[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 178 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                          May 13, 2003.
Whereas Matthew J. Ryan, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, led a distinguished 
        career of public service devoted to the United States and the State of 
        Pennsylvania;
Whereas Matthew J. Ryan served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Marine 
        Corps from 1954 to 1956;
Whereas Matthew J. Ryan began his service to the 168th District of Pennsylvania 
        in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1962;
Whereas Matthew J. Ryan was elected Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of 
        Representatives in 1981, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, and 2003;
Whereas Matthew J. Ryan was the second longest serving Member and the third 
        longest serving Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 
        its 321 year history;
Whereas Speaker Ryan's ability to negotiate with and unite Members possessing 
        differing viewpoints in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives 
        contributed to the betterment of Pennsylvania throughout his six terms 
        as Speaker;
Whereas Speaker Ryan will be remembered for his quick wit and gracious demeanor, 
        attributes which endeared him to colleagues and citizens alike;
Whereas Speaker Ryan received hundreds of awards and commendations during his 
        four decades of service, including the National Conference of State 
        Legislators' ``Legislator of the Year Award'' and the Delaware County 
        Chamber of Commerce's ``Citizen of the Year Award''; and
Whereas the ``Speaker Matthew J. Ryan Building'' of the Pennsylvania Capitol 
        complex will forever serve as a testament to Speaker Ryan's faithful 
        service to the State and as a reminder of his unwavering leadership in 
        the Pennsylvania House of Representatives: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the United States House of Representatives honors the 
outstanding life and work of former Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of 
Representatives Matthew J. Ryan and offers its deepest condolences to his wife 
and family on his death.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.