[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 104 (Thursday, June 20, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E809-E810]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING ALICE RODRIGUEZ

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. BILL FLORES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 20, 2019

  Mr. FLORES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alice Rodriguez 
of Waco, Texas, who recently retired from the Waco City Council.
  Alice was first elected to the Waco City Council in 1991. At the time 
of her election, she was the first Hispanic woman on the city council. 
She served for 10 years before taking a break from 2001 to 2005. In 
2005, she ran again and served for another 14 years. Her combined years 
of service make her the longest serving councilmember in Waco's 
history.
  Alice was first encouraged to run for office to make a change in her 
community. Inspired by her father, and recalling the difficulties faced 
by the Hispanic community, she wanted to advocate for equality for 
minorities and Wacoans facing hardship.
  During her career on the city council, Alice was a passionate voice 
for her constituents. While she supported forward looking policies to 
conserve neighborhoods and bring more opportunities for low-income 
families, Alice also wanted to preserve the past.
  Alice was instrumental in the foundation of the Waco Hispanic Museum 
that opened in 2016. Alice wanted current and future generations to 
remember the strides made by the Hispanic community in Waco and 
appreciate their struggle for equality.
  In addition to serving on the Waco City Council, Alice has served on 
the boards of several organization including National League

[[Page E810]]

of Cities' University Communities Council, the Texas Municipal League 
Association of Hispanic Municipal Officials, and the Heart of Texas 
Council of Governments Executive Committee. She has also been a member 
of the League of United Latin American Citizens and will continue to 
serve as local Council 273's Executive Director.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Alice Rodriguez for her many 
years of influential service to our Central Texas community. I wish her 
the best in her future endeavors.
  I have requested that a United States flag be flown over our Nation's 
Capitol to recognize the community service and accomplishments of Alice 
Rodriguez.
  As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our 
country, for our veterans, for our military men and women who protect 
us, and for our first responders who keep us safe at home.

                          ____________________