[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 48 (Thursday, March 25, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      HONORING SENATOR SAM ROBERTS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. BOB BARR

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 25, 1999

  Mr. BARR of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a truly 
courageous citizen of Georgia's Seventh Congressional District, state 
Senator Sam Roberts.
  Unlike the U.S. House of Representatives, in Georgia we have a true, 
part-time citizens' legislature. The Georgia General Assembly meets 
once a year for 40 days, conducts the peoples' business, and adjourns. 
Needless to say, the need to accomplish a year's work in a few months 
makes for late nights and long days. The pressure is only increased by 
the many commitments members have to families, businesses, and 
employers.
  However, during the most recent legislative session, no Member faced 
a tougher battle than Senator Sam Roberts of Douglasville. A few weeks 
before the session began, Sam was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in 
one lung. He immediately began chemotherapy and radiation treatment, 
which has resulted in remission of the tumor. All indications are that 
Sam has won his battle with cancer.
  Even more amazingly, throughout his treatment, Sam did not miss a 
single legislative day. He sat at his desk drinking orange juice and 
water as his doctor ordered, and kept moving full speed ahead. In the 
process, he set a standard for public servants everywhere, and serves 
as a shining example for everyone who has ever confronted a life-
threatening disease. I commend Sam for his courage, and I also salute 
his wife Sue, and his children Sherrie, Beau, Amber, who have been 
right there with Senator Sam throughout his journey.

                          ____________________