[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 147 (Thursday, October 15, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2210]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E2210]]


 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. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 9, 1998

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Ms. Speaker, I would like to thank Congressman 
Gene Green and Congressman Martin Frost for organizing this Special 
Order to honor our friend and colleague, the Honorable Henry B. 
Gonzalez.
  Congressman Gonzalez has served his constituents and our nation with 
honor and dedication throughout his distinguished career. Throughout 
his 38 years of service, Mr. Gonzalez has been in the forefront of the 
fight for basic human rights and needs, including affordable housing, 
consumer protections, and economic opportunity.
  He began his public service career in 1953 as a member of the City 
Council of San Antonio, where he served until 1956. From 1957 until 
1961, he served the people of Texas as a state senator.
  In 1961 he was elected to the House of Representatives making history 
as the first Mexican-American to represent the state of Texas.
  With his wealth of experience in public service, Henry Gonzalez was 
appointed Chairman of the Subcommittee on Housing and Community 
Development in 1981 and Chairman of the Full Banking Committee in 1989. 
As Chairman of the Committee on Banking and Financial Services, he was 
a strong and effective leader. Through his leadership, Congress passed 
landmark legislation reforming the savings and loan industry, updating 
banking regulations, and improving public housing. As Ranking Member 
during the 104th Congress, he helped defeat several banking proposals 
that would have undermined consumer protection laws.
  For the past 6 years, I've had the privilege to serve with him on the 
Banking Committee and have witnessed firsthand his wisdom, commitment 
and compassion.
  Henry Gonzales has also been an outstanding role model. Not only has 
he opened the doors of opportunity for many young Latinos, but he has 
set a high standard for elected officials throughout our nation. No one 
can challenge his integrity, honesty and decency.
  Henry B., as he is lovingly called, has been an exemplary member of 
the House of Representatives, and it is with deep regret that I say 
farewell.
  Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez, I am grateful to you for your 
leadership and your service in the House of Representatives. Along with 
many of your long-time colleagues, I will most sincerely miss you. Your 
memorable fights on behalf of the common people will long echo 
throughout the halls of Congress and the chambers of our hearts.

                          ____________________