Vicente Gonzalez

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of our south Texas war hero, Sergeant Alfredo ``Freddy'' Gonzalez, a hero who will never be forgotten. Sergeant Gonzalez was killed in action February 4, 1968. History is clear, he was a marine sergeant in charge of a third platoon company near Hue City, Vietnam. His company came under heavy fire for days. Sergeant Gonzalez maneuvered his men and returned fire and personally carried wounded warriors out of harm's way. He didn't ask what ethnicity these men were or religion or what region of the country they came from. They were all Americans fighting one of the most atrocious and unpopular wars in our history. Freddy was awarded the Medal of Honor not because he asked for a special privilege or recognition or job. Freddy was dead. He was recognized by his men for his bravery, for going beyond his call of duty to save other American lives while losing his own. This administration's appalling efforts to erase history under the disguise of eliminating DEI has seen no boundaries, prompting indiscriminate removals of Latinos, women, and other minorities from our Nation's archives. They removed the Tuskegee Airmen, who proudly defended our country in Europe during World War II, removed our Navajo Code Talkers who helped us defeat Japan, and they removed our most recent and Honorable General Colin Powell, for God's sake. For God's sake, have they no shame? Have they no decency? This is not about eliminating DEI. This is straight-up, old-fashioned racism against some of the most deserving Americans in our history. I ask my friends on the other side of the aisle who have worn our uniform and some who have fought for our freedom to stand with me, to stand on the right side of history with the American people and oppose these un-American, unpatriotic policies coming from this administration, from folks who never had the gall to serve themselves. Let's grow a spine in this House and preserve the American values that actually made us great.

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Mr. Jose Cantoral on being named Mr. Amigo 2025. Since 1964, the Mr. Amigo Association has celebrated the friendship between the cities of Brownsville, Texas and Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Each year, the Mr. Amigo Association selects an individual that promotes and contributes to the cultural exchange between our two countries and helps maintain the dialogue and friendship that have tied our cities together for so long. Mr. Cantoral has spent his career producing quality music and entertainment that has enriched our culture and inspired people from across the world with a love for music and the arts. Through his music and through his work on the Cantoral Institute, Mr. Cantoral has become a prominent figure in music and film. He has co- authored music in famous movies such as Disney Pixar's ``Coco'' as well as being nominated for a Latin Grammy for his musical contributions. Mr. Cantoral is now the third member of his family to receive the honor of Mr. Amigo. His late father, Roberto Cantoral having received the honor in 1981 and most recently his sister, Itati Cantoral, in 2015. Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank Mr. Cantoral, for his contribution to music and congratulate him on this remarkable achievement.

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to attend votes as I was under the weather. Due to my absence, I was not present to vote on Roll Call No. 28 and Roll Call No. 29. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No 28. I fully support the Alaska Native corporations to exercise self- governance over their lands. Additionally, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 29. I support programs that provide states assistance to control and/or eradicate invasive species which wreak havoc on local ecosystems.

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 6244, to rename the post office located at 1535 East Los Ebanos Boulevard in Brownsville, Texas, after 1st Lieutenant Andres Zermeno. Mr. Speaker, 1st Lieutenant Zermeno was born November 30, 1984, in Brownsville, Texas. He went on to graduate from St. Mary's University in San Antonio. While a student at St. Mary's, he participated in the university's ROTC program and enlisted in the Texas National Guard. After graduating from St. Mary's, he was commissioned into the United States Army as a first lieutenant. On September 25, 2011, while serving in a combat operation known as Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, while on patrol, 1st Lieutenant Zermeno was sadly killed in action by a rocket-propelled grenade. Lieutenant Zermeno is a hero who laid down his life to protect our freedoms, leaving his loving wife and two children behind. By passing H.R. 6244, we as a nation will honor 1st Lieutenant Zermeno and the sacrifice he made on behalf of our great Nation. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in honoring the life and legacy of an American hero.

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Brownsville native, Staff Sergeant Jason Tabansky, for his outstanding accomplishment of winning gold in the Men's Individual W-1 Paralympic Archery on September 1, 2024, at the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games. Staff Sergeant Jason Tabansky, a decorated veteran, honorably served in the U.S. Army for over 15 years in active duty. During his tenure in the Army, Staff Sergeant Tabansky displayed great courage and continues to show the world that with strength, perseverance, and dedication one can overcome any obstacle and become a victor in their field. Mr. Tabansky has exemplified great athleticism and inspired countless Americans to face their challenges head on and work hard to reach their goals. His accomplishments are a lesson to us all. Mr. Speaker, I wish to congratulate Mr. Tabansky on winning a gold medal at the 2024 Summer Paralympic Games. I thank him for his service to our country and for making our community in South Texas all incredibly proud.

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Hazel Laverne Myrick on the momentous milestone of her 108th birthday. Mrs. Myrick was born on August 20, 1916, in the town of Taloga, Oklahoma. As a member of the Greatest Generation, she demonstrated a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility while taking a job at her local drugstore from the young age of 12. Throughout her youth she enjoyed an active lifestyle, playing a multitude of sports, including golf, baseball, basketball, and bowling. In 1975, Laverne moved to Harlingen, Texas, where she continues to reside surrounded by family and loved ones. A devout Christian, her faith has held strong and inspires us all to never lose sight of our morals and values. Her life story and firecracker energy are an inspiration to us all. I am proud to represent constituents like Mrs. Myrick whose wisdom and strength continues to have an unimaginable impact on our community and her loved ones. In the words of Laverne--``You do the right thing at all time, and at the right time. You don't do it just the first time. You do it all the time no matter how much it hurts.'' Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mrs. Hazel Laverne Myrick on such an exceptional occasion and wish her the best on her special day.

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and times of my good friend, Juan Maldonado. Juan served his country faithfully during the Vietnam war. His perseverance and determination later translated into public service and political activism. During the Carter administration, Juan served on the Economic Opportunity Council and proudly represented the United States on an official delegation to Latin America. As State chairman of the Mexican-American Democrats and a local Democrat, he paved the way for Tejano Democrats in south Texas working to elect the first Hispanics to public office in the Rio Grande Valley. He was a devout Catholic, devoted educator and coach, and an institution in our community. We will remember his faith, his devotion to south Texas, and his service to the people of the Rio Grande Valley. Today, let us honor his life, accomplishments, and impact on our community and our country.

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to attend votes as I was accompanying President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., to my district--the 34th Congressional District of Texas. Due to my absence, I was not present to vote on Roll Call No. 57, Roll Call No. 58, and Roll Call No. 59. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 58. I stand firm against my stance on government shutdowns as they have adverse impacts on every part of the country, national economy, and national security. Likewise, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 59. It is crucial that funding for the Federal Aviation Administration does not lapse as it would have great implications for our air travel, activities and programs related to airport planning and development, facilities and equipment, and operations. Moreover, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 57. Everyone deserves a seat at the table and the establishment of the Office of Native American Affairs within the Small Business Administration will do just that by establishing substantial resources to support Native American-owned businesses.

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the retirement of Norma Torres. Ms. Torres will retire today, on December 15, 2023, after three decades of service to the Brownsville and Rio Grande International Railway (BRG). She was the first and only Hispanic female president of a short line railroad in Texas history. Norma joined the Brownsville and Rio Grande International Railway as a Customer Service Agent in 1989, rose through the ranks becoming President in 2001. During her tenure as president, BRG's carload grew exponentially from moving 10,000 cars per year to more than 52,000 cars today. Norma recently stated, ``When I started 20 years ago, I was the only woman in many rail industry meetings. And for me, coming from being the one woman in the meeting, it's always a proud moment to see all the women contributing to the rail industry today with high leadership positions.'' Mr. Speaker, Norma Torres is a trailblazer and a leader. Her contributions to the Brownsville and Rio Grande International Railway and the Rio Grande Valley are invaluable, and I congratulate her on her retirement.

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Over the last seven decades, the U.S. Small Business Administration has played a vital role in supporting and empowering small businesses. Providing entrepreneurs important guidance on financial products, the SBA has proven to be an invaluable resource. Small businesses and their employees drive growth and innovation and play an essential role in the American economy. In the United States, there are over 33 million small businesses that employ approximately 61.7 million Americans. In the past 28 years, these businesses have created 17.3 million net new jobs, which accounts for 62.7 percent of jobs created since 1995. The Lower Rio Grande Valley District of the U.S. Small Business Administration serves 14 counties in south Texas. In 2020, over 179,000 jobs were supported by approximately 10,000 establishments in the 34th Congressional District alone. Through their various programs and initiatives, the SBA has provided small businesses access to capital, Federal contracting certifications and opportunities, and disaster recovery. Mr. Speaker, I have witnessed the U.S. Small Business Administration open doors for and provide a lifeline to small business owners across south Texas and it gives me great pleasure to acknowledge this agency's invaluable contributions to our region and country.

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. James Howell, a dedicated public servant, who has gone above and beyond for the people of Mercedes, Texas.

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the winner of the 35th annual Rio Grande Valley Regional Spelling Bee, Roberto ``Robbie'' Ortiz from Brownsville's Incarnate Word Academy. In a contest that determines who would represent the Rio Grande Valley in the Scripps National Spelling Bee right here in Washington, D.C. this May, Robbie Ortiz outlasted 41 other spellers to bring home the regional championship and trophy. While the Ortiz family is no stranger to the Rio Grande Valley Regional Spelling Bee, as his sister had previously finished in 2nd place, it was the correct spelling of ``bastion'' and ``crustaceans'' that confirmed his win. I want to take this time to thank all the other contestants, parents, and educators that made this event possible, as well as the second-place finisher, Diego Reyna Oviedo, from IDEA College Preparatory-McAllen, and third place finisher, Luke Holt, of Port Isabel Junior High. It takes tremendous dedication, preparation, and training to win a competition like this, and I am thrilled that his hard work paid off and came to fruition with this victory. I cannot wait to see everything that Robbie accomplishes next. I look forward to welcoming Robbie to Washington in May, and I can say with certainty that I, along with the entire Rio Grande Valley, will be behind him.

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor four courageous police officers, who risked their lives providing aid to two people who escaped a burning car and rescuing another two people from the car on January 28, 2023, in Brownsville, Texas. Brownsville, Texas is home to over 187,000 residents who are served by the Brownsville Police Department. Their unwavering commitment to the protection of our communities was put on nationwide display when Brownsville was named the 16th safest city in the United States. Their work was more recently recognized due to the lifesaving cooperation between the Brownsville PD and other emergency services personnel on January 28. At the 2:00 a.m. hour of January 28, first responders were called to the scene of a single-vehicle crash. When the officers arrived, they discovered the vehicle had been flipped over. While 2 men had managed to escape with noticeable injuries, there was a time-sensitive emergency still happening in the vehicle. The officers were notified of 2 others still trapped in the burning vehicle and they quickly reacted to save their lives. Body cam footage showed the dramatic situation as police officers pulled these 2 men to safety, who were actively being burned inside the vehicle, which was still engulfed in flames. With amazing assistance from the Brownsville Fire Department, Patrol Officer Erik Balboa, Officer Erick Amaro, Officer Federico Jaramillo, and Officer Gilberto Hernandez were able to breach the burning vehicle's doors and save the people in the car. Our first responders are often unsung heroes, but today we get the amazing opportunity to praise and thank the Brownsville Police Department for their heroic work and for their constant commitment to the safety and security of South Texas. Mr. Speaker, Officers Balboa, Amaro, Jaramillo, and Hernandez, the Brownsville Police Department, and all first responders who dedicate their lives to our amazing communities, and thank them. I have no doubt that these heroes will continue to go above and beyond to provide lifesaving support to those in need, and I am forever thankful for their service to our community.

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to cast my vote on February 27, 2023 for Roll Call Vote 120 and Roll Call Vote 121. Had I been present, my vote would have been the following: Yea on Roll Call Vote 120, and Yea on Roll Call Vote 121.

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the winners of the 2022-2023 Brownsville ISD Spelling Bee, with special recognition to Nicholas Torres, who took home the first-place prize. For those who may not be as familiar with the South Texas region, the Brownsville Independent School District (ISD) is the largest employer in the entire Rio Grande Valley. With an enrollment of more than 40,000 thousand students with a 95.4 percent graduation rate, Brownsville ISD is thriving thanks to its dedicated faculty and staff. The brisk February air was not enough to deter the more than 40 contestants who took part in the Brownsville ISO Spelling Bee, as well as the parents, family, friends, and alternates who joined them in the morning of February 4, 2023. More than 30 elementary schools and 10 middle schools were represented in the Spelling Bee, which has been held annually for more than 50 years. Additionally, each contestant was already a winner before the contest even started; every campus has an individual spelling bee, and the winners all competed in this event. With the spelling bee lasting more than an hour and a half, each contestant made all of South Texas proud. Aime Garcia, from Putegnat Elementary, finished 5th. Javier Ramirez, of Hudson Elementary, finished 4th. Alexandra Garcia, of Manzano Middle School, finished 3rd. And Jack Kocaya, of Stell Middle School, finished second. For the final two words, Nicholas Torres did not need the definition, part of speech, or for the judge to use the words in a sentence. After lawlessly spelling both bumptious, (self-assertive or proud to an irritating degree) and subsequent (coming after something in time; following) Nicholas Torres, of Egly Elementary, became the 2023 Brownsville ISD Spelling Bee champion. Mr. Speaker, Nicholas Torres, the rest of the spelling bee champions, and all the educators involved in this year's spelling bee represent the best and brightest in our education system. I cannot wait to see what Nicholas and these bright young scholars accomplish in their future, and I am thankful for all the educators and parents who have given up so much to get them there.

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to cast my vote on January 30, 2023 for Roll Call Vote 94. Had I been present, I would have voted Yea on Roll Call Vote 94.

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support my amendment and the underlying bill and assure justice is served to all who have served our country. Mr. Speaker, a vote against this bill and against this amendment would be on the wrong side of history. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my amendment to H.R. 7946, the Veteran Service Recognition Act, which requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to propose regulations to implement this bill no later than 90 days after the date of enactment. Our deported veterans have waited long enough. These men and women are heroes; and how did we thank them for their service after they fought for our country around the world? We deported them. That is despicable and goes against every principle this country stands for. At the very least, we owe them an opportunity to naturalize, to live in the country they fought for, to raise a family and to live and pursue their American Dream, the dream they have earned, the dream they have fought for. I came to Congress 6 years ago and introduced the Repatriate Our Patriots Act because I was in shock that the United States was deporting American veterans. This gave them a pathway to citizenship. Today, I am proud to see Chairman Takano's bill on the floor. Together, we have been fighting this cause to ensure future servicemembers have the resources to naturalize and become American citizens. I can't think of anything more shameful than to deport an American veteran, someone who has worn our uniform and fought for our freedom. Most of the issues that have occurred when they come home are due to PTSD and scars that they bring back from the battlefield. I have spoken time and again to my constituents in South Texas, to veterans across my border, and to people across this country, and the consensus is clear: Congress must fix this and bring every last veteran home. This Congress has taken more action than any before by signing the Honoring our PACT Act to clear the way for veterans to get the healthcare they deserve after incurring illnesses in the line of duty. But we can't stop there. While there is no way to adequately apologize to veterans who have been deported after bravely serving this country, this is a step in the right direction. For decades, many veterans have not been with their families; have not celebrated anniversaries and holidays. They couldn't be with loved ones for important moments like graduations and birthdays. This is our chance to act, and our chance to show we can grow and correct the wrongs and create a nation that really is for all. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support my amendment and to ensure the Department of Homeland Security acts swiftly and comprehensively to propose regulations and implement this critical bill. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote in favor of the underlying bill, the Veteran Service Recognition Act, to ensure these servicemembers can come home, and that we will never, ever deport a single veteran again. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk made in order by the rule.

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Judge James William Huff, a native of Three Rivers, Texas who has served his community in a multitude of roles for over four decades. While in school at Texas A&M University, Judge Huff worked as a substitute teacher at Bryan High School. After graduation, he started his career in criminal justice working in courtroom support for the Bexar County District Clerk Criminal Division. Judge Huff then ascended to the role of Patrol Sargent at the University Police Department. Later he served as a Patrol Deputy for Nueces County and then for the Live Oak County's Sheriff Department. In 1987, he was first elected to his current role as Live Oak County Judge, where he has served honorably for the last 36 years. Judge Huff sits on a number of boards and committees that seek to make Live Oak County a better and safer place to live. He is Chairman of the Coastal Plains Community Center which provides mental health services to 9 counties. As chairman of the Dispute Resolution Services, he helps provide mediation services for 6 different counties. He also serves as Chairman of the Three Rivers Economic Development Corporation, Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend, and is a board member of the 36th Judicial District Juvenile Probation. Judge Huff has also received numerous accolades for his leadership and service to South Texas. In 2017, Judge Huff received the Senator Rodney Ellis Award for Courtroom Excellence from the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. He has also received the Texas Gideon Recognition Award from the Texas Indigent Defense Commission which recognized Bee, McMullen, and Live Oak counties for the first regional approach to indigent defense by creating a 3-county public defender's office. Additionally, Judge Huff has been named Citizen of the Year in the cities of Three Rivers and George West. Madam Speaker, Judge James Huff is an incredible leader with an unwavering commitment to justice and public service. His legacy will have a lasting impact on Live Oaks County.

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Maggie Salinas, a native of Kingsville, Texas, who served her community for over 70 years. Ms. Salinas was a member on over two dozen boards and committees that helped the people of Kingsville across many different areas of life. In 1951 at the age of 17, Ms. Salinas was the first and youngest Hispanic woman hired by Kleberg County. She started her career with the Kleberg Welfare Department as a social worker, helping people achieve independence. In April of 1957, she worked with county officials and automotive industry experts to get the ``Safety Belt'' Seal adopted which certified seat belts. She later moved on to work for Duval County as a social worker, all the while helping Nueces County administer the polio vaccine and tuberculosis screenings. Ms. Salinas has sponsored 4 Girl Scout troops and served as a member of the Kleberg County Parks and Recreation Board. She has served as the Chairwoman of the Kleberg County Historical Development Board since 1999, preserving the rich history of South Texas. In 2005 she received a Local Committee of Honor Award from the Smithsonian Center for Latino Initiatives Centro Alameda, the University of Texas at San Antonio Institute of Texas Cultures and was recognized for her participation with ``Our Journeys/Our Stories: Portraits of Latino Achievement'' from the Smithsonian U.S. Traveling Exhibition. Ms. Salinas currently serves as the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Engineering Department Advisory Committee Chairwoman. As Chairwoman, she works with Texas A&M University-Kingsville engineering professors and students to compile information for the Calle Siete Project. This data will be utilized in potential economic revitalization and tourist opportunities of the historic Kingsville area, establishing a cultural zone. One revelation from the Calle Siete Project was the unveiling of the ``Los Kinenos Trail''. The Los Kinenos Trail honors the King Ranch Kinenos who played a role in founding the historic King Ranch. Her dedication to community and culture is seen in her founding role of ``La Posada'', a Christmas tradition event, in 1990, her work redesignating over 80 historical streets in La Colonia Mexicana to include their original names, and her instrumental role in the restoration of the Mother Julia Chapel and Museum. A true humanitarian, Ms. Salinas has planned and led fundraising events for the National Kidney Foundation. American Cancer Society, and the American Heart Association. She was also awarded the American Heart Association Texas Affiliate Leadership Award in recognition of volunteer service in a leadership role and expanding role of the American Heart Association--to name one of many awards she has been honored with. Madam Speaker, Ms. Maggie Salinas is an incredible leader with an unwavering commitment to the development of the Kingsville community. Her legacy will have a lasting impact on South Texas.

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, my vote on July 26, 2022, for Roll Call No. 393 was incorrectly recorded. My vote should have been Yea on Roll Call No. 393.

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Julieta Garcia, who recently was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, our Nation's highest civilian honor. Dr. Garcia was the first Mexican American woman to serve as a college president in the United States. A native of Brownsville, Texas, Dr. Garcia received her Ph.D. in communication and linguistics from The University of Texas at Austin and her M.A. and B.A. in speech and English from the University of Houston. Dr. Garcia has devoted her life's work to bringing equitable education and opportunity to South Texas, leading the way for higher education innovation. Dr. Garcia served as President of Texas Southmost College (TSC) from 1986 to 1991, where she successfully led a $13.5 million general obligation bond election, the first in the history of the college. During her tenure at Texas Southmost, she led a successful campaign to raise $1 million for scholarships in the poorest community in the United States, helping local students gain access to education. She also spearheaded efforts to establish a program between Texas Southmost College and University of Texas at Brownsville (UTB), allowing students in the region to pursue doctoral degrees. Garcia became the president of this unique partnership from 1991 to 2013. Over the course of her leadership, the institution doubled the number of degree programs offered, doubled the number of full-time faculty, grew enrollment by two and a half times, and tripled the number of degrees conferred annually. Dr. Garcia was named the 2009 Time Magazine Top 10 College President, 2014 Forbes Magazine Top 50 World Leader, and holds honorary degrees from the University of Notre Dame, Brown University, Smith College, and Princeton University. She also is the recipient of an ACE Lifetime Achievement Award and has been inducted in the Texas Women's Hall of Fame. Madam Speaker, Dr. Julieta Garcia is an incredible leader with an unwavering commitment to accessible education and her legacy will be remembered for generations to come. She has enriched the lives of many South Texas students, and I am proud to recognize her latest achievement today.

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, again I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and the chairwoman's underlying bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have no further remarks. I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.