[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 17 (Tuesday, February 26, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E204]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE BORDER TEXAN OF THE YEAR, SENATOR PHIL GRAMM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RUBEN HINOJOSA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 26, 2002

  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my good 
friend, the senior Senator from the great State of Texas, who on 
Thursday, February 28, will be named the ``Border Texan of the Year.''
  Every year, the people of Hidalgo County, Texas, whom I represent, 
hold an annual Borderfest. This is a wonderful time where the 
diversity, culture, music and food of the region are celebrated and 
enjoyed. The highlight of the festival is the presentation of the 
Border Texan of the Year Award. I am very pleased that this year's 
recipient is a man of such distinction, whom I admire and respect and 
with whom I have enjoyed working with in the United States Congress.
  Senator Gramm has served the State of Texas with distinction both as 
a member of the House and as a United States Senator since 1978. He 
will truly be missed in Washington once he leaves us at the end of this 
year, but I am confident that his service to Texas will not be ending.
  I have had the pleasure of knowing Senator Gramm for many years, and 
we have collaborated across party lines to improve conditions 
throughout our state and especially in my South Texas region on such 
projects as transportation and infrastructure, including improving our 
bridges and roads.
  Senator Gramm and I have jointly introduced legislation to vastly 
improve the efficiency of the U.S. Customs Service along the U.S./
Mexico border, thus increasing the flow of goods and services between 
the two countries. The residents of South Texas experience daily the 
long lines at our border crossings. Despite heroic sacrifices by 
Customs personnel, who work long hours and enormous amounts of 
overtime, there are just not enough people to make our southern border 
work efficiently. Before Senator Gramm leaves the U.S. Senate, I am 
hopeful that we can win our fight to bring much-needed resources to our 
southern border.
  Infrastructure is vital for economic growth and prosperity and 
Senator Gramm has recognized this and has worked hard to improve border 
infrastructure. His dedication to secure highway funding and 
particularly his efforts to help secure a Presidential permit for the 
construction of the new Anzalduas International Bridge is greatly 
appreciated by all border Texans.
  As Senator Gramm leaves the Senate, I wish him much success in his 
future endeavors.

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