[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 159 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                          June 2, 2003.
Whereas Irma Rangel, in 1977, became the first Mexican-American woman ever 
        elected to the Texas House of Representatives;
Whereas Irma Rangel served the great State of Texas and the people of Kingsville 
        with honor and distinction for 26 years as a Member of the Texas House 
        of Representatives;
Whereas Irma Rangel was Chairwoman of the Texas House of Representatives 
        Committee on Higher Education and was a tireless advocate of educational 
        opportunities for all students;
Whereas Irma Rangel recognized the value of higher education for all young 
        people of Texas and introduced the 10 percent rule legislation that 
        entitled all highly motivated and successful Texas high school students 
        who graduated in the top 10 percent of their high school class to be 
        admitted into Texas institutions of higher education, marking a shift in 
        college admissions;
Whereas Irma Rangel recognized the importance of creating a professional school 
        of pharmacy in South Texas and worked diligently to realize that vision;
Whereas Irma Rangel was a staunch supporter of Texas Grant 1 and Texas Grant 2, 
        which provided tuition and fees for students who graduated under the 
        recommended plan and extended those opportunities to community college 
        students;
Whereas Irma Rangel dedicated her life to make Texas better for all its 
        citizenry, improve the quality of life for the people she served, and 
        especially expand educational opportunities for the young people of 
        Texas;
Whereas the life and legacy of Irma Rangel serve as an inspiration for the young 
        people of Texas and for the poor and powerless for whom she fought so 
        passionately;
Whereas Irma Rangel was a role model for young Hispanic female students in 
        achieving success;
Whereas Irma Rangel placed high value on self-empowerment, which enabled 
        individuals to access opportunities to achieve their goals; and
Whereas Irma Rangel will forever be remembered for her signature phrase, ``Will 
        this hurt or help?'' when addressing pending legislation before the 
        Texas House of Representatives: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) has learned with profound sorrow of the death of Irma Rangel on 
        March 18, 2003, and extends condolences to her family;
            (2) expresses its deep gratitude to Irma Rangel and her family for 
        the service that she rendered to the State of Texas;
            (3) recognizes with appreciation and respect Irma Rangel's exemplary 
        commitment to public service and her constituents; and
            (4) esteems Irma Rangel as a role model for generations to come in 
        South Texas and the entire Nation.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.