Tony Gonzales

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Jim Shelton, a true American hero whose courage, service, and devotion to duty continue to inspire generations. Jim Shelton was born on November 21, 1926, in San Antonio, Texas. At just 15 years old, he left school to work at Kelly Field in the Reclaiming Department, contributing to the war effort at an early age. Determined to serve his country, he returned to school and graduated early, enabling him to enlist in the United States Navy at the age of 17 at Fort Sam Houston. Mr. Shelton graduated in January 1944 and was assigned to the 96th Company. Drawing on his experience working with mechanical parts, he was stationed aboard the USS Endymion, a Navy repair ship. His role was critical--keeping damaged vessels operational in the midst of war. Mr. Speaker, Jim Shelton's naval career was defined by service to his fellow sailors and unwavering resolve. As a Coxswain and later a Boatswain's Mate, he and his shipmates repaired countless vessels and supported the fleet during the invasion of Okinawa. The Endymion itself came under enemy attack and was torpedoed off the island of Truk. Despite the danger and damage sustained, Mr. Shelton remained with the ship until the end of World War II. Later in life, Mr. Shelton was honored with an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., where he and his fellow crew members were formally recognized for their service. He received a letter from President Clinton honoring the crew of the Endymion for their dedication-- repairing other ships even after their own vessel had been attacked and damaged. Mr. Speaker, Jim Shelton's life is a testament to the strength, humility, and resilience of the Greatest Generation. His service to our Nation and his steadfast sense of duty stands as an enduring example of what it means to be an American.

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Captain Isaac Camacho, a true American hero whose courage continues to inspire generations. Born on June 3, 1937, in Fabens, Texas, he moved to El Paso at the age of 13 after the passing of his father. He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1955 and immediately enlisted in the United States Army, joining the Airborne Infantry of the 11th Airborne Division. His dedication and skill led him to the elite ranks of the U.S. Army Special Forces, serving with the 1st Special Forces Group. Mr. Speaker, Captain Camacho's service is marked by one of the most extraordinary stories of the Vietnam War. On November 22, 1963, during his second tour, he and three fellow soldiers were captured by Viet Cong forces at Camp Hiep Hoa. He endured more than 20 months in captivity under brutal conditions. Yet, his determination to return home never faltered. On July 9, 1965, during a heavy monsoon, he escaped by slipping through the bars of his cage and evading his captors for four days until encountering U.S. forces. He became the first American service member to escape from a Viet Cong POW camp. His return home brought nationwide celebration. President Lyndon B. Johnson, Congressman Richard White, and El Paso Mayor Judson Williams personally honored him. But the most heartfelt recognition came from his mother, who had prayed for her son's return throughout his long captivity. Captain Camacho's military awards reflect his extraordinary valor: the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, two Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star, the Prisoner of War Medal, and numerous commendations. He also earned the Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, and multiple foreign parachutist honors. In 2009, he was inducted as a Distinguished Member of the Special Forces Regiment. After retiring from the Army, he continued serving his country through a successful career with the U.S. Postal Service. Mr. Speaker, Captain Isaac Camacho's heroism, strength, and devotion to duty stand as an enduring example of American resilience.

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ramon ``Ray'' A. Borrego, a proud American whose life of service reflects the highest traditions of our Armed Forces and our veteran community. At the age of 21, Ray Borrego was drafted into the United States Army in April of 1967. He completed basic training at Fort Bliss, followed by Advanced Individual Training at the renowned ``Tiger Land'' at Fort Polk, Louisiana, before deploying from Fort Lewis to Vietnam in September 1967. During his year in Vietnam, he served with A Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry, of the Airmobile Infantry Division, one of the most heavily engaged units of the war. After returning to the United States in 1968, he completed his service at Fort Dix and Fort Carson, receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1969. Mr. Speaker, Ray's service did not end with his military career. His hometown of San Elizario has a long and proud military history, but for many years its veterans had only a small museum room honoring their contributions. In 2007, Ray helped change that. As a founding member and the very first Chairperson of the San Elizario Veterans Committee, he helped lead a remarkable transformation of how his community honors those who served. Under his leadership, the Committee established a permanent Veterans Museum, created the Veterans Memorial Brick Walk, and expanded the annual Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony. The Committee also launched the Honor Salute for fallen San Eli veterans, supported cemetery upkeep, conducted fundraising, and championed the effort to designate San Elizario as a Purple Heart City. His leadership extended beyond San Elizario as a co-founder of the Lower Valley Veterans Alliance and a participant in Mission 15 of the Rio Grande Honor Flight. Although Ray stepped down as Chairperson in 2024, he continues to serve as Co-Chair, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to honoring veterans across the Lower Valley. Mr. Speaker, Ramon Borrego represents the best of our country--a soldier, a leader, and a dedicated servant to his community. Today we recognize and thank him for a lifetime of service.

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a distinguished public servant, veteran, and law enforcement leader-- Sheriff Darrin Mitchell--whose decades of service to our Nation and to the people of Texas exemplify duty, courage, and integrity. Darrin Mitchell began his service to the United States in January of 1985 when he enlisted in the United States Army as a Parachute Rigger. His first assignment placed him among some of our Nation's most elite warriors, serving with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Initially stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, he continued his service when the unit relocated to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, during this period he supported critical missions and deployed in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm from 1990 to 1991--two of the most consequential military operations of the modern era. His work ensured that America's airborne forces remained supplied, prepared, and mission-ready in the harshest conditions. After receiving an honorable separation from the Army in 1994, Darrin Mitchell continued his commitment to public service by pursuing a career in law enforcement. He attended and graduated from the Permian Basin Regional Police Academy in 1995 and that same year joined the Winkler County Sheriff's Office, where he served with dedication until 2002. His call to serve then brought him to the Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration. From 2002 to 2009, he served as a Master Behavioral Detection Officer--one of TSA's most specialized roles--helping safeguard the traveling public in the years following the 9/11 attacks. In 2009, he returned to the Winkler County Sheriff's Office, first as a Correctional Officer, then as a Patrol Deputy in 2010. His leadership, professionalism, and investigative skill led to his promotion as Chief Investigator in 2012. When the sitting Sheriff retired in 2016, Darrin Mitchell stepped forward once again, running for office and earning the trust of the community he had served for so many years. He was elected Sheriff of Winkler County and has since continued to protect and lead with distinction. Mr. Speaker, Sheriff Darrin Mitchell represents the highest ideals of service--first in uniform defending our Nation, and later in law enforcement safeguarding his community. Today, we honor his enduring commitment and his exemplary career of service to Texas and the United States.

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable American, Raymond ``Ray'' Falke, whose life reflects the very best of our Nation's character, courage, and commitment to service. Ray Falke was born on February 6, 1927, in Temple, Texas, to a hardworking family. His mother kept the home running, and his father delivered kerosene to local farmers for a dollar a day. Growing up with little material wealth, Ray learned early the value of perseverance and responsibility. At just 4:00 a.m. each morning, he rose to deliver telegrams and newspapers for the Temple paper before heading to school. At the age of seventeen, motivated by patriotism and a sense of duty, Ray volunteered to join the United States Navy. His mother, already carrying the worry of one son missing in action and later confirmed as a POW in Italy, hesitated to sign the authorization. But Ray insisted, he felt called to serve. And with her signature and a heartfelt warning ``Don't screw up now; make me proud!'', Ray set his course. Ray and a close friend chose the Navy over waiting to be drafted into the Army, and he soon found himself assigned to the USS Geneva, a transport ship in the Pacific. He served as one of the ship's Radarmen, scanning the dark waters for threats during some of the most uncertain moments of the war. Despite these dangers, Ray is the first to say he was fortunate. As a transport vessel, the Geneva never saw direct combat, and he carries deep gratitude for the luck and protection he felt during those perilous years. He was docked in Okinawa when the atomic bombs were dropped--a moment he recalls as both sobering and consequential. When the announcement finally came over the ship's PA system that the war had ended, the men of the Geneva erupted in cheers. But Ray's service to our Nation did not end there. After the war, he joined the Navy Reserve, finished high school, and used the GI Bill to attend Texas A&M. Soon after, he received a commission in the United States Air Force. As a trained bombardier and navigator, he served with distinction through both the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Throughout each chapter of his military career, Ray demonstrated unwavering dedication to his mission, his fellow service members, and the country he loves. Ray married before deploying to Korea and became the proud father of two daughters, Robin and Dawn. Today, at 97 years old, he lives a joyful life in San Antonio, surrounded by family and friends. He continues to gather with those he served alongside, honoring memories, friendships, and the legacy of service that binds them all. Ray Falke is, without question, a true American hero. His decades of service helped secure the freedoms of countless Americans--those living today and those yet to come. And he remains steadfast in his belief that ``America's role in the war was ensuring the Allied forces were victorious.'' Mr. Speaker, we are privileged to recognize Raymond ``Ray'' Falke an extraordinary veteran, a devoted family man, and a shining example of the ideals that define this Nation. May his story continue to inspire future generations to serve with the same honor, humility, and patriotism.

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man whose legacy is both profoundly American and profoundly personal to me--my grandfather, Jesus Antonio Pena, a soldier, a father, a civil servant, and an enduring example of quiet courage. Born to Mrs. Luisa G. Pena and Mr. Jesus G. Pena, my grandfather grew up in Texas, in a home where service, sacrifice, and faith were part of everyday life. At just 18 years old, he was drafted into the United States Army on December 21, 1943. Like so many young men of his generation, he answered his country's call without hesitation, stepping into history during one of the most dangerous moments the world has ever faced. After basic training at Fort Sam Houston and Camp Shelby, Mississippi, he deployed overseas on August 4, 1944. Soon, found himself on the shores of Utah Beach, landing in the shadow of D-Day and entering into the heart of World War II. From there, he fought through the freezing forests and unimaginable hardship of the Battle of the Bulge, one of the bloodiest and most pivotal engagements of the war. Mr. Speaker, my grandfather was not alone in his service. He was one of six sons, four of them soldiers, all of them proud sons of South Texas, and he now lays to rest together at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Our family's sacrifice is etched into the soil of that hallowed ground and into the history of our Nation. One story, passed down through generations, speaks to both his humility and his conviction. When he reported for induction, the Army had mistakenly stamped his paperwork for the Navy. My grandfather looked at the officer and said, ``Sir, all my brothers are in the Army.'' Without hesitation, the officer took the form, stamped Army across it, and told him, ``Alright then, get out of here.'' And with that, he joined his brothers in service. After the war, he continued serving his country, this time in civilian life. For 35 years, he worked at Kelly Air Force Base as an airplane electrician, ensuring that generations of service members had safe and reliable aircraft. He was a man who took pride in his work, who believed in doing things right, and who understood that service did not end when the uniform came off. He returned home to his wife, Ruth, and together they built a life rooted in love, family, and perseverance. His eldest son was named in his honor, carrying forward his name and his legacy. He was the embodiment of the values that define our greatest generation: duty, honor, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to country. He was my greatest role model and inspired me to become a Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy. Mr. Speaker, it is one of the greatest honors of my life to stand in this Chamber and speak his name: Jesus Antonio Pena. A young man from Texas who journeyed across an ocean to defend liberty. A soldier who braved the snows of Belgium. A patriot who came home and continued to serve. A grandfather whose strength and humility continue to guide his family to this day.

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as the founder and co- chairman of the Bipartisan School Safety and Security Caucus, I rise today to share a few words about my bill, the National Strategy for School Security Act. As a father of six, I, too, share every parent and grandparent's worry when it comes to school safety. It is a sad reality that our Nation's schools have become soft targets for violence. Across this Chamber, too many of our home districts have witnessed tragedies, including my own. In May of 2022, 19 children and two teachers were senselessly killed at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde. Our children, the most vulnerable among us, sit in schools without a national plan in place to protect them from acts of terror. This bill closes that gap. It requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a strategy and place resources for securing our schools against acts of terrorism and best practices to prevent an act of violence from happening in the first place. This bipartisan bill is a much-needed step toward safer classrooms across America.

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, the PEARL Act. With over 800 miles of the Texas-Mexico border, I represent the largest border district in the country. From Eagle Pass to Del Rio to the Big Bend region to El Paso, many of America's hardworking Border Patrol agents call Texas 23 home. Protecting our Nation's border is no easy feat. It is long hours, late nights, and time away from home. The PEARL Act, named after a special canine that helped our Border Patrol agents through some tough times, gives our law enforcement one more tool to improve mental health outcomes at CBP. In 2023, CBP launched the Support Canine Program, which aims to improve mental health resources for CBP personnel. Here in Washington we have a saying: If you want a friend, get a dog. That is exactly what this bill is doing. My bill builds upon this goal by establishing a pilot program through the Department of Homeland Security to adopt dogs from local animal shelters to enhance the Support Canine Program. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to seeing this legislation to support the men and women who defend our borders every day in the United States pass.

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas. Mr. Speaker, due to an unavoidable conflict, I missed a vote on the House floor. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 163.

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate St. Joseph Catholic Church on its 150th anniversary of devout service to the Fort Stockton community. This milestone serves as a testament to St. Joseph's long-term dedication to faith in Pecos County. A century and a half ago, the foundation of what later would become the church was formed, and in 1914 St. Joseph became part of the new Diocese of El Paso. On March 19, 1975, the first centennial of the parish was celebrated, marking a major event for church and the surrounding region. Finally, in 2014, Saint Joseph was consolidated with Saint Agnes to form the Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Year after year, this institution of faith has contributed greatly to the spiritual life of Fort Stockton, and I am grateful for the many acts of service that it has carried out on behalf of our neighbors and friends in the community. As St. Joseph continues to inspire those it serves, I wish the church many blessings and pray for many more years of impact. I congratulate them on their legacy of 150 years.

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Eduardo Pedregon Veterans Memorial Museum, an extraordinary museum in my district that embodies the highest ideals of patriotism, sacrifice, and service to our Nation. Located in San Elizario, Texas--a historic border community founded in 1598--the Eduardo Pedregon Veterans Memorial Museum stands as a lasting tribute to the brave men and women from El Paso's Mission Valley who answered the call to serve in the United States Armed Forces. The museum commemorates the sacrifices of veterans from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the Global War on Terror, ensuring that their service and valor are never forgotten. It houses memorials dedicated to 20 fallen heroes and displays over 373 photographs of local veterans who have served with distinction. Opened in 2010 and dedicated in 2011, the San Elizario Veterans Memorial Museum is named after Corporal Eduardo Pedregon, who enlisted in the United States Army at the age of seventeen and was assigned to the Heavy Mortar Company, 31st Infantry Regiment. Corporal Pedregon fought in the Korean War where he was killed in action--receiving the Purple Heart, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and other recognitions. Beyond its role as a historical archive, the San Elizario Veterans Memorial Museum plays an integral role in organizing veteran recognition events--including the Annual Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony, the Memorial Brick Walk, and the Honor Salute. None of this would be possible without the dedication of a remarkable group of volunteers, including Ray Borrego, Norma Reyes, Carmen Cruz, Pat Cruz, Martin Medina, Tony Grijalva, Al Borrego, and all the members of the San Elizario Veterans Committee. Their commitment to preserving the stories of our veterans ensures that future generations understand and appreciate the sacrifices made by those who served. Mr. Speaker, as a 20-year Navy veteran, I am incredibly proud to recognize this treasured museum and the volunteers who sustain its mission. It is an honor to represent such a vital landmark in Texas' 23rd Congressional District.

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 8150.

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8150) to require the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to establish procedures for conducting maintenance projects at ports of entry at which the Office of Field Operations conducts certain enforcement and facilitation activities, as amended.

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of my bipartisan bill, H.R. 8150, the Reducing Excessive Vetting Authorities to Maintain our Ports Act. Land ports of entry are a critical line of defense against fentanyl, drugs, and other illicit contraband that have plagued our communities. Our ports of entry also bring in billions of dollars' worth of trade into our economy and serve as a lifeline for many cities along the border. To help Customs officers carry out their mission, our international bridges must be kept in the best shape possible. My bill does just that by reducing the bureaucracy that is required to repair and maintain our ports of entry. While the GSA has the primary authority to maintain our Federal facilities, there is a significant backlog for these projects and our ports of entry are no exception. Currently, the GSA grants CBP the ability to perform limited repair projects if the cost is less than $100,000. Delegating this authority saves everyone time, and we all know that time is money. My commonsense legislation would simply increase that number from $100,000 to a $300,000 threshold so that more of these minor projects at our ports of entry can be done quickly and efficiently. This helps trade, this helps our taxpayers, and this helps our Customs personnel that work so hard to secure our borders. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 8150, the REVAMP Act, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 8150, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Gilbert Garcia, a distinguished journalist with more than 30 years of dedicated service to the San Antonio community and beyond. A native of Brownsville and a Harvard University graduate, Mr. Garcia has made significant contributions to journalism, earning numerous awards for his insightful reporting on politics, sports, religion, music, and much more. He authored ``Reagan's Comeback: Four Weeks in Texas That Changed American Politics Forever,'' and his work has been featured in the national anthology ``Da Capo Best Music Writing 2001.'' Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Garcia has written for esteemed publications such as the Dallas Observer, Phoenix New Times, San Antonio Express-News, and Plaza de Armas--earning six Press Club Awards. Most recently, as an Editorial Writer and Columnist for the San Antonio Express-News, Mr. Garcia has provided readers with in-depth analysis and commentary on local politics, economics, and social issues, greatly enriching the community's understanding of important local, state, and federal matters. Mr. Garcia's exceptional contributions to journalism have profoundly shaped Texas and our Nation for the better. We thank him and wish him all the best in his well-deserved transition. Undoubtedly, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of journalists, and we are immensely proud of him as he begins to write the next chapter of his life.

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas. Mr. Speaker, during a series of votes on June 13, 2024, on amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (H.R. 8070), I intended to vote ``yes'' on the Rosendale Amendment No. 52, (Roll Call No. 262), but inadvertently voted ``no.'' This amendment would prohibit TRICARE from covering, and the Department of Defense from furnishing, gender transition surgeries and gender hormone treatments for individuals that identify as transgender. I strongly believe that our U.S. military should play no role in these activities.

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 5799, the James R. Dominguez Memorial Act. I thank this Chamber for bringing this bill to the floor for a vote today. I have the privilege of serving Texas 23 and the people of Uvalde. I was in Uvalde yesterday. It has been a tough couple of years for us in the district. Just outside of Uvalde is a checkpoint called the Uvalde Checkpoint Station. Very soon that checkpoint will be known as the James R. Dominguez Checkpoint. When I met with Border Patrol agents that day, it was nothing but smiles, whether they had been in for 2 years or they had been in for 30 years, like Agent Moreno, it was all smiles. They were smiling because they knew that they weren't going to be forgotten, whether they passed away during service over 12 years ago, they were not going to be forgotten. Their families weren't going to be forgotten. In 2012, Border Patrol Agent James Dominguez tragically passed away in the line of duty when he was struck by a vehicle along Highway 90 in Texas. Agent Dominguez was a loving father, a husband, a friend to all that knew him, and a strong man of faith. He dedicated 12 years of his life as a Border Patrol agent, the last serving in the Uvalde station in the Del Rio sector. Today is a special day for this Chamber. We will move forward tonight on legislation that will honor the memory of Border Patrol Agent James Dominguez by renaming the checkpoint in Uvalde in his honor. I am proud to work very closely with Chief Owens and his wife, Cassy Garcia, as well as the family members of Agent Dominguez, his brothers and sisters, his widow, to rename this Uvalde station and make this memorial possible. Agent James Dominguez' legacy will live on for generations to come, and his service will never be forgotten.

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment. I grew up in rural Texas. This amendment is simple. It ensures that whenever the Biden administration proposes or amends an energy conservation standard, the needs of rural communities are taken into consideration. For too long, the needs of people in rural communities, including those I represent in south and west Texas, have been ignored in order to support the left's rush-to-green agenda. In my district, many people rely on gas-powered appliances to cook their meals, maintain their lawn care, and power and heat their homes in times of electric failures. I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from California for yielding time. I thank Chairman Jim Jordan and the Judiciary Committee for bringing this to the floor. I thank Speaker Johnson and Leader Scalise for bringing this to everybody's attention. I live it every day. People talk about it. My district is half of the southern border. The facts are this: The border is as bad as it has ever been, and it wasn't always this way. Under President Trump, the border was secure. Under President Trump, remain in Mexico worked. Under President Trump, the PACER program worked. Under President Trump, other countries respected the United States, and under President Trump, Americans were put first, not last. Now, what does that mean? I have quickly realized that it is only President Trump that can solve this problem. This body has no interest in solving this border crisis. They just want to talk about the problem and not actually solve the problem. Meanwhile, the issue is: I live the problem, right. High-speed chases come through my town every single day. Our schools go into lockdown every single day. Yesterday, there were 7,000 people that came into this country illegally. Last month, there were 219,000 people that came into this country illegally. We are on pace for 2.5 million people to enter this country illegally, and the Biden administration does nothing. The Senate and Congress has done nothing. It has been all words. It has been all talk. This resolution does one simple thing. Put your vote where your words are. If you truly believe in securing the border, you will vote ``yes'' on this resolution. If you don't care about the people who live along the border, if you don't care about the people that are dying from fentanyl, it is very simple, vote against the resolution. The American people deserve to know who is going to be with them and who is not going to be with them. Right now, more than ever, this crisis is spreading. It is growing. On December 20, there were 10,000 people under the bridge in Eagle Pass. Who was there? I was the only Member of Congress to show up. Three weeks later, we had over 60 Members of Congress show up in Eagle Pass, and guess what? That bridge was completely cleared out. What does that mean? That means showing up matters, not just in Washington but throughout our country. Two years ago, there were thousands of Haitians under a bridge in Del Rio. All of a sudden, that went away. Why did that go away? Because the Biden administration started doing one simple thing that the Trump administration had done for so long. This is the secret sauce. You deport people that are here illegally, period. You do that, and the problem goes away. What you have is an administration that wants this. This crisis is absolutely created by the administration, it is fueled by the administration, and the administration has become addicted to the funding that it is doing to drive these places. Oh, by the way, this doesn't just impact my community, which is half of the southern border, Americans all over the country are dying from fentanyl. Americans all over the country are feeling this influx of people that are here illegally, and all of a sudden, you have people from Denver and New York and Chicago going: Wait a second. What about me? What about our roads? I am a U.S. citizen. What about my children? What about my future? For some reason, the Biden administration has put America last in this equation, and it needs to stop. That stops by us. Let's vote on it today. Where are you at? Are you with America? Are you with people that enter this country illegally? I have met many of these folks. I was in Del Rio 3 weeks ago. There was a family that walked up to the bridge, a beautiful young lady with two beautiful children. She walks up to the bridge, and in Spanish, she says: I was told to come here for a better life. Guess what? I have been blessed to be born in the United States of America. That family was not. Guess what? As sad as that situation is, she does not qualify for asylum. There needs to be a different route. The asylum route that is happening is a dead end. These people do not qualify for asylum, nor will they ever qualify for asylum, so they need to stop entering our country illegally, and the American families that live here need to be put first above everything else.

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate an important milestone in my district. Today, El Paso Electric is unveiling Newman Unit 6--a cutting edge, 228 megawatt natural gas combustion turbine generating power plant. This state-of-the-art facility will replace three older, less-efficient units with a robust energy supply equipped to meet the growing needs of the El Paso region. Situated at the Newman Power Station in El Paso, TX, this project exemplifies El Paso Electric's dedication to enhancing energy reliability and minimizing wasteful practices. By utilizing modern natural gas technology, this project will optimize gas usage and reduce water consumption by an impressive 600 million gallons annually. Additionally, alongside maintaining a robust natural gas power supply, this initiative makes significant investments in renewable energy. Such diversification is integral for fostering a resilient power grid fit for the demands of the 21st century. Supporting a strong energy sector is a key priority of mine in this Chamber. I fundamentally believe that energy security is national security and that safeguarding jobs, such as those generated by this project, is paramount. Witnessing the fruition of this development fills me with pride. I applaud El Paso Electric for their unwavering commitment to bolstering energy reliability and security in the El Paso region. Their tireless efforts ensure that our energy grid remains strong and can keep our lights on around the clock.

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas

Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the admirable life of Ramon Salinas, Jr., who unexpectedly passed away on February 1st of this year. Mr. Salinas dedicated his life to public service. In total, he served over twenty years in law enforcement--both as a Customs Officer for the Department of Treasury and as a Customs and Border Protection Officer under the Department of Homeland Security. Over the span of his distinguished career, Ramon set himself apart with his outstanding work ethic and will forever serve as a role model for those who follow in his footsteps. Mr. Salinas was also a beloved member of his community, and his dedication to serving others went far beyond his time in law enforcement. For many years, he was a devoted soccer coach and role model for the youth of Eagle Pass, Texas. Those who know Ramon Salinas, Jr. can speak to his patriotism, compassion, and devotion to faith. Though he will be dearly missed, Mr. Salinas' legacy will live on for years to come. He is survived by his wife Francelia, his daughter Evelyn, his son Ramon III, his granddaughter Elena Joy, his siblings, and many nieces and nephews. My condolences and prayers are with the Salinas family during this difficult time.

Mr. VINCENTE GONZALES of Texas

Mr. VINCENTE GONZALES of Texas. Mr. Speaker, due to a family matter, I was not present to vote on Roll Call No. 528. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 528. I stand firm in my support for our ally, Israel, and the Jewish community amidst the ongoing conflict. I condemn the atrocities committed by Hamas and other terrorists and support additional appropriations so that Israel may defend itself.