[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 92 (Thursday, June 20, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1137]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       WILLIAM H. NATCHER BRIDGE

                                 ______


                               speech of

                         HON. JAMES L. OBERSTAR

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 18, 1996

  Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, it is with a great deal of pride that I 
support the consideration of H.R. 3572. This legislation, which is the 
same bill the House passed last Congress but the Senate failed to act 
on, acknowledges the contribution of one of our dear friends and 
colleagues, William H. Natcher of the State of Kentucky, by designating 
the bridge on U.S. Route 231 crossing the Ohio River between Maceo, KY 
and Rockport, IN, as the ``William H. Natcher Bridge''. It is only 
fitting and proper that a major infrastructure project serve as a long 
and lasting monument in honor of Bill Natcher. He worked closely with 
the then-Committee on Public Works and Transportation to provide 
funding for the construction of this project.
  For over 40 years, Bill Natcher worked tirelessly to serve his 
constituents and the Nation. His public service record is exemplary 
with having never missed a day of work and with having cast 18,401 
consecutive rollcall votes until advised by his physicians to remain at 
the Bethesda Naval Hospital to receive medical treatment.
  Mr. Speaker, more importantly, the character of the gentleman is what 
set him apart from many of his colleagues. He was a courteous, 
dignified, and considerate human being whom we all loved and respected. 
Throughout Bill Natcher's tenure in the House, he enjoyed tremendous 
respect. He exhibited true leadership virtues during his service as 
chairman of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and 
Education and as chairman of the Committee on Appropriations. Under his 
tenure, all 13 appropriations bills were enacted on time, without the 
need for a continuing resolution.
  In the 103d Congress, this committee worked closely with the 
gentlemen from Kentucky and was extremely proud of his willingness to 
work together to support legislation that maintained the integrity of 
the legislative process.
  Mr. Speaker, it was an honor and privilege to have served for over 19 
years in the House with my friend and colleague, Bill Natcher. I am 
pleased to support this legislation as a testament to the tremendous 
work he did for the State of Kentucky, its Second District, and the 
Nation, and I urge approval of the bill.

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