[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 146 (Saturday, October 8, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                 TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSWOMAN HELEN BENTLEY

                                 ______


                     HON. JAMES H. (JIMMY) QUILLEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 7, 1994

  Mr. QUILLEN. Mr. Speaker, of all of my colleagues who are leaving the 
House at the end of this Congress, I will miss none more than Helen 
Bentley, my good friend and distinguished Member of Congress from 
Maryland. Her dedication and patriotism are models that we can all 
strive to emulate, and her tenacity in the pursuit of what she believes 
to be right is second to none.
  I first knew of Helen when she chaired the Federal Maritime 
Commission under President Nixon. She gave the Commission strong 
leadership that it had not previously known. I remember vividly when 
Helen took the tanker Manhattan on a voyage through the Northwest 
Passage to prove that the icy waters were passable. Her passionate 
commitment to revitalizing the American maritime industry was evident 
then, as it has been evident ever since.
  Since her arrival in Congress in 1985, Helen Bentley has been a 
defender of American interests, American jobs, and America's place in 
the world. Many remember her use of a sledgehammer on a Japanese 
television to protest one company's hostile trading practices, and this 
is indicative of the zeal with which Helen pursues her goals. I have 
worked with her on maritime issues over the years, and she has been of 
invaluable help in getting things done.
  Her crusade against NAFTA, although unsuccessful, opened many eyes 
and made a lot of people think. With NAFTA then, just as with GATT now, 
Helen has turned her journalistic eye towards the issues and made us 
realize what the effect of these mammoth agreements might be on the 
working men and women of her district--and of others.
  The House will miss Helen Bentley's presence a great deal, but she 
will not be far away. I hope to continue to consult with her on 
maritime issues and other areas of concern, and I know that new 
opportunities will continue to come her way. Helen, please keep in 
touch, and thanks again for your service and your friendship.

                          ____________________