[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 44 (Tuesday, April 21, 1998)]
[House]
[Pages H2073-H2074]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       INTRODUCTION OF HON. MARY BONO OF CALIFORNIA TO THE HOUSE

  (Mr. LEWIS of California asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take just a 
moment of our time today to introduce a friend to all of my colleagues. 
Her name is Mary. It used to be Mary Whitaker. Then she met a guy named 
Sonny, and after a short time he convinced her to change her name to 
Bono.

[[Page H2074]]

  I want you to know, Mary, that all of us in this Chamber loved and 
admired Sonny. Of course, we still do; and, like you, we miss him 
dearly. But today we are here as a family to say welcome to you and to 
Chesare and Chianna and to all the other little Whitakers who are here.
  Mary, after winning a stunning victory on April 7, you have earned 
your own place in Congress. We know that you will bring a strong voice, 
a woman's voice, to your job. Every bit as important to me, you will 
bring a mother's voice to the House.
  The citizens of California's 44th congressional district are 
fortunate to have you as their voice in Congress. They are lucky to 
have you on their side.
  Mary, just one last thought from this friend. Sonny would be so very 
proud of you today. I know in my heart that he is looking down upon us 
at this moment and he is smiling. So, Mary, it is my privilege to say 
to my colleagues, welcome to Congresswoman Mary Bono.

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