H.C.R. No. 125
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
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