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Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Mr. Mario R. Jorge. Mr. Jorge is retiring after serving the Texas Department of Transportation for more than 36 years.
Mr. Jorge, at the age of 12, immigrated with his family from Cuba to the United States in 1974. While it was a challenging process for him and his family, they knew they were on the right path for a better future. Among the many difficulties he personally faced, Mr. Jorge started his education in the 7th grade without being able to speak a word of English. However, with hard work and diligence he was able to overcome this obstacle. He also found that he was particularly talented in the field of mathematics. Utilizing his skill in mathematics, Mr. Jorge went on to earn a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Texas as well as a professional engineer's license.
Mr. Jorge began his career with TxDOT as a member of the survey crew and as a construction inspector for the Pharr District in 1983. In 1984, he was employed at the Dallas District where he worked in construction inspection and roadway design. He then transferred to the Pharr District in 1985 where he worked for several years and received the TxDOT Design Award for the US 83/281 interchange project in Pharr, before being promoted to Area Engineer in 1993. However, through his continued hard work he was eventually promoted to District Engineer for the Pharr District in 2002. It was under his leadership and guidance that the district completed the expansion and designation of over 100 miles of interstate system on I-2 and US 69, as well as several international projects. Nonetheless, after many years of service with the Pharr District, he soon became the District Engineer for the San Antonio District in 2013. In San Antonio, Mr. Jorge led the district with an even larger project delivery portfolio which included expansions on US 281, I-10 West and East, 1-35 NEX, and LP 1604 North and South, an energy sector project delivery program, and countless other initiatives with local partners and stakeholders.
I have worked with Mr. Jorge for many years and witnessed first-hand his dedication to his work. A trait that he learned from his parents, who risked their lives and worked hard to realize the American dream. I also want to recognize him for being a strong leader who made sure to always treat his colleagues with respect and care. A characteristic that allowed him to be successful in all of his endeavors.
Madam Speaker, I congratulate Mr. Jorge on an outstanding career and wish him all the best in his next chapter of life. I also wish the best to his wife, Elsa, as well as his three sons and the rest of his family.
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