[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 144 (Thursday, October 6, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 6, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                TRIBUTE TO MAJ. GEN. JOHN J. CLOSNER III

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Mississippi [Mr. Montgomery] is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. MONTGOMERY. Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to 
recognize and pay tribute to Maj. Gen. John J. Closner III for his 
dedicated and exemplary service to this Nation as Chief of the Air 
Force Reserve and commander of the Air Force Reserve. General Closner 
served as the principal advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force 
and to the Secretary of the Air Force on all Reserve matters. As 
commander of the Air Force Reserve, he had overall responsibility for 
the command, control, and supervision of all U.S. Air Force Reserve 
units around the world. Over the past 4 years, General Closner 
performed outstanding service and exhibited exceptional commitment to 
the Air Force Reserve. His indepth knowledge of Air Force issues was a 
tremendous asset to the Congress as we deliberated the major national 
defense issues impacting both our Active and Reserve Forces. During his 
tour, General Closner's leadership and commitment to a free and open 
exchange of information and ideas provided a superlative framework for 
deliberations on Air Force and Air Force Reserve programs.
  General Closner, a native of Houston, TX, was commissioned through 
the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Texas A&M 
University where he also earned a bachelor's degree in business 
administration. He completed Squadron Officer School in 1971, Air 
Command and Staff College in 1973, and industrial college of the Armed 
Forces in 1976.
  General Closner served in numerous leadership positions to include 
commander of the 466th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Tinker Air Force 
Base, OK; the 917th Tactical Fighter Group at Barksdale Air Force Base, 
LA; the 419th Tactical Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base, UT; and 
commander of the 10th Air Force at Bergstrom Air Force Base, TX. In 
July 1989, General Closner was assigned as Deputy Chief of the Air 
Force Reserve at Headquarters U.S. Air Force, and assumed his present 
duties in November 1990.
  A motivated fighter pilot, General Closner flew over 300 combat 
missions while serving with the 615th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Phan 
Rang Air Base, South Vietnam in 1967. He has flown the A-10, A-37, F-
16, F-100, and F-105 and has more than 5,000 flying hours as a command 
pilot. His military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, 
Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, 
Air Medal with 14 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal and 
the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters.
  Mr. Speaker, we have been extremely fortunate to have had the 
opportunity to work with General Closner, as the Air Force Reserve's 
ambassador to the Congress. In today's ever changing world, decisions 
on downsizing of our defense forces or analysis of the budget effects 
on Weapons System Programs require accurate and timely information. In 
that regard, General Closner has served us all well by providing clear 
and concise data covering the full spectrum of Air Force Reserve issues 
which helped in the decision process.
  It was a personal pleasure to work with Jay Closner as our bridge 
with the Air Force Reserve. As our primary point of contact, he served 
with distinction. His contributions to the defense of our country did 
not go unnoticed. He has been my friend as well as my close associate. 
I wish him and his wife, Angela, a fond farewell, success in their 
future endeavors and godspeed as they leave.

                RETIREMENT OF BILL HUGHES AND DEAN GALLO

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from New Jersey [Mrs. Roukema] is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to inform the House of the pending 
retirement of two of the most highly respected members of the New 
Jersey delegation, Representatives Bill Hughes and Dean Gallo.
  It was New Jersey's own Woodrow Wilson who said, ``There is no cause 
so sacred as the cause of a people. There is no idea so uplifting as 
the idea of the service of humanity.''
  Bill Hughes and Dean Gallo are two of New Jersey's most distinguished 
public servants. They have served with honor and distinction during 
their time here in Washington and have never forgotten the concerns of 
those back home in New Jersey. They have been well-known as leaders in 
their respective parties and we often looked to them for leadership in 
the bipartisan interests of our State. The New Jersey delegation has 
distinguished itself as one that always closed ranks in the interest of 
our beloved State. Representative Hughes and Representative Gallo have 
outstanding reputations in seeking common ground between the political 
parties as well as regional concerns. In seeking common ground they 
have always advanced the best interest of the people of our State.
  Bill Hughes is the dean of our delegation. Bill was first elected in 
1974--a full 20 years ago--and has served longer than any other Member 
of Congress now in the New Jersey delegation. In fact, he's represented 
the second district longer than anyone in New Jersey history.
  Why has he served the second district for so long? We need to look 
only to his dedication to law enforcement and crime fighting, his 
protection of our New Jersey shore and his advocacy on behalf of older 
residents in New Jersey. The list goes on. I, for one, frequently 
sought him out to confer on these matters. I knew he would be objective 
and knowledgeable. You can rely on his judgment.
  Bill Hughes is a native of southern New Jersey, born in Salen and a 
graduate of Peens Grove Regional High School. He is a graduate of our 
State university, Rutgers, and of Rutgers Law School. His training at 
Rutgers law gave him the background he needed to go on to become one of 
New Jersey's most prominent attorneys. He spent 10 years as first 
assistant prosecutor in Cape May County, where his long string of 
successful prosecutions were never overturned on appeal. He left the 
Prosecutor's Office to join the law firm of Loveland, Hughes & Garrett 
in Ocean City. He became president of that firm before his election to 
Congress. He is a member of the American, New Jersey, and Cape May 
County Bar Associations.
  Bill Hughes' dedication to public service has not been limited to his 
professional and political interests. He had dedicated his time as an 
officer of the Ocean City Exchange Club, the Ocean City Chamber of 
Commerce, Shore Memorial Hospital, and the Ocean City Historical 
Museum.
  Dean Gallo is no newcomer himself. I can still remember when he 
arrived here after the 1984 election. His reputation was legend and we 
welcomed him warmly to the New Jersey delegation overall and the New 
Jersey Republican delegation in particular. We soon learned that his 
reputation was well-deserved. He is a thoughtful legislator. While Dean 
is a man of few words, his opinions are valued and when he speaks, we 
listen!
  But Dean's background in public service began long before Congress. 
He got his start on the Parisippany-Troy Hills Township Council in 
1968, becoming president of the council only 2 years later. From the 
Township council, Dean moved on to become a member of the Morris County 
Board of Chosen Freeholders, where he distinguished himself as 
freeholder director. In 1976, Dean became a member of the New Jersey 
Assembly. Showing ability for leadership once again, he was chosen as 
Republican leader in 1982.
  Recognition of Dean's leadership abilities have continued here in 
Congress. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and has 
been the Republican regional whip since the 100th Congress.
  Dean has been stricken with a serious illness that has kept him away 
from Congress in many of the recent weeks. We miss Dean. We miss him in 
our delegation meetings. We miss him on the floor. We miss his quiet 
leadership and his counsel. We even miss him at Newark Airport. I know 
that I speak for all of us when we offer him our prayers and support.
  Dean's decision to step down is a sign of his integrity. To try to 
remain in office while battling this illness would force Dean to cut 
back to a part-time schedule. And Dean believes that the citizens of 
the 11th district deserve a full time representative in Congress. He 
has made the honorable decision, putting his constituents first as 
always.
  Bill and Dean's time here in Congress has come to a close and they 
have accomplished much during this time. Our lasting memory of them 
will be their valuable public service. We hope that their lasting 
memory of us will be our friendship.
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, this is a somewhat bettersweet occasion for 
the members of the New Jersey Delegation. Tonight, we pay tribute to 
two very distinguished colleagues who have decided to retire at the end 
of this session: Bill Hughes and Dean Gallo. Congressmen Hughes and 
Gallo have been exemplary public servants for our State of New Jersey 
and for our great Nation. They have also been very special friends 
whose presence in the halls of Congress will be acutely missed.
  Mr. Speaker, I know that when I arrived here 6 years ago I greatly 
benefited from the experience and expertise of Bill Hughes and Dean 
Gallo, and I'm sure that the same has been true of the more recent 
arrivals in our State's delegation. With Bill and Dean now moving on, 
our delegation's clout will obviously suffer and those of us who plan 
to come back next year have our work cut out for us. I hope we can live 
up to the high standards set by our retiring colleagues in fighting for 
the needs of the people of our State.
  The work of Bill Hughes with regard to crime and judiciary matters is 
well known to the Members of this House. But I would like to pay 
particular tribute to Congressman Hughe's leadership on environmental 
protection. Bill and I, along with our colleague Jim Saxton, as the 
Garden State's Members of the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee, 
represent a sort of delegation unto ourselves on behalf of the Jersey 
Coast area. Since the coastal issues have been one of my primary 
legislative concerns, it has been very rewarding to work with someone 
like Bill Hughes who shares my commitment to fight for clean water and 
clean beaches, and to look out for the interests of our fishermen, 
boaters and beach-goers.
  Congressman Hughes believes that environmental protection requires 
sound planning, and not just reacting to crises once they occur. In New 
Jersey, Bill Hughes is perhaps best known for writing the law that 
banned the dumping of sewage sludge in the ocean. From the time that 
this legislation was first adopted, in the late 1970's Congressman 
Hughes closely monitored progress and compliance. He worked for passage 
of a follow-up law in 1988 to impose tough fines on those who failed to 
comply. His tireless work has paid off: every municipal and industrial 
ocean dumper is now out of the ocean. Under the enforcement provisions 
included in the 1998 law, more than $51 million in fees was collected 
by the EPA, most of which was used to monitor sludge barges and to help 
develop environmentally sound, land-based disposal alternatives.
  Bill Hughes also authored the 1987 law that banned the disposal of 
plastic debris in the ocean from ships, including military vessels, and 
authorized a study of land-based sources of plastic pollution entering 
the ocean. He wrote important laws placing tough restrictions on the 
dumping of medical wastes in coastal waters, establishing improved 
tracking systems, and setting stringent regulations on the handling and 
transportation of garbage by barge. He won federal funds to develop a 
plan to clean up the New York Bight. He has also been working hard to 
develop legislation addressing the problems of combined sewer 
overflows, agricultural run-off and other non-point sources of 
pollution and has pushed for get-tough measures against polluters.
  Congressman Hughes has written legislation which would require 
coastal States to adopt beach and ocean testing procedures nationwide 
which are comparable to the stringent regulations we now have in place 
in New Jersey, with a system for notifying the public of potential 
health risks during periods when the water quality falls below minimum 
standards. He has also been a leader in the effort to restrict offshore 
oil and gas drilling operations off the New Jersey coast.
  Bill Hughes has always taken great pride in the scenic beauty of 
southern New Jersey, and he has worked hard to protect these natural 
resources. He has been a leader in the protection of the unique 
Pinelands region of South Jersey. He successfully worked for the 
creation of the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, and the protection 
of some of the area's great waterways, including the Great Egg Harbor 
in Atlantic Harbor, and the Maurice, Manumuskin, Menmantico and Muskee 
Rivers in Cumberland County.
  Another issue on which Bill Hughes has distinguished himself is as an 
advocate for senior citizens. Since his election in 1974, Bill served 
as a member of the Select Committee on Aging, eventually being named 
chairman. After the committee was abolished, Bill founded and chaired 
the bipartisan House Older American Caucus. He has been a staunch 
defender of Social Security, and has shown true vision in stressing the 
need to build up a reserve to help pay for the retirement of future 
generations of Americans.
  Mr. Speaker, the career of Dean Gallo has truly represented, as the 
West Essex Tribune recently editorialized, ``The Best in Public 
Service.'' Like Bill Hughes, Dean Gallo was not one of the Members of 
this body who were obsessed with the spotlight. But Dean Gallo got 
things done. With the retirement our colleague Barney Dwyer in 1992, 
Dean was New Jersey's sole member of the Appropriations Committee. 
During the appropriations process, Congressman Gallo was attentive to 
the funding concerns of all members of the New Jersey delegation. His 
membership on the Subcommittees on Energy and Water Development, and 
the VA, HUD and Independent Agencies put him in a position to fight for 
projects and programs vitally needed by our State. He could always be 
counted on to champion our concerns and to keep us apprised through 
every step of the appropriations process. For this hard work, Dean 
Gallo deserves the gratitude of thousands and thousands of New 
Jerseyans, many of whom probably never knew about his work but who 
benefitted from his efforts.
  Dean Gallo's hard work on Appropriations was particularly important 
in terms of the water projects that he helped obtain funding for. In 
working for shore protection and water cleanup initiatives, I could 
always count on Dean to help make these projects a reality. As a former 
member of the Water Resources Subcommittee of the Public Works and 
Transportation Committee, I was pleased with the cooperation between 
the authorizing and appropriating sides. Congressman Gallo's staff was 
always professional and dependable, working without any regard to 
partisanship.
  Congressman Gallo also served as co-chairman of the Northeast-Midwest 
Coalition, a bipartisan alliance of members from 18 States in this 
region. The industrial States of the north have been losing influence 
to the Sunbelt in recent years, and this coalition allows us an 
appropriate forum to advance our interests and concerns. Congressman 
Gallo has truly made his mark on this coalition on behalf of our State 
and our region.
  It has often been noted--correctly, I believe--that small business is 
the engine of our economy, the place where jobs are created and 
innovation happens. Congressman Gallo was a strong fighter for the 
small business people. As a small businessman himself, Dean has won 
recognition and awards for his efforts. In 1985, he opposed efforts to 
dismantle the Small Business Administration, and fought for reforms to 
improve the SBA and make it more responsive to the small business 
people it is intended to serve. He has consistently worked against red 
tape and tax laws that hurt small businesses.
  Dean Gallo will be fondly remembered for his honesty and candor. His 
colleagues, Congressional staff, the press and, most importantly, his 
constituents, could always count on getting a straight answer from him. 
This honesty came through in Dean Gallo's decision to retire at the end 
of this term and the classy way he went about announcing his decision. 
When Dean began to experience a recurrence of cancer, he made the 
conclusion that the extensive treatment that he would have to undergo 
would take away from his ability to fulfill his responsibilities and 
represent his constituents full-time. That is the kind of public 
servant Dean Gallo has been throughout his career.
  Mr. Speaker, as I indicated, this is a bittersweet occasion for us. 
We will be saying goodbye to two good friends and esteemed colleagues. 
But looking back on their remarkable achievements, we can take pride 
that we had the opportunity to work with them and strive to aspire to 
the high standards they set.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor two outstanding 
members of the New Jersey delegation who will be stepping down at the 
end of the 103d Congress, Dean Gallo and Bill Hughes. Both of these 
distinguished public servants have been invaluable colleagues for many 
years, and I wish them every success and happiness.
  I have always known Dean Gallo to be straightforward, honest, and 
extremely pleasant. As the only New Jersey member on Appropriations, 
Dean has been crucial in securing much-needed funding for improvements 
to the State of New Jersey. On that committee, Dean has been supportive 
and has helped protect my amendments and provisions to provide funding 
for flood projects in Monmouth County and beach erosion projects along 
the shore in my district. I'm grateful for his work, support, and 
assistance with these important projects.
  His work outside the Appropriations Committee has also been of great 
assistance to all people nationwide. In the wake of the terrible oil 
disaster in Alaska involving the Exxon Valdez, Dean fought to ensure 
that oil tankers are built with double hulls. I strongly supported his 
efforts, and I believe that because of Dean, there is a greatly 
diminished chance that this tragedy will occur again.
  Furthermore, his work on projects such as Superfund reform and flood 
control are true testaments to Dean's responsible approach to 
lawmaking. His dedication to public service is rare and will be missed.
  Because Dean has always committed his full energy to everything he 
has set out to conquer, it is now necessary for him to focus on his 
illness and beat it. I am sure I speak for every Member of Congress, 
and all who know Dean Gallo, when I wish him God's blessing and the 
speediest of recoveries and a long and healthy career outside of 
Congress.
  Bill Hughes has ably represented New Jersey's 2d Congressional 
District since his election in 1974. Bill's influence on improving his 
district is evident wherever you travel in South Jersey. My family and 
I regularly vacation in Bill's hometown of Ocean City. The valuable 
time we have enjoyed on Ocean City's beautiful beaches is testament 
both to Bill's commitment to his district and to his hard work in 
ensuring that New Jersey's beaches are among the best in the country.
  As dean of the delegation, Bill has exhibited a deft touch rallying 
the delegation around causes of mutual concern to all the State's 
citizens. Many of us have joined him in petitioning Federal officials 
in support of funding for projects as diverse as blueberries for the 
Department of Agriculture to grants for homeless veterans. By and 
large, these requests were granted and resulted in further improvements 
in the quality of life for the people of New Jersey.
  As a member of the Aging Committee, I looked forward to working with 
Bill, who was slated to become chairman at the beginning of the 103d 
Congress. Unfortunately, the House voted to abolish all select 
committees, and that opportunity was lost. Still, Bill's work on 
various issues of importance to senior citizens foreshadowed serious 
examination by several standing committees during the past years. Over 
and over again, Bill has led--and Congress has followed.
  Bill's exceptional skills as a legislator are well known. His 
dedication to his constituents is unquestioned. He is well liked--and 
respected by both Republicans and Democrats. Knowing Bill's energy and 
capacity for hard work, I am certain Bill will succeed in all of his 
new endeavors. And perhaps he will now have a little more time to spend 
with his wonderful family.
  Mr. KLEIN. I want to thank my good friend and colleague, Marge 
Roukema, for arranging this special order this evening.
  It is with mixed emotions that I stand here tonight to say farewell 
and pay tribute to two of New Jersey's finest Representatives--Bill 
Hughes and Dean Gallo.
  First, to my friend and mentor, Bill Hughes, let me say that this 
Institution will not be the same without you.
  In a Congressional career that spans 20 years, you have served New 
Jersey's 2nd District with distinction and devotion that can never be 
duplicated.
  From your early days as a prosecuting attorney in Cape May County and 
throughout your tenure as a Member of the House Judiciary Committee, 
you have compiled an anticrime record that is second to none. In so 
doing, you have help rid our streets of drugs and drug traffickers; you 
have protected American consumers, businesses and products; you have 
helped crack down on child pornography; and you have helped enact the 
toughest sentencing laws this Nation has ever seen.
  I can think of no finer tribute to those efforts than enactment of 
this year's crime bill. It was your leadership and your knowledge of 
the issues that helped steer this legislation through.
  As a Member of the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee and a 
strong environmental advocate, you have dedicated yourself to the 
protection of our Nation's oceans. It was your legislation that banned 
the dumping of harmful sewage sludge in the ocean and imposed stiff 
fines on municipalities that continued to do so. Beyond that, you 
pushed for new laws to ban the disposal of plastics and medical wastes 
in our Nation's oceans and coastal waters. Our oceans and beaches are 
cleaner and safer because of Bill Hughes.
  Your long list of accomplishments is so extensive, Bill, that there 
is no way I can do them or you justice in the brief time we have 
allotted here this evening.
  Suffice it to say that your tireless efforts on behalf of your 
constituents and our State will never be forgotten and will always 
serve as a model for others to follow. As dean of our delegation, you 
have set an example of leadership and fairness that all of us aspire 
to.
  Bill, I wish you all the best--health and happiness; a long and 
prosperous retirement with your lovely wife, Nancy; time with your 
children and grandchildren; and lots of enjoyable hours fishing in the 
Great State of New Jersey and wherever your travels might take you. You 
will be sorely missed.
  And now on to the other great dean of the New Jersey delegation, the 
Honorable Dean Gallo.
  Dean, it has been a genuine pleasure for me to serve with you in the 
Congress these past 2 years.
  From the early years as a member of the Parsippany-Troy Hills 
Township Council, a freeholder in Morris County, a member of the New 
Jersey General Assembly, and most recently as a Member of Congress, you 
have dedicated your life to helping others.
  Your straight-forward businessman's approach to solving problems has 
helped hundreds of people break through the morass of bureaucratic red 
tape. I know your greatest satisfaction comes from helping others, 
Dean, and in that respect, no one in this body can match your record of 
service.
  Your time here in Washington has been of great benefit to both New 
Jersey and the Nation as a whole. Under your leadership, we have made a 
great deal of progress in a number of areas. Housing for our seniors, 
small business protection, veterans programs, and Clean Air Act 
compliance are just a few of the areas that have benefitted from your 
efforts. As co-chairman of the Northeast-Midwest Congressional 
Coalition, you have vigorously fought to protect our unique interests 
and to insure that our region receives its rightful share of any 
Federal funds which might be available.
  The one project that I think you can take the most pride in and one 
that will outlast all of us in this Chamber today, is the Tokamak 
Fusion Experiment at Princeton. A hundred years from now, our great 
grandchildren will be living in a world powered by fusion energy, an 
eventuality that would not have occurred without the vigorous efforts 
of Dean Gallo.
  Dean, I want to congratulate you on your recent marriage, and I wish 
both you and Betsy many years of happiness together. Let me also wish 
you a complete and speedy recovery. You will be missed by our 
colleagues here in Washington, but those of us up in New Jersey hope to 
see a great deal more of you in the future.
  Mr. HUGHES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my friend and 
colleague, Dean Gallo. After 10 years of exemplary service in the House 
of Representatives and an outstanding record of accomplishment for his 
constituents in New Jersey's 11th district, Dean has announced his 
retirement. New Jersey will miss his dedication and his leadership.
  Representing our State on the House Appropriations Committee, Dean 
has worked tirelessly on issues of importance to all New Jersey 
residents. I am most grateful for the assistance Dean has given to me 
and to the entire delegation in securing funding for numerous projects 
that benefit our individual constituencies and the entire State. His 
knowledge and expertise are second to none, and his stewardship in the 
area of appropriations will be difficult to replace.
  Dean Gallo's distinguished record of public service extends over a 
25-year period, beginning in 1968 when he was first elected to the 
Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council. Having also served as a Morris 
County freeholder, and a member of the New Jersey General Assembly, 
Dean Gallo embodies what it means to be a dedicated and hard-working 
public servant.
  It is for this reason that I rise with mixed emotions to congratulate 
my esteemed colleague on such a distinguished career.
  Dean Gallo is a tribute to the House of Representatives, and his 
premature retirement is a tremendous loss for the institution and for 
the Nation. If we had more public servants of the caliber of Dean 
Gallo, I'm convinced this institution would be held in higher esteem by 
the American public.
  But now I only wish the very best of everything to Dean and Betty in 
the years ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with Dean for a quick and 
successful recovery and a retirement filled with every joy and 
happiness life can offer.
  Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, it is with considerable regret and a heavy 
heart that I make these remarks about my good friend, Dean Gallo. I 
have had the deep pleasure of working with Dean for over two decades. 
During that time, I have found him to be not only a colleague of the 
highest caliber, but a real professional in everything he does--
including bestowing his friendship.
  I can remember the first time I met Dean. We had both just been 
elected to the New Jersey General Assembly in 1975. I noticed 
immediately that he was already recognized as one of our leaders. I 
continued to work closely with him after I went on to the State senate 
and Dean became minority leader of the Assembly. 1984 was a special 
year for both of us. That was the year, 9 years after we met, that we 
were both elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
  I have met many people during the years I have been active in public 
service. None were Dean's equal in their devotion to their 
constituents, passion for doing the right thing, willingness to stand 
upright, if often alone, for the things he believed in, and all without 
giving offense, or making an opponent into an enemy. The English 
language has a word for this kind of person--``thoroughbred.''
  As an influential member of the House Appropriations Committee, Dean 
has always come through for New Jersey. No request ever made was too 
small for his meticulous attention. All one has to do is look around 
the State to see Dean's congressional legacy. He fought for all of New 
Jersey with the same energy and commitment he did for his district. And 
so our constituents became his constituents. And Dean became more than 
the Representative from New Jersey's 11th district. He evolved into a 
Congressman's Congressman.
  All through his career, Dean's colleagues recognized the leadership 
qualities in him. He is one of that rare breed of natural leaders. As 
Assembly Republican leader in Trenton and as Republican regional whip 
in Washington, Dean has put his talents to the test and has forged 
winning coalitions from seemingly diverse groups and interests. In all 
his years in Washington, he was New Jersey's voice and was New Jersey 
at its best.
  In all our years of public life, I always could count on Dean to put 
things in perspective as we spent countless evenings discussing the 
day's events over dinner. I could always rely on him to remind me who I 
was, from where I came, and why I was here. If the truth be known, it 
was he who kept me from taking on too many of the ways of Washington.
  I thank him not only for this, but for all he has meant for me, his 
colleagues, and the entire State of New Jersey. He will always be my 
friend. I look forward to continuing to call upon his wise counsel.
  I would like to relate one short story which tells mountains about 
how people we know feel about Dean.
  A few weeks ago, Dean's administrative assistant called to ask if, in 
Dean's absence, I would have my picture taken on the House step's with 
his staff.
  I met Donna and the staff at the steps a short time later. As we 
positioned ourselves on the steps, I noticed that each staff member 
held a bumper sticker. Donna handed me one and we held them in front of 
each of us as the photographer took our picture.
  The bumper sticker said, ``We love you, Dean.''
  Mr. BLILEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak of a man who 
Congressional Quarterly's ``Politics in America'' describes as the 
``garrulous Gallo, known for his back-slapping, deal-making style.'' 
Well, my fellow Members, this fine gentleman from New Jersey is not 
only a valued Member of this fine body, but also a good friend and a 
trusted colleague of mine.
  Some have called Dean Gallo ``old-fashioned'' because of his 
preference for calm deliberations, instead of heated, partisan 
confrontations. Well, if old-fashioned means accomplishing great things 
while earning the respect of Members from both sides of the aisle, then 
I hope Dean wears that label proudly.
  With a steady hand guiding the wants and needs of his constituents, 
Dean has steered many a debate in the House through the smooth waters 
of agreement and the stormy seas of dissent. But, through it all, this 
loyal public servant has stayed the course--offering guidance and good 
humor to all along the way.
  However, Mr. Speaker, what has distinguished this gentleman the most 
in his years of service is his devotion--his devotion to see the good 
in his fellow man and woman, While others only would see the bad; his 
devotion to guard not only for the things that would be food for the 
Garden State, but also for the things that would help all American 
families; and finally, his devotion to his party and this institution 
has been a constant source of inspiration to all those who may have 
forgotten the true meaning of public service.
  It has been a distinct pleasure and privilege to serve in the U.S. 
House with Dean Gallo. While his presence in this body will be greatly 
missed, there are plenty of us who understand his desire to conquer the 
new challenges that lie ahead. Thank you, Dean, for your tireless 
efforts and your loyal commitment to your party and to your Nation--
your hard work certainly did not go unnoticed.
  Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, ``A friend is 
a person with whom I may be sincere. Before him I may think aloud.'' 
How many of us will miss thinking aloud with Dean Gallo in the 
cloakroom, on the House floor, or wherever else we had the privilege 
and pleasure of sharing time with him.
  We may not have agreed on every issue, but looking back I cannot 
recall a divisive dispute with Dean. That is the strength of Dean 
Gallo. Even in opposition, Dean remained a friend. And in this House 
that is rare.
  His insight and strength are great traits that the Congress will 
sorely miss. Dean was able to break down difficult issues with a 
pragmatic and logical analysis that not many possess.
  As Dean prepares to begin his new life free of the everyday hassles 
of Congress, I wish him the best of luck and happiness. Morris 
Country's gain will be Capitol Hill's loss. When I'm traveling in New 
Jersey, Dean, please be sure and save me a seat at your favorite 
Italian restaurant where we can share great food and stories of past 
and future political wars.
  Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Congressman William 
J. Hughes, Dean of the New Jersey delegation who, as we all know, is 
retiring from congressional life this year.
  Bill Hughes has served for 10 terms in the House, representing New 
Jersey's Second Congressional District longer than anyone in history. 
The Second District is the largest and most diverse in New Jersey, 
geographically covering close to thirty percent of the State. It is a 
real tribute to Bill that he was able to be elected and re-elected ten 
times in a district that is ideologically and traditionally Republican-
leaning. He is well-loved by his constituents and has selflessly 
represented their views. He is a native and life-long resident of 
southern New Jersey and cares deeply for the State and its people. He 
has worked long hours and weekends in service to his constituents. His 
eagerness to return to its natural beauty is obvious.
  His rise in seniority in the House has been swift and well-deserved. 
Through his ten terms, Bill Hughes rose to 49th in seniority out of the 
435 Members. He has made his mark serving as chairman of the House 
Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Crime from 1981 to 1990 and wrote 
more than 40 major anti-crime bills which were enacted to strengthen 
our Nation's criminal laws. In 1991, he was chosen chairman of the 
House Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Intellectual Property and 
Judicial Administration. As chairman, he has worked to enact strong 
laws to protect American films, books, computer software and music, 
both here and abroad.
  While he has worked diligently to make New Jersey and the Nation a 
safer place, Bill Hughes has also been a leader in Congress on 
environmental issues. He is second in Democrat seniority on the House 
Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee, on which we both serve.
  During my tenure in Congress, I have worked very closely with Bill on 
issues of importance to the New Jersey coastline, the interests of 
which we both represent in Congress. It has been a pleasure to join him 
in introducing and working for the passage of legislation to protect 
the shoreline of southern New Jersey as well as the Nation's coastline.
  We have united to enact legislation to finally ban the ocean dumping 
of sewage sludge and ban the ocean disposal of plastic from ships.
  One initiative that brought me especially close to Bill resulted in a 
law to require the Environmental Protection Agency to develop a cradle-
to-grave system for tracking medical waste so it will never wash onto 
our beaches again. During the summer of 1988, medical waste washups 
were a persistent problem along the Northeastern coast. Because of our 
mutual concern, shared coastline, and service together on the Merchant 
Marine and Fisheries Committee, Bill and I held field hearings in 
tandem to solve this problem. Siting the hearings in both our districts 
helped us to gain diverse viewpoints. This assisted us in our later 
strategy sessions, which resulted in the medical waste tracking law. I 
learned a lot from him through this experience.

  More recently, we teamed up to include the Mullica River/Great Bay 
system, which divides our districts, in the National Estuarine Research 
Reserve.
  Bill Hughes has also written laws to include five southern New Jersey 
rivers in the Wild and Scenic River system, to establish the Pinelands 
National Reserve, and to authorize the beach restoration project in 
Cape May.
  It has been my true pleasure to collaborate with him throughout my 
time here. He has been a leader for New Jersey and for the Congress and 
will be sorely missed.
  Mrs. LLOYD. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues this evening to pay the 
highest tribute to a dear friend of mine who, like myself, will be 
retiring at the end of the 103rd Congress--Representative Bill Hughes.
  Bill Hughes and I entered Congress at the same time in 1975. Twenty 
years later we find ourselves at the same point in our careers. 
Together we have grown as members and legislators doing the best we can 
to help those whom elected us. While I chose to pursue interests in 
energy policy and defense, Bill became a leading voice on the House 
Judiciary Committee. He has fought tirelessly to fight crime and as a 
former chairman of the Crime and Criminal Punishment Subcommittee, he 
never lost sight of his goals brining to the floor many critical crime 
prevention and enforcement measures that reinforced the motto that 
``Crime Does Not Pay.'' Bill later moved on to the Intellectual 
Property Subcommittee and became Congress' leading authority on a 
difficult and complex issue.
  Representing the beautiful coastal communities of Southern New 
Jersey, Bill was a champion on the Merchant Marine and Fisheries 
Committee for coastal protection and clean up. I believe that many of 
the beaches that many of us have walked along on both coasts are a lot 
better off due to the efforts of Bill Hughes.
  Bill and I literally served side by side on the now defunct House 
Aging Committee. Bill's passionate work on the Aging Committee and for 
the cause of the elderly is without equal. I have been consistently 
impressed and inspired by his efforts on behalf of our aging 
population.
  My colleagues, while I have the utmost respect for the Congressman 
Bill Hughes, what I will miss most is the friend Bill Hughes. He has 
always been an understanding and caring friend who has been a source of 
advice, and guidance on many issues professional and personal. His wife 
Nancy, and I have become close also.
  It is my hope and belief that after we adjourn that we won't have 
heard the last from Bill Hughes. This body and this country is losing 
an effective and respected legislator that won't easily be replaced. 
Bill, my best of luck and warmest regard upon your retirement. I hope 
our paths will cross many times in the future.
  Mr. ZIMMER. Mr. Speaker, as the 103d Congress draws to a close, I 
would like to take a moment to recognize two members of New Jersey's 
delegation who are retiring this year.
  Dean Gallo, my good friend from New Jersey's 11th District and Bill 
Hughes, who has ably represented New Jersey's Second District since 
1975, are not seeking reelection.
  Dean Gallo is a member of the GOP leadership team who has worked hard 
during his decade in Congress as a whip lining up support for our 
party's initiatives.
  I've known Dean since 1982, when I joined the New Jersey Assembly 
where he was Republican leader. Dean became both a mentor and a friend, 
showing me the ropes and helping me avoid the pitfalls.
  Dean left the Assembly in 1984 to come to Congress, where he quickly 
became a leader in his party, initially as a freshman class whip and 
then as a regional whip.
  As a member of the House Public Works and Transportation Committee, 
Dean fought for his Morris County-based district and for New Jersey, 
winning passage of legislation to fight acid rain and using tax 
incentives to encourage mass transit and van pooling.
  On the House Appropriations Committee, Dean continued his work on 
behalf of the entire State, making sure that New Jersey got its fair 
share of federal resources.
  When I came to Congress in 1991, Dean again showed me the ropes and 
has served as a continuing source of inspiration and guidance.
  Dean and I have worked on several projects over the years, including 
cleaning up the Combe Fill South Superfund site in Washington Township, 
saving Picatinny Arsenal and trying to get the Federal Aviation 
Administration to deal responsibly with aircraft noise.
  Dean, I know I am expressing the thoughts of all your colleagues here 
in Washington when I say we will miss you and wish you the very best.
  Bill Hughes is going on to other pursuits after an active 20 years in 
Congress that saw him rise through the ranks to become the senior 
member of New Jersey's delegation.
  Bill has managed to leave his mark both on New Jersey and the Nation 
during his tenure in Washington. He has been a fervent protector of the 
Jersey Shore, writing legislation banning ocean dumping of sewage 
sludge and trash and fighting proposals to burn toxic waste off the 
coast of New Jersey. He also obtained millions of dollars in federal 
funds to restore and enhance the beaches of the Jersey Shore.
  As chairman of the House Crime and Criminal Justice Subcommittee for 
a decade, Bill drew upon his background as an assistant Cape May County 
prosecutor to leave his mark on every major crime bill to emerge from 
this House.
  In 1991, he took on a new challenge as chairman of the Intellectual 
Property and Judicial Administration Subcommittee, a panel of immense 
importance to American commerce and industry.
  Bill also worked hard on the Select Committee on Aging, where he was 
in line to become chairman until it was abolished in 1993. His efforts 
on behalf of Older Americans have appropriately led to his 
consideration to be head of the Social Security Administration.
  We will all miss Bill and wish him well in his new ventures.
  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Congresswoman 
Roukema for arranging time this evening so that we can publicly 
acknowledge the contributions of Congressman Bill Hughes and 
Congressman Dean Gallo, both of whom have decided to retire from the 
House of Representatives.
  Bill Hughes, the dean of the New Jersey delegation, has had a long 
and distinguished career. A former prosecutor from Ocean City, NJ, Bill 
was well qualified to take a seat on the House Judiciary Committee when 
he came to Congress after the 1974 election.
  During the 1980's, Bill chaired the Subcommittee on Crime, where his 
expertise as an attorney and a prosecutor served him well as he 
fashioned the 1984 and 1990 crime acts and the 1986 and 1988 drug 
bills. His demeanor, intelligence and knowledge of the legislative 
process assured success as he shepherded these bills through the House. 
Mr. Speaker, we all know from our experience with this year's crime 
bill that this is no small feat. These bills are always controversial 
and demanding and yet Bill Hughes was able to manage these measures 
with a decorum and professionalism which is sadly lacking in many of 
our current debates.
  In 1991, Bill gave up the Crime Subcommittee to chair the 
Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and Judicial 
Administration. While this subcommittee on its surface lacks the high 
profile of the Crime Subcommittee, to me it is evidence of the high 
regard in which Bill Hughes holds our legal system. The subject matter 
with which this subcommittee deals is detailed, and to some, dry. 
Intellectual property, patent, trademark and copyright laws are all 
under the jurisdiction of this subcommittee and the importance of these 
matters to the United States cannot be overstated.
  Congressman Hughes has left his mark on legislation which increased 
the penalties for child pornography; enabled the DEA to track chemicals 
used to produce illegal drugs; and imposed criminal penalties in 
product tampering incidents.
  As a Representative from a coastal area, Bill Hughes also made 
significant contributions in the area of environmental protection of 
our oceans. While serving on the Merchant Marine and Fisheries 
Committee, he wrote the historic 1978 ocean dumping law, which banned 
the dumping of sewer sludge into our oceans.
  Mr. Speaker, anyone who lives in New Jersey remembers the summer 
beach crises where medical waste was washing up on our shores. Bill 
Hughes authored legislation, which has been enacted, to impose tough 
restrictions and penalties on the dumping of medical wastes in coastal 
waters.
  We will miss Bill Hughes. We will miss his leadership, his integrity 
and his personal commitment to his district and his constituents. I 
want to wish Bill and his wife Nancy many years of pleasant South 
Jersey living.
  At the reception honoring him on Tuesday night, Bill Hughes said that 
he was only retiring from the House. He was not retiring from his life 
of service and activity. Bill, we're going to hold you to that.
  Mr. Speaker, I would also like to reluctantly say good-bye to another 
Member of our delegation, Dean Gallo.
  As we all know, Dean's medical problems have forced him into this 
decision so that he can focus his considerable energy into the fight he 
faces for his health.
  However, it would be wrong for us to let this terrible situation 
overshadow the work and contributions which Dean Gallo has made during 
his 10 years in the House.
  Dean Gallo has never forgotten who sent him to Congress and he has 
dedicated himself to working to help his communities and his 
constituents. He has been a true public servant. The West Essex 
Tribune, in an editorial after Mr. Gallo announced his retirement, 
stated that, his sincere concern for public service has earned him the 
respect and appreciation of people of all political persuasions. This 
is a testament which every public official would love to have applied 
to themselves, but which few will ever see.
  Dean has worked quietly, but effectively during his Congressional 
career, never seeking the limelight but always willing to help.
  As New Jersey's lone member on the House Appropriations Committee 
during the 103d Congress, Dean has been willing to help all of New 
Jersey. If there was a project which could benefit our State, Dean was 
always willing to lend his support. We will all miss that. Our State 
will miss that.
  As a small businessman, himself, Dean could relate personally to the 
problems of small businesses and took a special interest in efforts to 
keep the SBA intact as well as overseeing bureaucratic administrative 
regulations which had the potential of overburdening them.
  Dean Gallo is a gentleman and the proof of his love of people and his 
treatment of them could be seen no more clearly than it was on Tuesday 
evening. The love, dedication and esteem in which Dean is held was 
clearly seen on the faces of his staff as their boss was honored at a 
farewell reception. The loss of Dean Gallo in the House of 
Representatives is something to which we can all relate.
  I want to wish Dean and bride Betty, Godspeed. He will be in my 
prayers.
  Mr. EDWARDS of California. Mr. Speaker, I'm delighted to have an 
opportunity to participate in this special order on behalf of my friend 
and colleague, Bill Hughes.
  One of the finest experiences of my congressional life has been my 
close association with Bill. He and I have served for 20 years together 
on the House Judiciary Committee, and it's hard to think of an issue 
that has come before the Committee in that time where I have not sought 
out Bill and benefitted from his insight and advice.
  I think especially of our work on criminal justice issues. The courts 
and the federal judiciary could have no finer champion than Bill. 
Always he has worked to ensure the efficient operation of our judicial 
system, but he has been equally committed to ensuring that the system 
is just and that due process is upheld.
  Bill was especially creative in our work on the omnibus crime bill 
which was recently enacted. His efforts resulted in the very sound 
provisions of the bill which provide funding to states for needed new 
prison construction. Even more important was his work on creating 
within our sentencing structure a vitally important safety valve to 
restore to judges the discretion to moderate sentences for certain 
first time, non-violent offenders.
  On this issue, Bill courageously bucked the popular trend of more and 
more mandatory minimum sentences, an approach to sentencing which has 
tied the hands of judges in meting out appropriate sentences to 
criminal offenders based on the particular circumstances of the case. 
As judges, criminal justice advocates and our Attorney General have 
pointed out, mandatory minimums have caused serious problems in the 
Federal prison system, resulting in overcrowding, and locking up for 
long sentences otherwise good candidates for rehabilitation. The safety 
valve provision that Bill insisted be included in the crime bill will 
do much to ameliorate the harmful effects of mandatory minimums.
  Bill exemplifies the very best sort of Member of Congress--attentive 
to the needs of his district, but also sensitive to the needs and 
concerns of the whole country. I've been proud to call him a colleague 
and a dear friend. I suppose in a way that I'm happy that he and I are 
leaving our congressional service at that same time, because I cannot 
imagine being a member of the Judiciary Committee without his counsel 
and support.
  Lastly, Mr. Speaker, Nancy Hughes, Bill's wife, has been a gracious 
member of the Capitol Hill community. My wife, Edie, and I always look 
forward to hours spent with Bill and Nancy. I wish them many happy and 
productive years after Congress.
  Mr. ANDREWS of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to say farewell 
to two of our colleagues with whom I have had the honor of serving. 
Congressman Gallo and Congressman Hughes have both represented with 
distinction, and the State of New Jersey will greatly miss them.
  As a member of the Appropriations Committee and a veteran legislator, 
Mr. Gallo has been instrumental in key legislative initiatives for the 
State of New Jersey. The entire delegation has greatly appreciated his 
bi-partisan leadership. I wish him the best of luck and our thoughts 
are with him and his family.
  Mr. Hughes is one of the most honorable, dedicated, and principled 
individuals who I have had the good fortune of serving with. He has had 
a profound impact on this country and we are better off as a result of 
his efforts. He has worked diligently to fight crime and to enact tough 
and fair laws. He has been the driving force in protecting our natural 
resources and preserving the beauty of the Jersey shore. Most 
importantly, he has always put service to his constituents above all 
else.
  Chairman Hughes has set a personal standard of conduct which I can 
only hope to live up to. I have found his leadership and guidance to be 
invaluable and I will sorely miss him. I know he will be as successful 
in his future endeavors, but he should know on his leaving Congress, 
that he has made a difference.
  Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join in paying 
tribute to two of the finest men I have had the pleasure of serving 
with in Congress, Representatives Bill Hughes and Dean Gallo.
  In our years of working together as New Jersey colleagues, Bill 
Hughes and Dean Gallo have been helpful, accessible, hardworking, and 
committed to making a difference. Even as they both gained in seniority 
and had increasing demands placed on their schedules, they always had 
time to listen. Both gained the respect of their colleagues in Congress 
and their constituents back home.
  As dean of our delegation, Bill Hughes was always attentive to New 
Jersey concerns and to the needs of his colleagues. We looked to him 
for guidance and advice and we benefitted from his vast knowledge and 
experience.
  Before coming to Congress, he distinguished himself as a lawyer and 
prosecutor in Cape May County. His legal background and familiarity 
with law enforcement issues prepared him well for his outstanding 
service on the House Judiciary Committee, when he served as chairman 
first of the Crime Subcommittee and later, the Subcommittee on 
Intellectual Property and Judicial Administration.
  Dean Gallo distinguished himself by rising to the position of 
minority leader in the New Jersey Assembly before his election to 
Congress. In the U.S. House of Representatives, he gained a seat on the 
powerful House Appropriations Committee. Whenever I went to Dean with a 
request on behalf of my congressional district, he and his staff were 
always extremely responsive and helpful. I greatly appreciate 
everything he did for my area of New Jersey.
  My heartfelt thanks and best wishes go to Bill Hughes and Dean Gallo 
as they conclude their years of honorable and distinguished service 
here in the U.S. House of Representatives. They will be greatly missed.
  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay special tribute to my 
colleague and friend Dean Gallo. Dean has served this body with great 
distinction. My colleagues and I will miss him when he retires at the 
end of this legislative session.
  Dean and I have worked together for a number of years--first on the 
Public Works and Transportation Committee and now on the Appropriations 
Committee. Throughout our service together I have known Dean to be a 
forthright, hard working Member of this body.
  He has made great contributions not only on behalf of those he 
represents in his home State of New Jersey, but to this body and the 
Nation as a whole.
  I wish him a speedy recovery and good fortune in his future 
endeavors.
  Mr. ZIMMER. I rise today on behalf of my colleague Congressman Gallo, 
who is on medical leave, and request that his statement be read into 
the Record on his behalf.
  Mr. Speaker, in 1993, when health care reform came to the forefront 
of the Nation's agenda, I formed an advisory group for the purpose of 
helping me analyze and recommend solutions for reforming our health 
care system. I rise today to thank the members, and to the chairman, 
Mr. Ken Courey, for helping me with the task of determining the health 
care reform needs of District 11 residents.
  The advisory group I formed was comprised of District 11 residents 
who are, as I have come to learn, some of the finest individuals I have 
had the opportunity to work with in my years of public service. Their 
dedication to the task of helping me far exceeded my expectations. Not 
only did they commit much personal time and energy, they provided me 
with a report that contains some of the more sensible and responsible 
reform proposals I have read to date. It is my hope that my colleagues 
will consider their recommendations when the issue arises again in the 
104th Congress.
  Although it's disappointing for us who were involved in the process, 
or for those who are suffering from a lack of health care, that the 
103d Congress will soon adjourn without having passed any reform, I 
urge members of my advisory group, either individually or as a group, 
to continue their work.
  It is clear that Americans need and want reasonable, responsible and 
much-needed reforms--and they deserve action. Mr. Speaker, this is a 
national problem that impacts every American, and I urge returning 
Members of Congress to consider my advisory group recommendations.
  At this time I would like to recognize the members of my advisory 
group, including: Kenneth M. Courey, Fred Palace, Mark T. Olesnicky, 
Robert G. O'Driscoll, Gary S. Safier, Harvey Weinberg, Golden Bethune, 
Muriel Shore, Judith Quinn, Mario Casabona, Tom Marotta, Russell 
Hawkins, Karen Manning, Sal Risalvato, Jeff Baum, William Testa, 
Stanley Bergen, Cheryl Tice, Alex DeCroce, Mary Hastings Hager, Rosanna 
Hirshkind, Dennis F. Marco, Pat DeDeo, Dana Benbow, Ray Harper, Andrew 
Preston, Paul Melrose, Robert Brehm, Anne Liebers, William Ryan, 
Charles Johnson, Anthony Lori, George R. Laufenberg, Donald Scheidt, 
Bettina Gryzbowski, and Ken Becker.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, as I look back over my years in Congress, I do 
not recall any other group of individuals I have had the opportunity to 
work with of whom I am so proud or honored to have known. Their work 
has been exemplary and indispensable to me, and for this I extend my 
deepest gratitude. I look forward to continuing my work and friendship 
with each of them back in the district.
  Mr. BEVILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to two of my 
outstanding colleagues from New Jersey, Dean Gallo and Bill Hughes, who 
are both retiring at the end of the 103d Congress.
  I wish both of them the best, but I am sorry to see them go.


                               dean gallo

  I have had the great pleasure to work with Dean Gallo on my Energy 
and Water Development Appropriations Committee. He has been one of the 
most dedicated and loyal Members of Congress I have ever had the 
opportunity to serve with.
  I deeply appreciate his friendship over the years and the great work 
he has done on our committee. We will miss him on Appropriations, but 
more than that, I know that his constituents in New Jersey and the 
people of our Nation will miss his many contributions.
  Dean has worked diligently for flood control projects not only in his 
State, but also throughout the country. He has gone to bat for the 
Passaic River flood control project in New Jersey and been very 
supportive when other States desperately needed funding for flood 
control. He recognizes the importance of improving our Nations' 
infrastructure and the importance of saving lives and property. Through 
his work on our committee, Dean Gallo has dedicated himself to 
bettering the lives of people everywhere.
  No one has been more of a champion for energy research programs than 
Dean Gallo and his support has been very instrumental to the continued 
success of energy research at Princeton University. Dean has been a 
tremendous supporter of Princeton's magnetic fusion program, as well as 
other on-going energy programs.
  As you know, Dean has chosen not to seek another term in Congress for 
health reasons. I certainly wish him a full and speedy recovery and 
many years of happiness and good health. Congress is losing one of its 
finest members, but Dean's outstanding record of public service will 
certainly not be forgotten.


                              bill hughes

  I have had the honor of serving with Bill Hughes, the dean of the New 
Jersey delegation, since he came to Congress in 1975. And, I have had 
the pleasure of spending time off Capitol Hill with Bill and his lovely 
wife Nancy. I must say, they were good company.
  Bill has decided to leave the Congress to pursue other interests and 
I know that he will be highly successful in his future endeavors.
  Throughout his years in Congress, Bill has been a very hard worker. 
He is not afraid to tackle tough and complicated issues and he always 
stands up for what he believes is right. This attitude has won him 
widespread respect among his colleagues.
  Bill built a solid record on the House Judiciary Committee, 
especially in his 10 years, from 1981 to 1991, as chairman of the Crime 
Subcommittee, and in more recent years, as chairman of the Subcommittee 
on Intellectual Property and Judicial Administration.
  He has put his stamp on many pieces of legislation and will long be 
remembered for his efforts to fight violent crime.
  When Bill Hughes steps down, the Congress will lose one of its most 
honorable Members. However, his record of service will stand as a fine 
example to public servants everywhere.
  My hopes for a very fine future go with both Dean and Bill. We will 
remember both of you for many years to come.
  Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join in paying 
tribute to two of the finest men I have had the pleasure of serving 
with in Congress, Representatives Bill Hughes and Dean Gallo.
  In our years of working together as New Jersey colleagues, Bill 
Hughes and Dean Gallo have been helpful, accessible, hardworking and 
committed to making a difference. Even as they both gained in seniority 
and had increasing demands placed on their schedules, they always had 
time to listen. Both gained the respect of their colleagues in Congress 
and their constituents back home.
  As dean of our delegation, Bill Hughes was always attentive to New 
Jersey concerns. We looked to him for guidance and advice and we 
benefitted from his vast knowledge and experience.
  Before coming to Congress, he distinguished himself as a lawyer and 
prosecutor in Cape May County. His legal background and familiarity 
with law enforcement issues prepared him well for his outstanding 
service on the House Judiciary Committee, where he served as chairman 
first of the Crime Subcommittee and later, the Subcommittee on 
Intellectual Property and Judicial Administration.
  Dean Gallo distinguished himself by rising to the position of 
minority leader in the New Jersey Assembly before his election to 
Congress. In the U.S. House of Representatives, he gained a seat on the 
powerful House Appropriations Committee. Whenever I went to Dean with a 
request on behalf of my congressional district, he and his staff were 
always extremely responsive and helpful. I greatly appreciate 
everything he did for my area of New Jersey.
  My heartfelt thanks and best wishes go to Bill Hughes and Dean Gallo 
as they conclude their years of honorable and distinguished service 
here in the U.S. House of Representatives. They will be greatly missed.
  Mr. de LUGO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend one of the most skilled 
and hardworking Members of this body and one of my closest friends, the 
gentleman from the 2d District of New Jersey, Bill Hughes.
  My wife, Sheila, and I count Bill and his charming wife, Nancy, among 
our dearest friends.
  As families, we and our children have been together many times while 
Bill and Nancy and their children, Nancy Lynne, Barbara Ann, Tama Beth, 
and Bill, Jr., visited their part-time home in my district of St. 
Thomas.
  So, in a sense, Bill and his family have been constituents of mine 
for more than 20 years, and I'm very proud of that.
  So, it was somewhat of a coincidence that Bill and I each chose to 
retire from the House in the same year. We'd discussed our plans to 
retire, and perhaps taking that step at the end of this session.
  It was an even greater coincidence when we each decided to announce 
our retirements before the House on the same day, and that we were both 
leaving this House after 10 terms in office.
  That is why I am privileged to make these remarks today.
  I mean it when I say there are few Members whom I admire more than 
Bill Hughes.
  Before coming to Washington, Bill worked as a lawyer and served for a 
decade as first assistant prosecutor in Cape May County, where he was 
never once reversed on appeal, an extraordinary accomplishment.
  In his 20 years in the House, Bill Hughes's record of service is a 
remarkable and distinguished one.
  He has been among the most active members of the Judiciary Committee.
  He served 9 years as chairman of the Subcommittee on Crime, where he 
wrote more than 40 anti-crime bills. In 1991, he became chairman of the 
Intellectual Property Subcommittee where he played a key role in 
negotiations on GATT.
  As a senior member of the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries 
Committee, Bill Hughes was responsible for legislation prohibiting 
ocean dumping, controlling ocean pollution, and protecting wild and 
scenic rivers.
  At the end of this year, when Bill Hughes retires from this House, 
this body will lose one of its hardest working and most talented 
Members.
  The men and women of the 2d District of New Jersey will lose the 
longest serving and most effective Representative in their history, and 
a man who has left an indelible mark on the laws of this Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend Bill Hughes for his long and distinguished 
service to this House and to this country.
  And I take this opportunity to say a personal, Thank you, Bill. Good 
job, well done, and I look forward to seeing you and your family in 
years to come on St. Thomas and at Hawk's Nest on St. John, where we 
will enjoy Nancy's great shrimp salad. That's Hawk's Nest Beach. What a 
life.

                          ____________________