Congressman Silvestre Reyes
Chairman, House Permanent Select Committee on  Intelligence

Congressman Silvestre Reyes represents the 16th Congressional District of Texas and serves as the influential Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

Reyes is a proud United States Army combat veteran.  He served in the military from 1966 – 1968, and fought in the Vietnam War as a helicopter crew chief.  Following his military service, Reyes began his career in the U.S. Border Patrol in 1969.  In 1984, he was named Sector Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, becoming the first Hispanic Sector Chief in the agency’s history.  He managed operations in McAllen and El Paso, Texas from 1984 until his retirement in 1995, capping an impressive 26 ½ year career.

As Sector Chief, Reyes was widely recognized as one of America’s strongest and most effective leaders for border security.  In McAllen and El Paso, Reyes implemented new innovative programs and strategies such as “Operation Hold the Line,” the Border Patrol's Canine Program, and the Border Patrol's National Anti-Drug School Education Program.  As a result of his leadership, the level of unauthorized entries in the El Paso sector dramatically decreased, earning him recognition from the White House, Department of Justice, and others.

With his extensive experience and expertise in border security, Reyes is an influential leader in immigration and border security issues.  Since coming to Congress, Reyes has also been a strong advocate for the men and women of America’s Armed Forces.  In 2008, he was the recipient of the Association of the United States Army’s (AUSA) "Outstanding Legislator Award."  As Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and a senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, Reyes is a key player in America’s defense and national security policy.

He is married to his wife of 40 years, Carolina Gaytan Reyes.  They have three children: Monica, Rebecca, and Silvestre, Jr.  He is also the proud grandfather of Amelia, Mateo Silvestre, Julian, and Orlando.