[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 60 (Saturday, April 12, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E784]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN HONOR OF SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSIONER ROEL C. CAMPOS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Saturday, April 12, 2003

  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Securities and 
Exchange Commissioner Roel C. Campos for the dignity with which he has 
assumed his responsibilities at the SEC. The City of Harlingen, Texas, 
his hometown, has proclaimed April 10th as Roel C. Campos Day to 
celebrate the success of their native son, someone who has worked hard, 
stayed true to his values, and found success as an Air Force officer, a 
lawyer, a prosecutor, a businessman, and now the first Hispanic 
commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
  Sworn in on August 20, 2002, Commissioner Campos has proven himself 
an independent-minded commissioner who advocates for protecting 
investors and eliminating corporate abuses. Both Democrats and 
Republicans have been impressed with his commitment to restoring 
fairness and integrity to the financial markets. Mr. Campos also 
focuses on supporting emerging companies and minority entrepreneurs.
  He has used his position to make the securities industry and 
corporations aware of the changing demographics of America, and the 
great potential the Hispanic, African American and Asian American 
communities have to offer in the financial markets. These important 
segments of American society have historically been overlooked by 
corporate America.
  Commissioner Campos, born in Harlingen, Texas to Mexican American 
parents, was the first in his family to attend college. He earned his 
law degree from Harvard Law School in 1979, an M.B.A. from UCLA in 
1972, and a B.S. from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1971. Mr. Campos 
began his career serving as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. After his 
stint in the U.S. Air Force, he worked for major law firms in Los 
Angeles as a corporate transactions/securities lawyer and litigator for 
fifteen years. Beginning in 1985, he served as a federal prosecutor for 
the U.S. Attorney's Office in Los Angeles. After several years as a 
federal prosecutor, he returned to private practice and co-founded El 
Dorado Communications, Inc. He is married to Mini Villarreal and has 
two sons.
  I commend Commissioner Campos for his efforts on behalf of minority 
communities, businesses and investors. His actions demonstrate his 
commitment to expanding opportunities for all Americans, regardless of 
background. His dedication to proper enforcement actions against those 
who commit corporate fraud will help restore the American people's 
confidence in our financial institutions.
  Perhaps most important, though, is that his impressive resume and 
achievements have not changed the strong character of this man from 
South Texas. I appreciate his commitment to people, his understanding 
of the challenges that so many Americans face, and his desire to create 
an SEC that responds to their needs. Roel C. Campos is a true asset to 
the Securities and Exchange Commission and the American people.

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