Remembering Bob Krueger: Statement on House Passage of Doggett Bill to Name New Braunfels Post Office

Washington, D.C. – Just now, after the House of U.S. Representatives passed the H.R.8203 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 651 Business Interstate Highway 35 North Suite 420 in New Braunfels, Texas, as the "Bob Krueger Post Office,” author of the bill U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) released the following statement on the life and legacy of the late public servant, New Braunfels native Bob Krueger:

“This legislation provides a modest way for us to honor one who did so much in so many ways for so many. My legislation will name this post office, in the heart of his community, just a block away from a twist and turn of the great Guadalupe River, after its great, late Bob Krueger. To honor his memory and make his rich legacy—his values, his grace, his kindness, his commitment to service—a part of our future.”

Rep. Doggett also took to the floor to urge his colleagues to pass this bill in honor of the late Texas statesman. He shared, in part:

“President Clinton appointed him as the Ambassador to Burundi, which he described as the most fulfilling period of his life. There he met Rwandan refugees fleeing massacres, which he documented, putting himself at risk, as one of the first Western voices to report the genocide. He discovered villages where children were slaughtered by the military, but farm animals were allowed to live. Even after the front pages of two local newspapers called for his death, he continued his mission: Sounding the alarm, documenting atrocities, ensuring international notice. He survived an assassination attempt and, only after it became too unsafe for his family, was evacuated and then appointed as Ambassador to Botswana.

He cut a singular figure: a Shakespeare-quoting, former East Coast professor who connected with Texas ranchers, a busy public servant, who nonetheless valued a few hours’ of daily meditation.

Throughout all his types of service, whether he was driving a pickup truck around West Texas or an armored vehicle in Burundi on a diplomatic mission, he always was driven by the same values, same faith, and the same guiding light: his family.

His partner for almost four decades, Kathleen Tobin Krueger, meant the world to him, and they traveled it together. Recently, she has been continuing their work by fiercely advocating for their close friend San Antonian, Paul Rusesabagina. Paul, who inspired “Hotel Rwanda,” received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and remains wrongly imprisoned in Rwanda. 

Bob’s wonderful daughter, Mariana, an accomplished photographer, who shares his love of Duke as an undergrad and grad school alumna, now lives in Austin and does good work in his legacy. His daughter, Sarah, also double Duke alumna, works a senior reporter for WRAL in Durham, living there with her husband Will and son Brooks. His son Christian, a former Legislative Assistant here for Rep. Castro, also lives in Texas with his wife Marion.”

Watch his full floor remarks here.

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