[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 149 (Thursday, October 30, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2149]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    MOURNING THE PASSING OF RESPECTED COLLEAGUE, FORMER MEMBER JOEL 
                               PRITCHARD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 30, 1997

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, today in the House there was a Memorial 
Service for our former Member, Joel Pritchard, who passed away October 
9, 1997. Congressman Pritchard was an outstanding legislator and, more 
importantly, a wonderful human being. He will be sorely missed by those 
of us who knew and worked with him.
  Joel's legacy will be that of the dedicated work he did on the behalf 
of his constituents in the first district of the State of Washington. 
In his six terms on Capitol Hill, Congressman Pritchard was one of 
America's most valuable spokesman for the environment. His district, 
which included the region around Puget Sound, is regarded as an 
environmental gem, even with the rising nearby metropolis of Seattle 
and its suburbs. Congressman Pritchard's advocacy for our Nation's 
natural treasures helped instill further an awareness among his fellow 
Congressmen on this important issue.
  I knew Joel Pritchard from the time we spent together on the House 
Foreign Affairs Committee, where we both served on our Subcommittee for 
International Operations. His caution and keen eye were a valuable 
asset in evaluating the policies of the United States in a global 
setting.
  The spirit of Congressman Joel Pritchard will live on in this body, 
joining the memory of respected leaders of past generations. Mr. 
Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join with me in extending our 
condolences to Joel Pritchard's family as we salute this great American 
who selflessly devoted himself to his country and his community.

                          ____________________