother and grandmother. Mr. Speaker, I again offer my congratulations to Mrs. Perez and her family: Cindy, Tommy, Louie, Rose, Arturo, Terry Ruben, Mike, Andrew, Cathy, Danny, and all 20 of her beloved grandchildren. Mrs. Perez and her family have made South Texas a better place, and it is my honor to acknowledge her today and wish her a very happy birthday.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Stephen Conquest, who is celebrating his 50th Birthday. Defying all odds, Mr. Conquest has outlived the life expectancy given to him by doctors, who estimated that he would not make it past his teenage years. Born with Down Syndrome, a genetic anomaly that leads to developmental delays, the likelihood of Mr. Conquest developing life threatening conditions was higher than most. Mr. Conquest went on to join the Boy Scouts, receiving the Order of the Arrow; became an active member of the Future Farmers of America; won state gold medals in the 100-meter dash and long jump in the Special Olympics; and has been an invaluable employee at The McAllen Monitor since 1990. Among his many accomplishments, Mr. Conquest is also a valued friend, coworker, and son. I am proud to represent constituents like Mr. Conquest, who set the example for how life should truly be lived. Mr. Speaker, I again offer my congratulations to Mr. Conquest and his family. His perseverance, compassion, and versatility to leading a full life is exemplary and has not gone unnoticed. He has made the South Texas community a better place, and it is my honor to acknowledge him today.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this bill requires federal banking regulators to define municipal obligations as liquid, readily marketable and investment grade. Defining municipal securities in this way will allow financial institutions greater flexibility to manage their liquidity requirements and use their capital resources more impactfully and effectively. In short, this bill goes a long way to strengthen the liquidity risk management of banks, savings associations, and bank holding companies. This bill does all this by redefining what qualifies as ``High Quality Liquid Assets''. Currently HQLAs are defined as U.S. Treasuries, Government Debt, Investment Grade Corporate Debt, and Excess Reserves held by the Fed. Notably absent from that list are Municipal Securities. Better public policy calls for such securities to be redefined as HQLAs. This is important, because Municipal Securities are issued for vital purposes such as transportation projects, housing developments, healthcare and recreational facilities, as well as bridges, schools and hospitals. The current exclusion of Municipal securities from the HQLA definition reduces the eligible pool of potential purchasers of municipal issuances. This results in increased borrowing costs for our state and local governments, especially during times of economic stress. Simply put, high quality liquid municipal bonds (issued by U.S. states and local governments) should not be viewed as inferior to that of foreign sovereign debt. In fact, our domestic municipal issuances often have superior credit quality and market liquidity than do many foreign issuances. The exclusion also discourages banks and other financial institutions from holding investment grade municipal securities and is causing many bank holding companies and national banks to retreat from investing in such securities, thereby forcing state and local governments to scale back spending on roads, schools, and other infrastructure projects. Various former governors of the Federal Reserve have already suggested that some local and state debt is comparable to that of very liquid corporate bonds. Chairman Yellen herself has frequently declared her support of the expanded treatment of municipal securities as HQLAs. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, our states and local governments expect to confront an infrastructure spending gap of over $2 Trillion dollars over the next 10 years. Let's pass this bill now so that the American people get the country they deserve.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my concern with H.R. 1918, the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2017. Today, I stand with the people of Nicaragua and the people of south Texas. Nicaragua has been our partner to the south. They work with us to combat drug trafficking, limit irregular migration, and make our region and our world a safer place. Nicaragua today is the safest country in Central America. I agree, we must be vigilant in monitoring Nicaragua's transition to democracy. However, we must recognize that enacting this bill could have serious consequences on the region. NICA could strain our alliance with Nicaragua, and it could lead to instability, irregular immigration to the United States, to my border district, and an increase in criminal activity. My district was ground zero for the last immigration surge, and I would like to prevent that from happening again. Nicaragua has its economic and political challenges, but it has taken steps to address poverty, climate change, and to grow its economy. How can we, in good conscience, support a measure that would punish the poorest country in Central America and the second poorest in the Western Hemisphere? Moreover, Nicaragua stands with America and our allies against the rogue nation of North Korea. We cannot compare Nicaragua to Venezuela. While we must hold countries accountable, we should bring them in rather than shut them out. We have the ability to guide these nations to embrace democracy and condemn bad actors. Lastly, I want to make clear that this is not an endorsement of the Sandinistas or any other regime. Today I speak for the less fortunate in Nicaragua who suffer the most from NICA. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with my colleagues to find a solution to this complex issue.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 1235, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act. First, Mr. Speaker, I would like to read into the Record a letter written by president and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, John L. Doleva, in support of what we are doing here today. He says: To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019, the House of Representatives has introduced a bill to mint an exclusive commemorative coin. The bill is sponsored by Congressman Richard E. Neal and Thomas Rooney. Senators Elizabeth Warren and John McCain support the venture by sponsoring the same legislation in the Senate, S. 2598. I am respectfully requesting your support and cosponsorship of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act. This endeavor and legislation is of deep interest to me because of my professional career--primarily the last 16 years--has been fully embedded in promoting basketball through my passion for the game as president and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. It has been an honor to help the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame provide a home for the greatness of the game's past, its exciting present day and brilliant future that continues to touch all parts of the globe. The game's immortals, through their stories and achievements, are contained here through their legacy as players, coaches, teams, officials, and legendary contributors to the game. More than 6 million visitors have educated themselves through the enjoyment of exploring the rich history. My passion for this sport is not solely rooted in the game itself or its traditions, but, rather, my love for basketball centers on its ability to develop character. One example is the outreach of the Hall of Fame's MVP's of Character program, an initiative that has involved thousands of youth in the cities across the country, like New York City; Washington, D.C.; and Lawrence, Kansas. The program centers on the belief that ``teaching youth about good character-- both on and off the court--helps them understand the impact of it and their lives . . . character traits like honesty, respect, responsibility, integrity and cooperation create a foundation for success.'' Support of Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin bill has no taxpayer cost, is your opportunity to help grow the game of basketball and the educational and outreach programs provided by the Basketball Hall of Fame. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 1235, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act, a bill to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue a commemorative coin in honor of the 60th anniversary of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, located in the birthplace of basketball. Located in the ``birthplace of basketball,'' the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is entrusted with recording and disseminating the history of this great American pastime and recognizing and honoring the achievements of the sport's greatest players, coaches, and contributors. With the ability to reach millions of Americans through its educational programs, events, exhibits, and online presence, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame plays an important role in celebrating and promoting the positive core values demonstrated by basketball's heroes, who have inspired Americans from all quarters. Passage of the legislation also provides an opportunity to highlight the creative ways in which the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has leveraged America's love of the game and to develop basketball-related educational programs that teach our youth about a wide range of topics, such as financial literacy, math, civil rights, leadership of character, women's and men's history, and geography. In addition to raising awareness of its important work and honoring its 60th anniversary, surcharges associated with the sale of the unique basketball-themed coins provided for in the bill will also enable the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame to increase its operations and educational programming, all at no cost to taxpayers. Mr. Speaker, basketball is one of the games that unites all Americans across party lines, across racial lines, and across geographic lines. That is who we are. The bipartisan legislation before us already has the support of more than two-thirds of the House, and I hope all Members will join me in supporting this bill to honor and support the important work of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Mr. Speaker, I will read into the Record a letter from Kareem Abdul- Jabbar to the House of Representatives: ``After 20 years as a player in the National Basketball Association with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers, which included winning six NBA Championships as well as an equal number of Most Valuable Player awards, I had the honor to be inducted in 1995 into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. ``To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Congressmen Richard E. Neal, Andy Barr, and Mike Kelly have sponsored legislation to authorize the U.S. Mint to issue limited-edition commemorative coins for sale to the public in 2019. Proceeds from the coins' sale will go to help continue the impressive archival and educational efforts of the Basketball Hall of Fame for years to come, all at no cost to the taxpayer. ``The Basketball Hall of Fame preserves the history of the game and celebrates the very best of the sport at all the levels it is played. The museum in Springfield, Massachusetts, honors women and men players who have achieved greatness, exemplary coaches, referees, and other major contributors to the sport. It attracts 6 million visitors a year, who see hundreds of thousands of historic artifacts and memorabilia spanning the past 125 years of basketball. ``As a Hall of Famer, I am very passionate about the work they do to not only preserve and honor, but also grow the game of basketball. It is because of this I am respectfully requesting your support and cosponsorship of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act, H.R. 1235.'' Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 2519, legislation that calls for the issuance of a commemorative coin in honor of the 100th anniversary of The American Legion, a distinguished organization that works tirelessly in communities across the Nation to serve our veterans and those still in the Armed Forces. Since being chartered by Congress following the First World War, The American Legion has played a pivotal role in the lives of so many servicemembers and their families, always stepping up and lending a hand to those who need it most. For example, The American Legion provides key services, such as healthcare claims assistance for veterans and job fairs. They support targeted efforts to meet the needs of homeless veterans. The American Legion also supports military personnel and their families through the provision of financial assistance and comfort items for hospitalized veterans and, also, dedicated funds to support the needs of youth at risk. Over its history, The American Legion has also advocated and played a leading role in securing the passage of key laws that better the lives of our servicemembers, such as the landmark GI Bill, as well as the Veterans' Reassurance Act and the Post-911 Veteran Education Assistance Act. In addition to honoring and raising awareness of the important work of The American Legion, the legislation before us will also help raise small sums that will help it carry out its tremendous work and advance American values. Specifically, surcharge proceeds raised through the sale of the coin provided in this bill will allow The American Legion to advance the interests of those who have served in uniform and ensure they receive the proper healthcare and disability benefits earned through military service; promote the importance of and caring for those who are still serving in the Armed Forces; promote the patriotic values, morals, culture, and citizenship of the United States; and provide support for at-risk children and activities that nurture their development. This overwhelmingly bipartisan legislation has the support of more than 350 Members of the House and has already received the unanimous support of the United States Senate, where the legislation passed by voice vote. For all these reasons, I urge my colleagues to join me in the passage of this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Neal).

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Chair, during rollcall Vote No. 494 on H.R. 3354, I mistakenly recorded my vote as ``yea'' when I should have voted ``nay.'' Amendment No. 113 Offered by Mr. Scott of Virginia

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to cast my vote for Roll Call votes 439 and 440 on September 5, 2017. Had I been present, my votes would have been the following: Aye on Roll Call votes 439 and 440.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak out against the wasteful spending of $1.6 billion of taxpayers' money. These funds will be used to construct unnecessary barriers along our Southern border, destroying wildlife habitats, and violating property rights of Americans. If we want to be more secure, we should appropriately fund to address CBP staffing issues, to maintain and upgrade aerostats and other technology, and to provide CBP with the resources it actually needs to continue maintaining a safe and secure border. Building a wall along our Southern border will put us on the wrong side of history. It will also be a shameful act in front of the international community that is watching us. Mr. Speaker, I support the Department of Homeland Security's mission to safeguard the American people, our homeland, and our values. These are not our values. But the congressional misallocation of over $1.5 billion does not help to accomplish this goal. I urge my colleagues to oppose the funding of this expensive, unnecessary wall. I call on them to find more productive and effective uses of this fund in a way that better helps the American people and is on the right side of American history.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 2883, the Promoting Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure Act. This bill would enact crucial reforms allowing efficient trade of energy products with our North American friends and allies. Unfortunately, the existing process has politicized vital cross-border energy infrastructure. H.R. 2883 offers a narrowly crafted, sensible solution to this problem. The bill will create a process at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, State Department, and the Department of Energy to permit cross-border infrastructure projects. This new procedure will bring regulatory certainty while ensuring these projects are environmentally sound and within public interest. These projects create jobs in my district in south Texas and across the country. I congratulate and thank Mr. Green and Mr. Mullin for this important piece of legislation. Energy security, targeted regulatory reforms, and smart infrastructure investments are things we can all support, and we should all support. Mr. Chairman, I urge a ``yes'' vote on this sensible bipartisan legislation.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sonia Sepulveda-Dempsey, who was recently inducted into the Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame. Sonia began running competitively when she was in the seventh grade. While a student at Edinburg High School, she qualified for state three times. Sonia excelled on the track and was recruited heavily by many colleges and universities in the state of Texas. She eventually chose to attend Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where she joined their Track and Field Program. During her college years, Sonia was part of the second fastest relay team in Baylor's history. Inspired by her first grade teacher, who she refers to as her “haven,” Sonia became an educator following her graduation from Baylor. She currently works as a testing facilitator at Edinburg North High School, where her husband serves as the band director. Sonia has been an educator for two decades. She also periodically gives motivational speeches to student athletes, a testament to her passion for athletics and commitment to student athletes. Mr. Speaker, I applaud Sonia Sepulveda-Dempsey on the occasion of her induction to the Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame, and recognize her contributions to education and student athletes in South Texas. Today, I am proud to honor Sonia Sepulveda-Dempsey.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Weslaco native, Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Noe Hernandez, one of the seven sailors lost in the tragic collision between the U.S.S. Fitzgerald and the ACX Crystal in the Philippine Sea on June 17, 2017. Noe attended Weslaco High School where he participated in United States Army Junior Reserve Officer Training for four years. By the time he graduated in 2009, Noe had reached the rank of cadet major and served as the program's executive officer. Following graduation, he reported to the U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. He was a student at the Recruit Training Command and the Center for Surface Combat Systems in Great Lakes until March 2010. He then served at the Navy Munitions Command in Sigonella, Italy, for three years and then reported to San Diego, California, for Littoral Combat Ship Training and classes at the Center for Surface Combat Systems until October 2015. Later that year, Noe and his family moved to Yokosuka, Japan, where he was stationed at Navy Force Japan and subsequently on the U.S.S. Fitzgerald. During his time in the U.S. Navy, Noe became an Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist and earned the rank of Gunner's Mate 2nd Class. Noe was a first-generation patriot who cared deeply for the United States of America and took pride in serving his country. His friends and family describe him as modest, loving, and kind and many remember him for his selflessness and unwavering faith in God. Noe is survived by his wife Dora and his son Leon. He loved his country, and he will be sorely missed. Mr. Speaker, I offer my sincerest condolences to Dora, Leon, the Hernandez family, friends, and loved ones. Our country has lost one of the best South Texas has to offer and I hope his family can find peace in this trying time. I am proud to commemorate the life of Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Noe Hernandez and I thank him for his service to our great nation.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mrs. Dolia Gonzalez, who at the age of 88, received her high school diploma. Mrs. Gonzalez is the embodiment of hard work and selflessness. After completing the 7th grade, Dolia left school to help her mother raise her five siblings. She then became a full-time mother to her own son, Alfredo Gonzalez, who sacrificed his life for our country in the Vietnam War. After losing Freddy in the Vietnam War, Mrs. Gonzalez continued to work at the Echo Hotel in Edinburg. Unfortunately, she eventually lost the compensation previously promised to her by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Then after being forced to leave her job at the Echo due to health concerns, she began working at her local H.E.B. in Edinburg, Texas, where she is currently employed. On Saturday, June 3, Mrs. Gonzalez received an honorary high school diploma from McAllen High School in McAllen, Texas. Alongside Dolia were her niece, Emily Acosta, and the rest of the McAllen High School Class of 2017. Mr. Speaker, I again offer my congratulations to Mrs. Gonzalez and her family. Her perseverance, fortitude, and dedication to her family and to our country have not gone unnoticed. She has made the South Texas community a better place, and it is my honor to acknowledge her today.