[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 95 (Tuesday, June 25, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H6715]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSMAN BILL EMERSON

  Mr. GINGRICH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Chair for recognizing me.
  I just want to take this moment to share with my colleagues briefly 
the sense of sadness that I think that we all feel at the passing away 
of Congressman Bill Emerson of Missouri. Bill Emerson was a tremendous 
human being who worked extraordinarily hard on the issue of hunger, 
reach out in a bipartisan way, and was recognized around the world as 
somebody who cared deeply about everyone on the planet having a chance 
to have a decent meal and to live a life which has good nutrition.
  Congressman Emerson was an expert on nutrition programs here and 
abroad. He was also a man who cared deeply. He cared deeply about his 
family, about his district, about representing the people of Missouri, 
and about serving in the U.S. Congress. I think that as all of us 
watched him struggle with cancer and we watched as he came to the floor 
with oxygen, he came to the floor in a wheelchair, but he was 
absolutely, totally dedicated to serving. He loved this House. He loved 
the process of dealing with issues and problems and helping people, and 
he loved the interaction between human beings.
  I think all of us are a little poorer and all of us in the House I 
think on both sides of the aisle are certainly a little sadder at the 
loss of this fine, wonderful gentleman who passed away over the 
weekend. I simply wanted to share with the House those thoughts on 
behalf I think of all the Members of the House.

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