Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-04-06

HONORING THE 35 YEARS OF SERVICE OF DR. RITO SILVA

HealthcareTaxesAgriculture

Context

On 2026-04-06, Representative Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX-34) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE 35 YEARS OF SERVICE OF DR. RITO SILVA" in the House. The speech addressed healthcare and also covered taxes, agriculture.

Full Text

HONORING THE 35 YEARS OF SERVICE OF DR. RITO SILVA

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 62 (Monday, April 6, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 62 (Monday, April 6, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E302-E303] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE 35 YEARS OF SERVICE OF DR. RITO SILVA ______ HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ of texas in the house of representatives Monday, April 6, 2026 Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of Dr. Rito Silva, a student-centric and visionary leader in the academic field. Dr. Silva has served his community of Alice, Texas, as councilman and mayor for a combined seven years. Dr. Silva is proud to be a [[Page E303]] first-generation alumnus of Texas A&M University-Kingsville and later returned to serve as the Vice President for Student Affairs and Community Relations. Throughout his exemplary career, Dr. Silva has dedicated his time to expanding student access and improving retention in his community. He played a critical role in developing innovative programs such as the Javelina Promise and the Javelin Relight Program. Under his leadership, Texas A&M University-Kingsville saw consistent growth in first- generation student enrollment, including a 17 percent increase in his first year. Dr. Silva also prioritized building strong relationships within the university and across South Texas, working closely with local school districts, community colleges, and creating ties across the broader South Texas community. He established several initiatives such as the Superintendent Symposium to strengthen collaboration with regional educators. Dr. Silva also advanced efforts to improve health services for students and employees through expanded on-campus care and community partnerships, particularly in support of rural health care. In recognition of his service and impact, he has received numerous honors, including the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Hispanic Heritage Award and the Lone Star College Administrator of the Year Award. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 34th Congressional District of Texas, I congratulate Dr. Rito Silva on his many accomplishments and thank him for his continued service to our community. His leadership has strengthened educational opportunities and has uplifted communities across South Texas, and his impact will be felt for years to come. ____________________

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HONORING THE 35 YEARS OF SERVICE OF DR. RITO SILVA Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 62 (Monday, April 6, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 62 (Monday, April 6, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E302-E303] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE 35 YEARS OF SERVICE OF DR. RITO SILVA ______ HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ of texas in the house of representatives Monday, April 6, 2026 Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of Dr. Rito Silva, a student-centric and visionary leader in the academic field. Dr. Silva has served his community of Alice, Texas, as councilman and mayor for a combined seven years. Dr. Silva is proud to be a [[Page E303]] first-generation alumnus of Texas A&M University-Kingsville and later returned to serve as the Vice President for Student Affairs and Community Relations. Throughout his exemplary career, Dr. Silva has dedicated his time to expanding student access and improving retention in his community. He played a critical role in developing innovative programs such as the Javelina Promise and the Javelin Relight Program. Under his leadership, Texas A&M University-Kingsville saw consistent growth in first- generation student enrollment, including a 17 percent increase in his first year. Dr. Silva also prioritized building strong relationships within the university and across South Texas, working closely with local school districts, community colleges, and creating ties across the broader South Texas community. He established several initiatives such as the Superintendent Symposium to strengthen collaboration with regional educators. Dr. Silva also advanced efforts to improve health services for students and employees through expanded on-campus care and community partnerships, particularly in support of rural health care. In recognition of his service and impact, he has received numerous honors, including the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Hispanic Heritage Award and the Lone Star College Administrator of the Year Award. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 34th Congressional District of Texas, I congratulate Dr. Rito Silva on his many accomplishments and thank him for his continued service to our community. His leadership has strengthened educational opportunities and has uplifted communities across South Texas, and his impact will be felt for years to come. ____________________