[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 138 (Monday, September 30, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1857-E1858]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RETIREMENT OF CONGRESSMEN CLINGER AND WALKER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. WILLIAM J. COYNE

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Saturday, September 28, 1996

  Mr. COYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tribute to two of the 
longest-serving members from the Pennsylvania delegation--Bob Walker 
and Bill Clinger--as the date of their retirement from this august body 
draws near. Their records of dedicated service to their country and 
their constituents are two of the most eloquent arguments against term 
limits that one could ever imagine.
  While we represent very different constituencies and have very 
different views on a number of public policy issues, I have worked 
closely with Congressman Walker and Representative Clinger on a great 
many issues of importance to the people of Pennsylvania. The success of 
the Pennsylvania delegation in representing the interests of the 
residents of the Commonwealth is due in no small part to the ability of 
the Pennsylvania congressional delegation to repeatedly rise above 
partisan politics in order to serve our constituents.
  Bob Walker has served the people of Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional 
District for 20 years. He will long be remembered for his in-depth 
knowledge of the House legislative process. His parliamentary prowess 
was so well-known and admired that he was called upon to instruct House 
Republican freshmen in the rules and procedures of the House. I think 
that one of the highest compliments that one politician can give an 
adversary is that he effectively pursued his goals. Bob Walker has 
certainly deserved that plaudit.
  Bob is also known for his intense loyalty to his party and his 
friends. On the floor and off, he has labored tirelessly on behalf of 
his party--during the many years when House Republicans were in the 
minority as well as

[[Page E1858]]

the last 2 years when they were in the majority. Bob Walker is no fair-
weather friend; he is patient, dedicated, and persistent. The dramatic 
use of congressional special orders by Congressman Walker and a number 
of his colleagues transformed the nature of the congressional 
deliberative process and brought Congress into the electronic age. As a 
result of his persistent service and leadership, Congressman Walker was 
rewarded with the Office of Chief Deputy Republican Whip, in which 
capacity he served with great distinction.
  Through all the skirmishing on the House floor, however, Bob has 
maintained a keen interest in the space, science, and technology issues 
that have come before Congress--an interest that found expression in 
many years of service on the House Space, Science, and Technology 
Committee. As the new chairman of this committee, renamed the House 
Science Committee in the 105th Congress, Bob Walker has presided over 
the consideration of legislation that may well shape public and private 
scientific research for years to come. His chairmanship has often 
been controversial, but no one questions his enthusiasm for the 
advancement of science or the sincerity behind his legislative 
initiatives. In just 2 short years, Chairman Walker has made a lasting 
mark on Federal research policy and priorities.

  In short, we will not soon forget Bob Walker. The U.S. science 
policies in coming years will bear testimony to his thoughtful 
leadership. And we, his colleagues, will certainly feel his absence.
  Pennsylvania will also lose a tireless advocate and ardent Government 
reformer with the retirement of Congressman Bill Clinger, chairman of 
the House Government Reform and Oversight Committee. Congressman 
Clinger has served the people of Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional 
District since he was first elected as their representative in 1978, 
and he has served his constituents well. He worked to have the upper 
Allegheny River designated a wild and scenic river. He fought to curb 
the dumping of out-of-State garbage in rural landfills in States like 
Pennsylvania. And he has labored tirelessly to secure important public 
works projects in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District.
  In his 2 years as chairman of the Government Reform and Oversight 
Committee, Bill Clinger has attempted to address the thorny albeit 
unglamorous issues of Federal acquisition reform, unfunded mandates, 
and the burden of Federal paperwork on the public. In this regard he 
has worked tirelessly on the critical task of streamlining and 
otherwise improving the day-to-day operations of the Federal 
Government. Chairman Clinger also spearheaded congressional efforts in 
the 105th Congress to enact a line-item veto, and he introduced 
legislation to reform the Federal budget process by establishing a 
separate capital budget and protecting the trust funds dedicated to 
particular purposes. The merits of the specific initiatives aside, they 
all serve as evidence of the seriousness and dedication with which he 
has endeavored to serve the public throughout the 18 years that he has 
served in Congress. He will be missed.
  It has been an honor to serve with them both, and to work with them 
on issues important to our great Commonwealth. I wish both of them the 
best of luck in their future endeavors.

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