[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 115 (Thursday, September 4, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H6903]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO HENRY B. GONZALEZ

  (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to 
acknowledge a true distinguished gentleman of this body, a proud Texan 
and a great American. Chairman Henry B. Gonzalez has decided today to 
step down from the U.S. Congress.
  It is my honor to have been able to serve with him for the time 
period that allowed me to understand the true value of a human being 
who cared about this Nation. Henry B. Gonzalez served in public life 
for 44 years, 36 of those in this body.
  Mr. Speaker, I am reminded, as he stood alongside the President who 
was a President for all people, President John F. Kennedy, as the 
President, not then the President, made it known that he wanted to 
serve this Nation. Henry B. Gonzalez was one of the few in the State of 
Texas who took up the challenge and courageously stood by his side and 
stood for what was right. He proceeded to carry that torch in the U.S. 
Congress.
  It was for those who could not speak, those who could not advocate, 
those who could not cry out and be heard for themselves that Henry B. 
Gonzalez stood for. He fought for public housing, he fought for equity 
in education.
  This is a man who truly is a distinguished gentleman, one whom we 
will love and admire forever and ever.
  Henry B., we love you, and we know that you will continue to serve, 
whether you are in this body. But we thank you for your great 
leadership. You are a proud Texan and a great American.
  Mr. Speaker, I stand before you, the people of Texas and San Antonio 
in awe of the announcement that Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez of the 
20th Congressional District who has nobly served his constituents and 
our great Nation for 36 years in the House of Representatives is 
leaving us at the end of this session.
  First elected in 1961, Henry B. as he is affectionately known, made 
his mark as chairman of the Banking Committee for 6 years. The Savings 
& Loan Industry was reorganized and revitalized during his tenure. He 
certainly was a man of strength during an hour of crisis for our 
Savings & Loan Industry. Their bailout is a result of his leadership.
  Congressman Gonzalez worked tirelessly for the residents of Public 
Housing and the National Housing Trust is a testament to his leadership 
in Public Housing. There are millions of Americans today who are able 
to find affordable housing because of this great man.
  In a time of conformity, Congressman Gonzalez is his own person. He 
stood up unflinchingly for what he believed in no matter who opposed 
him. A champion of civil rights, a man of the people, a true man of 
honor--we will miss this fine gentleman, we will miss his spirit of 
service with a true sense of honor.

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