HONORING THE SERVICE OF JOHN WOOD

On 2026-07-27, Representative Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX-34) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE SERVICE OF JOHN WOOD" in the House.

HONORING THE SERVICE OF JOHN WOOD

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 122 (Monday, July 27, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 122 (Monday, July 27, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E742-E743] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE SERVICE OF JOHN WOOD ______ HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ of texas in the house of representatives Monday, July 27, 2026 Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Mr. John Wood's lifetime of service to the people of Brownsville, Texas, and the Rio Grande Valley. For decades, Mr. Wood has dedicated his time to strengthening our community through both civic engagement and public service. Before entering elected office, Mr. Wood served as chair of the local chapters of the American Red Cross and United Way, Chairman of the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Board of Directors for the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas. His dedication to improving the lives of those around him laid the foundation for a distinguished career in public service. As a Brownsville City Commissioner and Cameron County Commissioner, Mr. Wood earned the trust of his constituents by remaining accessible and attentive to their needs. He successfully secured state funding to rebuild roads, install a new drainage system, lay sidewalks, and install streetlights, delivering critical infrastructure improvements that enhanced neighborhoods and improved the quality of life for countless families. As a Commissioner on the Brownsville Navigation District Board, Mr. Wood continued to lead with integrity and vision. He advanced reforms to the port's employee retirement fund and raised the minimum wage. Commissioner Wood also advocated for the deepening of the [[Page E743]] Port, resulting in major investments, diversifying the economy, and transforming the region for generations to come. Throughout his tenure, he championed responsible stewardship and long-term investment in one of South Texas's most important economic engines. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Texas' 34th Congressional District, I extend my deepest gratitude to Mr. John Wood and his decades of service. His leadership has strengthened the Brownsville community and expanded economic opportunity throughout the Rio Grande Valley. It is leaders like him that continue to define the spirit of integrity and service of South Texas, and for that, we are forever grateful. ____________________