[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 148 (Wednesday, November 30, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: November 30, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
          TRIBUTE TO PENNSYLVANIA DELEGATION DEPARTING MEMBERS

                                 ______


                            HON. BUD SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 1994

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, today I come to the floor of the U.S. House 
of Representatives to honor five of our distinguished colleagues from 
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania who are departing the House upon 
completion of the 103d Congress. All have made notable contributions to 
their constituencies and to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. During my 
time in Congress, I have worked closely with three of these departing 
Members and at this time would like to recognize their service to this 
body and to their constituents.
  Mr. Speaker, I would first like to recognize Congressman Tom Ridge, 
who has recently been elected Governor of the Commonwealth of 
Pennsylvania.
  Tom began his public service many years before he became a Member of 
this body. After gradating from high school in the Pittsburgh steel 
valley community of Munhall, Tom earned an academic scholarship to 
Harvard University. He graduated with honors and moved on to Carlisle, 
PA, where he began pursuing a law degree at Dickinson Law School. 
Following his first year he was called upon to serve in the U.S. Army 
as an infantryman in Vietnam. As a result of his commitment he was 
awarded the Bronze Star for valor. Tom  returned to Carlisle and 
completed his studies at Dickinson in 1972.
  Tom was brought up in a humble, working class family, and returned to 
his roots after completing law school. He set up a law practice and 
subsequently served as one of Erie's assistant district attorneys. He 
was first elected to Congress on November 2, 1982. Tom has been an 
active member of the House Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs 
Committee. In this capacity he has focused his time and energy on 
serving the constituents that he represents in the 21st District, with 
a philosophy centered on fiscal responsibility which creates economic 
opportunity. Tom's relationship with the people of the Commonwealth of 
Pennsylvania is evident by their overwhelming support for him on 
November 8, 1994, electing him as their Governor.
  As a close friend and dear colleague, I wish Tom, his wife, Michele, 
and their children, Lesley and Tommy, much success and happiness in the 
coming weeks, months, and years as they move to their new home in 
Harrisburg.
  Second, Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to another respected 
member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania, 
Congressman Rick Santorum. Congressman Santorum was elected to the 
House of Representatives in 1990. As a member of the Committee on Ways 
and Means he served as ranking member of the Subcommittee on Human 
Resources, as well as serving on the Subcommittee on Oversight. His 
commitment to fight for American jobs and boost the American economy in 
his committee posts have been noteworthy. As a comember of the Steel 
Caucus I have seen, first hand, that Rick has served his constituents 
with great distinction.
  Mr. Santorum has proven himself to be a champion of the people 
throughout his short time in the House. He will continue to serve 
Pennsylvania in the 104th Congress as the States' junior Senator. 
Congressman Santorum, soon to be Senator Santorum, will become the 
youngest Member to serve in the Senate during the upcoming Congress. I 
am confident that Rick will continue to represent the people of 
Pennsylvania by keeping their best interests at heart. Through his 
relentless commitment to reducing both big government and burdensome 
taxes he has clearly established himself as a leader not only for 
Pennsylvania but for the Nation as well.
  I speak for myself, as well as the rest of the Pennsylvania 
delegation as I wish Rick, his wife Karen, and their two children the 
best of luck as they look to the future.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to one of 
Pennsylvania's most respected and well liked Members, Congressman 
Austin Murphy.
  Congressman Murphy who is retiring at the end of the 103d Congress 
has dedicated his life to serving the people of Pennsylvania. He was a 
prominent member of both the Pennsylvania State House of 
Representatives and the State Senate before coming to Congress in 1977. 
Throughout his tenure in the House, Austin has earned a solid 
reputation as a man of his word representing the citizens of the 20th 
District of Pennsylvania with integrity and honor. Congressman Murphy's 
years of service on the Education and Labor Committee is a testimony to 
his status as a national leader both in our schools and in our 
workplace.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish Austin, his wife Ramona, and their six children 
continued success and happiness in their future endeavors.
  The House of Representatives faces considerable challenges in the 
upcoming Congress and we will undeniably miss the kind of tested 
leadership that Congressmen Ridge, Santorum, and Murphy have provided. 
The commitment that these men have made to the American people is truly 
an inspiration to both their constituents and their colleagues in the 
Congress.

                          ____________________