[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 186 (Wednesday, November 20, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H9104]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING TOM VASQUEZ

  (Mr. GARCIA of Illinois asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the 
memory of my dear friend Tom Vasquez, who passed away on July 23. Tom 
was one of the founders of our progressive movement in Chicago, and we 
were partners in many battles.
  He was born in Matamoros, Mexico, and eventually found his way to 
Chicago, settling in the working-class community of Little Village. In 
the early 1980s, Tom was part of a group of young people who saw the 
disparities and lack of political representation in our community and 
sought to address these inequalities.
  He stepped up, led the change, and helped create the Independent 
Political Organization of the 22nd Ward. He was a precinct captain for 
many years. He organized block clubs and he was involved in schools in 
the local community. On election day, he was always getting people to 
the polling places. He attended many community meetings and mentored 
many young people in the community. He did this all while holding a 
full-time job with the Chicago Transit Authority and being a member of 
a local union.
  Tom's passing has left a gap not only for his family but for the 
entire community that benefited from his service and commitment to 
justice.
  Tom, may you rest in peace.

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