[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 45 (Tuesday, April 11, 2000)]
[House]
[Page H2094]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       SO LONG TO SYLVAN RODRIGUEZ, ONE OF HOUSTON'S NATIVE SONS

  (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, first let me offer my deepest 
concern and sympathy for the Marines who lost their lives on behalf of 
this Nation, and to a native son from Houston and his family.
  This morning, Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute and acknowledge Sylvan 
Rodriguez, a ``minister of information,'' a local news anchor for 
Channel 11 news in Houston, Texas, who passed away last week. Sylvan 
Rodriguez was an anchor for 23 years, but what we know him most for, 
those of us who watched him in the community, is as a caring deliverer 
of the news, someone who believed that the news should be informational 
but passionate and compassionate.
  He died from cancer. The viewers of Channel 11 will miss him and the 
Houston Community will miss him.
  Rodriguez was born in San Antonio, Texas, on March 20, 1948. He came 
to Houston in 1977. He went to Los Angeles but returned to our Houston 
family in 1987. He anchored the noon and 6:00 p.m. newscast. He 
reported on major issues in our community.
  He was a founding member of the I Have a Dream Foundation, but most 
importantly, Mr. Speaker, he loved his family and his community. I 
salute him and my regrets and sympathy go to his wife; his two 
daughters; his son; his stepson; and as well his stepdaughter; his 
mother and three brothers and sister in Louisiana.
  Mr. Speaker, we have lost a valued leader, a member of the Houston 
Community who will be remembered as much for how much he cared for 
people as for his professional approval to delivering the news to us. 
Sylvan Rodriguez through his work was a friend to us all, he will be 
missed by our entire city.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the life of Mr. Sylvan Rodriguez, 
distinguished Houston news anchor, journalist and community activist. 
Mr. Rodriguez recently passed away after a bout with cancer.
  Since the shattering news of his illness, Sylvan showed determination 
and courage. Instead of turning inward when this disease was diagnosed, 
Sylvan realized that he could play a special role in educating the 
community about cancer, its devastation, and one's ability to survive. 
Sylvan continued to educate the Houston Community about cancer and 
tirelessly raised funds for numerous charities while still fighting 
this horrific disease.
  More than one of Houston's most beloved news anchor and journalist; 
Sylvan was a leader in the community and dedicated his life's work to 
making this world a better place than the way he found it. Sylvan was a 
very special person and meant a lot to all who knew him. He loved 
people and he made us better because he educated and challenged us!
  At this time, I do not think Sylvan would have wanted the Houston 
communities to anguish over his passing; instead, he would want all of 
us to pick up the torch of leadership and responsibility, and work 
together to ensure that our communities continue to grow and learn from 
one another, and to continue God's work.
  Nevertheless, Sylvan's passing will forever leave a void in all of 
our hearts in Houston, and throughout the great state of Texas. I hope 
that in time, his family, friends, and colleagues are comforted by the 
legacy of accomplishments Sylvan leaves behind. In addition, I hope 
that fond memories of Sylvan Rodriguez will continue to inspire all who 
knew him and the Houston community for the future. In closing, I offer 
my deepest sympathy on Sylvan Rodriguez passing and bid him a fond 
farewell.

                          ____________________