[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 64 (Friday, May 20, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 20, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
            TRIBUTE TO THE LATE HONORABLE WILLIAM H. NATCHER

                                 ______


                               speech of

                            HON. EARL HUTTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 17, 1994

  Mr. HUTTO. Mr. Speaker, Bill Natcher has left a legacy in this House 
that should be a standard to which we and future Members of Congress 
ought to aspire. I know of no one who was more loved and respected than 
the gentleman from Kentucky.
  Many tributes have been made to our departed friend, Bill Natcher, 
and they are all deserved. These tributes have been humorous, personal, 
and nearly always touching. It is easy to eulogize someone like Bill 
Natcher. The memorial service, held in Statuary Hall was a beautiful 
event in which speaker after speaker eloquently reflected on the life 
of Mr. Natcher.
  Bill Natcher was a Congressman's Congressman. We all looked up to 
him. He gave us leadership. Any member would do well to emulate his 
fiscal conservatism, efficiency in operating his office, and his 
steadfast adherence to the highest ethical principles. His constituents 
knew they could trust Bill to do the right things for America and for 
his district. I have never heard anyone question his integrity or his 
dedication.
  The accomplishments of Congressman Bill Natcher were numerous, but 
without a doubt his voting consistency in never missing a vote in 40 
years in the House stands out as the attention getter. Although this 
spotlighted Bill's deep commitment, he realized in later years that it 
restricted his life unduly. Several times in recent years I urged Bill 
to miss a vote so that he could remove this albatross. Bill agreed that 
he should do this, but somehow he could not bring himself to miss a 
vote, no matter how trivial it might be. It seemingly was a symbol of 
his dedication and we all respect that.
  Bill Natcher is greatly missed. He loved his family. He loved 
America, and he loved this institution. We all are better for his 
having passed our way and we remember Bill Natcher with great 
affection.

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