What Joaquin Castro said, and what was done

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable career of Dr. Michelle Atchison, Ph.D., as she retires from the University of Texas at San Antonio as the Director of Federal Relations and the Senior National Security Strategist.”

“Madam Chair, Israel does not need and, quite honestly, does not deserve more American money for weapons. Prime Minister Netanyahu has taken Israel down an ugly path. The tragedy of October 7 has become a justification for the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinians.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the career of a faithful servant to our Nation, Ms. Serafina L. De Los Santos, as she retires from the United States Air Force as the Executive Director to the Commander of the 502nd Force Support Group at Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA).”

“Mr. Speaker, I want to share a statement on H.R. 2071, the Save Our Shrimpers Act. Shrimpers in Texas and across the United States are facing real, serious challenges including rising fuel costs, aging equipment, and a workforce shortage as fewer young people enter the trade.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Roy Ramiro Barrera, Sr., who passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026. A legal giant in San Antonio and across the state of Texas, Mr.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the incredible life and legacy of Dr. Manuel P. Berriozabal, who passed away on April 15, 2026, at the age of 94.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life and legacy of Ms. San Juanita ``Jane'' Gonzalez, who passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026. A tireless advocate, Jane's commitment to the success of small businesses and underserved communities was celebrated by those who call San Antonio home.”

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dr. Manuel ``Manny'' Berriozabal. Manny was born in San Antonio, where he met his wife, Maria, and served our community for five decades.”

“Mr. Speaker, the President promised the American people no more foreign wars. Then, he dragged the Nation into war with Iran. He has threatened genocide against Iran by calling for the death of a civilization.”

“Mr. Speaker, I thank the Congresswoman for yielding. We have seen and we have witnessed the brutality on the streets of America by ICE. We saw two Americans killed, and many people brutalized.”

“Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 1099 is nothing more than a naked attempt to justify the war with Iran that the President has already started. I refuse to play their game and will vote NO.”

“Mr. Speaker, Americans do not want and cannot afford another war in the Middle East. On Saturday morning, Americans woke up to the shocking news that our Nation was at war again in the Middle East.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life and legacy of Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Gil Coronado, who passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Known as the ``Padrino'' of Hispanic Heritage Month, Colonel Coronado was a champion for our Nation's Hispanic communities.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.J. Res. 72, the resolution to terminate President Trump's tariffs on Canada. Families in San Antonio and across this country are already struggling with the rising cost of living.”

“Americans are living in a time of viciousness. Under Donald Trump, we are living in America the brutal, a Nation where the wrong skin color, the wrong accent, the wrong language makes you a suspect, puts you in danger, threatens your life.”

“Mr. Speaker, the President of the United States is now running Venezuela from Washington. On January 3, the President ordered a military operation to capture Nicolas Maduro and install the President's hand-picked successor, Delcy Rodriguez, as the interim president.”

“Mr. Speaker, Donald Trump has set up offshore bank accounts in Qatar outside the U.S. system, and only he knows where the money is going. There is a $500 million slush fund that the President is controlling right now.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of Mrs. Doris Griffin, who passed away on December 25, 2025. A tireless advocate, she dedicated herself to serving San Antonio's and Texas' senior communities.”

“Mr. Speaker, we are at war with Venezuela. Last night, the President declared a naval blockade of Venezuela. This is an act of war. The President has said that strikes on land are imminent.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise in celebration of the career of Mrs. Nenette Madla, who, after 37 years of service, retired from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), San Antonio, Texas.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of the life of Mrs. Mary Theresa ``Terry'' Vasquez who passed away on Sunday, October 5, 2025. A kind soul who selflessly dedicated her life to serving others, Terry's impact on the community is profound.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Communities Organized for Public Services (COPS), also known as COPS/METRO. On Sunday, October 26, 2025, community members will gather to recognize five decades of transformational leadership and community empowerment in San Antonio.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise in celebration of the 70th wedding anniversary of Dennis and Irene Koudelka. Mr. and Mrs. Koudelka exchanged their vows on July 30, 1955, at St.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2635 to support the human rights of Uyghurs, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. I am a proud supporter of Representative Kim's Uyghur Policy Act of 2025.”

“Mr. Speaker, I support this bill on undersea cables and believe it is a smart step to develop a strategy for American economic statecraft in this important area.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Colonel Willard Alvin ``Bill'' Barnes who is turning one hundred five years old on August 30, 2025. Colonel Barnes was born in Atkinson, Nebraska, on August 30, 1920.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Leonardo ``Flaco'' Jimenez who passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025. A pioneer of Conjunto music, his music powerfully defined the arts.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of the American G.I. Forum's 77th anniversary. It is an honor to shed light on an organization who dedicates itself to strengthening our democracy and building a legacy of service.”

“Three years ago today, I was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer. That day, my youngest child, my daughter, turned 2 months old. There is a drug that I have to take every month, every 28 days, and the first time I saw the bill for that, the list price on that drug was $24,000 per injection.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and accomplishments of U.S. Ambassador Lino Gutierrez. Lino honorably worked at the Department of State for almost 40 years, serving as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Acting Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of National Public Health Week and the UT School of Public Health San Antonio. It is an honor to shed light onto a mission devoted to strengthening our communities, improving quality of life, and ensuring that everyone has equal access to quality health and wellness services.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate Our Lady of the Lake University's 130th anniversary. A true San Antonio institution, the university's dedication to public service extends further than the classroom, uniting generations of students, faculty, staff, and community members.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Joseph Bernal, a veteran, educator, and pillar of San Antonio and Texas politics who passed away on January 25.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Judge Andrew Carruthers as he retires from the bench after more than half a century as a distinguished legal advocate and public servant.”

“After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin in 1969, Judge Carruthers became a program representative for the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, where he tended to Houston's neediest people.”