[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 143 (Sunday, October 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2078]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE GERALD SOLOMON (R-NY)

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. FLOYD SPENCE

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 6, 1998

  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, it is with a great sense of personal 
pleasure that I join in this tribute to a truly exceptional Member of 
Congress, United States Marine, and American patriot, the gentleman 
from New York, Jerry Solomon. After 20 years of dedicated service in 
Congress, Jerry has chosen to retire for a truly honorable and 
understandable cause--to spend more time with his beloved family.
  As a friend, colleague and longtime fan, I find it difficult to find 
the words to properly express the many contributions Jerry has made to 
his country, the military and this institution. Jerry served as a 
United States Marine during the Korean War. His military service marked 
the beginning of a lifetime of service and commitment to a strong 
national defense and to the welfare of our armed forces. Whenever and 
wherever there was a debate or a reason for this House to act to 
protect or advance the cause of American national security, you could 
always count on finding Jerry Solomon in the thick of it, fiercely 
determined and dedicated to ensuring we not sacrifice or place in 
danger our most precious commodities--our freedom and liberty in a 
dangerous world.
  I can state without equivocation that there has been no greater 
advocate for the brave men and women in uniform who stand at the ready 
to protect the freedoms that we enjoy. Whether fighting to protect 
veterans benefits, the integrity of the selective service or adequate 
resources for our military, Jerry has always worked to ensure that the 
Congress fulfills its greatest Constitutional duty--to provide for the 
defense of this nation.
  As the Chairman of the House National Security Committee, I have been 
particularly blessed to be able to turn to Chairman Jerry Solomon for 
the past four years for help and guidance in bringing the annual 
national defense authorization bills before the Rules Committee and the 
House floor. Our Committee's record of success on the House floor can 
be largely attributed to Jerry's tireless commitment to a fair and open 
process coupled with an unmatched devotion to our American men and 
women in uniform and commitment to maintain a strong defense.
  These efforts have been particularly important in a time when most 
Americans take today's economic prosperity and relative global peace 
for granted. Jerry has always recognized the important role that a 
strong U.S. military plays in maintaining America's global leadership. 
He truly understands that the end of the Cold War was not the end of a 
dangerous world. Indeed, the end of the Soviet Union meant only that 
the many threats to U.S. national security, including regional unrest, 
terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and ethnic 
violence, would no longer be contained by the Cold War.
  Jerry's departure from this House will be a loss to this nation. He 
will leave behind a huge and difficult gap to fill in the contingent of 
members dedicated to the honorable but increasingly frustrating cause 
to halt the further erosion of U.S. military capability. However, his 
leadership, his dedication and his tireless efforts toward this cause 
will continue to serve as an inspiration to those of us left behind.
  I wish to offer my very best wishes to Jerry and his wife, Frieda, 
and their family as he pursues what I am sure will be another 
distinguished career in the years ahead. I personally will miss his 
friendship and guidance, but I know that this fighting spirit will 
remain in this chamber long after his departure. As a fellow former 
member of the maritime services, I offer Jerry the traditional navy 
fond farewell--``Fair Winds and Following Seas!''

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