[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 28 (Thursday, March 6, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E398]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 LEGISLATION TO DESIGNATE THE U.S. BORDER STATION IN PHARR, TX AS THE 
                ``KIKA de la GARZA U.S. BORDER STATION''

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. JAMES A. TRAFICANT, JR.

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 6, 1997

  Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation to 
designate the U.S. border station located in Pharr, TX, as the ``Kika 
de la Garza U.S. Border Station.'' I am proud to author this 
legislation honoring a great legislator, my former House colleague, 
Kika de la Garza.
  Kika de la Garza was born in Mercedes, TX, on September 22, 1927. He 
earned his law degree from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, TX, in 
1952. He served in the Navy from 1945 to 1946, and in the Army from 
1950 to 1952. He served in the Texas House of Representatives from 1953 
to 1965. In 1964, he was elected to Congress, where he was sent back to 
Congress by the people of the 15th Congressional District of Texas for 
16 terms.
  In 1981, Kika became the chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. 
During his 14-year tenure as chairman, Kika compiled an impressive 
record of achievement and dedicated service to America's farming 
community. Most notably, Kika went out of his way to foster a climate 
of cooperation, inclusive and bipartisanship on the committee. Under 
his able leadership, the Agriculture Committee was able to form a 
consensus on a number of important and intricate agricultural issues. 
In the 103d Congress Kika played a lead role in the enactment of 
legislation revamping and streamlining the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture. Under his watchful eye, legislation was crafted that made 
many needed and important changes--without eviscerating those USDA 
programs that were effective and needed to help America's farmers and 
protect the public. The bill that ultimately became law made remarkable 
changes at USDA. Because of Chairman de la Garza's leadership and sage 
counsel, the bill represented the right way to reinvent Government.
  Throughout his 32-year career in Congress, Kika never lost sight of 
the folks back home. He fought tirelessly for his constituents. He also 
proved to be an able and effective advocate for American farmers. In no 
small measure because of his leadership, American agriculture remains 
the envy of the world.
  Kika also is an amateur linguist and a gourmet cook. On many 
occasions he conversed with foreign dignitaries in their native tongue. 
Personally, Kika is my friend. I am proud to sponsor this legislation 
and I urge all my colleagues to support the bill.

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