[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 130 (Thursday, September 19, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1653]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         FAREWELL TO THE GREATEST LEGISLATIVE BODY IN THE WORLD

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOBY ROTH

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 19, 1996

  Mr. ROTH. Mr. Speaker, September 19 is a memorable day in American 
history. Two hundred years ago today, our first President, George 
Washington, gave the American people his Farewell Address. This address 
is read annually to Congress. In it, George Washington offered the 
American people precious advice, which for the most part they have 
followed.
  Today I'd like to offer my own farewell to Congress, but one that is 
simply a thank you to my family, friends and associates, who have meant 
so much to me since I entered this great institution.
  Eighteen years ago I first walked onto this floor to be sworn in as a 
freshman member of the 96th Congress. It was one of the proudest 
moments of my life. To be elected by one's fellow citizens to serve in 
the U.S. House of Representatives is a special honor, one that I will 
always cherish and treasure.
  Throughout those 18 years, I've kept in mind something Abraham 
Lincoln said about the turbulence of public life: ``I do the very best 
I know how--the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the 
end.''
  I couldn't have done it without my family, particularly my wife, 
Barb. From the beginning, I have been blessed with a supportive and 
understanding family. Every member of this House knows the sacrifices 
their families are required to make. Barb, Toby Jr., Vicky, Barbie, and 
my daughter-in-law Jeanne often went above and beyond what anyone 
reasonably could expect. I love them dearly--and to give them a big hug 
of love and thanks.

  Representing the people of northeast Wisconsin has been a family 
affair. Barb has been my unofficial director of constituent affairs and 
chief campaigner, as well as the finest political strategist I could 
have ever had. Toby Jr., Vicky, Barbie, and Jeanne have marched with me 
in countless parades, typed labels, licked stamps, maintained voter 
lists, manned the telephones and staffed election night headquarters. 
As a result, they know more about the realities of American politics, I 
suspect, than the political science faculty at any university. For 
their help and encouragement I will always be grateful.
  I couldn't have done it without the strong support and friendship of 
the people of northeast Wisconsin. I have made lasting friendships with 
the people of my district. I have spent every bit of time back in the 
district that I could, attending community meetings, speaking to small 
business groups, visiting homes for the elderly, and cheering on high 
school football teams.
  Not once did I feel a trip back home was a chore. No place in America 
has greater natural beauty: the forests, the inland lakes, the 
riverways, the hills, the shores and bays of Lake Michigan, from 
Washington Island west to Northern Highland State Forest, through some 
of America's most scenic counties: Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, 
Forest, Kewaunee, Langlade, Maintowoc, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, 
Oneida, Outagamie, Shawano, and Vilas.
  Above all, no Member of Congress has a more big-hearted, fun-
loving, hard-working, family-oriented group of Americans to represent. 
Working for them in Washington and visiting them at home has been an 
honor and a pleasure.

  For 18 years, they have placed their trust in me. Fifteen times, in 
primary and general elections, I asked the people of northeast 
Wisconsin for a vote of confidence. Fifteen times, they gave me their 
support. I hope I have met their high expectations.
  I couldn't have done it without my staff. They have shared my deep 
commitment to public service, and they have served the people of 
Wisconsin and the American people well.
  Finally, I couldn't have done it without the friendship and support 
of my fellow Members. This is a special place, and those who serve here 
are exceptional people. I have been proud to serve with you; I have 
learned much from you; and I believe it can be said that together we 
have made a lasting contribution to this great Nation. God bless all of 
you and God bless America.
  Six months ago, when I announced that after 18 years of service in 
Congress I would move on to other endeavors, I did so in a statement to 
the people of northeast Wisconsin. I'd like to insert those comments in 
the Record.

       We all know the passage from Ecclesiastes: ``All things 
     have their season, and in their times all things pass under 
     heaven.''
       In short, there is a time for everything. Eighteen years 
     ago, I announced my candidacy for Congress. I have devoted 
     nearly two decades of my life to working for the people of 
     Northeast Wisconsin. I have always worked hard--giving one 
     thousand percent. So has my wife Barb and so have my 
     children. Public service involves a commitment from everyone 
     in my family. And the people have seen that.
       In nine general elections and two primaries, the people 
     have placed their trust and confidence in me, to represent 
     them in the United States Congress. For me, this has been the 
     highest honor. The people of Northeast Wisconsin are the 
     finest people on earth. Everyday, they have shown me 
     kindness, generosity and friendship. They have been good to 
     me beyond measure, and it has made my job a pleasure as well 
     as an honor.
       Now, after eighteen years, it is the right time for me to 
     come home. Therefore I am announcing today that I will not be 
     a candidate for reelection this November. When the people of 
     Northeast Wisconsin first elected me to Congress, Jimmy 
     Carter was President, the Cold War still raged, the Soviet 
     Union was the enemy and the Iron Curtain divided Europe.
       As I reflect on my time in office, it has been an era of 
     monumental change. Today, we are at peace. No nation 
     threatens us. Our economy is strong, especially here at home 
     in Northeast Wisconsin. To be sure, we have problems in our 
     society, but I see America returning to the values that built 
     our country and made us strong. My goal has always been to 
     contribute to a better future for our country, and today I am 
     optimistic for the children of America. I have cherished 
     every moment of my service in Congress. When the American 
     people, through their votes, freely choose a citizen to 
     represent them in Congress, they not only vest a person with 
     the power to make the laws, they reaffirm the power of the 
     people to govern themselves. The Congress truly is the 
     people's house. I will always be grateful to the people of 
     Northeast Wisconsin.
       As the Irish proverb goes, ``May God in His wonderful love 
     hold each of you in the hollow of his hand.''
       This has been a great journey of eighteen years. Thank you.

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