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




         COMMON SENSE APPROACH TO SERVING PEOPLE OF THIS NATION

  (Mrs. BONO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mrs. BONO. Mr. Speaker, I want first to express thanks to my 
wonderful family for being with me on this special day. It is an honor 
and a privilege to share this moment with my mother and father, Karen 
and Clay Whitaker, my children Chianna and Chesare, my godson William 
Rodriguez, and all the other members of my family, along with the many 
friends and staff who are here today. Your help and support have made 
this possible.
  However, one person who is not with us today is very much in my 
thoughts and always in my heart. His wisdom and his guidance helped me 
prepare for the difficult road I have traveled, and his spirit is 
giving me the strength to meet the many challenges that lie before me.
  Sonny was an incredible force in my life, and many of you who served 
with him will recall the impact he had on everyone who met him. I want 
to thank each of you and the thousands of people from around the world 
who expressed their sympathy and love on his passing for your generous 
words of tribute and praise.
  As I stand here in the people's House, I understand why this Chamber 
held so much meaning for my late husband. More than any of his other 
accomplishments, and there were many, Sonny's service to the people of 
California's 44th district was his proudest achievement. I will do my 
best to live up to the legacy that he has left and continue to bring 
his common sense approach to serving the people of this great Nation.
  Over the past few months, I have come to know well the people of the 
44th district. It has been a privilege to share time with them, to 
listen to their concerns and to their dreams. I understand what it is 
like to be a single mother trying her best to raise young children in a 
difficult situation. I am concerned that we need to do more to provide 
our youth with an education that offers them hope for the future.
  I have heard from senior citizens and veterans who served our country 
and are now in need of our support. I have witnessed firsthand the 
challenges facing our law enforcement, especially in their war against 
drugs and gang violence. And I have been inspired by the hundreds of 
people in our community who daily make a difference, asking for no 
recognition, just a little help.
  I believe that the people of the 44th district sent me to Congress 
for much the same reason that they sent Sonny, because they knew they 
could trust me to do the very best I could do. While I have much to 
learn, I know if I serve honestly and honorably, I will fulfill that 
trust.
  There are many difficult and complex issues facing our Nation, and 
there are very few simple solutions. However, every child knows that 
you cannot spend more than you have. We must continue to show fiscal 
responsibility in our Nation's budget. Tax reform needs to be enacted 
to provide relief to individuals and small businesses. And it is 
imperative that we maintain a strong national defense, for without it 
there will be no peace.
  I do not come before you today with solutions, only resolve. It is my 
great honor to have this opportunity to serve, and I thank from the 
bottom of my heart all the voters from the 44th District of California. 
Thank you, and God bless.

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