SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 84
         WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the
  citizens of South Texas and Texans across the state in honoring
  the victims of violence along our border with Mexico and paying
  tribute to the brave men and women who place their lives on the
  line in an effort to create a safe environment for us all; and
 
         WHEREAS, In a continuing struggle for dominance of
  lucrative smuggling routes along the border, drug cartels have
  resorted to ever-escalating violence to achieve their aims,
  including the use of improvised explosive devices and grenades,
  piracy, the kidnapping and murder of government officials, and
  the killing of innocent civilians; and
 
         WHEREAS, Coverage of this violence by Mexican media has
  been effectively silenced, with more than 20 journalists having
  been killed in the last four years; and
 
         WHEREAS, This brutality and aggression has begun to have an
  effect on the United States and its citizens; consular workers
  and tourists have lost their lives, stray bullets from gunfire
  have landed on the campuses of The University of Texas at
  Brownsville and Texas Southmost College and The University of
  Texas at El Paso, and sporadic gun battles have caused the
  closure of international bridges; and
 
         WHEREAS, Much progress has been made in the fight against
  the cartels; various police departments have initiated programs
  to increase enforcement, and the Texas Department of Public
  Safety, the game wardens of the Texas Parks and Wildlife
  Department, county sheriffs, and United States Customs and
  Border Patrol officers are cooperating to ensure the safety and
  well-being of border residents; and
 
         WHEREAS, To remember, honor, and support the individuals
  and families on both sides of the border who are affected by the
  difficulties of our neighbors to the south, Senator Eddie Lucio
  has initiated Prayers for Peace, a special day of prayer and
  spiritual meditation on the need for peace along the border that
  takes place the second Thursday of each month; and
 
         WHEREAS, Despite the violence and uncertainty, the Rio
  Grande Valley remains a vibrant, growing region that is proud of
  its rich history and traditions; it continues to be a leading
  destination for tourists and seasonal residents, and its
  citizens stand ready to face the future with confidence; now,
  therefore, be it
 
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd
  Legislature, hereby honor the victims of the senseless violence
  being perpetrated along our southern border and pay tribute to
  the brave men and women who are working tirelessly to end it; and,
  be it further
         RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared as a
  reflection of the high regard of the Texas Senate for their
  sacrifice and their courage.
 
  Lucio, Hinojosa, Rodriguez,
  Uresti, Zaffirini        
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on January 25, 2011.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate