Remarks by Congressman Lloyd Doggett at Kika De La Garza Border Station

Remarks by Congressman Lloyd Doggett
Kika De La Garza Border Station
Pharr, TX

Today we honor a person whose contributions have helped shape the legacy of not only the Rio Grande Valley, but also our great state and nation.

Kika De La Garza requires no introduction, but deserves much praise.

Born right here in the Valley, Kika is a homegrown success, self-made man and inspirational role model for our children. From his humble beginnings shining shoes, Kika rose to making laws in the State House and later the U.S. Congress. But as far as Kika traveled and powerful as he became, he never stopped treating all of his constituents as if each was his most important.

In my first term in Congress, I had the good fortune to serve with him as a colleague. Sometimes I called him Kika but more often Mr. Chairman for he had risen through the ranks to become the Chairman of the Agriculture Committee - the first Hispanic Chairman since 1917 to Chair a standing committee in the U.S. House of Representatives.

No other Chairman has ever done so much to advance Agriculture and promote the small farmer as Chairman De La Garza. Kika was so instrumental in the world of Agriculture he earned the title "Dean of Agriculture" from his Senate counterparts. He has also been called Ambassador de la Garza, so it is fitting that the first thing Texans returning to Texas or foreign visitors will see will remind them this is Kika territory.

Naming this border station in honor of Congressman De La Garza is a fitting tribute for the man who so ably served as an ambassador for American agriculture. Speaking several languages, Kika was known to greet foreign dignitaries who visited his office in their own tongue. He maintained close relationships with many world leaders and agricultural ministers. Just like his efforts to build the bridge we are at now, he built bridges to communities across the border and world.

One of Congress' leading experts on U.S.-Mexican relations, he worked to improve relations and trade between the two countries throughout his congressional career. In 1966, he became the first congressman from the Texas-Mexico border area to serve on the Mexico-United States Interparliamentary Group, which promotes dialogue between legislators from the two countries. He served as chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives' delegation to that group for several years. In recognition of his outstanding work, Mexico's President José López Portillo awarded him the Order of the Aztec Eagle -- the highest honor Mexico can bestow on a non-citizen.

In Washington it was well known that Kika was a giant in the world of Agriculture but those of us here know he was also a vigorous advocate on behalf of his Valley constituents. Throughout his tenure in Congress, Congressman De La Garza never forgot the people he represented.

Kika also helped found the Congressional Hispanic Caucus which is now a powerful force in National politics that advocates on behalf of all Hispanic Americans. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus works every day to make sure that young students -- like those at Kika De La Garza Elementary school in La Joya -- have every opportunity available to them in life.

This is neither the first nor last monument to Kika's service. Research Institute in Oklahoma, Subtropical Agriculture Research Center in Weslaco, Elementary in La Joya, NRCS USDA Plant Material Center in Kingsville, Building in Mission, Street in Mission.

I also want to commend not just Kika but his wife of many years, Lucille, and long time district director Sol Marroquin. Lucille has clearly been his partner since his days in the Legislature, Congress, and beyond. In fact, when Kika was first running for the State legislature Lucille came to volunteer for his campaign. She proved so politically astute she was soon named campaign manager. Being the clever guy that Kika is, he figured out he needed her for every campaign. Soon thereafter his courting began and we all know that it lead to an incredibly successful marriage and career.

And Sol was always a wise sage with his finger on the pulse of the community for Kika when he was in Washington. Kika knows, as do I, the challenges one faces in Congress are many, and the support of an understanding wife and able staff is crucial to success.

Kika and Lucille have devoted their lives together to enhance the quality of life for all citizens of the Valley. Beginning with their three children, all born in Mission, and seven grandchildren, the De La Garzas have set a standard of excellence in their personal and political lives.

Kika is an example to all of us of a true gentleman and public servant who brought honor to the Congress through the civility, respect, and commitment to doing what is right. His lifetime dedication to public service has been a gift to our community.

Today also provides an opportunity to recognize all those who work to enforce our laws. Your task is difficult and your dedication to our Country and community is to be commended. To honor your sacrifice and service this Administration and Congress must give you the resources you require to secure our borders.

Armed amateurs are never a substitute for trained professionals like you. Those of us who live or work in border communities understand the importance of your work and just how strained your resources are.

Our local police and sheriffs are dedicated public servants and very capable law enforcement agents, but being part- time border agents is not their job, as Sheriff Lupe Trevino has made clear. We understand you need the personnel and technology to succeed, and we need the Administration to provide it.

Not one to go quietly into the night and known for saying they should take the word "retired" off the end of his name, Kika is still giving his opponents fits as the Valley's most seasoned precinct chair. Harry Truman once said, "the most important job I ever had was that of precinct captain." I am not sure Kika would agree with the former President but surely he understands the sentiment as Chair of Precinct 62 in McAllen.

Kika, after all these years you still are changing the world around you. Congratulations on this honor today, it is well deserved and thank you for making us all better for knowing you.

###