[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 143 (Monday, October 21, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S12435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE KIKA DE LA GARZA

 Mr. HEFLIN. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
Honorable Kika de la Garza.
  There is nobody in the U.S. Congress more deserving of a tribute than 
the distinguished and longtime chairman of the House Agriculture 
Committee and defender of rural America and family farms.
  Kika de la Garza began his elected public service with six terms in 
the Texas House of Representatives and was first elected to the U.S. 
House of Representatives in 1964. Kika was immediately appointed to the 
Agriculture Committee and has served as the committee chairman since 
1981. As a matter of fact, Kika was the first Hispanic American to 
head-up a standing committee of the House of Representatives. Kika de 
la Garza is very proud of his Hispanic heritage, and with good reason. 
Kika can trace his ancestry back to one of the ruling families of Spain 
and to one of the earliest settlers of Texas. Don Martin de Leon and 
his wife, Dona de la Garza, petitioned the Spanish Governor in San 
Antonio for the right to establish a permanent settlement in Texas long 
before Moses Austin had received permission. Kika is also proud of his 
Alabama ancestry, as he often reminds me that he can trace some of his 
forebears to Etowah County, AL.
  During his tenure as committee chairman, Kika de la Garza has 
successfully guided the passage of three omnibus farm bills. He is also 
responsible for a major overhaul of the agricultural lending system, 
Federal crop insurance reform, reorganization of the USDA, and reforms 
in pesticide laws. Chairman de la Garza has also brought special 
attention to rural development and the needs of rural families. He has 
fought tirelessly for rural development programs such as rural waste 
and water systems. Through this strong commitment and leadership on 
behalf of rural America, his efforts were recognized with the 
establishment of an empowerment zone in south Texas, one of only three 
in rural America.
  I recall working closely with Kika de la Garza over the years. We 
have worked many long hours together to restructure the Farm Credit 
System and provide disaster assistance when our Nation's producers have 
suffered from drought and other natural disasters. However, what comes 
to mind when I think of Kika De la Garza is his invaluable leadership 
in defense of the peanut program. It may come as a surprise to some, 
but the peanut program is vitally important to Alabama and I have 
personally fought hard to preserve this program. Had it not been for 
Chairman de la Garza, though, we would not have been able to maintain 
this program that is also an integral part of Texas agriculutre. Many 
were the occasions that I came to Kika and I told him that I needed his 
help and without fail, we were able to hold off efforts to eliminate 
the peanut program. For this, I am deeply grateful to Kika.
  As Kika de la Garza leaves Congress and returns to Texas, we are 
truly witnessing the end of an era. Kika de la Garza has outlasted Bob 
Poage, Herman Talmadge and Jamie Whitten to become the dean of American 
Agriculture. Rural America has had no stronger advocate than Kika de la 
Garza, he has indeed been the champion of the small farmer.
  When Kika and his wife, Lucille, return to Texas, they will return 
home to Mission. Mission, TX, is known for producing famous Texans, 
among them include Tom Landry and Lloyd Bentsen. However, none have 
contributed more to improving the lives and living conditions of all 
Americans. Congress will indeed be a different place next year and it 
will sorely miss the wisdom and leadership of Kika de la Garza.
  From the beginning, man has been at work in agriculture. In Genesis 
Chapter 3, Verse 23, Moses writes, ``Therefore the Lord God sent him 
forth from the Garden of Eden, to till the Ground from whence he was 
taken''. Although there are tremendous challenges that lie ahead, the 
Sun shall rise tomorrow, and we can bear fruit for our neighbors and 
friends and those who are without nourishment. As we strive to feed a 
growing population, protect our environment, and keep farmers and 
ranchers strong, I am confident that with God's guidance, those who 
rely upon him will succeed. We have all been blessed to have had the 
wisdom and leadership of Kika de la Garza. As Americans we are all 
better for his service to this great country. As Kika and his wife, 
Lucille return home, as Mike and I are returning home, we wish them 
both the very best for many years to come. It has been my honor to have 
served with Kika de la Garza.

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