[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 94 (Tuesday, June 29, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1427]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


           TRIBUTE TO FORMER LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR BOB BULLOCK

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 29, 1999

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay 
tribute to Former Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock. The man I speak of 
today is so deeply entrenched in the political framework of Texas, that 
he has often been regarded as a legend in my home state.
  Bob passed away on June 18th 1999, and the entire State of Texas 
mourns his death. But I stand before you today to salute his life. I am 
proud to say that Bob Bullock was a friend of mine, in both the 
personal and political arena. This man was renowned for having an 
explosive temper and striking fear into his opponents. Yes, he did have 
an iron fist, but a heart of gold as well. Mr. Bullock will be 
remembered as a man whose dedication to the state of Texas stood above 
all political agendas.
  Bob Bullock began his career as a public servant in 1956, winning a 
seat in the Texas Legislature. I had the opportunity to serve with Bob 
when I began my service in the Texas House of Representatives in 1972, 
and the foresight to endorse him as a candidate for statewide 
Comptroller in 1974. Mr. Bullock held the office of Comptroller for 16 
years, before being elected to the office of Lieutenant Governor in 
1990.
  He served the State of Texas as Lieutenant Governor until he chose 
not to seek re-election in 1998. As Comptroller and Lieutenant 
Governor, Bob Bullock influenced so much of the major legislation 
passed in Texas over the past two decades, that he has been considered 
a political giant. In fact, Governor George W. Bush paid tribute to Bob 
Bullock by calling him ``the largest Texan of our time.'' Bob Bullock 
has reached legendary status because his political savvy allowed him to 
have a hand in nearly every major piece of legislation in Texas since 
the 1970's. Among Mr. Bullock's greatest accomplishments as Comptroller 
and Lieutenant Governor, were public education reform, water 
conservation, and performance reviews of state programs.
  Bob Bullock has had to overcome nearly as many struggles in his 
personal life as in his professional life. Mr. Bullock had been plagued 
by health problems, fighting as vigorously against illness as he had 
against political opposition.
  He won battles against depression, and alcoholism. He survived a 
heart attack and heart bypass surgery. Bob was an inspiration to all, 
sustaining his vibrance in the political realm though in less then the 
best of health. Unfortunately, Bob Bullock's health problems eventually 
caught up with him. In his final days Bob lost the battle to lung 
cancer and heart disease.
  Loved by some, but respected by all. He was one of the greatest 
legislators in the history of the State of Texas. The Lone Star will be 
forever indebted to this man or his vision, and his determination as a 
lawmaker. A long-time top aide of the former Lieutenant Governor 
affirmed that ``he never forgets anything'' and Texas will never forget 
Bob Bullock.

                          ____________________