[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 140 (Thursday, October 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2010]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO HENRY B. GONZALEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 7, 1997

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to pay tribute 
today to a long-time friend and dean of the Texas delegation, the 
Honorable Henry B. Gonzalez, who has announced that he will resign from 
Congress this year after 36 years of outstanding service.
  For most of his life, Henry Gonzalez has been a dedicated public 
servant, both in Congress and previously in local and State government 
in Texas. As chairman and ranking minority member on the Committee on 
Banking and Financial Services in the House of Representatives, he has 
made his imprint on our Nation's banking, financial, and housing laws. 
As Representative of the 20th Congressional district of Texas, he has 
been a formidable advocate for policies and programs affecting his 
constituents. And as dean of the Texas delegation, he has been a 
respected and influential colleague.
  I knew Henry Gonzalez when he first served in the Texas State Senate. 
Previously, he had been a member and mayor pro-tem of the San Antonio 
City Council, deputy director of the San Antonio Housing Authority and 
probation officer for Texas County. He worked as a civilian cable and 
radio censor during World War II and operated a Spanish/English 
translating business with his father. He also taught math to veterans 
and citizenship classes to resident aliens. Henry was born and raised 
and educated in San Antonio schools, with the exception of studying 
civil engineering for 3 years at the University of Texas at Austin 
before graduating from St. Mary's University school of law. His life 
has been one of giving to those who needed him.
  In all that he has done in public service, Henry Gonzlez has been an 
outstanding Representative for his constituents in Texas, the Hispanic 
community, and our Nation. During Hispanic Heritage Month, I can think 
of no one more deserving of our respect and our gratitude for 36 years 
of dedicated service in the House of Representatives than my good 
friend and colleague, Henry B. Gonzalez. As we adjourn today, I ask 
that my colleagues join me in bidding him a fond farewell and in 
wishing him God speed in his retirement.

                          ____________________