Welcoming the Honorable Christian D. Menefee to the House of Representatives

Floor Speech

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Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, Saturday was a great day for progress in Texas, from Houston to Fort Worth. For almost a year after the tragic death of our late colleague, Sylvester Turner, the citizens of the 18th Congressional District of Texas in Houston have been denied representation in this Congress.

After Governor Abbott delayed the call for the election for almost 8 months and then delayed the runoff election another 3 months, these Texans finally have the representation that they deserve.

At this moment, we remember the life of Sylvester Turner, who honorably served Houstonians for a decade or more as mayor and State representative, and who took over after the passing of our colleague, Sheila Jackson Lee, who we all remember for her tenacity.

This is in a district that was once represented by the legendary Barbara Jordan. This is also a district with a long legacy of fighters, fighters for justice. I am confident that Christian Menefee will carry on that tradition.

He was raised in the 18th Congressional District by two military parents who taught him about the values of hard work, of loyalty, and of standing up for what is right.

With the help of a Pell grant, he was the first member in his family to graduate from college. He graduated from UT San Antonio and then went on to St. Louis to get a law degree from Washington University.

He built a successful career as a commercial litigator in Houston and provided extensive pro bono work there, including his working with immigrant families affected by the Muslim ban. He most recently served as the Harris County attorney, the youngest person and the first African American to ever hold that office.

At this troubling time in our country, please join me in welcoming someone who I know will be a great colleague, carrying out the incomplete term of Mr. Turner in this Congress.

Congratulations, Christian.

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