[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 78 (Tuesday, May 9, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1563-S1564]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO JUDGE RICARDO H. HINOJOSA

  Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I honor today Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa 
for his lifelong commitment to the rule of law, particularly his 40 
years of extraordinary service in our Federal judiciary. Currently, 
Judge Hinojosa is the longest serving Federal judge remaining in active 
service.
  Born in Rio Grande City, TX, to Miguel and Josefina Hinojosa, Judge 
Hinojosa learned the value of hard work early on, graduating 
valedictorian from Rio Grande City High School. Judge Hinojosa then 
went to the University of Texas, where he graduated with honors in 
1972. Judge Hinojosa continued his studies at Harvard Law School. After 
graduating from Harvard Law School in 1975, Judge Hinojosa clerked for 
a year on the Texas Supreme Court. Judge Hinojosa then entered private 
practice in McAllen at the law firm Ewers & Toothaker. Rising to the 
level of partner in 1979, Judge Hinojosa specialized in business 
litigation and employment law. In 1983, President Reagan nominated 
Judge Hinojosa to be a U.S. District Court Judge for the Southern 
District of Texas. On May 5, 1983, he received his formal commission.
  During Judge Hinojosa's 40 years on the bench, he has served with 
distinction, fairness, and impartiality. His peers, colleagues, and the 
Texas legal community have recognized his immense impact by awarding 
him the University of Texas Distinguished Alumnus Award, the Edward J. 
Devitt Distinguished Service to Justice Award, and the Border Texan of 
the Year.
  As a district court judge, Judge Hinojosa has tirelessly worked to 
improve the rule of law. Indeed, he has taken on leadership roles in 
the Fifth Circuit Judicial Counsel, the Judicial Conference of the 
United States, and on the U.S. Sentencing Commission. In these various 
positions, he has helped craft solutions and made recommendations to 
improve sentencing, the operations of the courts, and access to 
justice.
  Judge Hinojosa's distinguished service extends beyond the courtroom. 
Judge Hinojosa served on the board of directors of the John G. and 
Marie Stella Kennedy Memorial foundation, the board of trustees of the 
University of the Incarnate Word, the board of trustees of the 
University of Texas Law School Foundation, and the board of directors 
of the Ex Students Association of the University of Texas.
  It is evident that Judge Hinojosa has dedicated his life and career 
to serving others and improving communities in Texas and beyond. For 
this work and the work that he has still yet to accomplish, I would 
like to recognize him. Thank you, Judge Hinojosa.

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