[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 143 (Sunday, October 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2072]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING HENRY B. GONZALEZ FOR 4\1/2\ DECADES OF SERVICE TO THE HOUSE 
       AND THE PEOPLE OF THE 20TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 9, 1998

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to stand 
here and extol the achievements of Congressman Gonzalez. His legacy is 
as extensive as it is grand, and I find myself awed by his 
accomplishments.
  Congressman Gonzalez has served in Congress for 38 years. From the 
moment that he entered the Congressional service on November 4, 1961, 
Congressman Gonzalez has represented his constituents, his State, and 
his Nation with the utmost loyalty and dignity.
  As the Representative of the San Antonio area, Congressman Gonzalez 
has served on the House Committee on Banking, Finance, and Urban 
Affairs and on its housing subcommittees. As the Chairman of the 
Banking Committee from 1989 to 1994, the Congressman conducted over 500 
hearings that covered topics ranging from the Bush Administration's 
pre-war policy toward Iraq to the Bank of Commerce and Credit 
International scandal.
  While acting as Chairman of the Banking Committee, Congressman 
Gonzalez also guided 71 bills through the legislative process. Among 
these important measures were bills that provided important services 
such as making more credit available to small businesses and 
strengthening laws pertaining to financial crimes. As a member and a 
Chair, Congressman Gonzalez assisted in the restoration of the savings 
and loans industry and helped to overhaul the deposit insurance system.
  Beyond his work with the Banking Committee, Congressman Gonzalez has 
actively promoted legislation that dealt with areas such as civil 
rights, education, veterans, and equal opportunity.
  As the Chairman of the Subcommittee on International Development 
Institutions and Finance, the Congressman sponsored the ``Gonzalez 
Amendment'' that protects U.S. citizens' overseas property from 
expropriation without just compensation from a foreign government.
  As the Chairman of the ad hoc Subcommittee on the Robinson-Patman 
Act, Anti-trust Legislation, and Related Matters, Congressman Gonzalez 
preserved the interests of small businesses. Moreover, the report he 
issued as the Chair is now revered by anti-trust lawyers.
  Most significantly, the Congressman helped his constituents by 
authoring a series of public laws over a six year period that paved the 
way to San Antonio's hosting of the 1968 World's Fair. That event 
generated business for the Congressman's district and resulted in a 
convention center, an exhibit hall, additional hotels, a new theater 
and restaurant district, and additional shops.
  We will miss Congressman Gonzalez's dedication and service as a 
Member of Congress. I know that my home State of Texas will miss the 
service of one of our great Americans on its behalf in the U.S. 
Congress. On behalf of Texas, I would like to thank Congressman 
Gonzalez for his accomplishments. I wish him the best as he embarks on 
his well-earned retirement.

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