[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 62 (Wednesday, May 18, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 18, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
              TRIBUTE TO THE LATE HON. WILLIAM H. NATCHER

                                 ______


                               speech of

                           HON. E de la GARZA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 17, 1994

  Mr. de la GARZA. Mr. Speaker, dedication. Loyalty. Service. These are 
the traits that defined the late William Natcher. All of us in this 
body aspire to exemplify these qualities, but I don't know how many of 
us succeed to the degree that our late colleague so magnificently did. 
Like the Central Kentucky people he served for nearly a half-century, 
William Natcher displayed these qualities with modesty, courage, and 
fairness--always leading by example and maintaining the highest 
standards.
  As Congressman, chairman, and statesman, William Natcher certainly 
set the ideal for public service: paying for his own campaigns, reading 
and answering his own mail, casting an impressive and awe-inspiring 
18,401 consecutive votes. For 40 years he set an example of what public 
service should be.
  In addition, he was a master legislator. As chairman of the House 
Committee on Appropriations, he has had in some way or another a 
profound impact on the lives of all Americans. He long was a champion 
of women's health issues, especially the fight against breast cancer. 
He worked diligently to advance education. Of course, something near 
and dear to me is agriculture, and Chairman Natcher was a good friend 
of the American farmer, ardently supporting the family farm system of 
agriculture. I could go on and on, but the accomplishments of this 
gentleman are legion. This year's presentation of the Presidential 
Citizens Medal from the President clearly says it all by recognizing 
the distinguished career of our colleague, William Natcher.
  William Natcher was a man without peer, and we will miss him greatly. 
Along with my wife, I extend the most heartfelt of condolences to his 
many friends and family.

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