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[Pages H8169-H8170]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RITCHIE VALENS POST OFFICE BUILDING
Mr. ROUDA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill
(H.R. 1253) to designate the facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 13507 Van Nuys Boulevard in Pacoima, California, as
the ``Ritchie Valens Post Office Building''.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 1253
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. RITCHIE VALENS POST OFFICE BUILDING.
(a) Designation.--The facility of the United States Postal
Service located at 13507 Van Nuys Boulevard in Pacoima,
California, shall be known and designated as the ``Ritchie
Valens Post Office Building''.
(b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation,
document, paper, or other record of the United States to the
facility referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be
a reference to the ``Ritchie Valens Post Office Building''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Rouda) and the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
General Leave
Mr. ROUDA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and
include extraneous materials on this measure.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from California?
There was no objection.
Mr. ROUDA. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
gentleman from California (Mr. Cardenas), my fellow Member.
Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank both
Representatives who are handling the floor at this moment and paying
their proper respects and appropriate comments on these bills.
Mr. Speaker, I have the honor to rise today and offer H.R. 1253,
which would designate the post office in Pacoima,
[[Page H8170]]
California, as the Ritchie Valens Post Office Building.
Ritchie Valens was born and raised in my home neighborhood of Pacoima
and attended San Fernando High School.
The rock and roll legend and father of Chicano rock is celebrated
today for pioneering a music style derived from the Chicano culture,
and it has reverberated around the world.
He became a nationally renowned rock musician at a time when very few
Latinos were recognized in American rock music. Valens' contributions
in rock include record-setting hits such as ``La Bamba,'' ``Donna,''
and ``Come On, Let's Go.''
In March of 2001, Ritchie Valens was inducted into the Rock & Roll
Hall of Fame. Ritchie Valens continues to inspire generations of
musicians and is an example of how, even when it seems like there is no
path to your dream, you make your own way and build your own path.
Ritchie Valens is an example of the talent that exists in our
community, and his legacy is a source of pride for our Pacoima
community.
I am honored to offer H.R. 1253 in celebration of the great Ritchie
Valens' life, a true trailblazer.
I can tell you, I have witnessed being outside of the United States,
for example, when the song ``La Bamba'' comes on, and every child,
usually from the age of 1, 5, 6, 7, or 8--they just can't help it--they
just start to move, and they recognize that beautiful music.
To be able to honor this man and his family by naming a post office
after him is truly an opportunity that I appreciate, and the entire
community appreciates as well.
Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1253, introduced by
Representative Tony Cardenas. This bill names the post office located
in Pacoima, California, in honor of Ritchie Valens.
Valens was born in Pacoima. It was there where he discovered his
passion for music. After his raw talent was noticed by a producer at a
performance, his career took off.
In his short 17 years of life, Valens recorded classic singles, as we
heard, as ``La Bamba,'' ``Donna,'' and ``Come On, Let's Go.''
Tragically, he was killed in a plane crash along with Buddy Holly and
J.P. Richardson, a day now referred to as the day music died.
In 2001, Valens was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Although Valens may no longer be with us, his music will endure for
generations.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield
back the balance of my time.
Mr. ROUDA. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from California (Mr. Rouda) that the House suspend the rules
and pass the bill, H.R. 1253.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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