[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 139 (Tuesday, October 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1885]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO HON. BILL ZELIFF

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HOWARD COBLE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 30, 1996

  Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I preferred to speak to this point on the 
floor last Saturday, but the late hour and the uncertain schedule 
precluded that. The purpose of these remarks is to advise all that the 
Congress of the United States will lose one of its leading members with 
the imminent departure of Bill Zeliff.
  I frequently refer to Bill Zeliff as the common sense voice of reason 
from the ``northern tier''--New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont. Bill Zeliff 
speaks authoritatively for the private sector because, as an innkeeper, 
he, his wife, his family and his able staff personify the private 
sector.
  Several months ago Bill  called me to complain of a rumor he had 
heard regarding the transfer of a Coast Guard cutter from her New 
Hampshire port. He was upset and asked my assistance in retaining the 
cutter in this port. I told him my belief was that there was no move 
afoot, but checked with the Commandant of the Coast Guard who verified 
my conclusion. I then assured Bill not to worry. That was not good 
enough for Zeliff. He insisted that I come to New Hampshire to meet 
with Coast Guard officials and assure them that the cutter would remain 
stationed in New Hampshire. I complied with his request and we did in 
fact meet with Coast Guard officials as well as interested citizens. 
This episode convinced me, once again, that Bill Zeliff is Mr. 
Persistence. This Coast guard cutter, by the way, continues to call New 
Castle, NH her home port.
  I could speak hours about the outstanding manner in which Bill Zeliff 
represents his constituents in Congress, but it is not necessary 
because they know they have been represented by an outstanding Member 
of Congress. Literally hundreds of New Hampshire citizens: male, 
female, liberal, conservative, Democrat, Republican, have told me Bill 
Zeliff is the most popular and most effective elected official in New 
Hampshire.
  So long Bill--you will be missed.

                          ____________________