[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 50 (Thursday, March 21, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E322]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING MR. RAFAEL B. CRUZ ON HIS 80TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KENNY MARCHANT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 21, 2019

  Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize my 
constituent, Mr. Rafael B. Cruz for his 80th birthday on March 22nd. A 
man of strong faith and uncompromising willpower, Rafael embodies the 
meaning of persistence, and serves as a leading example of what the 
American Dream can look like with enough hard work and an unwavering 
belief in the prospect of liberty.
  Born in Cuba under the oppressive Batista regime, Rafael experienced 
assault and imprisonment as a teenager for taking an active stance 
against the injustices he witnessed. In search of a better life, he 
left his home at the age of eighteen to pursue a degree in higher 
education, and arrived in Austin, Texas where he studied Mathematics 
and Chemical Engineering. While in school, he worked seven days a week 
for fifty cents an hour until he obtained his degree in 1961. In 
addition to his obligations as a student, Rafael maintained strong ties 
with his community in Cuba and advocated against the abuses of the 
newly empowered Castro forces.
  A family man by the early 1960s, Rafael balanced his new career in 
the energy industry with raising two daughters and his son, current 
Texas Senator, Ted Cruz. Rafael moved to Houston with his family to 
work and found a lasting home in the state Texas. Today, he resides in 
my district, in the City of Carrollton, where he is a pastor, a 
supportive father and grandfather, and an exemplary member of our 
community.
  Madam Speaker, it is a pleasure to recognize the inspiring life story 
of Rafael Cruz, who has fought for freedom, family and faith for all of 
his life, and whose contributions to our country will continue to make 
a mark on the character of our American spirit. I ask all of my 
distinguished colleagues to join me in wishing a very happy 80th 
birthday to Mr. Rafael Cruz.

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