Vicente Gonzalez

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Lorenza ``Lori'' Guerrero, a beloved nurse from McAllen, Texas, who passed away due to COVID-19 on July 7, 2020 at the age of 72. Lori was a hero; always putting others before herself. As our nation navigates an unprecedented global pandemic, healthcare providers like Lori Guerrero are working day in and day out to care for our constituents. Lori began her career as a licensed vocational nurse in 1971, and after 49 incredible years serving her community as a nurse, she passed away from COVID-19. Lori will not only be remembered for her courageous efforts to serve her community, the Rio Grande Valley, fight COVID-19, but also for her decades of work helping victims of sexual assault as a sexual assault nurse examiner. At one point in her career, she met with as many as seven victims a day. Furthermore, she worked with local law enforcement to provide training and develop programs so those victims could be better served. These are just two examples that showcase Ms. Guerrero's selflessness and devotion to her community. The daughter of migrant workers, Lori never complained and was always ready to work. Her work ethic and compassion led her to be who she is today; an icon in the Rio Grande Valley. Madam Speaker, Ms. Lorenza ``Lori'' Guerrero could have retired when she heard that a global pandemic was looming, but she chose to help the sick in her community. I stand here today to recognize Ms. Guerrero for going above and beyond the call of duty. Lori paid the ultimate sacrifice, one that we will not forget. Her legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations to follow in her footsteps.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Leonel Garza of Freer, Texas, who celebrated his birthday along with the United States of America this past 4th of July. Mr. Garza has a special place in Texas' history for his creation of the Muy Grande, the first deer hunting contest in the state. Leonel Garza is one of 13 children born to Lazard and Olivia Garza. Lazard and Olivia were migrant workers that traveled across Texas and the Midwest to support their large family. Leonel married his wife, Elda Garcia, in 1961 and settled down in Freer, Texas. At that time, Leonel made a living selling gas, tires, and servicing autos at a small gas station he managed named Center Circle Gas Station. Here, began the formation of the Muy Grande, an unlikely success story. Let me preface that Leonel Garza is one of the hardest working individuals in South Texas and pays extra special attention to the personal relationships he makes throughout life, so it is no surprise that success followed. One day in 1965, while Leonel was working at Center Circle Gas Station, a man whose car had gotten stuck walked in and asked for help. Without hesitation, Leonel dropped everything and drove forty miles to help tow the car. After successfully transporting the car, Leonel refused to accept anything in return and told the man ``Just tell you buddies that I'm the hunter's friend.'' This man happened to be Fred Strong: an Outdoors' Sportswriter. In just a few weeks, Leonel's life would change forever, as Fred Strong wrote an article about the ``Hunter's Friend'' in Freer, Texas. Fred's story was picked up by newspapers all across Texas. The small town of Freer became known for its whitetail deer and Leonel Garza. All of a sudden, the Center Circle Gas Station had a line of cars filled with hunters down the street. With the overnight fame, Leonel wanted to boost his gas sales by creating a deer hunting contest, the first of its kind in the state of Texas. After realizing that he did not have a prize for the first contest, he gave the winner the watch off of his own wrist. As this contest continued to grow, Leonel named it Muy Grande after the size of South Texas deer. Now Muy Grande and Leonel Garza are known world-wide and the contest has its own hall of fame and continues to attract thousands of visitors each year. Leonel's work ethic never ceased, as he earned his Real Estate License in 1976 to be able to visit all the South Texas farms he grew up visiting with his father. In the 1980s, he wrote a book called ``The Legend of the Muy Grande,'' and produced three videos called ``The Legend of the Muy Grande,'' Part I, II and III. Leonel Grande continues to be an active member of Freer, Texas, serving on multiple community organizations and still runs the Muy Grande Hunting Village, the largest gas station in Freer, Texas. Madam Speaker, Mr. Leonel Garza is a Texas legend whose creation of the first deer hunting contest changed the sport of hunting. His relentless work ethic, kindness to all, and ability to turn overnight fame into something long-lasting is well-worthy of recognition. I stand here today thanking Mr. Garza for his contributions to the world, and I wish him a happy belated 80th birthday.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Rio Grande Valley Memorial Post 8788 Veterans of Foreign Wars for their incredible 50-year record of serving our veterans and the community of McAllen, Texas. The Rio Grande Valley Memorial Post 8788 Veterans of Foreign Wars celebrated their 50th anniversary in March of this year, but I am here to recognize Post 8788's Honor Guard, which was established in the late 1970's. Honor Guards volunteer to give proper ceremonial funerals to veterans who die. The term ``Honor guard'' is used because the veterans feel it is a great honor to provide their fellow veterans with military funeral services and pay their final respects. They feel they have been blessed to survive the horrors of war and this is their way of giving back to their fellow brothers and sisters. Although I do not have the records for all of the services conducted since the post's inception, Post 8788 has conducted 367 services since 2018. Altogether, these services are the compilation of 7,418 volunteer hours and 6,035 miles traveled to perform the military funerals. You can imagine these numbers are much larger given the fact that this represents only 2.5 years out of a 40-year history. Madam Speaker, I stand here today to acknowledge the decades' long achievements of the Rio Grande Valley Memorial Post 8788 Veterans of Foreign Wars. Each member of the Rio Grande Valley Memorial Post 8788 Veterans of Foreign Wars is an incredible leader in our community, and their legacy will no doubt inspire public service and volunteerism of future generations.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Honor Guard at Sergeant Benito Alaniz Post 7473 Veterans of Foreign Wars, located in Elsa, Texas. The Honor Guard was established in the early 2000s. Honor Guards volunteer to give proper ceremonial funerals to veterans who die. The term ``Honor guard'' is used because the veterans feel it is a great honor to provide their fellow veterans with military funeral services and pay their final respects. They feel they have been blessed to survive the horrors of war and give back to their fellow brothers and sisters. Since its inception, Post 7473's Honor Guard has performed over 1,800 services. The majority of volunteers are Vietnam War era veterans, and they provide this service in any weather condition to give fellow veterans the final honors they earned. On average this post will have 8-15 members volunteer for a service. Madam Speaker, I stand today to acknowledge the decades' long achievement of the Sergeant Benito Alaniz Post 7473 Veterans of Foreign Wars in volunteering to honor fallen veterans in Texas with a proper send-off. Each member of the Sergeant Benito Alaniz Post 7473 Veterans of Foreign Wars is an incredible leader in our community, and their legacy will no doubt inspire public service and volunteerism in future generations.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 6742.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I was unable to cast my vote on May 15, 2020 for Roll Call Vote 105, Roll Call Vote 106, Roll Call Vote 107, Roll Call Vote 108, and Roll Call Vote 109 as I am on doctors'- ordered bed rest after sustaining a fall two weeks ago. Had I been present, my vote would have been the following: Yea on Roll Call Vote 105, Yea on Roll Call Vote 106, Yea on Roll Call Vote 107, Nay on Roll Call Vote 108, and Yea on Roll Call Vote 109.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Michael Anthony Martin, a Weslaco, Texas native who became a national champion on Monday, January 13, 2020, as a member of Louisiana State University's National Championship football team. Martin, a freshman wide receiver for the LSU Tigers helped his team beat the Clemson Tigers with a final score of 42-25 to claim the College Football National Championship at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The game was an exhilarating battle that went back and forth between the two teams until LSU pulled away in the second half. Michael Martin is the son of Randy and Mari Fuentes-Martin who raised their three children in the Rio Grande Valley. before moving to Louisiana. There Michael joined the LSU Tiger football team as a walk- on in 2018 and was redshirted his true freshman year. Prior to Michael's first year with the LSU Tigers, he played his senior season at the University Laboratory School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he was a standout baseball and football player. Michael transferred to University Laboratory from Weslaco High School after his junior year, where he grew up learning the ins and outs of the sport. While attending University Laboratory as a senior, Michael lead his team to a perfect 13-0 record, which helped them to capture the 2017 Louisiana Division-II State Championship. During the state title game against De La Salle High School, Michael returned a 54-yard punt for a touchdown, helping University Laboratory clinch the state championship against De La Salle. Throughout the 2017 football season at University Laboratory, Michael scored four touchdowns for the team and led the team with four interceptions. I know that Michael is just getting his life going, but I want to pause and honor the accomplishments he has reached at such a young age. I look forward to what is ahead for him, both on and off the field. I wish him the best of luck as he continues his studies and football career at LSU, and I know that he will continue to make our community in the Rio Grande Valley proud. I thank his family for instilling in him the values and morals needed to be a National Football Champion and know they have been supportive of him since birth. Today, it is with great honor, admiration, and respect that I recognize the achievements of a young outstanding individual, Michael Anthony Martin, who is now a Division I college football champion

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to wish Mr. Juan Lino Ramirez, a beloved public servant and successful businessman from South Texas, a very special 85th birthday. Mr. Ramirez was born on January 20, 1935, and dedicated his life to serving others while successfully creating multiple businesses. Juan Lino's contributions to Jim Hogg County and South Texas have been significant, and I am honored to be able to stand here today and share those achievements with my colleagues and the citizens of the United States of America. Juan Lino started his career like many other Americans, with a small business. When Juan Lino was in his mid-twenties, he opened up his first business, a small car repair shop called T&R Auto Repair Shop. He ran and worked at the shop until he was able to move onto more lucrative business opportunities. In 1967, Juan Lino decided to obtain a Used Car Business Dealer License, which he later used to become one of the best salesmen in South Texas, winning the ``Dealer of the Month'' award from the San Antonio Auto Auction. Juan Lino acknowledged his business acumen but humbly decided to take a different career path and serve the people of South Texas. In his twenties, Juan Lino took an interest in Jim Hogg County's public education system and served on the Independent School District Board. There, he expanded educational opportunities for all students in the district, facilitated a vision for the future of the Jim Hogg Independent School District, and served as a role model to all that knew him in the community. After serving on the Jim Hogg County Independent School District Board, Juan Lino decided to serve his community in a new capacity by taking on the highest law enforcement post in Jim Hogg County: Sheriff. Juan Lino served as the Jim Hogg County Sheriff twice, first from 1970 to 1973 and then again from 1976 to 1980. During his time as Sheriff, he hired the first female Sheriff Deputy in Jim Hogg County's history, Vila Martinez, acquired the first computer for the Sheriff's Department, and introduced standardized Sheriff Deputy uniforms. These accomplishments helped transform the Jim Hogg Sheriff's Department into the modem and professional unit it is today. Juan Lino also successfully created one-way streets in school zones to ensure the safety of students on their commutes to and from school as the Sheriff of Jim Hogg. Juan Lino continued to give back to Jim Hogg County in the 21st Century, serving as the County Commissioner for Precinct 4 for two terms. The first term was from 2002 to 2006, and the second term was from 2011 to 2015. During his time as County Commissioner for Precinct 4, Juan Lino worked to better the lives of people on a daily basis through infrastructure, economic development, and housing projects. I cannot imagine Jim Hogg County without Mr. Ramirez. He helped shepherd the Sheriff's Department into a new era, expanded women's opportunities, enhanced student safety, successfully grew his businesses, and accomplished many more milestones. Madam Speaker, on January 20, 2020, Mr. Juan Lino Ramirez turns 85. I stand here today to acknowledge the decades of service Mr. Ramirez has given to Jim Hogg County. Mr. Juan Lino Ramirez serves as a leader in our community, and I wish him a very happy birthday.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I was unable to be present on January 7, 2020 for Roll Call Vote 1. Had I been present, I would have answered Present on Roll Call Vote 1.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and also to sound the alarm of an issue that should concern us all: violence. To put things in perspective, since 2006, Mexico has lost as many people to homicide as the United States has lost in every war since Korea. Just in the last 3 years, the number of homicides exceeded the number of soldiers lost in Korea and Vietnam combined, all while we act as if nothing is happening in our own backyard. Negotiators worked tirelessly to get us here to today's vote, but they failed to acknowledge the single greatest threat to North American trade and prosperity: violence. I rise today to say that we have missed an opportunity, and I cannot be silent and will not let this go. Mexican President Lopez Obrador ran on a promise to achieve peace, end the war on drugs, and create a new civilian national guard to tackle organized crime by fighting poverty. While I have no doubt of his good intentions, he has failed miserably. Mexico's crime rate continues to rise; the endemic mass murders, disappearances, extortions, and assaults in Mexico show no signs of slowing. Madam Speaker, by accepting this as the status quo and staying silent, we risk standing in the way of our own economic success.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise on a sad day for America, a sad day for Texas, and a very sad day for the people I represent. I am not gleeful for today. I came to Congress to lower the costs of prescription drugs, fight for a debt-free education, and improve the care of special-needs children, our seniors, and our veterans. I did not come to Congress to impeach a sitting President, but we have been given no choice. He has eroded the foundations of our democracy and used the office of the Presidency for personal and political gain. Our Founding Fathers feared that one day the power of the Presidency would stretch beyond its limits; thus, they enshrined in the Constitution a system of checks and balances. We cannot and will not lower the ethical standards of our Presidency. We cannot afford to wither like a cheap flower in bad weather, watching our democracy crumble and rot from within. That is not the America the world knows and loves, and it is certainly not the America we would be proud to have our future generations inherit. And that is why, today, I must vote to impeach the President of the United States and fulfill my oath to the Constitution.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Felipe `Tres' Barrera, a member of the Washington Nationals 2019 World Series Champions and a Rio Grande Valley Native. Tres Barrera is an incredibly talented professional baseball catcher for the Washington Nationals. He was born in Eagle Pass, Texas, and moved to the Rio Grande Valley when he was 10 years old. Tres played on the baseball team for Hidalgo High School his freshman year, winning the District 32-3A Most Valuable Player award, before transferring to Sharyland High School. At Sharyland High School, Tres played football and baseball, and quickly became a standout athlete and student. He was selected to two all-state teams, and won the 30-5A Most Valuable Player and the All-Valley Player of the Year as a senior. His batting average was an astonishing .452, hitting 22 home runs during his time at Sharyland High School. Tres' incredible work ethic, determination, and sheer talent earned him a spot on the renowned baseball team for the University of Texas at Austin. As a freshman, Tres was the team's starting catcher, won the 2014 College Home Run Derby, and led Texas to the College World Series. His achievements continued on. During his sophomore year, Tres was a vital part of the University of Texas' Big 12 championship team, while adding his name to the All-Big 12 second team. In his junior year campaign, Tres earned the 2016 Academic All-Big 12 baseball honors and was named an All-Big 12 honorable mention. He left Texas after his junior year to join the minor leagues, but only after walking away with 20 home runs and 106 runs batted in (RBIs) for the University of Texas at Austin. Tres Barrera's hard work and dedication continued for the next three years as he played for a number of minor league teams before being called up to the Major League Baseball, MLB, on September 8, 2019, for the Washington Nationals. Being a member of the Nationals, Tres participated in one of the most unlikely runs in the history of professional baseball. The Nationals' record through 50 games was a poor 19 wins and 31 losses before they won 74 of their next 122 games. This secured the Nationals a wild-card spot in the postseason. The Nationals continued their unlikely playoff run until the very end, where they beat the Houston Astros in seven games, winning the World Series on October 30, 2019. On that day, Tres earned himself the coveted World Series ring. Madam Speaker, Mr. Tres Barrera worked tirelessly to prove that with determination, will power, and commitment, we can accomplish anything we set ourselves to do in life. Tres made history, gave young people across our country the hope to achieve anything they set their mind to and for that I stand here today to recognize him. He is a proud son of South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley, and we appreciate him for his work and dedication to the Washington Nationals.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Felipe `Tres' Barrera, a member of the Washington Nationals 2019 World Series Champions and a Rio Grande Valley Native. Tres Barrera is an incredibly talented professional baseball catcher for the Washington Nationals. He was born in Eagle Pass, Texas, and moved to the Rio Grande Valley when he was 10 years old. Tres played on the baseball team for Hidalgo High School his freshman year, winning the District 32-3A Most Valuable Player award, before transferring to Sharyland High School. At Sharyland High School, Tres played football and baseball, and quickly became a standout athlete and student. He was selected to two all-state teams, and won the 30-5A Most Valuable Player and the All-Valley Player of the Year as a senior. His batting average was an astonishing .452, hitting 22 home runs during his time at Sharyland High School. Tres' incredible work ethic, determination, and sheer talent earned him a spot on the renowned baseball team for the University of Texas at Austin. As a freshman, Tres was the team's starting catcher, won the 2014 College Home Run Derby, and led Texas to the College World Series. His achievements continued on. During his sophomore year, Tres was a vital part of the University of Texas' Big 12 championship team, while adding his name to the All-Big 12 second team. In his junior year campaign, Tres earned the 2016 Academic All-Big 12 baseball honors and was named an All-Big 12 honorable mention. He left Texas after his junior year to join the minor leagues, but only after walking away with 20 home runs and 106 runs batted in (RBIs) for the University of Texas at Austin. Tres Barrera's hard work and dedication continued for the next three years as he played for a number of minor league teams before being called up to the Major League Baseball, MLB, on September 8, 2019, for the Washington Nationals. Being a member of the Nationals, Tres participated in one of the most unlikely runs in the history of professional baseball. The Nationals' record through 50 games was a poor 19 wins and 31 losses before they won 74 of their next 122 games. This secured the Nationals a wild-card spot in the postseason, The Nationals continued their unlikely playoff run until the very end, where they beat the Houston Astros in seven games, winning the World Series on October 10, 2019. On that day, Tres earned himself the coveted World Series ring. Madam Speaker, Mr. Tres Barrera worked tirelessly to prove that with determination, will power, and commitment, we can accomplish anything we set ourselves to do in life. Tres made history, gave young people across our country the hope to achieve anything they set their mind to and for that I stand here today to recognize him. He is a proud son of South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley, and we appreciate him for his work and dedication to the Washington Nationals.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I was unable to cast my vote on November 18, 2019 for Roll Call Vote 625, Roll Call Vote 626, and Roll Call Vote 627. Had I been present, my vote would have been the following: Yea on Roll Call Vote 625, Yea on Roll Call Vote 626, and Yea on Roll Call Vote 627.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I was unable to cast my vote on November 12, 2019 for Roll Call Vote 610 and Roll Call Vote 611. Had I been present, my vote would have been the following: Yea on Roll Call Vote 610 and Yea on Roll Call Vote 611.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I was unable to cast my vote on October 15, 2019 for Roll Call Vote 556 and Roll Call Vote 557. Had I been present, my vote would have been the following: Yea on Roll Call Vote 556 and yea on Roll Call Vote 557

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Luis Lauro Longoria, a marine, a father, and a leader. Mr. Longoria was born in La Grulla, Texas, on June 5, 1950, before he moved to Longview, Texas. In Longview, Luis attended Hart High School and graduated alongside a high school class of 32 students. After high school, Luis make the selfless and honorable decision to enlist in the military--at only 18 years old. Mr. Luis Lauro Longoria chose to enlist in the United States Marine Corps in 1968, where he became a M60 Machine Gunner and a Recon Marine. Mr. Longoria honorably served in the Vietnam War and was stationed at Marine Quang Tri Province DMZ, Vietnam. While enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, Mr. Longoria served this country for four years of his early life, experiencing many aspects of military life. Mr. Luis Lauro Longoria was decorated with two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star Medal for the injuries he sustained and courage he showed during his time in Vietnam. Everything we hold dear as a community, state, and country is owed to the brave sacrifice of service members like Mr. Longoria. I know that his legacy will inspire future generations to honorably serve our fellow man. Mr. Longoria later returned to the United States where he met and married his wife, Olivia Longoria. Luis and Olivia have now been married for over 40 years and are the proud parents to their two sons, Luis Longoria II and Oly Longoria. Madam Speaker, Mr. Luis Lauro Longoria fought to defend the values of the United States during the Vietnam War. He sacrificed his body, not once, but twice to accomplish the missions he was tasked with. He serves as both a light in our community and a leader. It is an honor to represent a dedicated and selfless individual who has greatly impacted the future of the United States and our beloved community. I wish Mr. Longoria the best in his future endeavors. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I was unable to cast my vote on September 17, 2019 for Roll Call Vote 531. Had I been present, my vote would have been the following: ``nay'' on Roll Call Vote 531.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I was unable to cast my vote on September 12, 2019 for Roll Call Vote 529 and Roll Call 530. Had I been present, my vote would have been the following: Nay on Roll Call Vote 529 and No on Roll Call Vote 530.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Moises Sanchez, who passed away on Saturday, August 24, 2019. Moises spent his life protecting and serving the people of Texas with distinction, and it is my privilege to commemorate his contributions to our state, community, and country today. He was a proud United States Marine Corps veteran. He also spent 18 years with FedEx before becoming a Texas State Trooper. He coached at the Boys & Girls Club and was involved in self-defense classes at his local church. Moises cherished time with his family--from movie nights to barbeques and mountain biking. He passed away from a surgery associated with injuries sustained in the line of duty. Moises is survived by his wife, Yvonne Sanchez and his three children Zachary, Zebastian, and Zoey Sanchez. Madam Speaker, our country lost a public servant, husband, father, and hero this past August. It is an honor to represent brave, loyal, and hard-working individuals like Trooper Moises Sanchez. He was a source of strength in South Texas and he will be truly missed by his friends, family, and loved ones.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Vannie E. Cook, Jr. Children's Cancer and Hematology Clinic by recognizing the month of September 2019 as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Childhood Cancer remains the number one cause of non-accidental death in children. Every year, approximately 1,700 Texas families will hear the words, ``Your child has cancer'' and about 105 of those brave children are from the Rio Grande Valley. For the last 18 years, the Vannie E. Cook, Jr. Children's Cancer and Hematology Clinic, the first comprehensive pediatric cancer and hematology clinic in the Rio Grande Valley, has provided quality care and treatment to over 10,000 South Texas children battling cancer and blood disorders, regardless of their family's financial capacity. On September 5, 2019, the Vannie Cook Children's Cancer Clinic and community members committed to fighting pediatric cancer will join together to host the Celebration of Life Carnival in McAllen, Texas. This community event will raise awareness of pediatric cancer, remember the young children we have lost, and honor the survivors as well as the courageous children and families fighting this disease every single day. It will be a day dedicated to children fighting cancer and l find it fitting to enter this important date in history into the record of the U.S. House of Representatives. I also plan to continue to do all I can, through my work in the Congress, to end all forms of cancer that afflict people all over the world. Madam Speaker, I commend all associated with the Vannie E. Cook, Jr. Children's Cancer and Hematology Clinic on the occasion of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. It is an honor to represent these courageous young people currently fighting cancer as well as those at the clinic for their invaluable work on behalf of children and families from the Rio Grande Valley.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Daniel P. King, an educator, innovator, and leader. For the past 12 years, Dr. King served as superintendent of the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD), working tirelessly to ensure PSJA ISD provides its students with the resources necessary to succeed. He announced his plans to retire from his position this past fall, and I find it only fitting to take this time on the House floor to honor a man that has done so much for South Texas. Dr. King spent 42 years in public education, 20 of those years as superintendent at two school districts in the Rio Grande Valley. During Dr. King's tenure, he introduced programs and procedures that have had lasting positive effects on the students and the PSJA community as a whole. He was one of the first to start an Early College High School Program in South Texas that provides thousands of students concurrent and dual enrollment opportunities, college and career connected pathways, and the opportunity to graduate with college credentials up to an associate's degree while still enrolled in high school. Dr. King demonstrated his commitment to replacing outdated bilingual education models with dual language or dual immersion programs to equip students for a brighter future. His actions afforded students the opportunity to graduate from high school ready for higher education, putting PSJA on the course to become a national leader in producing college ready, academically bi-literate, high school graduates. Thanks to Dr. King, our students are more prepared and able to be successful and productive members of society. Madam Speaker, Dr. Daniel P. King has worked diligently to give countless students the tools they need to succeed. He is a pillar of our community and an example to us all. It is an honor to represent a selfless and committed individuals like him. Dr. King has forever changed and strengthened the foundation of education in South Texas. I wish Daniel P. King and his family all the best in their future endeavors and thank you for this time.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, extenuating circumstances regrettably prevented me from voting YEA on H. Res. 246, Opposing efforts to delegitimize the State of Israel and the Global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement targeting Israel, of which I am a co-sponsor. I strongly support this resolution and our ally, the Jewish, democratic state of Israel. I am a proponent of a negotiated two-state solution for the Israelis and the Palestinians and will continue to condemn efforts that stand in the way of the path to peace

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel L. Omar Lomas, an Army veteran, and a dedicated community leader. On July 18, 2019, he took command of 42D Military Police Brigade. Colonel Lomas is a native of Texas's 15th Congressional District, born in McAllen, Texas. In 1996, he graduated from Texas State University, formerly known as Southwest Texas State, as a Distinguished Military Graduate through their ROTC program, earning his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. In August 1996, Colonel Lomas enlisted and served as an Army soldier in Operations Desert Shield/Storm. After serving, he obtained two Masters degrees, one in Business and Security Administration from Webster University and another in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. Colonel Lomas engaged in a variety of impressive learning opportunities including the Military Police Officer Basic course, the Captain's Career course, the Combined Arms Services Staff School, Command and General Staff College, the U.S. Army War College, the U.S. Army Air Assault and Airborne courses, and the Army Force Management Course. Colonel Lomas has honorably served in key leadership roles in our military; serving as a Platoon Leader to Commander for the Military Police at Fort McClellan, Fort Polk, Fort Hood, Fort Riley, Schofield Barracks, and in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Colonel Lomas also served as Operations Officer, Directorate of Emergency Services, Fort Riley Kansas; Military Police Observer Coach/Trainer, Mission Command Training Program, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; Deputy Director, Defense Forensics and Biometrics Agency, Pentagon; and Strategic Initiatives Group Chief, Office of the Provost Marshal General, Pentagon. Colonel Lomas has received several awards and distinctions, including the Bronze Star Medal (3 OLC), the Meritorious Service Medal (4 OCL), the Joint Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (3 OLC), the Army Achievement Medal (3 OLC), the National Defense Service Medal (1 Bronze Star), the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal (3rd Bronze Star), the Afghanistan and Iraqi Campaign Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, the Liberation of Kuwait Medal, the Defense of Saudi Arabia Medal, the Order of the Marechaussee (Bronze), the Combat Action, Air Assault and Parachutist's badges, and the Army Staff Badge. Madam Speaker, Colonel L. Omar Lomas has dedicated his life to defending our country and the freedoms we hold dear. It is an honor to represent a hero who has exemplified leadership, scholarship, and selfless service. There is no doubt in my mind that Colonel Lomas will excel with 42D Military Police Brigade. I wish Colonel L. Omar Lomas, his wife Edtna Georgina Garcia, and his children Maria, Miguel, Mateo, and Diego the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas

Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I was unable to cast my vote on July 15, 2019 for Roll Call Vote 475, Roll Call Vote 476, and Roll Call Vote 477. Had I been present, my vote would have been the following: Yea on Roll Call Vote 475, Yea on Roll Call Vote 476, and Yea on Roll Call Vote 477.