[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 102 (Thursday, July 11, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1239]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1239]]



                        TRIBUTE TO BILL EMERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. MICHAEL BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 25, 1996

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to say goodbye to a friend. 
Although many Members of this body have risen and recounted what kind 
of man, legislator, and public servant Bill Emerson was, I believe it 
certainly cannot be said enough.
  I always thought that one of Bill's most outstanding qualities was 
that he held passionate beliefs about how to improve the lives of our 
Nation's citizens, while at the same time possessing the innate quality 
to debate divisive issues in an honest and straightforward manner. Bill 
was one of the driving forces behind the formation of the Alliance, a 
group of Republicans who believe that we must return civility and 
respect to the debates in the House of Representatives.
  Unfortunately, we did not serve on the same committees in Congress, 
in fact, our congressional districts were in very different parts of 
this country. I was, however, pleased to have the opportunity to serve 
as a member of the Alliance with Bill, and to see him working at our 
weekly meetings. I also was able to work with Bill several years ago as 
cochairs of the House Task Force on Fair Trade and Open Markets.
  There is no question that he served the Eighth District of Missouri 
and the citizens of our country very well. I know he will be missed by 
all those who were fortunate to come into contact with him over the 
years.
  We were all heartened at the way Bill remained strong during his last 
days in this institution which he loved so much. Whenever I walked on 
the floor and saw him following the debate, even though it was obvious 
that lesser men would have been unable to do so, I realized just what 
kind of devotion and commitment he had for his service to his 
constituents and to his country.
  Mr. Speaker, we will all miss Bill Emerson. I know, however, that his 
work in this body will serve as a lasting tribute to a man who devoted 
his life to public service.

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