Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-10-13

HONORING CARMEN M. CHAVEZ

Immigration

Context

On 2026-10-13, Representative Juan Vargas (D-CA-52) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING CARMEN M. CHAVEZ" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING CARMEN M. CHAVEZ

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 160 (Tuesday, October 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 160 (Tuesday, October 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1074-E1075] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING CARMEN M. CHAVEZ ______ HON. JUAN VARGAS of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, October 13, 2026 Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Carmen M. Chavez, Esq., Executive Director of Casa Cornelia Law Center, and recognize her as our October Constituent of the Month. For over three decades, Carmen has been dedicated to serving some of the most vulnerable members of our San Diego community. Carmen began her career with Casa Cornelia in 1995 as a volunteer. She went on to serve as a paralegal, law clerk, attorney, and Associate Director before becoming Executive Director in 2007. Throughout her career, Carmen has worked tirelessly to advance access to justice and ensure that individuals who otherwise could not afford legal representation have an opportunity [[Page E1075]] to understand and exercise their rights under the law. Under her leadership, Casa Cornelia has continued its mission of providing pro bono legal services to asylum seekers, unaccompanied children, survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence, and other victims of serious crimes. Her leadership extends well beyond the courtroom. Those who have worked alongside Carmen describe her efforts to build a culture of service that brings together attorneys, law students, interpreters, translators, community partners, and volunteers around the principle of justice with compassion. In 2025 alone, Casa Cornelia assisted more than 2,500 individuals from 91 countries, providing services across more than 58 languages. Carmen's contributions to our region have also been recognized throughout the community. In 2020, the City of San Diego proclaimed November 17th as ``Carmen M. Chavez, Esq.'s 25th Anniversary at Casa Cornelia Law Center Day'' in recognition of her years of service. Most recently, she was recognized as a recipient of a 2026 Prebys Leadership Award. Carmen has devoted her professional life to serving others, strengthening access to justice, and upholding the dignity of individuals facing extraordinarily difficult circumstances. I am honored to recognize Carmen for her compassion, integrity, and sustained commitment to the San Diego community. ____________________

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HONORING CARMEN M. CHAVEZ Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 160 (Tuesday, October 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 160 (Tuesday, October 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1074-E1075] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING CARMEN M. CHAVEZ ______ HON. JUAN VARGAS of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, October 13, 2026 Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Carmen M. Chavez, Esq., Executive Director of Casa Cornelia Law Center, and recognize her as our October Constituent of the Month. For over three decades, Carmen has been dedicated to serving some of the most vulnerable members of our San Diego community. Carmen began her career with Casa Cornelia in 1995 as a volunteer. She went on to serve as a paralegal, law clerk, attorney, and Associate Director before becoming Executive Director in 2007. Throughout her career, Carmen has worked tirelessly to advance access to justice and ensure that individuals who otherwise could not afford legal representation have an opportunity [[Page E1075]] to understand and exercise their rights under the law. Under her leadership, Casa Cornelia has continued its mission of providing pro bono legal services to asylum seekers, unaccompanied children, survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence, and other victims of serious crimes. Her leadership extends well beyond the courtroom. Those who have worked alongside Carmen describe her efforts to build a culture of service that brings together attorneys, law students, interpreters, translators, community partners, and volunteers around the principle of justice with compassion. In 2025 alone, Casa Cornelia assisted more than 2,500 individuals from 91 countries, providing services across more than 58 languages. Carmen's contributions to our region have also been recognized throughout the community. In 2020, the City of San Diego proclaimed November 17th as ``Carmen M. Chavez, Esq.'s 25th Anniversary at Casa Cornelia Law Center Day'' in recognition of her years of service. Most recently, she was recognized as a recipient of a 2026 Prebys Leadership Award. Carmen has devoted her professional life to serving others, strengthening access to justice, and upholding the dignity of individuals facing extraordinarily difficult circumstances. I am honored to recognize Carmen for her compassion, integrity, and sustained commitment to the San Diego community. ____________________