Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-02-23

HONORING THE 37TH ANNUAL HANDS ACROSS THE BORDER CEREMONY

ImmigrationTaxesEnvironmentInfrastructure

Context

On 2026-02-23, Representative Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX-34) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE 37TH ANNUAL HANDS ACROSS THE BORDER CEREMONY" in the House. The speech addressed immigration and also covered taxes, the environment.

Full Text

HONORING THE 37TH ANNUAL HANDS ACROSS THE BORDER CEREMONY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E154] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE 37TH ANNUAL HANDS ACROSS THE BORDER CEREMONY _____ HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ of texas in the house of representatives Monday, February 23, 2026 Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 37th annual Hands Across the Border ceremony, a cherished tradition that honors the deep friendship and shared cultural heritage between Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Each year, community leaders from both cities gather at the Gateway International Bridge, transforming a point of separation into a powerful symbol of unity. The ceremony includes the release of doves, the exchange of gifts between children, and the recognition of distinguished members of the community. This event coincides with Brownsville's Charro Days Fiesta, Sombrero Festival, and Fiestas Mexicanas, which commemorate our community's ties to Mexican culture. These cultural festivals were established by the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce in 1964 to strengthen cross-border relations. This shortly followed the creation of the Mr. Amigo Association to honor distinguished Mexican citizens who foster goodwill and friendship with the United States. Since 1969, when Lic. Jorge Perez y Bouras was recognized as the first Mr. Amigo honoree, many notable individuals, including Juan Gabriel, Vicente Fernandez, and Lola Beltran, have been celebrated for their cultural diplomacy and binational goodwill. These events are integral to the continuity of the relationship between Matamoros and Brownsville. Mr. Speaker, the Hands Across the Border celebration stands as an enduring symbols of unity, heritage, and cooperation between Brownsville and Matamoros. These events are integral to preserving the strong cultural and economic bonds that define the Rio Grande Valley and our relationship with Mexico. ____________________

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HONORING THE 37TH ANNUAL HANDS ACROSS THE BORDER CEREMONY Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E154] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE 37TH ANNUAL HANDS ACROSS THE BORDER CEREMONY _____ HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ of texas in the house of representatives Monday, February 23, 2026 Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 37th annual Hands Across the Border ceremony, a cherished tradition that honors the deep friendship and shared cultural heritage between Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Each year, community leaders from both cities gather at the Gateway International Bridge, transforming a point of separation into a powerful symbol of unity. The ceremony includes the release of doves, the exchange of gifts between children, and the recognition of distinguished members of the community. This event coincides with Brownsville's Charro Days Fiesta, Sombrero Festival, and Fiestas Mexicanas, which commemorate our community's ties to Mexican culture. These cultural festivals were established by the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce in 1964 to strengthen cross-border relations. This shortly followed the creation of the Mr. Amigo Association to honor distinguished Mexican citizens who foster goodwill and friendship with the United States. Since 1969, when Lic. Jorge Perez y Bouras was recognized as the first Mr. Amigo honoree, many notable individuals, including Juan Gabriel, Vicente Fernandez, and Lola Beltran, have been celebrated for their cultural diplomacy and binational goodwill. These events are integral to the continuity of the relationship between Matamoros and Brownsville. Mr. Speaker, the Hands Across the Border celebration stands as an enduring symbols of unity, heritage, and cooperation between Brownsville and Matamoros. These events are integral to preserving the strong cultural and economic bonds that define the Rio Grande Valley and our relationship with Mexico. ____________________