[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 828]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                IN RECOGNITION OF CHRISTINA MELTON CRAIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 14, 2009

  Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Christina 
Melton Crain who is being recognized by the Texas Department of 
Criminal Justice (TDCJ) with the dedication of a unit after her 
namesake.
  Christina was first appointed to the Texas State Board of Criminal 
Justice (TBCJ) in April 2001 and in February 2003 she became the first 
woman in Texas history to lead the nine-member board as its new Chair. 
Under her leadership, she worked closely with the TDCJ, determined to 
make its operations more efficient and effective. Her passion stems 
from her professional career as an attorney where she encountered 
numerous cases of minors that had been negatively impacted by a parent 
under correctional supervision. She personally committed herself to the 
GOKIDS (Giving Offenders' Kids the Initiative and Direction to 
Succeed). Initiative, which launched in 2004 and is dedicated to 
reaching out to the offenders and their families. Christina foresaw a 
safer and better Texas and a brighter future for all Texans and took 
every effort to make this goal a reality. The State of Texas has 
greatly benefited from her dedication, passion, leadership and her 
vision.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my esteemed colleagues to join me in 
congratulating Christina on her hard work and dedication that has led 
to this great honor.

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