Contact: Alexis Torres
Brownsville, Texas – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) presented former Port of Brownsville, City of Brownsville and Cameron County Commissioner John Wood with a prestigious Congressional Record to honor more than five decades of outstanding civic leadership and public service to South Texas. A Congressional Record is a daily transcript of all proceedings of the United States Congress, including any remarks provided by a Member in either chamber to recognize notable milestones in the communities they serve.
“After decades of dedication and leadership from Commissioner Wood, his work has left an indelible mark on Cameron County. From strengthening operations and trade at the Port of Brownsville to improving our local infrastructure and creating economic opportunities for South Texas families and businesses, he is a major reason as to why our region continues to rapidly transform. As a token of my gratitude for his lifelong service to others, this Congressional Record inscribes Commissioner Wood’s lasting legacy into the official records of the United States Congress,” said Congressman Gonzalez.
The full text of the Congressional Record is as follows:
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Mr. John Wood's lifetime of service to the people of Brownsville, Texas, and the Rio Grande Valley.
For decades, Mr. Wood has dedicated his time to strengthening our community through both civic engagement and public service. Before entering elected office, serving as chair of the local chapters of the American Red Cross and United Way, Chairman of the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Board of Directors for the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas. His dedication to improving the lives of those around him laid the foundation for a distinguished career in public service.
As a Brownsville City Commissioner and Cameron County Commissioner, Mr. Wood earned the trust of his constituents by remaining accessible and attentive to their needs. He successfully secured state funding to rebuild roads, install a new drainage system, lay sidewalks, and install streetlights, delivering critical infrastructure improvements that enhanced neighborhoods and improved the quality of life for countless families.
As a Commissioner on the Brownsville Navigation District Board, Mr. Wood continued to lead with integrity and vision. He advanced reforms to the port’s employee retirement fund and raised the minimum wage. Commissioner Wood also advocated for the deepening of the Port, resulting in major investments, diversifying the economy, and transforming the region for generations to come. Throughout his tenure, he championed responsible stewardship and long-term investment in one of South Texas’s most important economic engines.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Texas’ 34th Congressional District, I extend my deepest gratitude to Mr. John Wood and his decades of service. His leadership has strengthened the Brownsville community and expanded economic opportunity throughout the Rio Grande Valley. It is leaders like him that continue to define the spirit of integrity and service of South Texas, and for that, we are forever grateful.
I yield back the remainder of my time.
Signed this 27th day of July, 2026.
