[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 122 (Monday, July 27, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E742-E743]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE SERVICE OF JOHN WOOD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 27, 2026

  Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
and honor Mr. John Wood's lifetime of service to the people of 
Brownsville, Texas, and the Rio Grande Valley.
  For decades, Mr. Wood has dedicated his time to strengthening our 
community through both civic engagement and public service. Before 
entering elected office, Mr. Wood served as chair of the local chapters 
of the American Red Cross and United Way, Chairman of the Brownsville 
Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Board of Directors for the 
Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas. His dedication to improving the lives 
of those around him laid the foundation for a distinguished career in 
public service.
  As a Brownsville City Commissioner and Cameron County Commissioner, 
Mr. Wood earned the trust of his constituents by remaining accessible 
and attentive to their needs. He successfully secured state funding to 
rebuild roads, install a new drainage system, lay sidewalks, and 
install streetlights, delivering critical infrastructure improvements 
that enhanced neighborhoods and improved the quality of life for 
countless families.
  As a Commissioner on the Brownsville Navigation District Board, Mr. 
Wood continued to lead with integrity and vision. He advanced reforms 
to the port's employee retirement fund and raised the minimum wage. 
Commissioner Wood also advocated for the deepening of the

[[Page E743]]

Port, resulting in major investments, diversifying the economy, and 
transforming the region for generations to come. Throughout his tenure, 
he championed responsible stewardship and long-term investment in one 
of South Texas's most important economic engines.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Texas' 34th Congressional 
District, I extend my deepest gratitude to Mr. John Wood and his 
decades of service. His leadership has strengthened the Brownsville 
community and expanded economic opportunity throughout the Rio Grande 
Valley. It is leaders like him that continue to define the spirit of 
integrity and service of South Texas, and for that, we are forever 
grateful.

                          ____________________