[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 14, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E85]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 14, 2009

  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise to explain the reason 
for missing three votes on January 13, 2009. I was attending the 
swearing in ceremony for the 81st session of the Texas Legislature that 
took place yesterday in Austin, TX, where two former staff members from 
our office were sworn-in as newly elected State Representatives.
  Carol Alvarado and Armando Walle were elected to represent Districts 
145 and 140, respectively, on November 4, 2008. State Representative 
Alvarado worked in our office prior to working in Houston City Hall, 
and for the last six years as a member of the Houston City Council. 
Prior to being sworn in, State Representative Walle also worked in our 
office for over six years as Community Liaison.
  Both these newly elected members of the State House have a tremendous 
record of service through their civic involvement, their time working 
for elected officials, and as elected officials. I wish them the best 
as they continue to serve the people of Texas in the State Legislature.
  On the three votes I missed:
  I would have voted ``aye'' on H. Res. 41, Supporting the goals and 
ideals of National Mentoring Month 2009;
  I would have voted ``aye'' on H. Res. 50, Honoring the life of 
Claiborne Pell, distinguished former Senator from the State of Rhode 
Island; and
  I would have voted ``aye'' on H. Res. 43, Recognizing the efforts of 
those who serve their communities on Martin Luther King Day and 
promoting the holiday as a day of national service.

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