[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 37 (Tuesday, April 5, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E542]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF SAUL RAMIREZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 5, 2005

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Saul Ramirez for his 
commitment to serving the citizens of Laredo, Texas.
  Saul Ramirez began his career as a Laredo City Council Member in 
1982. He has held a number of positions in local government, and his 
contributions to town and country have helped transform Laredo into an 
international center of commerce.
  As the Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development, he 
handled major federal neighborhood revitalization, economic 
development, and homelessness programs within the Department of Housing 
and Urban Development. As Assistant Secretary he oversaw rehabilitation 
programs such as Community Block Grant, Hope for Ownership of Single 
Family Homes, Home Investment Partnership, and various other programs 
that establish funding for housing and support services.
  Among other accomplishments in his distinguished career, Mr. Ramirez 
created the Laredo Affordable Housing Finance Corporation in 1990. He 
has worked hard to help some of Laredo's poorest neighborhoods. Working 
to improve housing in the Laredo community, Saul Ramirez's tireless 
efforts ensure that our citizens have a decent place to live.
  A former mayor of Laredo, Mr. Ramirez is no stranger to the unique 
needs of his community. Serving at a time of great community growth, he 
has helped to provide guidance and leadership for our changing city.
  Saul Ramirez is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, 
including Newsweek Magazine's ``25 Most Dynamic Mayors'' in 1996. He 
has served as Director of the National Association of Housing and 
Redevelopment Officials, as a Board Member of the U.S. Council of 
Mayors, and with the Texas Municipal League.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have this opportunity to recognize the 
important contributions of Saul Ramirez. His hard work and community 
dedication have helped to transform Laredo into the city it is today.

                          ____________________