On the recordDecember 17, 2020
I am honored to rise for the last time on the floor of the House of Representatives. Growing up on a small farm in New Mexico, I never imagined that I would walk these hallowed Halls and speak from this Chamber. Of course, I did not get here alone. I stand on the shoulders of giants like Dennis Chavez and Manuel Lujan and many others who blazed a trail for me and other Hispanic Americans to serve our communities proudly in the people's House. I also owe my public service to heroes a little closer to home: My mother, Carmen, a retired public school employee; and my late father, Ben, a union iron worker who became Speaker of the New Mexico House of Representatives. They taught me that no job is too big or too small, and that we must be guided by our compassion for others. It was their passion for serving others that propelled me to seek public office. Thanks, Mom and Dad. I also want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, and Whip Clyburn and countless other Members for their guidance and mentorship during my career in the House and during these last 2 years that I have served as Assistant Speaker. I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for your friendship and support. And thank you to the freshmen Members, the new Members, who I had the honor of working with and mentoring during the 116th Congress.…
