[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 140 (Thursday, October 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1992]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO HENRY B. GONZALEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. CHET EDWARDS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 7, 1997

  Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, today it is with great pride yet with 
heartfelt sorrow that I ask members to join me in honoring our 
colleague, Henry B. Gonzalez, on 36 years of service in the U.S. House 
of Representatives.
  At the end of this year, Henry B. Gonzalez will take his leave of 
this body. A great void will be left in our ranks when he is gone. His 
towering presence, financial expertise, and willingness to take a stand 
for causes large and small will be sorely missed.
  Although the country and this Congress have changed dramatically 
since Henry B. Gonzalez assumed his congressional seat in November 
1961, he has always remained true to this country, to his beloved 20th 
Congressional District in San Antonio and to this Congress.
  Like so many of us, Henry B. Gonzalez dedicated his life to serving 
his community and his country. I was extremely blessed to follow in his 
footsteps first to the Texas State Senate and then to the U.S. House of 
Representatives.
  My relationship with Henry B. Gonzalez began long before we served 
together here in the U.S. House. In a way, we served together in the 
Texas Senate although he had left that body two decades before I set 
foot there in 1983.
  In the chamber of the Texas Senate hangs a painted portrait of Henry 
B. Gonzalez who served from 1956 to 1961. As a young senator, I 
remember looking at his portrait and the paintings of other famous 
Texans that hang there including Stephen F. Austin, the father of 
Texas; and Lyndon B. Johnson and Barbara Jordan who both served the 
State and the Nation with distinction.
  I always considered myself fortunate to be serving in the State 
legislative body where Henry B. Gonzalez broke new ground for improved 
race relations in Texas. In 1957, Henry B. Gonzalez proudly and bravely 
stood on the senate floor to fight and filibuster nine bills that would 
have expanded the then common practice of segregation.
  After 36 hours Henry B. Gonzalez and his allies had successfully 
stopped seven of the segregation bills. He was subjected to fierce 
personal and professional attacks, but refused to retreat or surrender. 
His determination to do what was right for all Texans began the process 
of tearing down the wall of racial separation that existed in the 
State.
  I never had the privilege of serving with him in the Texas Senate. 
But when I saw the portrait, I always tried to adhere to the principles 
he brought to office--honesty, integrity, and loyalty. His reputation, 
then as now, is that of a legislator who would fight for all people no 
matter their race, color, creed, or religion.
  It was Texas' loss and the country's gain when Henry B. Gonzalez 
resigned his senate seat to make a successful run for the U.S. House of 
Representatives.
  On November 4, 1961, Henry Gonzalez took his congressional seat and 
immediately found his calling on the House Committee on Banking, 
Finance, and Urban Affairs. Although the name of the committee has 
changed through the years, his commitment to consumers, small business 
owners, and taxpayers has never wavered.
  He served as Banking Committee chairman from 1989 to 1994. Under his 
leadership the panel conducted more than 500 hearings and moved 71 
bills through the legislative process. During his tenure laws were 
passed that protected bank depositors, made credit available to small 
business owners, cracked down on financial fraud and other crimes, and 
made housing more accessible to Americans.
  Despite the long hours and hectic schedule of a Congressman and 
committee chairman, Henry and his wife of 57 years, Bertha, raised 
eight children. Henry and Bertha now have 21 grandchildren and 3 great-
granddaughters who will continue to bring joy in the years to come.
  It has been a great privilege to serve with Henry B. Gonzalez and to 
work with him on so many issues of importance to Texas and the United 
States. Although Henry B. Gonzalez is heading home, he will always be 
remembered for his selfless service and willingness to fight for 
principle.
  I ask Members to join with me in honoring Henry B. Gonzalez for his 
many contributions in the past and for his success in the future. Henry 
B. Gonzalez may be leaving this House, but he will never be forgotten 
either here or at home.
  His portrait will hang in the Texas State Senate and his memory will 
remain in the hearts of his many friends and colleagues here in the 
U.S. House of Representatives. Goodbye, Mr. Chairman.

                          ____________________