[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 16 (Thursday, February 26, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H656]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




MOURNING THE PASSING OF A DEAR FRIEND, FORMER CONGRESSMAN RICHARD WHITE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Richard C. White, 
former Congressman for the 16th District of Texas. Congressman White 
passed away last Wednesday, February 18, in El Paso, Texas. It is with 
deep sorrow and condolences to his family that we mark the passing of 
this dear friend, exceptional leader and fine human being.
  During his 74 years of life, he exemplified the highest attributes 
that all of us here in Congress and back in our respective districts 
respect and admire, the attributes of leadership, vision, integrity, 
humility and public service.
  Early in his life, Richard White showed a concern and a commitment to 
his community and his country. He entered military service as a marine 
in World War II and saw action in the Pacific theater. While fighting 
in the battles of Bougainville, Guam and Iwo Jima, he was wounded in 
action, and his service to his country was marked with honor and high 
decoration, receiving the Purple Heart.
  Upon returning to the States, this veteran began advocating as an 
outstanding lawyer for the people of El Paso. In 1949, he heeded the 
call for even greater community service. Congressman White launched the 
beginning of a distinguished career as a public servant.
  He served first in the Texas Legislature from 1955 to 1958. In the 
beginning, he worked hard to improve the quality of life along the 
border. Focusing on health care and environmental issues, he 
established a nursing school at the University of Texas at El Paso and 
created the Hueco Tanks State Park.
  As a native Texan and a third generation El Pasoan, Congressman White 
remained close to his roots. After his successful terms in the State 
House, he returned to El Paso. He practiced law for a short time and 
served as a chairman of the El Paso Democratic Party prior to 
announcing his candidacy for the U.S. Congress in 1964.
  Richard White then served in this body from 1965 to 1983. I know that 
during his years here in Washington he built many friendships. Many of 
you were his colleagues and remember his strong advocacy on behalf of 
his district and the well-being of this Nation. His work on the 
Committee on Armed Services reflected his strong commitment to national 
security, and this was reflected in his unwavering support for El 
Paso's Fort Bliss Army Post, and in the drafting of the reorganization 
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff language. In addition, he brought the 
needs of El Paso and the border to the forefront of Congress as he 
created the Chamizal Border Highway and the Chamizal National Memorial.

                              {time}  1245

  In addition, he served with distinction in the Interior and Insular 
Affairs Committees, the Post Office and Civil Service Committee, and 
the Science and Technology Committee.
  Congressman White was a true citizen-legislator. During his 18 years 
representing El Paso, he served with distinction and determination. 
Moreover, his accomplishments were marked by a reputation as a person 
of the highest character and for always conducting himself as a 
gentleman.
  Despite having attained seniority and earning the respect and 
admiration of his peers, he nevertheless left this Congress to return 
to his family in El Paso. The proud father of 7 children, he was 
devoted to spending more time with them.
  Nonetheless, seeing the need to always contribute towards the 
betterment of El Paso and the citizens of El Paso, he remained active 
in numerous community affairs and lent his support to the 16th District 
as a mentor and a civic leader.
  I can personally say that Congressman White was a long time friend to 
me and to my family. He inspired us with his leadership, and I 
appreciated his many insights and willingness to offer his continued 
assistance on behalf of our community.
  Congressman White leaves an enormous legacy of concern for his 
constituents and a commitment to doing everything in his power to help 
those whom he served. Richard White personified the meaning of 
honorable public service. He made the most of his life by touching the 
lives of those around him. As Congressman, legislator, attorney, 
friend, citizen, husband and father, he led a life of dignity and 
unselfish commitment. He worked hard. As we mourn his passing, let us 
all remember that his many accomplishments will be a benchmark for 
those of us here in Washington today.
  Mr. Speaker and fellow Members of Congress, I will soon introduce 
legislation to name the El Paso Federal Office Building in his honor. I 
will ask for your support in this endeavor as a permanent monument to 
his proud record of public service and fierce drive to help his 
community and to work for the greater good of this Nation.
  I thank you, and I want to wish his wife, Katherine and all his 
children well, and God bless the White family.

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