Filemon Vela

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Michelle Lujan Grisham).

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gonzalez).

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Gutierrez).

Mr. VELA. I yield the gentleman an additional 30 seconds.

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2213, the Anti-Border Corruption Reauthorization Act of 2017, aims to bring some relief to the tremendous staffing shortages at our ports of entry by providing CBP with limited authority to waive its polygraph requirement on a case-by-case basis for certain veterans and State and local law enforcement officers in its hiring process. H.R. 2213 is endorsed by the NTEU, the union that represents frontline CBP officers. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1370, the Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign Authorization Act of 2017. Mr. Speaker, human trafficking is a $32 billion-per-year global industry, making it one of the most profitable forms of transnational crime with more than 20 million victims worldwide. Each year an estimated 17,500 innocent people are trafficked into the United States; almost half of those individuals are children. Trafficking victims can be of any age, race, gender, or nationality, and are largely found in workplaces within the manufacturing, agriculture, hospitality, and domestic service industries. Since 2010, the mission of the Department of Homeland Security's Blue Campaign has been to bring DHS components together with Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies, private industry, and other nongovernmental entities to combat human trafficking. The Blue Campaign has provided the Department with the necessary structure to uniformly train personnel in its components to identify and investigate these criminal activities. The Blue Campaign has proven an effective mechanism through which DHS and its law enforcement partners collaborate to dismantle human trafficking networks across the country and bring perpetrators to justice. The public awareness and outreach efforts launched through the Blue Campaign provide the general public, nongovernmental organizations, and private sector entities with tools to be active partners in the Federal Government's efforts to assist victims of human trafficking and prevent others from being exploited. Earlier this year, DHS recognized its partners in the transportation and hospitality industries for training their employees and customers about how they can help combat human trafficking by identifying the signs and reporting suspected incidents. Over the years, the program has proven to be an important, multifaceted tool that leverages both government and private sector resources with the goal of ending the exploitation of vulnerable people. H.R. 1370 codifies the important program and emphasizes the importance of clear guidance and training for all Blue Campaign partners. This bill also underscores the importance of timely and routine information sharing amongst DHS components to ensure unity of effort in preventing and disrupting human trafficking. As a cosponsor of H.R. 1370, I believe that it is our responsibility as Members of Congress to do whatever it takes to stop the illegal and immoral smuggling of innocent people into the United States by transnational criminal organizations. Mr. Speaker, I ask my House colleagues to support H.R. 1370, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1370 was unanimously approved by the Committee on Homeland Security earlier this year. The partnerships that DHS has established through the Blue Campaign are critical to stopping criminal activity that comes with a tragically high human cost. By leading the charge and identifying and closing all possible avenues through which human traffickers smuggle people into the United States, DHS plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of children and other innocent people. Joint, concerted efforts that bring together law enforcement, nongovernmental entities, and private industry, and raise public awareness of this criminal activity, are important to ending the practice altogether. We must continue to support this unity of effort in order to aid and protect victims of human trafficking, and bring those who exploit them to justice. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman McCaul for his leadership in this effort, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1370, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2169, the Improving Fusion Centers' Access to Information Act of 2017. Mr. Speaker, today we consider H.R. 2169, a bill that seeks to authorize DHS' State, Local, and Regional Fusion Center Initiative. The bill requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to carry out outreach to identify gaps in information sharing. This measure highlights the importance of equipping fusion centers so that they can quickly adapt to the ever-evolving terrorist threat landscape. Congress has given particular attention to fusion centers and, in the 114th Congress, enacted measures to support fusion centers. Fusion centers operate as State and major urban area focal points for the receipt, analysis, gathering, and sharing of threat-related information between Federal, local, and private sector partners. I want to particularly highlight a provision of this bill focused on improving the interagency collaboration by requiring the DHS Secretary to consult with other Federal partners in order to develop new methods to address such gaps. DHS must continue to address and improve the Nation's fusion centers' capabilities in gathering, analyzing, and sharing threat-related information between partners on every level. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to again express my support for this bill and thank Mr. Katko for his efforts in bringing this bill forward. We live in a time when the threats we face as a nation remain complex, and this bill is an important tool to ensure our law enforcement professionals have the resources and methods to prevent and deter terror threats. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2281, the Border Enforcement Security Task Force Reauthorization Act of 2017. Mr. Speaker, this bill, H.R. 2281, seeks to reauthorize the Border Enforcement Security Task Force, or BEST, program within the Department of Homeland Security. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement leads 42 BEST units across 16 States within the United States and Puerto Rico. Each unit is comprised of members from ICE's Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as well as other Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies who investigate criminal activity along the southwest and northern borders and at the Nation's major seaports. These units play a critical role in advancing DHS' border security efforts by ensuring all levels of domestic law enforcement are sharing information and leveraging resources. BEST units have been instrumental in coordinating joint operations with our law enforcement partners in Mexico to thwart threats posed by transnational criminal organizations. This legislation is in furtherance of my efforts as ranking member of the Subcommittee on Boder and Maritime Security to bolster law enforcement collaboration on cross-border threats and to ensure that resources are used in a strategic manner to effectively mitigate such threats, particularly in response to the drug cartels. Those of us representing border districts are well aware that cartels adapt quickly to exploit real or perceived weaknesses in our security. As they shift their criminal operations to new locations along our land borders, smuggle their contraband into the United States through our ports of entry, or utilize maritime routes into this country, DHS must be at the ready to quickly intercept and disrupt their operations. This legislation seeks to ensure that DHS continues to use BEST units to maximum effect. This bill instructs DHS, before standing up a BEST unit, to consider the cross-border threats posed by transnational criminal organizations, the Department's homeland and border security strategic priorities, as well as the operations of DHS' joint task forces and other multiagency efforts. H.R. 2281 also updates existing reporting requirements so that Congress has better information on how effectively BEST units are reducing criminal activity, such as the traffic of drugs, weapons, and people along our borders; enhancing information sharing among law enforcement partners; coordinating with the Department's joint task forces; and generally advancing the DHS homeland security and border security strategic priorities. I also want to thank my colleagues on the Border and Maritime Security Subcommittee who have cosponsored this legislation, including Subcommittee Chairwoman Martha McSally. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2281. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2281, the Border Enforcement Security Task Force Reauthorization Act of 2017, is a commonsense, bipartisan bill that seeks to maximize the effectiveness of the successful border security program and ensure that, going forward, the program continues to contribute to making our Nation more safe and secure. H.R. 2281 was approved by voice vote by the full committee on May 3 and enjoys broad, bipartisan support. Before I yield back, I would like to thank Chairman McCaul and Ranking Member Thompson, as well as Subcommittee Chairwoman McSally, for their work on this bill. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Teens Helping Kids as they celebrate their 10th year of service. Located in the South Texas city of Brownsville, Teens Helping Kids was founded in 2008 by five high school juniors. Since its formation, the club has raised and donated funds to organizations that provide services to children, and its teen members have volunteered time and energy to helping those who need it most. Each year, Teens Helping Kids partners with Cameron County Children's Advocacy Centers, Inc. to host the Annual Sports Celebrity Dinner, which has raised more than $800,000 since its inception. This year, its members plan to meet their $1,000,000 goal. The success of this event will be felt region-wide as Teens Helping Kids will be donating proceeds to local children's nonprofits such as Ozanam Center, Tip of Texas Family Outreach, Monica's House, and Maggie's House. Teens Helping Kids has made a lasting, positive impact in our community, and they will continue to play a role in the improvement of South Texas. I rise today to congratulate them for their decade of success.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Charro Days Fiesta and commend the 2016 ``Mr. Amigo,'' chosen by the Mr. Amigo Association of Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros, Tamaulipas, in Mexico. Fernando Landeros Verdugo is a caring philanthropist and founder of the Fundacion Teleton. His institution's efforts have united both Latin America and the U.S. over the last 20 years with the purpose of providing opportunities to children with disabilities and their families. His hard work has gained him the admiration of many, and he is an excellent choice to represent the spirit of friendship. First awarded in 1964, the title of ``Mr. Amigo'' 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 across the Rio Grande, Matamoros. 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. Thousands of participants from both sides of the border celebrate these traditions each year. The 80th annual Charro Days celebration commenced on February 19th, with a grito, or celebratory yell, and on February 25th, the Mayor of Brownsville and the Mayor of Matamoros met at the Gateway International Bridge to extend their hands across the border, symbolizing 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, and the bonds between the United States and Mexico.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mariachi Azul Y Plata of the Ben Bolt Palito Blanco Independent School District for recently winning its second consecutive state mariachi championship in Class 2A. Ben Bolt High School and the people of South Texas are proud of the musicians of Mariachi Azul Y Plata for their hard work and impressive talent. This accomplishment is a testament to the dedication of these young men and women. Through their state title, Ben Bolt has set the bar for generations of high school mariachi musicians to come. The mariachi band is composed of 23 students, who jointly participated in auditions against other schools to attend the competition. Azul Y Plata excelled in their division and they continue to embrace the Mariachi culture and keep our Hispanic heritage alive. Congratulations again to the Palito Blanco High School Mariachi band in Ben Bolt for their tremendous achievement.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Olmito Water Supply Corporation, Inc. on their 50th year of service. Olmito Water Supply Corporation (WSC) was certified as a non-profit in 1967 and is located in Cameron County. For 50 years, the leadership of its Board of Directors and dedication of its employees has brought vital services to the region. Since its foundation, the corporation has provided safe tap water and sanitary sewer service to the rural community of Olmito, Texas. Today, Olmito WSC has established 2,175 water connections that serve over 8,000 `colonia' residents. Colonias are unincorporated settlements along the U.S.-Mexico border that lack living necessities such as potable water, sewer systems, electricity, paved roads, and sanitary housing. The corporation's ability to provide clean water and sanitary sewer service has raised the quality of life for residents, and has laid the infrastructure for the creation of new subdivisions and commercial establishments in the area. The Olmito Water Supply Corporation has made a lasting, positive impact on our community, and it will continue to play a critical role in the improvement of South Texas. I rise today to congratulate the Olmito Water Supply Corporation as it celebrates 50 years of success.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Rotary Club of Brownsville for their 100th year of service. Located in South Texas, the Rotary Club of Brownsville was founded in 1916. Since its formation, the club has lived up to its promise of service above self. For 100 years, its members have dedicated time, money and energy to helping those who need it most. The accomplishments of the Rotary Club include opening the city's first hospital, Mercy Hospital, in 1923; forming a Boy Scout troop; funding the Brownsville Endowment for Teaching Excellence Program; and establishing an Adoption Awareness program. Their achievements have extended beyond the region as this club joined Rotary members throughout the world to fund the Polio Plus Project, a $120 million effort to wipe the disease from the face of the earth. The Rotary Club of Brownsville has made a lasting, positive impact in our community, and they will continue to play a critical role in the development of South Texas. I rise today to congratulate them for their century of success.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. VELA. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of my amendment, which is cosponsored by Representative Farenthold and provides for the release of Army Corps easements on certain tracts of land that are located at the Port of Brownsville in Cameron County, Texas. This amendment was written in conjunction with the Army Corps of Engineers, and they have signed off on this language. The purpose of this release of land is to allow for economic growth at the Port of Brownsville. These tracts of land are the property of the port and have been under easement to the Army Corps for decades. These easements were originally granted to the Army Corps in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, but have never been used. Returning control of the property to the Port of Brownsville will not hinder Army Corps projects at the port. Under my amendment, parts of seven tracts would be released subject to the conditions that the Secretary considers appropriate and necessary to protect the interests of the United States. The Port of Brownsville is responsible for all reasonable and necessary costs, including real estate transaction and environmental documentation costs, making the amendment budget-neutral. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VELA. Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman, ranking member, Representative Farenthold, the Army Corps, and the committee staff for their work on this amendment. I urge my colleagues to support the amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Russell de Leon. After 30 years of proudly serving in the United States Army, de Leon will be retiring at the end of July as a Command Sergeant Major, the highest rank attainable for enlisted soldiers in the U.S. Army. CSM de Leon has been stationed around the nation and the globe, and served with great distinction in Operation Iraqi Freedom and in Operation Enduring Freedom. Since graduating from San Benito High School in 1986, de Leon has made South Texas proud. CSM de Leon's work on his final tour--where he was assigned to the Space and Missile Defense Command in Colorado--helped provide critical services to the President, the Department of Defense, and a host of government agencies. De Leon has earned numerous military decorations, including the Legion of Merit Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and countless other awards and recognitions. His work and record speak for themselves, and I extend to him my sincerest gratitude for his service. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to honor CSM Russell de Leon for his three decades of military service to this nation. I join my colleagues in Congress in wishing him, his wife Eufemia, and their daughter Amanda, the best in the future.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the accomplishments of a remarkable community member, Brownsville Herald Photo Editor Brad Doherty. Mr. Doherty recently retired after nearly 33 years of dedicated service to the newspaper and the Brownsville community. Born in the Texas Panhandle town of Slaton, Mr. Doherty dreamed of becoming a basketball player, but traded in his basketball for a camera in college. Mr. Doherty earned a degree from the University of Texas at Austin's College of Fine Arts before joining the staff at The Brownsville Herald. Mr. Doherty was passionate about telling stories through photojournalism. For more than three decades, Mr. Doherty has been present at community events including football games, graduations, and festivals like Brownsville's famous Charro Days Fiesta. In addition to working full-time at the newspaper, Mr. Doherty served as an adjunct professor of photography at the University of Texas at Brownsville, he became a highly regarded professor. He was a mentor to many aspiring journalists and many of his photojournalism students went on to become his co-workers at The Brownsville Herald. Despite his busy days, he always found a way to spend time with his wife, Anna, daughter, Kenya, and their Weimaraners. The family often traveled to Real de Catorce, Mexico where Mr. Doherty would photograph scenes from both the bustling village and the stark plains surrounding it. Brad Doherty left an indelible mark on The Brownsville Herald and the community it serves. Mr. Doherty is an immensely talented photographer and teacher, and he will be missed by his colleagues and by all those who have seen Brownsville come alive through his photography.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the late Sheriff Carlos Carrizales for a lifetime of distinguished service to Bee County and the state of Texas. A selfless public servant, he spent his entire career in law enforcement and served as Bee County Sheriff for the past 12 years. He will be remembered as an admired community leader. In addition to his steadfast professional service to Bee County, Sheriff Carrizales was active in several community organizations. He served on the advisory board of the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities program and was a dedicated supporter of the Boys & Girls Club. Sheriff Carrizales also enjoyed success in sports. He earned a football scholarship to Monterrey Tech, where in 1976, his team won the Collegiate Football National Championship. He earned the title Texas State Powerlifting Champion in 1980 and was inducted into the Beeville Sports Hall of Fame in 2005 and 2006. He is greatly missed by Pat, his wife of 35 years, his two sons, Philip and Andy, their families, and the thousands of Beeville residents he served and protected every day. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor Sheriff Carrizales for his lifetime of service to the Bee County community.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Alice, Texas High School Academic Decathlon Team for winning the state title. After countless hours of studying and preparation, their record- breaking performance demonstrates the remarkable talent and dedication of these bright students. The Alice team is the first Title 1 school--one with a disproportionate number of students from low-income families--to win an Academic Decathlon at any level in Texas. They defeated 29 other qualifying schools to claim the state championship. After 14 consecutive regional titles won by Alice teams, this year's squad shattered the previous 5A state record by scoring 50,292 points in the competition. Alice High School is one of only eight institutions to score above 50,000 points in the 30-year history of the Texas Academic Decathlon. I also want to recognize the coaches, teachers, parents, school administrators, and everyone who has helped in developing the minds of these champions. Their support, and that of other role models, has contributed greatly to the past decade and a half of success at Alice High School. Success in Academic Decathlon competitions requires levels of commitment and preparation that go well beyond what is asked of a typical high schooler. Each round consists of ten events, including a seven-minute interview, an essay, two speeches, and comprehensive written exams in subjects from music to literature to economics. Not only did these Alice students outperform the competition, they did so with fewer resources and advantages than many of their opponents. I commend these students for studying many hours each week to prepare for the State Academic Decathlon competition, and for bringing home the top prize. The future could hardly be brighter for each of them. I rise today to share my congratulations and applaud their efforts.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Oscar M. Garcia of Willacy County, Texas. On April 20, 2016, his family gathered at the Garcia Ranch to celebrate his life and legacy, and I want to share the story of this important South Texan with my colleagues. Oscar Garcia was born on November 4, 1930, west of Sebastian, Texas, on the Las Anacuas Ranch. At a young age, he began working in the fields of South Texas. His wife, Hortencia Caballero, was born in 1945 near Lyford, Texas, and the couple married on June 15, 1952, in Lyford. Together they raised six children: Alma, Oscar Jr., Rolando, Armando, Reynaldo, and Elizabeth, and they had 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Mr. Garcia began operating a trucking company in 1948. The business prospered under his management, and, with the profits of the company, he was able to purchase farm land in Willacy and Cameron Counties. Over the years, he amassed thousands of acres of prime land--much of it being the same land that he and his father worked on as sharecroppers or field hands. He grew his business over time, employing many and contributing greatly to the local economy. Mr. Garcia operated his trucking company for more than 50 years and farmed for 40 years. In 1972, Mr. and Mrs. Garcia purchased their homestead property on Business 77 between Sebastian and Lyford. Although Mr. Garcia built his home for his family to live in and enjoy, the family business had a central role. The most used room in the house was the office he shared with his wife, and the family used the vast acreage of the Garcia Ranch to store equipment, a practice that continues today. Mr. Garcia passed away on October 25, 2010. He was preceded in death by his son, Rolando. Until the day he died, Mr. Garcia continued to work hard, to provide for his family, and to earn the respect of every person he met. Since the loss of her husband, Mrs. Garcia has continued to manage and operate the property acquired during her husband's lifetime. Additionally, she remains dedicated to the legacy of hard work, respect, and caring for her community that she and her husband built together. She is an active member of her church and a patron of the local volunteer fire department, and established an annual scholarship for Lyford High School students. The recent community gathering to honor Mr. Garcia and the entire Garcia family was also a testament to the Willacy County community, which has been challenged greatly in recent years. Despite setbacks, Willacy County remains a community that is united and filled with the most valuable of all resources--people like Oscar Garcia who care about each other and the place they live. Perhaps the greatest legacy of Oscar Garcia's life is the inspiration to future generations to work hard and serve their community. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in the House of Representatives in standing in honor of Oscar Garcia, his family, and his Willacy County community.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Porter Early College High School on their victory in the Texas 5A Boys Soccer State Championship game which was played last Saturday in Georgetown. The win marks the second time the Porter Cowboys have won the state-wide soccer championship, earning the first title in 2006. After a long season marked by hard work and dedication by students, parents, coaches, teachers, support staff and administrators, the team clinched the state championship defeating Frisco Wakeland 10-9 in penalty kicks to secure the 3-2 victory. It is my great pleasure to honor the team members: Alexis Anzures Alexis Armendariz Daniel Briseno Robert Briseno Caleb Castillo Anthony Cuellar Marco Don Juan Omar Estrada Harambe Garcia Oscar Garcia Jaime Gomez Luis Lara Esteban Mata Jose Nava Jose Pardillo Jerry Perez Agustin Pizano Josue Reyna Luis Reyna Mario Rios Diego Rivera Uriel Sepulveda Angel Silva Enrique Soto--Captain Fernando Trigo Ricky Vidal Managers: Franco Gonzalez and Haziel Trevino Coaches: Jose Espitia, Eddie Buentello, Adrian Navarro and Antonio Serrano Video: Maria Esteves Porter Early College High School, located in the heart of Southmost neighborhood, is an important community institution. Countless teachers, police officers, entrepreneurs, lawyers, doctors and engineers are Porter alumni, and the school bears the name of a woman who made important contributions to the City of Brownsville. Gladys Porter, daughter of philanthropist Earl C. Sams, who was the first president of the J.C. Penney retail chain, was devoted to South Texas. Ms. Porter was a well-known civic leader in Brownsville and was the driving force behind the Gladys Porter Zoo, which today attracts thousands of visitors annually to the Rio Grande Valley. I would like to express my deep gratitude to the families of these young men. Parents, grandparents, siblings and other family members make great sacrifices to support student athletes during the competitive season and all year long. Porter parents have spent years driving to practices, washing uniforms, cleaning cleats, cheering from the sidelines, and generally making sure these student athletes have everything they need to succeed both on and off the field. The coaches, teachers, and administrators deserve recognition for all they do to provide students with a high quality education that balances academic and athletic achievement. Teachers and coaches serve as role models, providing critical motivation and support for these young athletes. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in congratulating the Porter Cowboys boy's soccer team for their victory in the Texas 5A State Championship. Each of them, their parents, teachers, coaches and support staff make the Rio Grande Valley proud, and I wish them success in all their future endeavors.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Galvan Ballroom in Corpus Christi, Texas, which recently received the Texas Treasure Business Award. The Texas Historical Commission, an organization authorized by the Texas State Legislature, honored the Galvan Ballroom with the Texas Treasure Business Award, as a business that has been in operation and has provided employment opportunities and support to the state's economy for over 50 years. This award, created in 2005 by Senate Bill 920, pays tribute to the state's well-established businesses and their exceptional historical contributions toward the economic growth and prosperity of the State of Texas. The Galvan Ballroom, located in the heart of Corpus Christi at 1632 Agnes St., opened its doors on March 2, 1950. The Galvan Ballroom was established by Corpus Christi police officer, entrepreneur, and musician Rafael Galvan, Sr. Mr. Galvan sought to open a venue for the Galvan Orchestra, a fifteen-piece ensemble featuring his four sons: Ralph, Eddie, Sammy, and Bobby. The Galvan Ballroom earned its reputation as the place in Corpus Christi to visit for big band, swing, and jazz music. Due to its large size, the venue hosted national acts. The large dance hall, which featured a custom-made revolving chandelier with four spotlights, was a popular location for dances and other events. South Texans will recall that the Galvan Ballroom was fully booked with events nearly every night. On Saturday nights, the ballroom hosted functions for private clubs and community events, including student dances, church events, and the annual policeman's ball. On Sundays, the ballroom opened to the public for dancing and music, including performances by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Chester ``Chet'' Rupe. During the time of segregation, The Galvan Ballroom played a major role in the social and cultural development of Corpus Christi. The venue promoted integration of the Hispanic and Anglo-American communities through diverse musical acts, which included African-American groups. The Galvan Ballroom continues to be a musical landmark in Corpus Christi. Today, the ballroom hosts weddings, quinceaneras and other events. On the first floor is the headquarters of the Galvan Music Company. Eddie Galvan, a member of the original Galvan Orchestra, was inducted into the South Texas Region XIV Band Directors Hall of Fame, and the South Texas Music Walk of Fame has also honored members of the Galvan family. In 2015, the Galvan Ballroom was added to the National Register of Historic Places and was designated as a Texas Hispanic Heritage site. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in congratulating the Galvan Ballroom upon receiving the Texas Treasure Business Award, and wish them many more years of continued contributions to the Coastal Bend area.