Filemon Vela

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Linda Escobar for her many contributions to Tejano and Conjunto music. Linda Escobar is a native of Alice, Texas. She and her father, noted conjunto pioneer Eligio Escobar, created an act that toured nationwide with a group of musicians that included Lucha Villa, Jose Alfredo Jimenez, Cantinflas, Los Relampagos and Freddie Fender. While still a child in the late 1960s, Ms. Escobar composed and recorded the gold record ``Frijolitos Pintos.'' After the death of her father in 1994, Ms. Escobar collaborated with Japanese accordionist Kenji ``El Gato'' Katsube, to create an electric mix of Asian/Tex-Mex music. Ms. Escobar was awarded Female Vocalist of the Year at the South Texas Conjunto Association Music Awards in both 2001 and 2003. To pay tribute to her father and other veterans, Ms. Escobar founded ``El Veterano Conjunto Festival,'' now in its 16th year of existence, which raises funds for the Eligio Escobar Scholarship Fund for talented young conjunto musicians. In recognition of her distinguished musical career, she was inducted into the Tejano ROOTS Music Hall of Fame as well as the Texas Conjunto Music Hall of Fame. Additionally, she has received numerous other awards and accolades, including a key to the City of Alice. Known as the First Lady of Conjunto Music, Ms. Escobar has been instrumental in promoting Conjunto Tejano and Tex-Mex music throughout the world. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to honor Ms. Linda Escobar and her contributions to the Conjunto, Tejano and Tex-Mex genres. Further, I appreciate you joining me in recognizing her contributions to South Texas' cultural heritage.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Oscar Jesus Cantu, a championship boxer from Kingsville, Texas. Oscar is a lifelong resident of Kingsville, Texas and has been boxing since the age of eight at Kingsville Boxing Club. In 2009, Oscar graduated from H.M. King High School with honors and continued his education at Texas A&M University--Kingsville. In 2012, Oscar was an alternate on the U.S. Olympic boxing team. He holds the World Boxing Council's USNBC Title won in Kingsville, Texas on March 22, 2014 and is currently ranked within the top one hundred boxers in the super-flyweight class by the International Boxing Organization. Oscar actively gives back to his Kingsville community and manages an organization named ``I Am Second,'' which encourages students to avoid destructive behaviors and find hope, peace, and fulfillment. Additionally, he serves as a role model to children by volunteering as a boxing coach at the Kingsville Boxing Club. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to honor Mr. Oscar Jesus Cantu and his contributions to the sport of boxing. Further, I appreciate you joining me in recognizing his contributions to Kingsville, Texas.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the winners of the 2013-2014 Verizon Innovative App Challenge, team ``Hello Navi'' from Resaca Middle School in Los Fresnos, Texas. I commend the team for their hard work and dedication to the competition. These students exemplify the ingenuity and creativity found amongst South Texas students. The Verizon Innovative App Challenge encourages middle school and high school students to use knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects to develop an original mobile app concept to address a need in their school or community. Los Fresnos students Cassandra Baquero, Grecia Cano, Caitlyn Gonzalez, Kayleen Gonzalez, Janessa Leija, Jacqueline Garcia Torres, along with their faculty advisor Maggie Bolado, pioneered an app to help the blind navigate any building, including Resaca Middle School. Their exemplary leadership and creativity encourages other students to improve our world with technological developments. Projects such as this that increase student interest and knowledge in STEM subjects are extremely important to our region and our country given the high demand for STEM college graduates. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize these outstanding students for winning the 2013-2014 Verizon Innovative App Challenge and look forward to their future accomplishments.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mary Flores and Lupe F. Flores and their contribution to Our Lady of Loreto Chapel in Goliad, Texas. The beautiful chapel has been in continuous use since the 1700s and is one of the oldest churches in Texas. In 1946, Corpus Christi artist Antonio Garcia, who was known as the Michelangelo of South Texas, was commissioned to paint a fresco behind the chapel's altar. Mary Flores and Lupe F. Flores, both in high school at the time, posed for the artist during multiple sessions after school. Their likenesses were used to depict the annunciation scene from the Bible where the Angel Gabriel visits the Virgin Mary and explains that she will become the mother of Jesus. The stunning fresco, which Mary Flores and Lupe Flores helped to create, is uniquely Texan and includes a cactus and rattlesnake in the background. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to honor Mary Flores, Lupe F. Flores and their contribution to Our Lady of Loreto Chapel. I appreciate you and the House of Representatives joining me in recognizing the beauty and history of Our Lady of Loreto Chapel and Goliad, Texas.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Edelstein family and their contributions to the Brownsville community. In 1906, Lithuanian Immigrant Morris Edelstein opened Edelstein's Best Furniture store in Brownsville, Texas. By the 1930s, Mr. Edelstein had expanded his furniture business to include 12 stores throughout the Rio Grande Valley. In the 1940s, Morris Edelstein's sons, Ruben and Ben, took over the family furniture business. Together, they operated the chain of stores for more than 60 years and would grow the company to employ 260 people. Morris Edelstein taught his children the importance of giving back to the Brownsville community. Ruben started the first United Way in Brownsville, served as mayor of Brownsville, and was the first director of the Brownsville Public Utilities Board. Additionally, he worked with Washington policymakers to secure funds to build the Brownsville Community Health Center. In 2008, the Edelstein family sold its 12 Edelstein's stores but retained two Designer's Showroom stores, managed by Ruben Edelstein's daughter, Julie Edelstein-Best. This summer, Ms. Edelstein-Best will be closing the two remaining stores due to changing market conditions. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to honor the Edelstein family and their commitment to Brownsville for more than 100 years.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kathryn Stoner O'Connor and her commitment to historical preservation. Mrs. O'Connor was born on February 11, 1883, on her family's ranch in Victoria County, Texas. In 1905, she married Thomas O'Connor, a prominent rancher in South Texas. In 1963, Mrs. O'Connor donated approximately $1 million to restore the Presidio La Bahiia in Goliad, Texas. The Presidio, which lies along the San Antonio River, was constructed in 1749 by the Spanish army. During the Texas Revolution, the fort came under siege by a group of Texans lead by Colonel James Fannin. Following the Battle of the Alamo, General Sam Houston ordered Colonel Fannin to abandon the fort. However, Fannin and the more than 300 soldiers under his control were met by the Mexican army and subsequently surrendered, believing they would not be harmed. Fannin and his men were imprisoned at La Bahiia. On Palm Sunday, March 27, 1836, Colonel Fannin and more than 300 soldiers were executed in what has become known as the Goliad Massacre. By the early 1900s, the fort had fallen into disrepair. Thanks to Mrs. O'Connor's generosity, the fort was rebuilt to its 1836 appearance based on archeological evidence. In 1967, Presidio La Bahiia was designated a National Historic Landmark. Today, thanks to Mrs. O'Connor's generous donation, Presidio La Bahiia is one the best examples of a Spanish ecclesiastical building in North America and hosts an annual living history event, which includes battle reenactments. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to honor Mrs. O'Connor. I appreciate you joining me in recognizing Mrs. O'Connor's generosity, which preserved the Presidio La Bahiia in Goliad, Texas for future generations.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Charlie Ransome who served our country for 23 years in the United States Army. I had the great privilege of knowing Charlie, and today I am including in the Congressional Record a tribute to him so that my colleagues will know how much he contributed to the nation, to his community, to his friends, and to his family. Charles William ``Charlie'' Ransome, 49 years of age, passed away peacefully at his home in Sugar Land, Texas on November 30, 2012, after a courageous seven month battle with pancreatic cancer. A celebration of Charlie's life was held at a funeral mass at St. Laurence Catholic Church in Sugar Land, Texas on Friday, December 7, 2012. He was buried in Houston National Cemetery with full military honors, as was his wish. Serving as pallbearers were Michael Ransome, Bobby Balli, Terry Ray, Adrian Janak, David Ragusa, Richard Whitworth, Bill McLaughlin, and Jim Allen. Charlie is survived by his beloved wife and son, Melinda Janak Ransome and Charles Zachary Ransome of Sugar Land, Texas. Also surviving him are his parents Rufus G. Ransome, Jr. and Jeanine Calderoni Ransome of Brownsville, Texas; his sister, Kathryn Anne Traynor (Frank) and nieces Sarah, Emily, and Rebecca of Houston, Texas; his brother, Michael Edward Ransome (Denise) and nephew Joshua and niece Olivia of Scottsdale, Arizona. Additional survivors include his uncle, Charles Fount Ray and cousins Sandy and Karen Ray, Marshall and Mary Lou Ray, and Terry and Laurie Ray, all of Brownsville, Texas; and his uncle and aunt, William S. McLaughlin, Jr. and Doris Calderoni McLaughlin, and cousins Mary Leigh McLaughlin, Grayson Tate, and William S. McLaughlin, III, all of Houston, Texas. Charlie was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Rufus G. Ransome and Kathryn Eidman Ransome; maternal grandparents, Dr. Charles F. Calderoni and Doris Thompson Calderoni; and his aunt Ann Ransome Ray. Charlie was born on June 7, 1963, in Brownsville, Texas, to Rufus G. Ransome, Jr. and Jeanine Calderoni Ransome. He graduated from St. Joseph Academy in 1981 and Texas A&M University in 1985 earning a degree in civil engineering. While at Texas A&M Charlie proudly served as a member of the Corps of Cadets. He went on to serve 23 years in the U.S. Army and active reserves, retiring in 2008 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Charlie served tours of duty in Germany and Korea immediately out of college and was deployed to Iraq in 2004 with the Army Corps of Engineers as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While in Iraq Charlie managed logistics for the military's construction efforts and troop rotations and served as a special investigating officer. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his time in Iraq. Charlie believed very strongly that his years of his service in the military were his contribution to making a better world. Patriotism was a way of life for him. He closed all his communications with the following quotation from Edmund Burke (1729--1797): ``The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.'' In 1991, Charlie married Melinda Janak. They were blessed with the birth of their son, Charles Zachary, in 1996. Charlie spent 21 beautiful years with his beloved Melinda and 16 with his beloved Zachary. The family loved to travel especially to all the wonderful National Parks where Charlie marveled at the natural beauty that God created. Charlie's civilian engineering career was spent with Jacobs Engineering, in Houston, Texas where he was employed for 24 years. Always a giving man, Charlie was active in volunteerism both through Jacobs and his son's activities. Some of his favorite contributions were running United Way campaigns for Jacobs, reading to under privileged children and serving as treasurer for his son's high school athletics booster club. Charlie was a man of great integrity, with the highest of moral standards. He was truly a family man, always loving to have his family and friends join him, Melinda, and Zach to celebrate at their home. An avid sportsman, hunting, fishing and scuba diving were some of his favorite pastimes. Charlie treasured his wonderful life and lived it to the fullest. He will always be remembered as a very kind and compassionate man who loved people. In turn, Charlie was loved by everyone who knew him, as was evidenced by the tremendous outpouring of love, care and support from family and his many friends throughout his illness and passing. We treasure the years Charlie spent with us. He will forever live in our hearts. May he rest in peace.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Juliet V. Garciia president of the University of Texas at Brownsville (UTB). Dr. Garciia was recently named by CNN Money/Fortune as one of the World's 50 Greatest Leaders--a list which includes Pope Francis, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Bono, and the Dalai Lama. Her leadership skills are an asset to Brownsville and South Texas. Dr. Garciia began her tenure as president of UTB in January 1992. Previously, she served as president of Texas Southmost College and was the first Mexican-American woman to become president of a college or university in the United States. During Dr. Garciia's tenure, she has relentlessly advocated for increasing access to higher education in South Texas, which is reflected in UTB's enrollment statistics. The UTB student body is 91% Hispanic and 71% are first-generation college students. UTB has experienced tremendous growth under Dr. Garciia's leadership. The school's budget has increased from $31.4 million to $145 million, classroom space has quadrupled and many new buildings have been constructed including: a library, a life and health sciences building, a student union, an education and business building, an early childhood learning center, a recreation center, a performing arts center, and two biomedical research buildings. Currently, Dr. Garciia is guiding UTB through a merger with the University of Texas-Pan American to create the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley. Importantly, the new university, which will include a medical school, will have access to state oil and gas royalties through the permanent university fund. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to honor Dr. Juliet V. Garciia., and I appreciate you joining me in recognizing her commitment to higher education.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn the actions of Russia in the Crimean Peninsula. Now is the time for the United States to show our solidarity with former Soviet states such as Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, while encouraging these nations to continue to institute democratic reforms and modernize their economies. Countries in the Caucus region such as Azerbaijan and Georgia are located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe--a strategic location for U.S. foreign policy objectives given that Russia is to the north and Iran is to the south. With the volatility and strategic importance of this region, the U.S. must continue to work with its allies such as Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Georgia to ensure their sovereignty is protected, especially in light of Russia's actions in the Crimean Peninsula. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to recognize the importance of our country's relationship with Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Charro Days Fiesta and commend the 2013 ``Mr. Amigo,'' recently chosen by the Mr. Amigo Association of Brownsville, TX, and Matamoros, Tamaulipas, in Mexico. Mariana Seoane Garcia has been selected as the 2013 ``Mr. Amigo.'' A multi-talented Mexican actress, model, and singer, her style and charisma have won the hearts and minds of audiences across the world. In addition to her work as a performer, Ms. Seoane Garcia has given back to her community, for example by participating in Univision's Teleton USA (USA Telethon) to raise money for children's healthcare. She is a wonderful choice to represent the spirit of friendship. Beginning in 1964, the ``Mr. Amigo'' award is an annual tribute to an outstanding Mexican citizen who has made a lasting contribution during the previous year to international solidarity and goodwill. ``Mr. Amigo'' acts as an ambassador between the United States and Mexico and presides over the annual Charro Days Fiesta. Charro Days dates back to 1937, when the citizens of Brownsville organized the event in the midst of the Great Depression to celebrate the cultural heritage shared between Brownsville and its sister city, Matamoros, Tamaulipas, across the border in Mexico. The first Charro Days celebration featured a parade with horse-drawn floats and participants dressed in traditional Mexican costumes reminiscent of charros, or Mexican cowboys. From these humble beginnings, Charro Days has evolved into a multi- day event which includes dances, fiestas, a children's parade, and the Grand International Parade drawing an estimated 50,000 participants annually from Texas and Mexico. The 77th annual Charro Days celebration commenced on February 23rd, with a grito, or celebratory yell. Later this week, the Mayor of Brownsville and the Mayor of Matamoros will meet at the Gateway International Bridge and extend their hands across the border to symbolize the friendship between the two cities. Mr. Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to honor the Charro Days Fiesta and for joining me in recognizing the importance of this annual celebration which continues to strengthen the relationship between Brownsville and Matamoros, as well as the United States and Mexico.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend two outstanding individuals who have dedicated more than 50 years to the communities of Brownsville, Texas and Matamoros, Tamaulipas, in Mexico through their work with the Mr. Amigo Association. Since the founding of the Mr. Amigo Association in 1963, Bob and Rachel Torres have both pledged time and effort to strengthen the relationship and promote the rich culture between these bordering cities. Mr. Torres began his work in Mr. Amigo Association in 1964 as a member of the Board of Directors and went on to serve as the vice- president, and president of the entire organization in addition to chairing the Mr. Amigo Selection Committee. He stayed involved, serving as a master of ceremonies, consultant, and liaison between the association and its activities in Mexico for the last 40 years. Apart from his work with Mr. Amigo, Mr. Torres has been a chairman and member of the International Committee of the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce for over 20 years and helped establish the Junior Chamber of Commerce chapters in Mexico in Matamoros and Valle Hermoso. Mrs. Torres, in addition to her accomplishments through the Mr. Amigo Association, created the event that now kicks off every Charro Days celebration since 1987. This event known as ``Hands Across the Border,'' includes the exchange of national flags by schoolchildren from both Brownsville and Matamoros and the international greetings by their respective mayors. Her involvement in the community goes beyond the Mr. Amigo Association, as she played crucial roles in the establishment of magnet schools in Brownsville, the Gladys Porter Zoo, Brownsville Crime Stoppers, and the Palo Alto Visitors Center. She is also a supporter of the arts and an advocate for healthcare access, and her faith continues to drive her work for her community and its people. As a couple, Bob and Rachel Torres have worked with the American Consul in Matamoros and the Mexican Consul in Brownsville. Additionally, their work translating countless contracts for labor unions, articles of incorporation, and official meeting minutes has been essential to the success of maquiladoras in Brownsville and Matamoros. All of their accomplishments mentioned here today do not come close to fully describing their unwavering commitment to the welfare of these two vibrant communities. Mr. Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to honor these outstanding citizens who have not only fostered a strong relationship between Brownsville and Matamoros, but between the United States and Mexico as well.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Private First Class Concepcion G. Moron and his bravery during World War II. Private First Class Concepcion G. Moron of the 304th Infantry Regiment of the United States Army heroically distinguished himself in combat in Germany on April 1, 1945. While advancing upon the town of Steinfischbach, Private Moron's company faced enemy fire from nearby woods. Private Moron led his squad through the woods as they encountered heavy machine gun fire. Private Moron, risking his own life, fired upon the enemy gunners, killing one and forcing two additional e to surrender. This courageous act is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces. For these acts of bravery and heroism, Mr. Moron was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement in ground combat against an armed enemy during World War II in the European Theater of Operations. On behalf of those whose lives he saved, I rise to recognize the exemplary service of Concepcion G. Moron.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 12 members of the 1st Squad, 2nd Platoon, Hotel Company of the 26th Marine Regiment. These brave men made an important contribution to the war effort in Vietnam, but their efforts could not be honored at the time without exposing ongoing intelligence operations. Like so many of our Nation's heroes, they have not received the recognition they deserve, and I am here today to share with my colleagues in Congress and our entire Nation the details of an incident that helped change the way the Vietnam war was fought. On May 29, 1967, at the end of Operation Hickory and the beginning of Operation Prairie IV, the 1st Squad, under Sergeant Thomas Gonzalez, was on a reconnaissance patrol when they recovered a spent Russian SA-2 surface-to-air missile inside the demilitarized zone which divided North and South Vietnam. While Russian involvement in the Vietnam war was widely suspected, discovery of the SA-2 was a major find, and the command and control mechanism of the missile was transported to Washington, D.C., for analysis. Due to the ongoing cold war and heightened political sensitivities regarding Russian involvement in the war, public disclosure of the incident was withheld. While the unit was never fully recognized for its accomplishment, the intelligence it collected had a direct impact on combat. Prior to discovery of the missile, U.S. aviators flying B-52 bombers to attack Vietnam struggled as enemy forces became more proficient at targeting and shooting American aircraft. This forced Americans to limit their missions to areas further south; and, as the North Vietnamese Army continued to move their surface-to-air missile launch sites south into the DMZ, B-52 aircraft were forced to fly even further south, limiting the effectiveness of their missions to provide support to troops engaged in ground combat. As a result of the recovery of the SA-2 missile, B-52 bomber crews had a better understanding of the threat, and they used the intelligence collected by the 1st Squad to alter their tactics. Changing the strategy of the B-52 bomb strikes allowed the aircraft to provide better combat support to marines and other ground troops and ultimately saved countless lives. Forty-six years later, it is time for our Nation to recognize these American heroes. Today, let us honor these men: Sergeant Thomas Gonzalez, Corporal Gerald D. Eggers, Private First Class Ronald W. Blaine, Private First Class Charles L. Melton, Private First Class Albino Martinez, Private First Class Anthony Astuccio, Private First Class Richard P. Light, Private First Class Michael McCombs, Private First Class Hector L. R. Rodriguez, Private First Class Lloyd Parker, Private First Class Thomas J. Lehner, and Navy Corpsman Mel Overmyer. These young men, like so many of their generation, answered our Nation's call to service. They risked their lives in defense of their comrades in arms and our Nation. We owe them a great debt of gratitude for all that they have done, and I stand here before Congress in recognition of their accomplishment and their sacrifice.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Kleberg County, Texas. The recorded history of the land which includes Kleberg County precedes the establishment of the United States, and Kleberg County was already well on its way to prominent status when local leaders successfully petitioned the Texas Legislature in 1913 to break away from Nueces County and establish a new county. Over the last century several key developments helped spur growth and development in Kleberg County. An anchor of Kleberg County, the King Ranch was established in 1853 when Richard King purchased the Santa Gertrudis grant from the heirs of the original Spanish grantees. The King Ranch continues to thrive today as an industry leader in the fields of farming, ranching, and conserving natural resources. The establishment of the City of Kingsville and the construction of railroad lines helped bring new industry to the region. Over the past 100 years, the county has been a top producer of energy and agricultural commodities, and the county's proximity to the Gulf of Mexico has made it a destination for visitors from around the world who come for the clear blue water and rich diversity of wildlife. Kleberg County saw the establishment of Naval Auxiliary Air Station Kingsville in 1942. The base originally trained military aviators for combat. Now known as Naval Air Station Kingsville, the base remains one of the U.S. Navy's premier locations for jet aviation training. Texas A&M University Kingsville, originally established as South Texas Teachers College in 1921, is the oldest continuously operating public institution of higher learning in south Texas, and the first in the Nation to develop a doctoral program for bilingual education. It truly is a privilege and honor to represent Kleberg County in the United States House of Representatives, and I ask my colleagues in Congress to join me in celebrating this momentous occasion.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Ruben Arguelles to express my deep appreciation for all that he has done for south Texas students. For the last 23 years, Mr. Arguelles has dedicated himself to educating young people. He spent six years in the classroom as a teacher and 17 years as an administrator leading students, teachers, and staff. His commitment to the Rio Grande Valley is reflected in his service across several independent school districts (ISD)--Weslaco ISD, Progresso ISD, Mercedes ISD, and Santa Rosa ISD. In every position he has held, Mr. Arguelles demonstrated a tireless focus on ensuring that children have access to the best possible education to prepare them for the future. His dedication also extended to providing a supportive school environment, improving the community, and bettering the lives of South Texas families. In his last two years at Santa Rosa ISD, Mr. Arguelles faced a great personal challenge. Although he was diagnosed with cancer, Mr. Arguelles continued to serve as principal even as he underwent grueling treatment. Even in the most difficult of times, Mr. Arguelles remained focused on his mission as an educator. On behalf of all those whose lives he touched, I rise to recognize the exemplary service of Ruben Arguelles. His dedication, even when faced with illness, is an inspiration to us all.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Juliet V. Garcia who is being honored with the 9th annual Award of Distinction from the Girl Scouts of Greater South Texas. This award recognizes her service and commitment to making the local community a better place, most notably as an advocate for increased access to higher education. Dr. Garcia became the first Mexican-American woman in the nation to serve as the president of a college or university when she was named president of Texas Southmost College in 1986. She is now president of the University of Texas at Brownsville where she continues to exemplify an extraordinary commitment to both the university and the community. A tireless advocate, Dr. Garcia's public service includes chairing the Advisory Committee to Congress on Student Financial Assistance as well as serving on the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans. She is currently a member of the boards of the Ford Foundation, the Public Welfare Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Humanities Texas, and Raise Your Hand Texas. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate having this opportunity to honor Dr. Juliet V. Garcia, one of the remarkable people I have the privilege of representing.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize this country's first bale of cotton in 2013, which was delivered by the Rodriguez Brothers' Farm at 2:15 p.m. on Friday, June 21, 2013, to the La Feria Co-Op Gin. The cotton with seeds weighed 1,920 pounds. Cotton is an important agricultural commodity to South Texas. Last year, in the 34th Congressional District of Texas, which is anchored in Cameron County, 217,106 bales of cotton were produced, worth an estimated $72,500,000. The first bale, once ginned, will be delivered to the Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce. The First Bale contest dates back to the 1800's when producers were required to deliver their first bale of the growing season to Houston for certification. In 1953, the Harlingen Cotton Committee was authorized by the Houston Stock Exchange to hold the contest in Harlingen each year. The Harlingen Cotton Committee of the Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce has certified the nation's first bale of cotton for the past 60 years. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate having this opportunity to honor the first bale of cotton in the nation. This annual competition continues to highlight the importance of South Texas in our country's agricultural industry.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to join my colleagues in urging the State Department and the government of Mexico to do everything that they possibly can to ensure the safe return of Armando Torres. It has been over two months since Armando was taken captive by armed gunmen while visiting his father in Mexico. A native of South Texas, Armando served 7 years in the Marine Corps including combat tours in Iraq. Though he survived a war zone, a greater threat to his safety came closer to home when he drove across the Los Indios Bridge into Mexico. What should have been an uneventful trip became a nightmare for the Torres family when Armando has kidnapped. This is a sadly all too common occurrence in Mexico with as many as 70 kidnappings occurring every day. The cartel violence in Mexico has had a profound impact on the entire nation with over 60,000 killed. The unprecedented level of violence has greatly affected the United States as well. Relations with our neighbor to the south have been strained as the free flow of lawful commerce and visitors has been threatened by crime and illegal trafficking. Over 600 U.S. citizens have been murdered in Mexico. We talk about the Global War on Terror, but the cartel violence in Mexico has proven to be a far more deadly threat. We cannot and we will not sit idly by and watch our ally Mexico fight this war alone. We are committed to working together to address the problems which face our two nations. The number of victims of this deadly war is staggering, but Armando Torres is not just a statistic. He is not just one of the victims of the cartel violence which has ravaged Mexico. He is a Marine, a son, a nephew, a cousin, a husband, and a father. And our nation must do everything in our power to bring him home. I stand with my colleagues in the United States Congress today in support of Armando. We will not rest until he is returned safely to his family and friends.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. O'Rourke for putting together this Special Order. Today, I rise in opposition to provisions which condition a pathway to citizenship on the construction of additional border fence. Historically, our country has criticized the construction of barriers of all kinds. For instance, in 1987, President Reagan stood at the Brandenburg Gate near the Berlin Wall and said, Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall. Two years later, the wall was demolished, ushering in a new era of economic harmony. As someone who lives on the border in Brownsville, Texas, I can state with certainty the argument that construction of additional border fence will stem the flow of undocumented immigration and increase border security is flawed, for many reasons. First, erecting some more border fence drives a wedge between border communities which are culturally united. Many who live on the U.S. side of the southern border have family and friends who live on the Mexican side and vice versa. The current border fence has come to symbolize divisiveness and serves as a daily reminder of a flawed immigration system. For this reason, the residents on both sides of the border oppose the border fence. Second, the construction of additional border fence will damage already fragile wildlife and natural resources. Bobcats, coyotes, owls, lizards, snakes, and raccoons all rely on habitat on both sides of the border. Additional fencing will adversely impact these and other animal habitat. Third, erecting additional border fence will cost billions of dollars. This money could be more efficiently spent on less intrusive, high-tech border surveillance and economic aid to border communities in the U.S. and Mexico. The focus of these provisions is misguided, as it promotes a quick fix to a problem that is rooted in violence and lack of opportunity. Since 2006, approximately 71,500 people have been killed as a result of cartel violence in Mexico. While Mexico's overall economy has performed exceedingly well in the recent past, economic conditions along the U.S.-Mexico border remain consistently stagnant. The real solution for reducing the flow of undocumented immigrants into this country from Mexico is to promote economic development on both sides of the border, thereby providing more economic opportunities for an ever-increasing population. Fostering a vibrant border economy will mean that young men and women will have an option other than organized crime to provide for their families. While this amendment ignores the fundamental cause of illegal immigration into the United States, it also does not account for the deep trade ties between the United States and Mexico. As my colleague from Texas mentioned, last year alone the United States greatly benefited from the estimated $500 billion in trade with Mexico, supporting 6 million jobs across the United States. Trade with Mexico even impacted the economy of Alaska and our island State of Hawaii. Importantly, trade with Mexico is critical to the economies of States on the border and those far removed from the Mexican border. And I will give a few examples. In the State of New Hampshire, for instance, the total trade volume between the State of New Hampshire and the country of Mexico is $1.5 billion. Computers and other electronic products amount to $680 million, or 72 percent, of New Hampshire's total exports to Mexico. And 28,531 jobs in the State of New Hampshire depend on trade with Mexico. In the State of New York, the total volume of trade between the country of Mexico and the State of New York is $5.67 billion. New York exports $2.6 billion of goods to Mexico, and 381,238 jobs in New York rely on trade with Mexico. Mexico ranks among New York's 10 international markets, with 384,000 travelers per year. Jewelry is one of the largest exports from New York to Mexico, with $500 million in value. The State of Pennsylvania, the total volume of trade between the State of Pennsylvania and the country of Mexico is $5.59 billion, and 246,409 jobs in Pennsylvania rely on trade with Mexico. Primary metal manufacturers are Pennsylvania's top sector in exports to Mexico, representing $560 million and 21 percent of the State's total exports to Mexico. In addition, $547 million in primary chemicals are exported to Mexico. In the South, the State of Tennessee, the total trade volume between the State of Tennessee and the country of Mexico is $7.62 billion. Tennessee exports $3.81 billion to Mexico. Twenty-three percent of all cotton exported to Mexico from the U.S. comes from Tennessee, making the State the second largest exporter of cotton to Mexico, with $256 million in revenue. Also, $855 million worth of transportation equipment is exported to Mexico from the State of Tennessee, and 122,085 jobs in Tennessee depend on trade with Mexico. The State of Alabama, the total volume of trade between the State of Alabama and the country of Mexico is $2.7 billion. Alabama exports $1.72 billion worth of goods to Mexico. Transportation equipment is the State's largest export industry to Mexico, generating $466 million and representing 27 percent of the State's exports to Mexico; and 86,212 jobs in the State of Alabama depend on trade with Mexico. The State of Kansas, the total trade volume between the State of Kansas and the country of Mexico is $2.38 billion. The State of Kansas exports $1.63 billion in products to Mexico. Crop production is Kansas' strongest industry in terms of exports to Mexico, accounting for $588 million in export revenue annually and 37 percent of total exports to Mexico. Eleven percent of aerospace products exported from Kansas go to Mexico. Mexico is the largest importer of corn and the third largest importer of beef from the State of Kansas. And 59,341 jobs in Kansas depend on trade with Mexico. Clearly, all States benefit greatly from trade with Mexico. Erecting more border fence would chill the robust economic relationship that our country and our States enjoy with that country. Rather than constructing new hurdles to trade with Mexico, we should be tearing down trade barriers in order to promote and strengthen our relationship with our neighbor country.

Mr. VELA. Thank you, Mr. O'Rourke. I just have one final point to make. In neither Chamber nor, for that matter, in neither party, do we hear talk these days of two things that I think are very crucial to the debate, and that is the violence in Mexico. Both countries have an obligation to ensure that we eliminate that violence. Second is the economic development along the U.S.-Mexico border. The Mexican economy is doing exceedingly well in central Mexico; but along our U.S.-Mexico border, we still have a lot to go. Until we address those two things--the violence and the economic conditions along the border--we are going to have a very difficult time solving this entire problem.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Chair, during rollcall vote No. 258 on the Brown (GA) amendment H.R. 1947, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' Amendment No. 8 Offered by Mr. Blumenauer

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I come before the House of Representatives today to honor five young people from Raymondville, Texas. Their project, titled ``I Am Raymondville,'' earned them the top prize in the Diocese of Brownsville's Mobile Journalist Project, and their work has been entered in a national contest. Rosa Barrera, Carla Bocanegra, Ralia Cortinas, Jose Trevino, and Celyna Vasquez set out to report on life in their community. With the assignment to chronicle poverty and homelessness in Raymondville, the five students from Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish interviewed a bearded homeless man who was often seen near the Expressway 77 overpass. The students, ranging from sixth graders to a high school junior, were impressed by Kent Karl Kauten's warm and friendly manner, and he told them he had served in the Vietnam War and was a Navy veteran. Kauten was found dead just three days after the interview, and, when the student journalists learned that he would be cremated and buried in a pauper's grave, they sought to ensure that Kent Karl Kauten's passing was honored with a full Catholic funeral mass and a military burial. Working with local officials, the five students were able to confirm Mr. Kauten's military service and his eligibility for military honors, and they raised money to pay for his funeral--often seeking donations on the streets. As the students participated in the funeral at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and the burial, they stood in place of his family and ensured that the combat veteran was treated with dignity and respect. Rosa, Carla, Ralia, Jose and Celyna set out to chronicle life in Raymondville. They saw poverty and homelessness, but they didn't just take a snapshot--they made a difference. They recognized a need and they stepped in where no one else had to ensure that an American hero would not be forgotten. We owe an immense debt of gratitude to our nation's veterans who have sacrificed so much, and these dedicated young journalists have set an example of kindness and respect that our nation should follow. Today, I join the City of Raymondville, the State of Texas, and the United States Congress in honoring the Our Lady of Guadalupe Mobile Journalists.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Charro Days Fiesta and commend the 2012 ``Mr. Amigo,'' recently chosen by the Mr. Amigo Association of Brownsville, TX, and Matamoros, Tamaulipas, in Mexico. Yanez is a Mexican television and film actor whose natural style and charisma have won the hearts and minds of audiences across the world. The Mr. Amigo Award began in 1964 as an annual tribute to an outstanding Mexican citizen who has made a lasting contribution during the previous year to international solidarity and goodwill. ``Mr. Amigo'' acts as an ambassador between the United States and Mexico and presides over the annual Charro Days Fiesta. Charro Days dates back to 1937, when the citizens of Brownsville organized the event in the midst of the Great Depression to celebrate the cultural heritage shared between Brownsville and its sister city, Matamoros, Tamaulipas, across the border in Mexico. The first Charro Days celebration featured a parade with horse-drawn floats and participants dressed in traditional Mexican costumes reminiscent of charros, or Mexican cowboys. From these humble beginnings, Charro Days has evolved into a multi- day event which includes dances, fiestas, a children's parade, and the Grand International Parade drawing an estimated 50,000 participants annually from Texas and Mexico. This past Sunday, the 76th annual Charro Days celebration commenced with a grito, or celebratory yell. Later this week, the Mayor of Brownsville and the Mayor of Matamoros will meet at the Gateway International Bridge and extend their hands across the border to symbolize the friendship between the two cities. Mr. Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to honor the Charro Days Fiesta and for joining me in recognizing the importance of this annual celebration which continues to strengthen the relationship between Brownsville and Matamoros, as well as the United States and Mexico.