[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 71 (Monday, May 23, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E922]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING RETIREMENT OF MR. AMADEO SAENZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 23, 2011

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of 
Mr. Amadeo Saenz, executive director of the Texas Department of 
Transportation.
  He has served his agency with great dedication since 1978, and it is 
indeed fitting to recognize his contributions.
  Mr. Saenz, a native of Hebbronville, Texas, earned his bachelor's 
degree in civil engineering with honors from the University of Texas at 
Austin and initially began working as an engineering laboratory 
assistant in the Pharr district.
  In October of 1993, he was appointed district engineer in the Pharr 
district; he was named assistant executive director for engineering 
operations in Austin eight years later, whereupon, he implemented and 
managed policies, programs, and operating strategies according to 
federal and state laws and Texas Transportation Commission regulations 
and directives. Since 2007 he has acted as the executive director of 
the agency, managing, directing, and implementing policies, programs, 
and operating strategies.
  A notable Texan, Mr. Saenz served his profession as a member of the 
Civil Engineering External Advisory Committee for UT-Austin, and has 
been active in his community as a member of the Rotary Clubs of Laredo 
and Pharr and by giving generously of his time and talents to the Boy 
Scouts in the McAllen area.
  In all his endeavors, Mr. Saenz enjoys the support and encouragement 
of his wife, Geraldine, and their children, Priscilla and David. He 
owns and operates a small ranch in south Texas and takes pleasure in 
horseback riding and hunting.
  He has worked to benefit the citizens of Texas throughout a tenure in 
public service spanning three decades, and he may reflect with pride on 
his achievements.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the commitment to service 
exhibited by the executive director of the Department of 
Transportation, Amadeo Saenz, Jr.

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