What Monica De La Cruz said, and what was done

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor former mayor, Dolly Perez, on her retirement after nearly four decades of service to the city of Premont. Dolly's deep commitment to her hometown is a family legacy, inspired by her father who served on the city council over 70 years ago.”

“I thank Mayor Dolly Perez for her extraordinary lifetime of public service and congratulate her on her well-deserved retirement. Honoring Retired Air Force Major Homer Gallegos Ms. De La Cruz.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of an American hero and a pillar of the McAllen community, retired United States Air Force Major Homer Gallegos.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the incredible men and women of the Falfurrias Volunteer Fire Department for 100 years of service to south Texas. The department's history traces back to 1926, when local citizens formed a bucket brigade to fight a fire breaking out in Falfurrias.”

“Mr. Speaker, I would like to quickly recognize that we have special interns from the district that are celebrating their birthday today. I would like to wish a happy birthday to David Rodriguez and Joseph Uribe.”

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Aurora Guzman from McAllen Memorial High School for being selected as a Texas Girls Coaches Association all-star player. A brilliant athlete and student, Aurora is known for her captivating energy on the court.”

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize McCreery Aviation on 80 years of exceptional service in south Texas. Founded in 1946 by J.F. ``Mac'' McCreery, the company began as a small flight school following World War II.”

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Alice ISD, the recipient of the 2026 Small School District title at the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards. This milestone highlights the exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication shaping the future of the Alice community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6644, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which will make the American Dream of homeownership affordable again for countless Texas families.”

“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding, and I thank Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis for working so hard to get this piece of legislation on the floor today.”

“Mr. Speaker, in honor of National Police Week, I rise to recognize two exceptional officers from Texas' 15th Congressional District, Trooper Juan Zuniga and Trooper Roman Gonzalez. Trooper Zuniga, a McAllen native, has spent over 12 years protecting the citizens of our State.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Police Chief Jaime Ayala of the Edinburg Police Department who was recently awarded the Mike Gentry Executive Leadership Award by the Texas Police Chiefs Association.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Alice native Sergeant Joshua Roque for his outstanding service and leadership at the Jim Wells County Sheriff's Office. Since joining the department 6 years ago, Sergeant Roque has demonstrated exceptional work ethic and leadership.”

“Mr. Chair, I thank our chairman. When I say thank you, I mean thank you, thank you, thank you. It has been 3 long years that we have not been able to pass the most bipartisan farm bill that this Chamber has seen, and what the other side of the aisle is saying is completely nonsense.”

“The American people who are watching this right now at close to midnight is saying to themselves: What is the holdup? It has been 3 years. This is a bipartisan farm bill.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Lawrence Gelman. For nearly 40 years, he served as a pillar of our South Texas community.”

“DHR Health is one of the largest physician-owned hospitals in the United States of America and the only Level I trauma center south of San Antonio. Dr. Gelman's influence reached far beyond the hospital walls.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to congratulate Officer Joel Pulido for 28 years of service with the Edinburg Police Department. Officer Pulido started with the department in 1997 as the calm voice on the dispatch radio.”

“Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Hill for yielding. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 3390, the Bringing the Discount Window into the 21st Century Act of 2025, which has received broad bipartisan support in the Financial Services Committee.”

“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of H.R. 6644, the Housing for the 21st Century Act, sponsored by Chairman Hill.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a McAllen native, Firefighter Sergeant Jhonier Daniel Marin. Sergeant Marin's life is defined by answering the call to service. At age 18, he joined the U.S.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant Estela Rodriguez of the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office on her retirement after 32 years of service. For over three decades, Sergeant Rodriguez has not only been a dedicated member of law enforcement but also a mentor and a leader.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the UTRGV Vaqueros for finishing their inaugural season with nine wins, including all seven home games, making the Vaqueros the winningest first-year program in football championship series history.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 225, the HUD Transparency Act of 2025. This commonsense legislation requires annual testimony from the Department of Housing and Urban Development's inspector general.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jonathan Rodriguez, a U.S. history teacher at Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Memorial Early College High School for his heroic and compassionate actions. Without hesitation, Mr.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate more than 40 years of the Wilson County News, a cornerstone of community journalism in south Texas. In 1984, Elaine Kolodziej turned her vision into reality, launching the Wilson County News without any prior publishing experience but with the dream to give her community a true local paper.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the accomplishments of a Poth High School senior, Aiden Reed, the 2025 UIL 3A State Shot Put champion. After earning silver at last year's championship, Aiden returned with determination and achieved gold to close out his senior season.”

“Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Indiana for yielding her time. Today, Mr. Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart. We should not have to debate this legislation this evening.”

“My heart aches for his wife, Erika, and their two beautiful children, his loved ones, and all those who looked up to him, including my own two kids.”

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of former Seguin mayor, Mrs. Betty Ann Matthies. Born and raised in Guadalupe County, Mrs. Matthies graduated from Seguin High School in 1953 and went on to become a registered nurse.”

“Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the life of Sabrina Walker-Hernandez, a truly remarkable and selfless woman who dedicated her life to serving her country, her family, and the community of Edinburg, Texas.”

“Madam Speaker, today I proudly rise to celebrate a landmark moment for the Rio Grande Valley, the inaugural season of the UTRGV football program. Four years in the making, the UTRGV Vaqueros have finally hit the field along with their new drill team and marching band.”

“Madam Speaker, today I rise to celebrate Mr. Henry Joseph Kolinek, Jr.'s 100th birthday on July 28. Born in 1925 in Gruene, Texas, Mr. Kolinek graduated from Kenedy High School before attending Texas A&M.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the brave service of McAllen Police Officer Ismael Garcia during the horrific attack on the McAllen Border Patrol facility last week.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Palmhurst Police Department for 20 years of service and dedication to public safety. Since 2005, the department's officers and telecommunicators have gone above and beyond the call of duty.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate McAllen High School Mariachi Oro for winning their eighth Texas Association of Mariachi Educators State Championship and tenth consecutive UIL State Mariachi Festival Division 1 Sweepstakes.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the director of the McAllen Public Library, Kate Horan, on receiving the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Texas Library Association, the highest honor a library professional can receive in the great State of Texas.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the Sisters Boutique & Gifts, Inc. in Floresville, Texas, as the SBA Family-Owned Business of the Year for the San Antonio District.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, during National Police Week, I rise in honor of the law enforcement officers who have gone above and beyond to protect our families and communities.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Border Patrol Agent Hector Moreno, Jr., for his 27 years of service. Born and raised in McAllen, Texas, Mr. Hector Moreno, Jr., pursued a career of selfless service to our community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Matt's Building Materials as Texas' 15th District's Small Business of the Month. In the wake of Hurricane Beulah in 1967, Matt's Building Materials, then known as Valley Cash & Carry Building Materials, was founded to help the community rebuild from the severe damage the hurricane caused in the Rio Grande Valley.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give a heartfelt welcome to Pastor Eli Lara of McAllen, Texas, as our guest chaplain this morning. It is a special honor to introduce not only a respected pastor from my community but also a mentor and a friend.”

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to share a huge win for Texas agriculture. Recently, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins joined me in south Texas to announce the deployment of $280 million in economic relief that I secured for our Texas farmers.”

“In addition to the emergency aid, the Trump administration has put its foot down. The State Department is holding the Mexican Government accountable by blocking Mexico's nontreaty request for water from the Colorado River.”

“Madam Speaker, today I rise to celebrate Texas U.S. Navy veteran Mr. Charlie Willmann's 100th birthday. Born on March 31, 1925, in Seguin, Texas, Mr. Willmann's roots have run deep in our great State of Texas, from growing up on a farm, graduating from Seguin High School, to attending Texas A&M to study agriculture education.”

“Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, we celebrated Texas Independence Day and the brave efforts of Texas revolutionaries and Tejanos who fought to secure their independence from Mexico. I rise today to recognize the heroes of the Texas Revolution and share the brave words of Lieutenant Colonel William B.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Amigo Power Equipment in Edinburg, Texas, for 50 years of service to our community. Founded in 1974 by Janice and Kent Johnson, Amigo Power Equipment sold tractors and combines to farmers and ranchers throughout south Texas.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the positive impacts that the Social Security Fairness Act has already made for south Texans. Before this bill, millions of public servants like teachers, police officers, and firefighters were unfairly punished by reduced Social Security benefits.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor State District Judge Rose Guerra Reyna for her service to Hidalgo County. Earlier this month, Judge Reyna announced that, after 28 years, she will be retiring from her role.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to address an issue that is critical to my community in south Texas, Mexico's refusal to fulfill its water obligation. Their refusal to comply with the agreements of the 1944 Water Treaty has caused mass devastation with our farmers and ranchers in south Texas.”

“Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 35, the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, which I am proud to have co-led with Congressman Ciscomani.”

“Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. I am committed to protecting those who protect us, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill in honor of the life and service of a Texas hero, Agent Raul Gonzalez.”

“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding. I rise in support of H.R. 965, the bipartisan Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act, which I am proud to co-lead.”

“Mr. Speaker, I also express my deep empathy and support of Representative Sherman, Representative Chu, Representative Kim, and others in the L.A. basin who are coping with the horrendous results and tragedy connected with the fires at Pacific Palisades and elsewhere where some 45,000 California homes were destroyed in just the blink of an eye and lives lost.”

“I thank Mr. Sherman for his focus on housing the least fortunate, our veterans, but also I know that he is concerned about what is going to happen in the months ahead as southern California recovers.”

“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 224, the Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act. Veterans, particularly disabled veterans, have made extraordinary sacrifices for our Nation, and it is simply unacceptable that those who selflessly defended our freedoms are met with bureaucratic red tape when they return home.”

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate an extraordinary milestone for an extraordinary man, Live Oak County Sheriff Larry Busby. Sworn in on New Year's Day for his 12th consecutive term, Sheriff Busby has cemented his place in history as Texas' longest serving sheriff.”

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant Oscar Trevino of the Edinburg Police Department in Texas. Lieutenant Trevino retired after an extraordinary 37 years of service. On January 10, Lieutenant Trevino marked the conclusion of his remarkable career with an emotional last call over the radio, a powerful moment that symbolized his unwavering dedication to protecting and serving his community.”

“Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the historic achievement of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley chess team, who claimed their first outright victory at the Pan American Intercollegiate Chess Championship earlier this month.”

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my guest for this year's National Prayer Breakfast, Dr. Milton Gonzalez from McAllen, Texas. For over 25 years, Dr. Milton Louis Gonzalez has taught and inspired south Texans.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Guadalupe County Commissioner Greg Seidenberger on his well-deserved retirement after a lifetime of extraordinary service to both our country and our community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Guadalupe County Commissioner Greg Seidenberger on his well-deserved retirement after a lifetime of extraordinary service to our country and community. Greg began his career with 20 years in the United States Air Force, serving as a command pilot during the Vietnam war and leading the squadron operating out of Seguin Auxiliary.”