81R35734 JGH-D

By: Pena H.R. No. 2772

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Maria Cristina Chirolla, Consul General of Colombia, deserves the gratitude of all Texans for her tenacious efforts to battle the drug cartels in her native Colombia and for her efforts to strengthen the ties between her country and the Lone Star State; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Chirolla holds both a law degree and a master's degree in international relations from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá; and

WHEREAS, This brave crusader against the plague of illicit drugs formerly worked as the rehabilitation coordinator for the mayor of Bogotá, helping women who had become prostitutes, many of whom were also addicted to drugs; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Chirolla went on to become head of antidrug operations for the office of the Colombian attorney general, in which capacity she focused on attacking the money-laundering activities of the drug lords; despite repeated threats against her life, Ms. Chirolla oversaw the confiscation of lavish homes and other property belonging to drug criminals, seizing assets valued at some 3 billion pesos, in addition to ordering military raids on drug laboratories; and

WHEREAS, Now serving as Colombia's consul general in Houston, she brings to her new responsibilities a profound knowledge of the complex issues surrounding the illegal drug trade, a deep passion for justice, and an uncompromising integrity, and it is indeed a privilege to pay tribute to her remarkable courage and her lifetime of public service; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby commend the Honorable Maria Cristina Chirolla, Consul General of Colombia, for her bravery and her achievements and extend to her sincere best wishes for continued success in all her endeavors; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Ms. Chirolla as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.