RECOGNIZING AMIGO POWER EQUIPMENT

RECOGNIZING AMIGO POWER EQUIPMENT

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 37 (Tuesday, February 25, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 37 (Tuesday, February 25, 2025)] [House] [Page H772] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING AMIGO POWER EQUIPMENT The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. De La Cruz) for 5 minutes. Ms. De La CRUZ. 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. As the Rio Grande Valley grew, so did their business. The Johnsons passed down their business to their youngest son, Jeff, and over the years, it has become the premier tractor and power sports dealership in the valley. When visiting their store, you will find knowledgeable staff with years of experience and exceptional customer service. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Johnsons and the entire staff on this incredible milestone, and I thank them for their dedication to the Rio Grande Valley community. Positive Impacts of Social Security Legislation Ms. De La CRUZ. 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. After being signed into law last month, this legislation finally eliminated the provisions that reduced Social Security benefits for public servants. I have heard back from teachers in south Texas who are incredibly thankful to have the legislation finally signed into law. I am proud to have cosponsored this bill in the House, advocated for its passage, and played an important role in expanding access to benefits for those who have gone above and beyond to serve our communities. Paying Tribute to the Honorable Rose Guerra Reyna Ms. De La CRUZ. 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. For over two decades, she has upheld the rule of law with fairness and justice in Hidalgo County. She has presided over thousands of cases, worked to improve the judicial process, and mentored many young attorneys throughout her tenure. {time} 1015 Though she will be missed, her legacy will live on in the courtroom. Her commitment to justice in south Texas is unwavering, and we are so fortunate to have public servants like Judge Reyna in south Texas. We wish her the best as she carries out her term and begins her well- deserved retirement. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the judge. 1944 Water Treaty Ms. De La CRUZ. 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. Last Congress, we had our one sugar mill in Texas close. That was 500 jobs that were lost and millions of dollars of economic impact in south Texas. Food security is national security, and we have lost our sugar mill, and we are on the verge of losing our citrus industry. We ask that the Mexican Government repay us the water that they owe us which is now over 1 million acre-feet of water. It is simply unacceptable that the Mexican Government has not given us the water that they owe us. This not only affects the people of south Texas, but it affects the entire Nation. Again, food security is national security, and we urge the Mexican Government to pay us our water immediately. ____________________