[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 46 (Thursday, April 17, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H1627]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1145
                       WELCOME CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ

  (Mr. GONZALEZ asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, as the dean of the Texas delegation, it is 
a pleasure and a very great honor to introduce to the House our newest 
Member, the gentleman from Texas, Ciro D. Rodriguez.
  Not long ago, many of us mourned the tragic passing of our esteemed 
and loved colleague, Frank Tejeda. Yet, I think Frank would be happy to 
know that his work will be carried on by an individual like Ciro 
Rodriguez.
  Like Frank, Representative Rodriguez has quite substantial 
legislative experience; and like Frank, he is a lifelong resident of 
the city of San Antonio. The gentleman also has that same deep 
commitment to the community, that same attachment to the people that he 
serves, and so I think we have in him a most worthy successor.
  Ciro Rodriguez served in the House of Representatives of the great 
State of Texas for 10 years and was an honored and valued member of 
that body right up to the time of his departure for today's swearing 
in. He was dean of the county's delegation and served with distinction 
on many committees, most particularly those that were related to public 
education.
  He began his community service early. He was an educational 
consultant and he performed social work dealing with the problems of 
substance abuse and mental health concerns. He served on the local 
school board for 12 years before being elected to the Texas 
legislature.
  Mr. Speaker, Ciro Rodriguez brings to the House a deep knowledge of 
his community and long-seasoned experience in the House of Texas 
legislature. He brings to this House not only this knowledge and 
experience, but a heart filled with compassion and a soul filled with 
energy. He is ready to hit the ground running, and I feel certain that, 
beginning today, all of us will be finding that he is indeed a valued 
colleague and a very, very promising Member of the House.
  I am very pleased and highly honored to introduce and welcome our 
newest Member.

                          ____________________