Short Bio
Congressman Silvestre Reyes

Congressman Silvestre Reyes represents the people of El Paso, Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives.  Since first serving in the Army in 1966, he has dedicated four decades of his life to public service. 

Reyes is a combat veteran, having fought in the Vietnam War as a helicopter crew chief.  Following his military service, he 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 in 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 and reinstated the Border Patrol Horse Patrol.  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 on 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 received of the Association of the United States Army’s "Outstanding Legislator Award."  Reyes cofounded the Congressional USO Caucus to support our troops and their families.  In 2006, Reyes was selected as the "El Pasoan of the Year" by the El Paso, Inc. for his successful efforts in Congress to expand the role and mission of Fort Bliss.  He is also the recipient of the League of United Latin American Citizens “Lucy G. Acosta Humanitarian Award,” and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce “President’s Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Since his election to Congress, Reyes has been a member of the House Armed Services Committee, and is the Democratic Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces.  The Subcommittee is responsible for the funding and oversight of the Department of Defense (DOD), and plays a central role in determining funding levels for Fort Bliss.  He is a senior Member of the Subcommittee on Readiness which oversees military readiness, training, logistics and maintenance, military construction, family housing, and the base closure process. Congressman Reyes also serves as the 3rd most senior Democrat on the House Committee on Veterans. The Committee is vital to the growing population of veterans in El Paso. 

Congressman Reyes is Co-Chair of the House Congressional Southwest Border Caucus and Co-Chair of the House Army Caucus.

In 2001, Congressman Reyes was appointed to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and led the committee as Chairman from 2006 – 2010.  As Chairman he worked to improve our nation’s intelligence capabilities, strengthen Congressional oversight of the Intelligence Community and modernize counterterrorism laws while protecting civil liberties.

Silvestre and his wife, Carolina, have been married for more than 40 years.  They have three children: Monica, Rebecca and Silvestre, Jr. They are also the proud grandparents of Amelia, Mateo, Julian, and Orlando.