[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 146 (Wednesday, October 14, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2160]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE ESTEBAN TORRES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 6, 1998

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the accomplishments and 
friendship of Congressman Esteban Torres who will be retiring from the 
House of Representatives at the end of this session. He is truly an 
inspirational leader who will leave this legislative body with the 
respect and admiration of his colleagues.
  His life story reflects the value of hard work and determination. 
Growing up the son of Mexican immigrants during the depression, he has 
remained a humble and dignified individual. He has never forgotten his 
roots nor the sacrifices made by his parents and their generation in 
speaking out for all Americans.
  After serving in the United States Army as a Korean War conflict 
veteran, his military service was just the beginning of a life of 
service. Working as an auto plant worker, he became a labor leader 
throughout the 1960's and ever since has stood up for the working 
people of this country and around the world. His leadership was soon 
recognized within the labor movement and led him to speak on behalf of 
workers rights throughout the Americas. His advocacy on behalf of 
better pay, compensation, benefits and conditions for workers led to 
his involvement in the broader community by starting a community 
development corporation in East Los Angeles which grew into one of the 
largest anti-poverty agencies in the nation.
  Fortunately his international diplomacy and economic development 
abilities were recognized by President Jimmy Carter. In 1976, 
Congressman Torres answered the call of the President, and served as 
Ambassador to the United Nation's Education, Scientific and Cultural 
Organization and later as Special Assistant to the President for 
Hispanic Affairs.
  Seeing an opportunity to serve as an elected official, we should all 
be grateful that in 1982 Congressman Torres won a seat in this House, 
and has honorably served in the House of Representatives for the past 
15 years.
  Since coming to this legislative body he has worked to improve the 
quality of life for all Americans by bringing greater job 
opportunities, protecting consumers, and cleaning up the environment. 
He has taken a lead role in bills impacting Trade, Banking, Crime, 
Housing, and Economic Development. Throughout, he has been a powerful 
voice for minorities and the working people of the United States.
  His committee assignments on Appropriations and Banking and his 
leadership position as Deputy Democratic Whip reflect his tremendous 
ability to bring together diverse interests and work toward common 
goals. Moreover, as Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, he 
set a high standard for addressing the important issues of the growing 
Hispanic population.
  Congressman Torres is a person who has always provided me with 
invaluable guidance and support. I will always appreciate his efforts 
to improve conditions along the United States-Mexico border which is so 
important for my community.
  He is a true champion of the people, a friend, and someone whose 
departure will be greatly felt in this legislative chamber. His work on 
behalf of the 34th Congressional district of California was tremendous, 
and his constituents can always be proud of the difference his tenure 
made for their community. I wish him well in his future pursuits as I 
know that he will remain engaged and active in working to bring greater 
opportunities for Americans everywhere.

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