The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF MR. PACO VALENTIN” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1700 on Dec. 9, 2016.
The Department is primarily focused on food nutrition, with assistance programs making up 80 percent of its budget. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the Department implements too many regulations and restrictions and impedes the economy.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF MR. PACO VALENTIN
______
HON. HENRY CUELLAR
of texas
in the house of representatives
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the retirement of Mr. Paco Valentin after 37 years of dedicated service to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Mr. Valentin was born on November 14, 1951 in Brownsville, Texas. After graduating from St. Joseph Academy high school in Brownsville, he went to Texas State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Mr. Valentin began his career with the USDA in 1979. Throughout his tenure, he served in numerous leadership roles including USDA Rural Development Housing Loan Specialist, Assistant County Supervisor, and eventually County Supervisor for the USDA Farmers Home Administration.
In 2009, the Obama Administration appointed Mr. Valentin to be the Texas State Director of Rural Development for the USDA. During his tenure as State Director, Rural Development has provided nearly $12 billion in rural investments throughout Texas for housing, rural utilities, community facilities, and rural business and cooperative development. He also dedicated his time to the promotion, retention, and recruitment of minorities and women, as well as establishing a diverse senior management workforce in an effort to create jobs and spur economic growth in rural communities with limited resources and incomes below the poverty line.
Mr. Valentin dedicated his professional career to working for agricultural and rural interests. His passion and devotion for helping others serves as a model for all of us. Among his numerous awards, he has been recognized with the Habitat Texas 2014 Statewide Community Partner of the Year Award, 2013 Statewide Rural Leadership Award by the Coordinating and Development Corporation of the Ark-La-Tex region, the recipient of the Urban Counties Leadership Award in 2010, and awarded the USDA Rural Development Distinguished Service Award.
Upon retiring, Mr. Valentin plans to spend his time in the company of his wife, Angie, and their two daughters, Jordan and Taylor.
Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have shared with you the legacy of Mr. Paco Valentin, who has had the support and confidence of the Texas Delegation and was honored with the privilege of serving as a presidential appointee under the Obama administration.
