[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 94 (Thursday, June 7, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H4861]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF PAULINE GASCA VALENCIANO

  (Mr. VEASEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. VEASEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the incredible life 
and legacy of Pauline Valenciano.
  Pauline was raised in Fort Worth and was able to observe the 
diversity and vast culture and traditions that are embraced in our 
community.
  I knew Pauline when I first got started in politics in the late 
1990s, working at Town Center Mall, which is now La Gran Plaza. But 
Pauline was one of the very first people that I met, and I am just very 
saddened to hear about her loss.
  From an early age, Pauline looked up to leaders in the community who 
gave voice to injustices and fought for equal representation. From 
observing local Tarrant County School Board races to statewide 
campaigns, Pauline knew her calling was activism, and she became a 
fierce leader for the Latino community and for women.
  When Pauline got told to dial it down, that meant, for Pauline, that 
she needed to dial it up. She won the respect of minority groups across 
Texas as she fought for civil rights and gender equality. As a precinct 
chair and election judge, she became an icon in the Latino community 
for giving voice to those who felt silenced.
  She also canvassed for John Kennedy and marched alongside Cesar 
Chavez. Inspired by leaders who were great orators, she spoke about 
raising the level of discourse in the country. And naturally, in 2016, 
when the first female candidate for President was on the ballot, she 
teamed up with local groups to get out the vote. The city of Fort Worth 
grieves her loss.
  The last time I saw her was at a Cinco de Mayo event, and she came up 
and gave me a big hug. That is the type of person she was in the 
community, just so inspiring, so encouraging, and a good person. We are 
going to miss her very much. Her work and legacy will live in Fort 
Worth for decades and years and years to come.
  Everyone is thinking about you, my friend, Pauline. I know that you 
are looking down, and a lot of people are sad about your loss, but know 
that you helped make Fort Worth a better place to live for all of us.

                          ____________________