Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-04-27

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. ROY RAMIRO BARRERA, SR.

Taxes

Context

On 2026-04-27, Representative Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. ROY RAMIRO BARRERA, SR." in the House. The speech addressed taxes.

Full Text

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. ROY RAMIRO BARRERA, SR.

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 73 (Monday, April 27, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 73 (Monday, April 27, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E376-E377] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. ROY RAMIRO BARRERA, SR. ______ HON. JOAQUIN CASTRO of texas in the house of representatives Monday, April 27, 2026 Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Roy Ramiro Barrera, Sr., who passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026. A legal giant in San Antonio and across the state of Texas, Mr. Barrera helped pave the way for Hispanic excellence in the legal profession. He is survived by his children, Yolanda Barrera Arellano, Roy Barrera, Jr., Gilbert Barrera, Carmen Barrera Ramirez, and Robert Barrera, along with many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As a child, Mr. Barrera demonstrated an undeniable work ethic and worked numerous jobs throughout the San Antonio community. While in high school at San Antonio Vocational and Technical School, Mr. Barrera met Carmen Zendejas, where the two sparked a relationship that would last over seven decades, including 67 years of marriage. Upon graduation from San Antonio Vocational and Technical School in 1944, Mr. Barrera joined the U.S. Army and served in the Asiatic- Pacific Theater during World War II. While overseas, he received two overseas service bars and a good conduct medal. Following his honorable discharge in 1946, using G.I. Bill benefits, he enrolled in the St. Mary's University School of Law. He would go on to earn his Juris Doctorate in 1951. That same year he joined the Bexar County District Attorney's Office as an assistant district attorney. In 1957, at the age of 28, he argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in Alcorta v. Texas. In that same year, he and fellow prosecutor, Anthony Nicholas, started their own firm, Nicholas & Barrera. As Mr. Barrera built his legal career, in 1968, Texas Governor John Conally appointed him to become the first Hispanic Secretary of State. In 1973 he served as the first Hispanic President of the San Antonio Bar Association and remained a State Bar of Texas Foundation Fellow until his death. Mr. Barrera continued to practice law into his nineties, remaining a constant, invaluable resource for generations of attorneys. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the incredible life and remarkable legacy of Mr. Roy Barrera, Sr. He inspired many. He was a true leader, and I am grateful for his decades of service to our San Antonio community. [[Page E377]] ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. ROY RAMIRO BARRERA, SR. Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 73 (Monday, April 27, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 73 (Monday, April 27, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E376-E377] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. ROY RAMIRO BARRERA, SR. ______ HON. JOAQUIN CASTRO of texas in the house of representatives Monday, April 27, 2026 Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Roy Ramiro Barrera, Sr., who passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026. A legal giant in San Antonio and across the state of Texas, Mr. Barrera helped pave the way for Hispanic excellence in the legal profession. He is survived by his children, Yolanda Barrera Arellano, Roy Barrera, Jr., Gilbert Barrera, Carmen Barrera Ramirez, and Robert Barrera, along with many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As a child, Mr. Barrera demonstrated an undeniable work ethic and worked numerous jobs throughout the San Antonio community. While in high school at San Antonio Vocational and Technical School, Mr. Barrera met Carmen Zendejas, where the two sparked a relationship that would last over seven decades, including 67 years of marriage. Upon graduation from San Antonio Vocational and Technical School in 1944, Mr. Barrera joined the U.S. Army and served in the Asiatic- Pacific Theater during World War II. While overseas, he received two overseas service bars and a good conduct medal. Following his honorable discharge in 1946, using G.I. Bill benefits, he enrolled in the St. Mary's University School of Law. He would go on to earn his Juris Doctorate in 1951. That same year he joined the Bexar County District Attorney's Office as an assistant district attorney. In 1957, at the age of 28, he argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in Alcorta v. Texas. In that same year, he and fellow prosecutor, Anthony Nicholas, started their own firm, Nicholas & Barrera. As Mr. Barrera built his legal career, in 1968, Texas Governor John Conally appointed him to become the first Hispanic Secretary of State. In 1973 he served as the first Hispanic President of the San Antonio Bar Association and remained a State Bar of Texas Foundation Fellow until his death. Mr. Barrera continued to practice law into his nineties, remaining a constant, invaluable resource for generations of attorneys. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the incredible life and remarkable legacy of Mr. Roy Barrera, Sr. He inspired many. He was a true leader, and I am grateful for his decades of service to our San Antonio community. [[Page E377]] ____________________