[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 87 (Friday, June 18, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1341-E1342]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 PERSONAL STATEMENT TO JACQUELYN ISABEL SPINELLO ANDREWS AND JOSEPHINE 
                            CAROLYN ANDREWS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 18, 1999

  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, there are times in our public careers when 
the obligations of office require us to forego the immediate interests 
and needs of those whom we love most. Because it is my duty to attend 
to our business here in the Capitol, I am unable to attend a special 
Father's Day celebration with my oldest daughter, Jacquelyn Isabel 
Spinello Andrews, at her kindergarten class (Mrs. Esler's class) at the 
Atlantic Avenue School in Haddon Heights, New Jersey. Six year olds do 
not readily understand the absence of their fathers at important 
events.
  The pain of separation is further compounded by the fact that a 
voting session last week required me to miss an end of the year 
celebration for my youngest daughter, Josephine Carolyn Andrews, age 4, 
at the Beechwood School's pre-kindergarten class (Mrs. Rutkowski and 
Mrs. Provens). I hope that my children will understand that the 
exercise of duty does not negate the intense love I feel for them and 
pride my wife Camille and I draw from their lives and progress.
  In the instance of Jacquelyn's Father's Day celebration, duty took on 
a special meaning, because we were debating proposals to protect her 
and all children from school violence

[[Page E1342]]

like the nightmare parents around this country have felt too often in 
the last few years. My absence was necessary for me to support a cause 
in which I believe. But my absence should not confuse the fact that my 
beautiful children--God's greatest gift to me ever--are more important 
than any cause. I hope, Mr. Speaker, that my children and the children 
of all who serve in public life will understand that our motivation is 
to provide our children and all children with a loving and supportive 
community free of violence. Although no gift can replace our presence 
with those we love, I hope that our legislative efforts produce the 
gifts of a community worthy of the sweetness and innocence of our 
children.
  I thank my family for understanding that I must perform these duties 
and I reaffirm my love for Jacquelyn and Josie and their mother, in 
gratitude for the sacrifices they make.

                          ____________________