[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 142 (Saturday, October 10, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2032]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE GERALD SOLOMON

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                    HON. F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER, Jr.

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 6, 1998

  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Gerald 
Solomon, the distinguished gentleman from New York, as he prepares to 
retire after 20 years of service to the country and his constituents, 
the last four years as Chairman of the House Rules Committee.
  Jerry Solomon and I came to Congress together in 1978. In his ten 
terms representing New York's 22nd District in the House, his 
colleagues and his constituents have come to know him as a positive 
force for common sense legislation. Jerry's legacy is one of military 
preparedness, fiscal responsibility, strong foreign policy and 
government accountability.
  As a former United States Marine, Jerry brought a unique knowledge of 
the necessities of military readiness to his legislative agenda. In the 
1980's, he worked to strengthen our armed services, joining other 
exemplary leaders such as Ronald Reagan in helping to ensure a peaceful 
end to the Cold War and the United States' position of strength in the 
post-Cold War world. His work with the North Atlantic Assembly and his 
mastery of NATO issues proved an invaluable asset to the House as we 
considered foreign affairs and national security issues.
  But Jerry Solomon's importance to the House does not stop there. His 
colleagues know him as a Member who recognized the patriotism and 
dignity of this country's veterans and fought tirelessly to see that 
the government provided them the rights and benefits they so richly 
deserve.
  Jerry Solomon also devoted significant energy to securing 
accountability in our government, taking a principal role in creating 
the line item veto legislation passed by Congress in 1996. And it is 
important legislation like this that passes through Jerry's hands each 
day. As Chairman of the Rules Committee, he continues to dedicate 
himself to providing for the smooth movement of the many and varied 
pieces of legislation that come before the House in each session.
  His shoes will undoubtedly be hard to fill. I join my colleagues in 
wishing a Jerry a fond farewell and a successful retirement. We aspire 
to continue his level of leadership and commitment.

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