Nydia M. Velazquez: “my colleagues, it is sad to admit it, but we live in a time of few heroes. Last week, we lost a modern-day hero who only…”

“my colleagues, it is sad to admit it, but we live in a time of few heroes. Last week, we lost a modern-day hero who only months ago walked among us on this floor. Congressman Frank Tejeda has left us, but his spirit remains. What an honor and privilege it was to serve with this great Latino. Mr. Speaker, a hero sacrifices selflessly and gives his whole being to causes bigger than himself. Frank Tejeda demonstrated this not only as a United States marine in the jungles of Vietnam but also in public life back home. As a State legislator and as a Congressman, he fought the hard fights. He relentlessly protected the poor Mexican-American people of his Texas district. Here in Washington, he spoke out against assaults on immigrants, women, and children. He was also a true champion of all veterans and never forgot his fellow men and women in uniform. Frank Tejeda was truly a powerful ally for all of us in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Out of the tough barrios of San Antonio, TX, Frank Tejeda was conditioned to survive--to beat the odds--to overcome any barriers. When I think about Frank Tejeda, what sticks out the most is what a fighter he was in all that he did. He battled off his tragic illness for over a year. Even in his final days, he insisted on being sworn in on his sickbed to fulfill the wishes of the 73-percent strong who elected him to his third term. The Congress and the Nation mourn Frank Tejeda because he left us way too soon.”