[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 4 (Tuesday, January 21, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H239]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE BURTON BARR

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Arizona [Mr. Hayworth] is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. HAYWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I rise this afternoon to honor the memory 
of one from my home State who qualifies as a legislative legend. His 
name was Burton Barr, and for more than 20 years he served with 
distinction in the Arizona House of Representatives.
  Indeed, Mr. Speaker, as we embark in this 105th Congress to do the 
people's business, we are confronted by a curious paradox. It is one 
that surrounds every legislative body, and it principally centers on 
this challenge: How do we, in the spirit of bipartisanship, at the same 
time recognize legitimate differences of opinion and work for the 
common good?
  Mr. Speaker, I submit that for a sterling example of how to move 
forward in a bipartisan way, we need look only so far as to the 
legislative career of the late Burton Barr.
  Burton Barr in his role as Speaker of the Arizona statehouse worked 
effectively with members of that body from all different walks of life 
and from both major political parties. Indeed, Mr. Speaker, no less a 
person than the current Secretary of the Interior and former Arizona 
Governor Bruce Babbitt attests to the legislative ability of Burton 
Barr.
  There were those who were cynics and critics who referred to Mr. Barr 
as the great salesman, but he was more than that. For in recognizing 
legitimate differences, and yet trying to achieve a consensus, Burton 
Barr went about the people's business. He was a public servant in the 
truest sense of the word.
  To his family and to the people of Arizona, this House should offer 
our condolences and sympathy. And, again, for a sterling example, we 
should turn to this legislative leader who showed by example that the 
people's business can be done, that we can work together 
constructively, at times championing our differences, at times 
legitimately discussing those challenges at hand.
  Burton Barr was more than simply a legislative leader. He was a 
husband and devoted father, and he was a hero of World War II. He 
earned two Silver Stars for gallantry. But for the people of Arizona, 
his star in the firmament will be his dedication to the people of the 
Grand Canyon State and his record of accomplishment in leading a 
legislative body to success in a bipartisan manner.

                          ____________________