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Reynaldo G. Garcia and Filemon B. Vela United States Courthouse

Date: April 13, 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Judicial Branch


REYNALDO G. GARZA AND FILEMON B. VELA UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE -- (House of Representatives - April 13, 2005)

Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 483) to designate a United States courthouse in Brownsville, Texas, as the "Reynaldo G. Garza and Filemon B. Vela United States Courthouse".

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Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

H.R. 438, introduced by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ortiz), designates the United States courthouse located in Brownsville, Texas, as the Reynaldo G. Garza and Filemon B. Vela United States courthouse.

This is the second time the Congress has considered this matter, having previously passed identical legislation by voice vote during the 108th Congress.

This legislation honors two men for their service to their country, both inside and out of public service.

Reynaldo Guerra Garza was born in Brownsville, Texas, and spent his lifetime serving that community.

President Kennedy appointed then State Judge Garza to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas in 1961. At that time, Judge Garza became the first Mexican American on any U.S. District Court.

In 1979, when Jimmy Carter appointed him to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, Judge Garza became the first Mexican American to serve in that position.

Filemon Bartolome Vela was born and raised in Harlingen, Texas. Like Judge Garza, he dedicated his life to South Texas, first as a State judge and then as a Federal judge, taking over the District Court seat vacated by Judge Garza upon his appointment to the Circuit Court of Appeals.

Judge Vela is perhaps best known in the community for his work with schools, encouraging youth education and literacy programs.

This naming is fitting tribute to their dedicated service, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

I would also like to recognize my colleague, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ortiz), for his dedication to bringing this legislation to the floor. I thank him for ensuring these men are recognized for their service.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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