Solomon Ortiz

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 92nd anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan, celebrated on May 28th. Located in a highly political, dynamic and sensitive region between Russia and Iran, Azerbaijan is a proud ally of the United States. An emerging democracy, Azerbaijan has taken the world stage as a member of the Council of Europe, the United Nations, and the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe. A strategic partner of the United States, Azerbaijan works with the U.S. on major economic and security matters. Most profoundly, Azerbaijan has been an ally for the United States in terms of sending troops to Iraq and Afghanistan. They work with area nations to secure borders and deny illegal trafficking, and are an important component of NATO's Partnership for Peace program. Their robust oil market provides western nations the means to power our economies. I thank the nation of Azerbaijan for their continued journey towards democracy, and for their enduring strategic partnership in the region and around the world. The United States congratulates all Azerbaijani citizens, and Azerbaijanis around the world, on the occasion of the 92nd anniversary of Azerbaijan Republic Day.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Thank you, Chairman Conyers, for giving a beautiful description of my good friend Dr. Garcia, and thank you for bringing this to the floor. I also want to thank my good friend from Texas (Mr. Smith) for bringing this resolution to the floor. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor an American hero who is very well respected in the community. Today, we honor the life and work of Dr. Hector P. Garcia, who is a recognized leader of better health care for all Texans and who is a legendary civil rights advocate and promoter of education for Hispanics. My resolution, H. Con. Res. 222, honors a lifetime of the extraordinary achievements of Dr. Hector P. Garcia, who lived and worked in my congressional district in Corpus Christi, Texas, for many years. Dr. Garcia's family emigrated from Mexico in 1914 and settled in Mercedes, Texas. After graduating from medical school, he served with great distinction in World War II. He attained the rank of major and earned the Bronze Star with six battle stars. When the Army learned that Dr. Garcia was a physician, he was asked to practice his profession by treating his fellow soldiers. When he moved to Corpus Christi, he opened a private practice where he treated all patients regardless of their ability to pay. I was there many times when people just didn't have any money. He was able to give them what they needed free of charge. He was a very honorable man, and he turned down profit to make a better life for all of us, not only in south Texas but throughout the United States. Dr. Garcia first became known in south Texas for his public health messages on the radio. He was on the air three times a week with a Spanish program, ``Your Health and Welfare.'' During this time, he struggled to bring attention to severe illnesses such as tuberculosis, which enabled the public to become better educated about its health needs. His messages brought to light the many health issues of the region and the glaring poverty in south Texas. A man of tremendous talents, Dr. Garcia prized education and fought for other Americans to also value education. In the 1940s, he struggled to abolish the one-room segregated ``Mexican schools'' that one would find across the Texas landscape. As a result of this example of leadership, Texas schools in Corpus Christi were eventually desegregated, substandard schools for children of Mexican and Latino descent were closed, and students who previously did not have access to adequate education were given the same opportunities available to others. Because of these efforts, four schools are named after him in Texas and one in Chicago, Illinois. Perhaps most significantly, he emerged as founder of the GI Forum, a Mexican American veterans association to redress the injustices experienced by returning World War II veterans. The GI Forum initiated countless efforts on behalf of Americans in the areas of health care and veterans benefits, and now have more than 160,000 members in 500 chapters in 24 States and Puerto Rico. His civil rights movements would then grow to combat discrimination in housing, in education, and in voting rights. In recognition of these achievements, President John F. Kennedy appointed Dr. Garcia a member of the American Treaty Delegation for the Mutual Defense Agreement between the United States and the Federation of the West Indies. As President Kennedy once said in another context, ``In each of us, there is a private hope and dream which, when fulfilled, can be translated into benefits for everyone.'' Dr. Garcia understood this uplifting concept as he fought discrimination against the voiceless, for which we should all be proud of. In 1967, President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Dr. Garcia as alternate ambassador to the United Nations, where he gave the first speech by an American before the United Nations in a language other than English. Dr. Garcia spoke Spanish to a captivated audience. President Reagan presented Dr. Garcia the Nation's highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, in 1994 for his tremendous service to this country, the first Mexican American to receive that distinction. Americans should do all they can to learn about Dr. Garcia. He dedicated his life to the less fortunate, and will always be remembered for giving so much of himself for this country and for all of us.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support H.R. 4872, the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010 and H.R. 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Act, which promise to bring economic prosperity for the betterment of this country and our people. Tonight, we vote to expand health care to 32 million Americans, including more than 150,000 of my constituents who do not currently have any type of health insurance. I must remind my friends on both sides of the aisle that this is not the first time we take up a tough vote. Nobody said that this would be easy. These past days days remind me of a critical vote I took in 1993. The atmosphere and rhetoric was much the same as today. In 1993, we were told voting in favor of President Clinton's budget deficit reduction would destroy our country and no member would survive re-election if they voted in favor. Despite the negative rhetoric, I carefully examined the proposal and voted in favor of the legislation. This was a responsible vote. We ultimately benefited by balancing the deficit and creating one of the largest debt reductions in the history of our great country. Fiscal responsibility led us to more than $400 billion in deficit reduction, without destroying our country and providing us a prosperous economy with global competitiveness. Today, I am faced with another pressing historic vote just as I was seventeen years ago. Growing up in south Texas and working as a migrant worker without health insurance, I understand this issue first-hand. I remember what that was like and can empathize with the uninsured and underinsured. I remember having asthma, a pre-existing condition, which prohibited me from obtaining health care insurance before entering military service. More than 45,000 annual deaths occur due to lack of insurance and health services. Therefore, I support legislation that reduces the number of uninsured people by 32 million and presents a net reduction in the deficit of $138 billion over 10 years with a total net reduction of $1.3 trillion over the next 20 years. That is a responsible vote. I support increasing competition and offering additional affordable insurance options to consumers. This legislation will improve coverage for 296,000 residents with health insurance and extend coverage to 158,000 uninsured residents in the 27th District of Texas. Small businesses will be able to pool together to obtain lower insurance premiums, a benefit that has only been available to large employers. Small businesses will be eligible for tax credits to help provide employer-based insurance to ensure a healthy competitive workforce. After much evaluation, this legislation will benefit the 27th District of Texas and I will support the measure when brought to the House floor.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work and dedication of a true patriot, Maxine Flournoy who today receives the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor for her service as an airforce service pilot during World War II. She is among 300 surviving women who served as Women Airforce Service Pilots during World War II. During the war, 1,102 women pilots served. Ms. Flournoy completed a pilot training program in early 1941 at a junior college in Joplin, Missouri, and while working as a grinder at a defense plant, she learned about the military needing women to serve as pilots. Shortly after that, Ms. Flournoy was en route to Kansas City on a bus to volunteer. She trained for about one year. The Women Airforce Service Pilots logged 60 million miles in missions across the United States; however, during their time in the military, they did not have the benefits offered equally to other service members. In 1977, the Women Airforce Service Pilots were granted status as veterans of this country. I am moved to learn these women served our country during a time of hardship, and thank them for their service to our nation. Today, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to honor the work, service and dedication of Ms. Flournoy, who is among 300 surviving women who served this country during World War II.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, today we are here to honor the life and work of my good friend Representative Charlie Wilson, whom I had the pleasure of serving with in the House of Representatives for 13 years. Charlie was a unique person, one of a kind, and he will be missed dearly by his family, friends, and colleagues in the House. Charlie had a very special and unique side to him. He knew when to be tough, he knew when to laugh, he knew when to speak his thoughts, but, above all, he knew how to serve the people of this great country and his district. At the age of 23, after graduating with a bachelor of science degree from the U.S. Naval Academy, Charlie joined the United States Navy, where he attained the rank of lieutenant. After serving as a surface fleet officer for 4 years, he was assigned to the Pentagon as part of an intelligence unit that studied the Soviet Union's nuclear forces. At the age of 27, Charlie was elected to the Texas Legislature, and in 1961 he was sworn into office in the State's capital in Austin, Texas. For more than 12 years, Charlie was known as the tough dog in the State capitol, and he was also often called the ``liberal from Lufkin, Texas.'' During his time in the State legislature, he fought for Medicaid, tax exemptions for the elderly, the Equal Rights Amendment, and a minimum wage bill. In 1972, while I was an elected county commissioner in Texas, Charlie was elected to the House of Representatives from the Second District of Texas near Houston. He served in Congress for 11 terms and did not seek reelection to the 105th Congress and resigned on October 8, 1996. Charlie was known in the Halls of Congress as ``Good Time Charlie,'' but it was an appropriate name for him. He was very funny, joyful, and full of life--and very humorous. After he retired from Congress, he settled down, he got married, and he was at peace with himself and looked more comfortable and at ease. Charlie truly enjoyed life. In 2006, we asked him to come and visit with us in Corpus Christi, and this was when his book came out, ``Charlie Wilson's War.'' He gave time to the people in the district and signed and autographed every book. I remember one of the stories--and some of the stuff that I know about Charlie we probably wouldn't be able to say here in the House, but he enjoyed life. He brought a beautiful young lady from Russia to visit the United States, and they asked Charlie, ``Are you going to give her secrets?'' He said, ``The only thing I am going to give her are Victoria's Secrets.'' That was Charlie Wilson. He was a great guy. There is much I can say about Charlie--he was one-of-a-kind. I served with him diligently in the House of Representatives. I will miss him dearly, as well as my colleagues from the Texas Delegation. We all loved and cared for Charlie dearly, and I know we will continue to work together in unison for the betterment of our state and country. On February 10, 2010, this country lost a great person and my friend, Charlie Wilson. May he rest in peace. I offer my condolences to Charlie's wife, Barbara Alberstadt. May God bring peace to her, his family, friends and loved ones. May Charlie be with the Lord.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the tragedy that occurred in Khojaly, Azerbaijan on February 26, 1992. Many lives of the Azerbaijan people living in Khojaly were lost and scores of others were destroyed when they were brutally attacked by Armenian forces on February 25-26, 1992. With a population of 7,000, Khojaly was one of the three largest urban settlements of the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. Armenians established the blockade of Khojaly in the fall of 1991, cutting off ground transportation on October 30. Electricity and water supplies were cut off in January 1992. By February 1992, almost all of the Nagorno-Karabakh except Shusha and Khojaly had fallen under control of Armenians backed by Russia's 366th regiment. On the night of 25 February 1992, the Armenians and the Russian 366th launched an attack on Khojaly. The Armenians had declared that a ``free corridor'' would be provided for civilians to leave Khojaly. However, people were attacked on their way to Aghdam, the nearest Azerbaijani settlement. The Khojaly tragedy was covered by the foreign media including the Boston Globe, the Washington Times, New York Times, Financial Times, and many other European and Russian news agencies. On November 29, 1993, Newsweek quoted a senior U.S. Government official as saying, ``What we see now is a systematic destruction of every village in their [the Armenians] way. It's vandalism.'' Human Rights Watch called the tragedy at the time ``the largest massacre to date in the conflict.'' The extent of the cruelty of this massacre against women, children and the elderly was unfathomable: 613 people were killed including 63 children, 106 women, and 70 elderly. 8 families were wiped out. 25 children lost both parents. 130 children lost one parent. 487 people were wounded including 76 children. 1,275 people were taken hostage. Armenia still occupies close to 20 percent of Azerbaijan. Nearly 1 million Azerbaijanis live as refugees in their own country, displaced by Armenian aggression. Resolutions issued by the U.N. Security Council and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, PACE, have ordered Armenia to withdraw from Azerbaijan's lands. Azerbaijan is a strong ally of the United States in a very important and very uncertain region of the world. I ask my colleagues to join with me and our Azerbaijani friends in commemorating the tragedy that happened to the people of Khojaly.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Vicente Fernandez, Jr., a Mexican Charro, actor and singer, who has been named Mr. Amigo 2009 in Brownsville, Texas, for the Charro Days Fiesta celebration. Mr. Fernandez has been a lifelong supporter of the Mexican arts and culture through his love for mariachi music as well as being a traditional Charro. These important attributes make him the appropriate Mexican representative for our festivities. Brownsville, Texas, located in Deep South Texas on the U.S.-Mexico border, is a unique subtropical area of this country--rich in its history and culture. For more than 70 years, this unique celebration, which brings the United States and Mexico together during the week-long events, has continued to attract thousands of people to the Rio Grande Valley. Mr. Amigo, who has to be a Mexican citizen who has done extensive work in the arts and culture while promoting the bi-cultural, bi- literate, and bi-national efforts of the United States and Mexico, is the attraction of the week-long festivities. Mr. Vicente Fernandez, Jr., son of the renowned Mr. Vicente Fernandez, an iconic Mexican singer, grew up close to the spotlight seeing his father sing and perform. At a young age, Mr. Vicente Fernandez, Jr. appeared on-stage as a performer at the Teatro Blanquita in Mexico City. He went on to later appear and perform at the El Million Dollar Show in Los Angeles, California. He has appeared in numerous Mexican films with his father, and together they have recorded several albums, including ``El Mayor de los Potrillos'' in 2001 and ``Vicente Fernandez hijo con Mariachi'' in 2002. In 2006, Mr. Vincent Fernandez, Jr., debuted in Mexico with his show of horses that are trained to gallop while he sings and the mariachi band plays. In 2009, he fulfilled one of his dreams, showcasing his music at a sold out Palacio de los Deportes, an indoor sports complex in Mexico City, where he sang and performed. I am humbled that Mr. Vicente Fernandez, Jr., a proven Mexican ambassador of the arts and culture, was able to join our community of Brownsville to celebrate the Charro Days Fiesta. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the work, leadership, vision and efforts of Mr. Vicente Fernandez, Jr., to promote the arts and culture, which make him an extraordinary Mr. Amigo 2009.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, on January 26-27, 2010, I missed rollcall votes 17 through 25 because of medical reasons. If I had been present, I would have voted as follows: Rollcall vote 17, ``yea;'' rollcall vote 18, ``yea;'' rollcall vote 19, ``yea;'' rollcall vote 20, ``yea;'' rollcall vote 21, ``yea;'' rollcall vote 22, ``yea;'' rollcall vote 23, ``yea;'' rollcall vote 24, ``yea;'' rollcall vote 25, ``yea.''

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3288, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010. This bill provides the necessary funding to sustain our agencies covered by six regular appropriations bills and incorporates many key projects that directly benefit our communities nationwide. I am very supportive of providing resources to ensure that quality programs and projects continue to receive assistance to improve infrastructure, expand education programs, retain jobs, and provide adequate equipment and service to our military personnel and veterans. I would like to thank my colleagues for their leadership on this bill and their support of projects in South Texas. I am happy to note that within this agreement I was able to secure funding for several projects benefiting my district. Through these appropriations, new jobs and innovative developments will continue to advance our community as well as contribute to the future of our country. Some of these projects include: $500,000 for facilities and equipment at the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College, $250,000 for the Texas A&M Corpus Christi Adjudicated Youth Program, $150,000 for Global Marketing and Logistics Certification Program at the University of Texas at Brownsville, $300,000 for street improvements at the Robstown Inland Port, $500,000 for the Corpus Christi and Robstown Regional Intermodal Transit Facility, $700,000 for Shrimp Industry Fishing Effort Research Continuation in the Gulf of Mexico and throughout the country, $19,764,000 for Corpus Christi Naval Air Station Operational Facilities to support T-6 planes, $4,470,000 for the Solar Panel Array at Kingsville Naval Air Station, $10,200,000 for the Robstown Tactical Equipment Maintenance Facility, and $200,000 for the Brownsville and Corpus Christi Independent School Districts' joint South Texas Library Literacy Project. I want to make clear that my vote for this bill reflects solely my support for the aforementioned priorities. I have consistently voted against using federal funds to support abortion services and am pleased that this bill upholds those limitations so that my constituents' tax dollars are not used in a way inconsistent with their moral beliefs. My vote in favor of H.R. 3288 reflects my commitment to fund this nation's economic priorities and help our South Texas communities, educational facilities, and small businesses in the midst of a deep recession.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor in memoriam the dedication and outstanding leadership of Mr. Bill Summers, who led the Rio Grande Valley Partnerships as its CEO for 20 years until his passing on Monday, December 1. Mr. Summers, who spent 2 decades promoting South Texas and Mexico, as the two areas worked in unison to attract business opportunities and economic development to the region, was a pillar of South Texas. He was the unsung hero of the Rio Grande Valley, who is credited with bringing together local governments, economic development organizations and Chambers of Commerce to bring jobs and a better way of life to our communities. Through his vision and tireless work for the Rio Grande Valley, he was able to secure business opportunities and ventures with Mexico and most importantly, the state of Tamaulipas, which borders Texas. Mr. Summers worked tirelessly to unite the South Texas region and to create economic growth and prosperity for the area. He was key in establishing, opening and maintaining the first Texas Chamber of Commerce office in Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico, to promote trade and tourism of the South Texas region into Mexico. Through Mr. Summer's work in Texas, the nation and Mexico, he was able to improve the lives of many by growing jobs and pushing for economic opportunities. He was instrumental in the creation of the Rio Grande Valley Mobility Task Force, which brought additional transportation funding to South Texas and pushed for the creation of an interstate highway. Recently, he was honored when Farm-to-Market Road 1015 between U.S. Highway 83 and the Progreso International Bridge was named the Bill Summers International Boulevard. Although we have lost a great hero whom we all deeply cared for and loved, I am certain his love and passion for the Rio Grande Valley will remain in our hearts and spirits for years and years to come. We will always remember Mr. Summers as a wise man who worked for the good. We will remember Mr. Summers as a man who could do it all. Today, I ask that my colleagues join me in commemorating the life of Mr. Bill Summers, who served this nation with dignity, honor, respect and admiration.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 211th Regional Support Group from Corpus Christi, Texas, for their tireless efforts to ensure the security and well being of not only the country of Iraq but the United States as well. Deployed on December 1, 2008, this unit worked in the face of grave danger and performed in an exemplary fashion in the management of installation and camp activities. Sixty members of this unit will be returning to my district on Saturday, November 21, and it is my honor and privilege to welcome them home. Our Reservists put their lives on hold, to fulfill the duties asked of them. I have the greatest respect for our service men and women who selflessly disregard their own safety in order to voluntarily serve our country. Today, I ask that my colleagues join me in commemorating the 211th Regional Support Group of Corpus Christi, Texas, for their service to this nation.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in honor of those servicemembers who gave the ultimate sacrifice in support of our Nation. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the 12 soldiers and one civilian who were killed yesterday at Fort Hood and with the 30 who were wounded. I am very familiar with Fort Hood. Not only is it in Texas, but this is where I went through my basic training many years ago. At this time, we must not judge. Instead, it is imperative that we understand. We must understand what prompted a psychiatrist who has helped so many of his fellow soldiers in the past to take their lives yesterday. We must realize that no one is above the need for mental health counseling, and we must help to ensure that this is readily available to all. The Army as a whole is under significant stress in support of the Nation's operations overseas. This stress manifests itself in many ways, and we must do more to understand those stresses and support the servicemembers and their families for the sacrifices they make on a daily basis. I join my colleagues in offering my sincere condolences to our brave soldiers and their families at Fort Hood, especially those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, on October 26, 2009, my flight to Washington, DC, was delayed because of inclement weather, and I missed rollcall Votes 814 and 815. If I had been present, I would have voted as follows: rollcall Vote 814, ``yea,'' rollcall Vote 815, ``yea.''

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3537, the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program Reauthorization Act of 2009. I had the privilege of sponsoring the original legislation to authorize this program in 1994. As the chairman of the Oceanography, Gulf of Mexico, and Outer Continental Shelf Subcommittee of the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee, I was asked to help pass authorizing legislation for the Junior Duck Stamp Program. I was familiar with the successful Duck Stamp Program but had never heard of the Junior Duck Stamp, JDS, Program. Now, 15 years later, this is the third reauthorization of this program. I am very happy to say that it is one of this country's oldest and most successful youth-focused conservation programs in the federal government, and over the years, JDS has expanded to all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Territories. For those of you who don't know about the JDS Program, it is a conservation-focused science and arts curriculum for grade-school and high-school students. It is an art contest centered around studies that teach the fundamentals of waterfowl anatomy and environmental science. Students submit their artwork depicting waterfowl in natural habitat settings to a state or territory contest. Winners from these contests are submitted for the national contest. Just as in Duck Stamps, the winning artwork at the national JDS contest is used to create a Junior Duck Stamp for the following year. The stamps are sold by the U.S. Postal Service and consignees for $5 per stamp. Proceeds from the sale of the stamps support conservation education and are used for awards and scholarships for the students, teachers, and schools that participate in the program. I must commend the JDS administrators and coordinators at the national, state, and local levels; the teachers and schools that support the JDS program; and the students who participate each year in the contest for the success of the Junior Duck Stamp Program. Your dedication and hard work have made this program a premier wildlife conservation education tool, and I am proud to be associated with it. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this very worthy program.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the conference report for H.R. 2647, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010. This is, my friends, a very, very good bill; and we cannot ignore the fact that we are fighting two wars. We're fighting a war in Afghanistan and a war in Iraq. The conference report before us today reflects our efforts to strengthen the readiness posture of our Armed Forces. It authorizes a total of $244.5 billion for operations and maintenance, including $4.7 billion for Army training, $13 billion for Army and Marine Corps equipment reset, and $255.3 million for pre- positioned stocks. The conference report adds $70 million to address Navy aviation depot maintenance. It provides $350 million to replace rundown Army barracks, and adds $200 million for National Guard and Reserve construction projects. It funds the 2005 BRAC account at $7.4 billion and adds $100 million to address the environmental issues at bases closed prior to 2005. The conference report expands the Homeowners Assistance Program and provides $300 million to help ensure that servicemembers who were forced to move during the real estate downturn are not severely affected financially. The conference report supports energy security by authorizing $12.3 million for energy conservation projects on military installations and programs that enable the Defense Department to reduce energy used during times of peak demand. The conference report repeals the NSPS and transitions DOD civilian employees back to the General Schedule by January 1, 2012. At the same time, it provides the Department flexibilities to ensure efficient hiring and effective personnel management. The conference report allows FERS employees to receive credit for unused sick leave toward their retirement annuity. It provides locality pay for Federal workers in Hawaii, Alaska and the United States territories. My friends, this is a good conference report that reflects our bipartisan desire to improve readiness and balance the many priorities of our military around the world and domestically. My friends, I urge you to support this bill. It is a good bill and it gives our troops what they deserve and they need.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the State of Texas for honoring Dr. Hector P. Garcia, with its first official Day of Recognition as a civil rights leader and founder of the American G.I. Forum of the United States. During this past legislative session, the lawmakers of the State of Texas saw it fitting to honor September 16 as the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Day of Recognition throughout the great State of Texas. Dr. Garcia was born on January 17, 1914, in the Mexican village of Llera, Tamaulipas, Mexico, to Jose and Faustina Garcia. In 1918, at the age of four, Dr. Garcia's parents and his six brothers and sisters left Mexico during the Mexican Revolution and relocated to Mercedes, Texas. During a time of unprecedented Hispanic uprising, he along with five of his brothers and sisters became doctors. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree from the University of Texas and his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in 1940. In 1942, he enlisted in the United States Army and served in World War II. Army officials would go on to discover later during Dr. Garcia's enlistment that he was a medical doctor and he was asked to treat his fellow soldiers, a task he accepted. While serving in Italy, he earned the Bronze Star Medal with six battle stars and also met his future wife, Wanda Fusillo, whom he married in 1945. In 1946, he was honorably discharged from the Army with a rank of major. After the war, he moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, where he opened a medical practice, and founded the American G.I. Forum on March 26, 1948, to fight for the rights and benefits promised to returning Hispanic veterans' under the G.I. Bill. His civil rights movement would then grow to also combat discrimination in housing, jobs, education and voting rights. Congress honored Dr. Hector P. Garcia, who died on July 26, 1996, at age 82. President Bill Clinton eulogized him as a national hero. Congress paid homage to Dr. Garcia in 1998 by granting the American G.I. Forum a congressional charter. This prestigious status places the American G.I. Forum on equal footing with the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and other such veterans organizations. The American G.I. Forum is the largest Hispanic veterans organization in the country, with over 500 chapters throughout the United States. Dr. Hector P. Garcia is survived by his three daughters; a brother, Dr. C.P. Garcia of San Antonio; and Dr. Dalia Garcia of Corpus Christi. A son, Hector Jr., died in 1962 at age 13. Today, I ask that my colleagues join me in commemorating the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Day of Recognition in which his service and dedication to the State of Texas and this country will be remembered on September 16 for years to come.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedication of Paul Cowen, who is retiring after 20 years as Chief of Staff to State Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr. Paul has worked day in and day out with our office on policy that has greatly impacted South Texas. His vision, perseverance and commitment to helping the less fortunate is remarkable. In 1989, Paul got a call from then-candidate Eddie Lucio, Jr., the soon-to-be Senator asked Paul if he would run his campaign for the Texas 27th Senatorial District, Paul agreed. The rest is history. Paul is one of 10 children of Louis and Virginia Cowen. He has been married to Tamara Cowen for 37 years and has three children: Tara Jean, Jonathan Paul, and Timothy Patrick. I take this time on the House Floor to wish Paul a happy retirement, and at the same time, thank him for the many lives he impacted and changed through his work in the Texas Legislature alongside Sen. Lucio. Although Paul will no longer be Chief of Staff to Sen. Lucio, he will forever remain in the hearts and souls of those he impacted. Today, I ask that my colleagues join me in commemorating the retirement of Paul Cowen as Chief of Staff to Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr. I wish you the best of luck, amigo.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service and dedication of Police Chief Robert Rodriguez for his service and commitment to the Town of South Padre Island, where he worked for 25 years, and retired from the police force on September 1, 2009. Chief Rodriguez has been instrumental in working during the years with the many law enforcement agencies in the Rio Grande Valley as each of the town's police officers, including him, strove to serve and protect South Texans and guests who visit South Padre Island year- round. During the past few years, Chief Rodriguez, along with those that call South Texas home, has seen South Padre Island grow. We have seen new development come in, new businesses open, and hotels and condominiums constructed. Through these significant changes, we know South Padre Island continues to evolve even after suffering from great loss in revenues and services brought about by Hurricane Dolly. South Padre Island continues to accommodate, protect, and serve its many residents and tourists. Chief Rodriguez has been able to adjust his staff and manpower to the growing needs of South Padre Island. On any given day, you can spot Chief Rodriguez, while on or off duty, visiting with locals and residents. He works around the clock. In 1984, he began his work for the Town of South Padre Island as a dispatcher, and later was promoted to the police force. From then on, Chief Rodriguez has climbed the ranks within the South Padre Island Police Department and on August 18, 2000, he was sworn in as police chief. Chief Rodriguez has been instrumental in his work with South Padre Island, and although I am sad to see him leave, I know he is ready to enjoy his much needed retirement with his family, friends and loved ones. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to please join me in commemorating the service of Chief Robert Rodriguez, who served the Town of South Padre Island, the State of Texas, and the United States of America, in his capacity of law enforcement officer for 25 years.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, on September 29, 2009, my flight to Washington, DC, was delayed because of inclement weather, and I missed rollcall vote No. 740. If I had been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, on September 23, 2009, I was absent for rollcall vote 730 because of important committee business. If I had been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to support my colleague from Texas, Congressman Silvestre Reyes, and his bill, H.R. 2053. Albert Armendariz, Sr. was a great citizen and legal mind. His tireless work for the Latino community and under-represented citizens is his legacy that will be long remembered. His work on the landmark case, Hernandez v. The State of Texas, is part of this legacy and our judicial history. This case established protections under the 14th Amendment for Latinos and was a step forward in the American Civil Rights Movement. Judge Armendariz served his community of El Paso, Texas, and his nation in WWII. He attended the University of Southern California, School of Law and was the only Mexican-American graduate at that time. He was the founder of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), a founding board member of the Mexican American Bar Association of El Paso, and a federal immigration judge. Judge Armendariz dedicated his life to the El Paso community and to our nation and it is fitting that we honor him in this manner. I ask your support for this bill which will name the new El Paso Federal Courthouse after the late Judge Albert Armendariz, Sr.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedication of Hicks Elementary School named after Gloria Hicks, a longtime community activist who is known to read to children, collect clothing for students in need and raise money for educational-related purposes. Recently, the Corpus Christi Independent School District named one of their newest elementary schools after Ms. Hicks, who has been a pillar in the field of education in and around the Coastal Bend area for many years. Ms. Hicks has raised more than $60,000 for the Corpus Christi Independent School District. These funds have gone for the purchase of new computers, a golf cart, T-shirts, landscaping work, and math software for student with disabilities at Miller High School--to name a few of the many deeds she has accomplished. Ms. Hicks was also a key person in volunteering and organizing the $192 million November school bond, which passed in great part due to her help. Today, I ask that my colleagues join me in commemorating the dedication of Hicks Elementary School, which promises to teach generations of children the value of an education through Ms. Hick's vision, compassion and dedication to learning.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 3170, the FY 10 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act. This bill provides much-needed funding for key financial institutions and many other important priorities, and includes appropriations that will directly benefit my district's economic development. I would like to thank my colleagues for their leadership on this bill, and particularly Representative Jose Serrano for his guidance and support for the University of Texas at Brownsville's International Trade Center. Brownsville's strategic proximity to Mexico and its multiple seaports has endowed it with unique potential for international trade and development that will have far-reaching benefits for my district and beyond. For this reason, I have consistently advocated for funding, which has been included in this appropriations act, to operate the International Trade Center at the UTB International Technology Education and Commerce Campus (ITECC) which houses all of the services required to conduct international trade including: international law, accounting, banking, insurance, logistics services, export-import marketing services, U.S. customs, government trade services and industry showrooms for specific target sectors such as medical, communications, and computer technology. I am very supportive of this initiative as well as provisions included in the bill to strengthen America's financial institutions through more robust regulatory enforcement and fraud detection capabilities, investment in economic development programs for underserved communities and small businesses, and many other important programs. Among the most important provisions of the bill is funding that supports $28 billion in new lending to help small businesses in South Texas and throughout the nation that have been unable to obtain credit and much-needed business loans due to the economic downturn. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we owe it to them to make this lending available. I want to make clear that my vote for this bill reflects solely my support for the aforementioned priorities. I have consistently voted against using federal funds to support abortion services and am pleased that this bill upholds those limitations so that my constituents' tax dollars are not used in a way inconsistent with their moral beliefs. My vote in favor of H.R. 3170 reflects my commitment to fund this nation's economic priorities and help our South Texas communities and small businesses in the midst of a deep recession.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedication of Consul General at the United States Consulate General in Matamoros, Mexico, Mrs. Cecilia Bridget Elizondo Herrera, who leaves her post on the U.S-Mexico border for a new task in Caracas, Venezuela. Mrs. Elizondo Herrera is a native of San Antonio, Texas, and graduated from Incarnate Word High School in 1973. She went on to graduate from Our Lady of the Lake University where she received her bachelor of arts degree in English and political science in 1977. Mrs. Elizondo Herrera went on to complete post-graduate work at St. Mary's University in 1978 and in 2006 earned a master of science degree in national security strategy from the National War College at Ft. McNair in Washington, D.C. At a young age, Mrs. Elizondo Herrera began her public service to this country when she worked for the Alamo Area Council of Governments, a regional planning agency in San Antonio, and in 1987 joined the Foreign Service as a junior officer in the Administrative Zone. She has served as a Vice Consul in Guadalajara, Mexico, and Administrative Officer and Post Security Officer in Melbourne, Australia. She was then stationed in Washington, D.C., where she served as an Area Manager for the Office of Foreign Buildings with oversight for near East Asia; as a Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Administration, with a portfolio of Overseas Buildings Operations and as a Post Management Officer for the European Bureau with responsibility for the Russian Federation and Finland. Mrs. Elizondo Herrera has traveled throughout Russia, North Africa and the Arabian Gulf while stationed in Washington. She has served as the Deputy Supervisory GSO at the U.S. Embassy in Rome and Administrative Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. She is a four time recipient of the Department of State Superior Honor Award, and is the recipient of a Meritorious Honor Award in recognition of Non-Immigrant Visa work in Guadalajara. Mrs. Elizondo Herrera is a member of Executive Women in Government, the National Association of Female Executives and an honorary member of the American Association for Justice Women's Auxiliary. She is the daughter of John P. and Beatrice B. Elizondo of San Antonio, Texas, and is married to San Antonio attorney, Frank Herrera, Jr. They have two sons, Jorge and Javier. Today, I ask that my colleagues join me in commemorating the dedication of Mrs. Cecilia Bridget Elizondo Herrera, who has served this nation with dignity, honor, respect and admiration.

Mr. ORTIZ

Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Chairman, I want to thank Chairman Edwards and my good friend, Mr. Wamp--and to my other good friend, Mr. Flake--for bringing this responsible bill to the floor. I rise in opposition to the Flake amendment. The Military Construction authorization and appropriations process is a tedious process, and it requires close coordination with my good friends on both sides of the aisle, Chairman Edwards and Mr. Wamp, and members of the committee. It also requires extensive coordination with the Department of Defense. The committees critically review the administration's request and ensure that facilities are built for a sound requirement. The committees also ensure that the projects are executable and validated for the correct costs. This process forces a dialogue with the local installation commanders that requires that they communicate their needs to their Representatives in Congress. This dialogue is critical to ensuring Members of Congress that they have a complete understanding of local military requirements and can correctly advocate for our Nation's defense. It is a hard process, but in the end it ensures that the right facilities are built at the right time and at the right location. I would not be executing my oath of office if we did anything else. I would remind my colleagues that each of these projects has already been debated in the National Defense Authorization Act. I recommend that my colleagues vote ``no'' on the Flake amendment.