TITLE: Congratulating the Honorable Charlie Gonzalez on his retirement from the United States House of Representatives.

SUMMARY: Congratulating the Honorable Charlie Gonzalez on his retirement from the United States House of Representatives.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Honorable Charlie Gonzalez of San Antonio concluded his tenure in the United States House of Representatives in January 2013, having served constituents in the 20th Congressional District with great distinction for seven terms; and WHEREAS, First elected to the U.S. house in 1998, Congressman Gonzalez succeeded his father, Henry B. Gonzalez, who held the seat for more than three decades; Charlie Gonzalez rose quickly through the ranks to become one of the Democratic Party's most eloquent spokesmen, particularly on judicial matters, civil rights, education, and minority affairs; and WHEREAS, Congressman Gonzalez worked tirelessly in behalf of a cleaner environment, Wall Street reform, and more accessible health care for Texans; as chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, he advocated for the growing Latino community and sought to address comprehensive immigration reform and issues that disproportionately affected members of the working class; he served on a host of committees, including the House Energy and Commerce Committee, a panel with oversight of telecommunications, oil, gas, and refining; and WHEREAS, With an extensive background in the judiciary, Congressman Gonzalez demonstrated an unyielding commitment to diversity in federal courts; he championed participation by all Americans in the 2000 census, and he was subsequently named co-chair of the Democratic Caucus Census Task Force; in addition, he co-chaired the Democratic Caucus Special Committee on Election Reform and the Democratic National Committee's Voting Rights Institute, an initiative to ensure that elections at all levels are conducted in compliance with civil rights, voting rights, and election laws; and WHEREAS, This dynamic San Antonio native was a technical sergeant in the Texas Air National Guard from 1969 to 1975, and he briefly taught fifth grade before embarking on a legal career; for 10 years, he was in private practice, and he then became a municipal court judge and county court at law judge before winning election to the district court; he served as a state district court judge from 1989 to 1997, and updating courtroom procedures and working to reduce the growing backlog of domestic violence cases are among his achievements in that role; and WHEREAS, Through his vision, dedication, and exceptional leadership in Congress, Charlie Gonzalez has contributed immeasurably to the betterment of his community, his state, and his nation, and as he embarks on the next exciting chapter of his life, it is indeed fitting to commend him for his noteworthy public service; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 83rd Legislature of the State of Texas hereby congratulate the Honorable Charlie Gonzalez on his retirement from the United States House of Representatives and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success in his endeavors; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Congressman Gonzalez as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate. Martinez Fischer President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 125 was adopted by the House on May 17, 2013, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 125 was adopted by the Senate on May 21, 2013, by a viva-voce vote. Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: Date Governor