[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 156 (Monday, November 8, 1999)]
[House]
[Pages H11670-H11673]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1545
   EXPRESSING THE CONDOLENCES OF THE HOUSE OVER PAYNE STEWART'S DEATH

  Mr. Miller of Florida. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 344) recognizing and honoring Payne 
Stewart and expressing the condolences of the House of Representatives 
to his family on his death and to the families of those who died with 
him.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 344

       Whereas William Payne Stewart was born in Springfield, 
     Missouri, on January 30, 1957;
       Whereas Payne Stewart was the son of William Stewart and 
     Bee Payne-Stewart and brother of Susan and Lora;
       Whereas Payne Stewart grew up in a loving family in 
     Springfield, Missouri, and was instilled with the strong 
     family values of hard work, academic achievement, and good 
     sportsmanship;
       Whereas although Payne Stewart was a good athlete in 
     football and basketball, under the mentoring of his father, 
     he took up the game of golf, practicing and playing at 
     Hickory Hills Country Club and growing to love the game and 
     its history;
       Whereas Payne Stewart grew proficient in the game of golf 
     during his years at Greenwood High School and at Southern 
     Methodist University in Texas where he earned the status of 
     ``All-American'';
       Whereas Payne Stewart attained two milestones in 1981, 
     marrying Marries Theresa ``Tracey'' Ferguson and qualifying 
     for his Professional Golfer's Card;
       Whereas Payne Stewart donned what became his trademark 
     knickers, long socks and cap and won his first professional 
     golf tournament in 1982 at the Quad Cities Open in Illinois--
     the only professional golf tournament victory his father ever 
     saw him win;
       Whereas Payne Stewart won 11 professional golf tournaments, 
     including the United States Open in 1991 and 1999 and the 
     Professional Golfers' Association Championship in 1989, and 
     was a member of the United States Ryder Cup Team 5 times, 
     including the team that staged the greatest comeback victory 
     in the history of the event in 1999;
       Whereas in 1994, Payne Stewart was among the first athletes 
     inducted in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame;
       Whereas Payne Stewart was never selfish with his successes, 
     sharing generously with many charitable organizations, 
     including giving his entire Bay Hill Classic winner's purse 
     of $108,000 to the Florida Hospital Golden Circle of Friends 
     in memory of his father;
       Whereas just last year Payne Stewart and his wife donated 
     $500,000 to the First Foundation, the fund raising arm of the 
     First Baptist Church of Orlando, to be used for the expansion 
     of a Christian school;
       Whereas Payne Stewart always found time to be a golf 
     teacher and mentor to children who were learning the game, 
     returning to Springfield in late July 1999 to conduct one of 
     many children's clinics for would-be future golf competitors;
       Whereas Payne Stewart served as a role model for his 
     Christian faith and his sport in countless public and private 
     ways;
       Whereas Payne Stewart was a loving husband to his wife 
     Tracey, daughter Chelsea, and son Aaron;
       Whereas Payne Stewart was viewed by his friends and former 
     classmates as a fun-loving, warm, and smiling man with a joy 
     for life, his family and his sport;
       Whereas Payne Stewart transcended the game of golf as a 
     timeless symbol of athletic talent, spirited competition, and 
     a role model for people of all ages; and
       Whereas Payne Stewart died in a tragic plane crash on 
     October 25, 1999, along with Van Arden, Stephanie 
     Bellegarrigue, Bruce Borland, Robert Fraley, and Michael 
     Kling: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes and honors Payne Stewart--
       (A) as one of the greatest golfers;
       (B) for his many contributions to the Nation throughout his 
     lifetime; and
       (C) for transcending the game of golf and becoming a 
     timeless symbol of athletic talent, spirited competition, and 
     a role model as a Christian gentleman and a loving father and 
     husband; and
       (2) extends its deepest condolences to the families of 
     Payne Stewart and the other victims in the plane crash, Van 
     Arden, Stephanie Bellegarrigue, Bruce Borland, Robert Fraley, 
     and Michael Kling, on their tragic loss.
       Sec. 2. The Clerk of the House of Representatives shall 
     transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to the family of 
     each of the victims.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Biggert). Pursuant to the rule, the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Miller) and the gentleman from Maryland 
(Mr. Cummings) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Miller).

[[Page H11671]]

                             General Leave

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that 
all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and 
extend their remarks on H. Res. 344.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Florida?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 344. I would 
like to thank the distinguished gentleman from Springfield, Missouri 
(Mr. Blunt) for providing this House the opportunity to express our 
condolences to the family of Payne Stewart while enabling us to 
celebrate his life and accomplishments.
  I would also like to thank the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton), 
chairman of the Committee on Government Reform, who recognized the 
timeliness of this measure and expedited this opportunity for 
consideration before the House today.
  This resolution has many cosponsors who welcome the opportunity to 
provide Payne Stewart this fitting moment of honor. Our celebration of 
his life is a quiet reflection of the patriotism that he displayed so 
proudly throughout his professional career.
  During that career, Payne Stewart won 11 professional championships, 
three of them majors. Twice he won the United States Open. He walked 
the fairways wearing his trademark knickers and tam o'shanter, commonly 
blending a combination of colors symbolizing the nearest available 
National Football League team.
  His many accomplishments on the golf course were the building blocks 
that qualified him to represent this country in international 
competition. His smooth swing, and controlled, steady play were vital 
to the United States team's dramatic come-from-behind victory in this 
year's Ryder Cup competition. He took great pride in wearing the red, 
white, and blue.
  His widow and two children knew his full devotion. He took pride in 
his role as a husband and father, and he provided a model of spirited 
dedication throughout his life. We welcome this opportunity to 
recognize his life, and to join the many golf fans throughout the 
country in extending our condolences to his widow, his children, and 
his friends.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, Payne Stewart, who was an 11-time winner of the PGA 
Tour and stood eighth in the world golf rankings, died on his way to do 
what he loved best, died on his way to look at a field with regard to 
golf.
  Payne Stewart was on his way to Houston for practice rounds in 
advance of the Tour Championship when his plane crashed in South 
Dakota. Mr. Stewart died with five others, two pilots of the plane 
Michael King, 43, Stephanie Bellegarrigue, 27, his agents Robert Fraley 
and Van Ardan and Bruce Borlan, a golf course designer. As expressed by 
this resolution, our condolences go out to all of the families affected 
by this terrible crash.
  Mr. Stewart, winner of the United States Open at Pinehurst, North 
Carolina, also played on the Ryder Cup team that won an inspiring 
comeback victory over Europe in September. He won the Professional 
Golfer's Association championship in 1989, and in 1991 captured his 
first U.S. Open title at Hazeltine in Minnesota, after an 18-hole 
playoff.
  Tim Finchem, the PGA Tour Commissioner, is quoted as saying that, 
``Payne represented the best of golf. He was a man of great faith, a 
devoted, compassionate, and most energetic husband and father, and a 
man of tremendous generosity.'' Tiger Woods, upon hearing the news of 
Stewart's death, commented, ``It is shocking; it's a tragedy. There is 
an enormous void and emptiness I feel right now.''
  That void and emptiness was felt by the 3,000 people attending 
Stewart's memorial service, over 100 of which were PGA Tour players and 
officials. At the memorial service, Paul Azinger, a close friend of 
Stewart's pulled a tam-o'-shanter cap over his head and rolled up his 
trousers to knickers length, revealing a vibrant pair of argyle socks, 
a poignant tribute to the distinctive sports clothing Stewart was known 
for wearing.
  At the start of the PGA Tour Championship that Mr. Stewart was 
scheduled to play in, a bagpipe played the Scottish lament ``Going 
Home''. Payne Stewart once said, ``I'm going to a special place when I 
die. But I want to be sure my life is special while I'm here.''
  Payne Stewart is home now, and his life here on Earth was, indeed, 
special.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Ryun), one Olympian in our United States 
Congress, an Olympic runner.
  Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, Payne Stewart's tragic death 
shocked the United States and the world just 2 short weeks ago. Today, 
the House honors him in a fitting tribute to his life.
  One does not have to be a golfer to know who Payne Stewart was. While 
his talent and distinctive style made him stand out on the course, his 
love of family and love of God, involvement in his community made him 
stand out as a wonderful human being.
  Payne Stewart's accomplishments speak for themselves. He was a member 
of five Ryder Cup teams, including September's winning team. He won 11 
professional tournaments in the United States, including three major 
golf championships. He was having his best year on the tour; and in the 
last golf ranking, he was ranked eighth in the world.
  Just a few years ago, some golf experts began to write him off, that 
he was not going to be able to make it. They speculated his career was 
all but over after a number of years in the PGA without a lot of 
success. However, after winning this year's U.S. Open, which capped a 
4-year return to the top of the golfing world, Payne gave insight into 
the real reason behind his turnaround. He spoke of a renewed faith in 
God that had given him inner peace and had led to a stronger family 
life.
  Payne Stewart also gave generously of his time and money to charity 
causes. He was actively involved in the First Baptist Church in 
Orlando, Florida. The Reverend Jim Henry, who was one of his pastors, 
said this of Payne, ``He was a wonderful Christian who had Christ in 
his life and somehow in his death.''
  He was also a good neighbor. One of his neighbors summed it up by 
saying, ``Payne was an unbelievable person.'' Recent news reports said 
that he was even well-known among his neighborhood for fixing pancakes 
after his children's sleep-overs. Parents and fathers should be proud 
of that, and Payne was certainly a good example.
  In the world of sports today, Payne Stewart was every bit of a role 
model. May God grant us many more Payne Stewarts. By honoring him 
today, we express our thanks for his example, and we offer our prayers 
and condolences to his family for their loss.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the distinguished 
gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega).
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from 
Maryland for extending me this time to say a few words in support of 
this great American.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this legislation 
which honors professional golfer Payne Stewart and expresses the 
heartfelt condolences of our Nation to Payne Stewart's family upon his 
tragic death. I want to commend the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. 
Blunt), my good friend, for introducing this most worthy measure.
  Like many around the world, I was shocked and saddened by the events 
of October 25, 2 weeks ago, when the Lear Jet carrying Payne Stewart 
became disabled and crashed. The accident reminds us of how fleeting 
and uncertain life can be, no matter what our status is.
  Madam Speaker, although Payne Stewart has left this earthly 
existence, his legacy and what his life stood for will continue to live 
on in our memory and in the annals of sports and history.
  As a hacker who loves the game of golf, and all my colleagues on this 
side of the aisle who also love the sport,

[[Page H11672]]

Madam Speaker, I fully appreciate and understand how difficult, 
demanding, and frustrating the sport of golf can be, especially at the 
rarefied levels of professional golf. Therefore, I deeply respect the 
tremendous achievements of Payne Stewart in winning 11 PGA tournaments 
in his shortened career, which include three major championships, the 
PGA in 1989, the U.S. Open in 1991, and the U.S. Open this year.
  Winning even one major championship is considered the pinnacle of 
excellence and the defining moment in a professional golfer's career. 
It is not surprising that an athlete of Payne Stewart's brilliance 
earned this honor several times.
  While Payne Stewart's shot-making and colorful knickers attire 
attracted a lot of attention, what most impressed me about Payne 
Stewart was the class and sportsmanship that he showed while competing. 
After his heartbreaking loss in the 1998 U.S. Open in the closing 
moments due to a bad break, a divot lie after a perfect drive in the 
fairway, many will remember that Mr. Stewart held his head high and 
refused to make excuses in response to those that accused him of 
choking. This year, he answered those critics by sinking the longest 
putt ever to win the U.S. Open.
  Madam Speaker, for the past several years, I had hoped, it was like a 
dream to me, that perhaps someday I might have the honor and privilege 
of playing a round with golfer Payne Stewart. He would wear his 
stylistic knickers for which he is so famous for, and I would wear my 
Samoan lavalava, an attire that looks somewhat like a skirt, but I call 
it the Samoan version of the Scottish kilts that Scotsmen wear when 
playing golf at St. Andrews. Since the game of golf originated, it is 
my understanding, in Scotland, I am surprised that the great golfer 
Colin Montgomery does not wear his kilt when he plays golf. I suspect 
that Mr. Stewart would have done the same if he had lived a little 
longer.
  In September at the Ryder Cup matches, after the competition had 
already been decided, Payne Stewart showed class and character again by 
conceding a winning putt to his opponent, Colin Montgomery, who he felt 
had endured vicious heckling and taunting all day from overzealous 
American fans. While the conceded shot ensured Payne's loss in the 
singles match, it was a heartfelt gesture of class by a true gentleman 
and a true American. The act of sportsmanship symbolized what Payne 
Stewart was all about, and endeared him to millions around the world.
  Madam Speaker, I urge our colleagues to join us in this measure 
honoring Payne Stewart, a great and generous man, a man of intense 
religious faith, a man of deep family commitment, a champion and fierce 
competitor, and a loyal and patriotic son of America.
  We send our condolences, deepest condolences to the family of Payne 
Stewart and to the families of all those who perished with them.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) 
and the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Ryun) spoke about Payne Stewart's 
religious faith. It is interesting to note that, after the 1998 U.S. 
Open, when Mr. Stewart failed to come in first, many did, in fact, 
accuse him of choking. But the fact is he did not choke. He just did 
not win.
  It is interesting that, after the 1999 U.S. Open, when he did come in 
first, he said something that I think should become a part of the DNA 
of every one of us. He said, ``I have got to give thanks to the Lord 
for giving me the ability to believe in myself. Without that peace I 
have in my heart, I would not be sitting here today.'' Those are very 
profound words because those are words of a true champion.
  So often champions lose and have to dust themselves off, get back up, 
and come out the next day. What Mr. Stewart was saying is that, 
although I may not have come in first in 1998, I just thank God for 
giving me the peace to continue to believe in myself so that I can come 
in first in 1999.
  I think that is a lesson that he leaves with all of us, for our 
children, and for our children's children, and for everybody who plays 
this wonderful sport called golf, or any other sport for that matter, 
that we must hope and pray that we have the peace, the simple peace, 
and the belief in ourselves to always come back the next day and be 
victorious, and even if we are not, just the idea of knowing that we 
still have that peace.
  With that, it is a great honor that I urge all of my colleagues to 
support this legislation.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1600

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of 
my time.
  It is a special honor for me to be here today to present this 
resolution. As a Floridian, Payne Stewart lived in the Orlando area. Of 
course, my home is over in the Bradenton area, 100 miles away. The 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. McCollum) represents Payne Stewart's 
district and was, unfortunately, unable to be here today because of 
flight schedules, but did present something on the floor of the House 
shortly after his death.
  The gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt) also wanted to be here today 
but, unfortunately as well, due to flight schedules, was not able to be 
here. He represents Springfield, Missouri, which is the original 
hometown of Payne Stewart, and his death was especially felt in that 
community.
  My colleague from Maryland talked about Paul Azinger, who is one of 
my constituents back in Bradenton, Florida, and just the photograph and 
the description of that when he gave the eulogy just conveyed the 
personality, the warmth, the love that his colleagues and all felt for 
this person.
  House Resolution 344 provides a fitting commemoration of this 
exuberant and accomplished professional and patriot. Today, he ranks as 
the third leading money winner in golf history, but he is at the top of 
the list in terms of the character and dedication that he brought to 
his wonderful life.
  I am proud to bring this legislation to the floor, and I ask for the 
full support of all Members on this resolution.
  Mr. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember one 
of America's true professionals and most notable golfers, Payne 
Stewart. On October 25, 1999, America lost a great sportsman and 
Central Florida lost one of it's most beloved citizens. However, the 
memory and legacy of Payne Stewart continue to live through the 
contributions he made not only in the sports world, but also in the 
Orlando community where he lived.
  He was a great golfer for many reasons--20 years in the 
professionals, 3 majors wins, 8 PGA tours, and 7 victories worldwide. 
None of us can forget that famous 15-foot birdie putt in the U.S. Open 
this year which gave him the great victory only a few months ago at 
Pinehurst--a victory that came as a result of the longest putt in the 
history of the U.S. Open.
  But Payne Stewart was much more than a great golfer. He was a 
humanitarian, who held great convictions. In 1983, Payne and his family 
made their home in Orlando in my congressional district. I can tell my 
colleagues that the people of Central Florida benefited greatly from 
Payne's generosity and his warmth and compassion for other people.
  Payne Stewart was more than just a role model to the many aspiring 
young athletes in our state and across the nation. He was someone who 
used the profile he earned on the golf course to make our community a 
better place. Just last month, Payne and his wife, Tracey, gave 
$500,000 to the First Baptist Church of Orlando to be used in part for 
expansion of the Christian school on the church grounds.
  Perhaps his most well-known charitable contribution came back in 1987 
when he donated $108,000, his winnings from the Bay Hill Classic 
tournament, to the Florida Hospital. Those funds went to the Florida 
Hospital Circle of Care home in Altamonte Springs for the out-of-town 
parents of cancer patients. He was someone who truly recognized the joy 
of giving and making a difference in the lives of children.
  Payne was also a devoted family man, who was proud that his faith in 
God provided him with strength and peace. Though his love for the game 
of golf ran deep, his love for his family ran deeper still. He was a 
dedicated father and husband. On more than one occasion, Payne 
commented publicly that he most enjoyed being at home, being a father, 
making breakfast, and taking his kids to school.
  I know that many Floridians will miss him deeply. Many in Central 
Florida will miss him, not only because of his golf career and because 
of his wit, but because of his charitable contributions. But a lot will 
miss him personally.

[[Page H11673]]

  But I think the people who are obviously going to miss him most will 
be his wife, Tracey, and his two wonderful children, Chelsea and Aaron. 
Our hearts go out to them, to Payne's family. He was a great man, a 
great golfer. His life ended in tragedy, but he gave so much to so 
many.
  Although we continue to mourn the loss of Payne Stewart and his 
contributions to the world of sports, his community and to his family, 
we are blessed to have been influenced by his enthusiasm and love for 
life, which none of us will soon forget. Payne Stewart is husband, 
father, golfer and friend who will be long remembered and long 
cherished.
  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, Payne Stewart transcended the 
game of golf and will always be a timeless symbol of athletic talent, 
spirited competition, and a role model as a Christian gentleman.
  That's why I'm proud to join my colleague from Missouri, Congressman 
Blunt, in sponsoring H. Res. 344, a resolution recognizing and honoring 
Payne Stewart, and expressing the condolences of the House of 
Representatives to his family, and the families of the other victims 
who perished in the October 25th plane crash.
  At the age of 42, and while experiencing the best year as a 
professional golfer in his life, U.S. Open Champion Payne Stewart, a 
devoted father and husband, tragically was killed in a plane crash 
along with Van Arden, Stephanie Bellegarrigue, Bruce Borland, Robert 
Fraley, and Michael Kling.
  Payne Stewart, attired in plus-fours and a tam o'shanter hat was one 
of the most indomitable personalities in the game of golf.
  He made history when he won his second U.S. Open sinking the longest 
putt ever to win the U.S. Open in the tournament's 105-year history.
  As a member of the U.S. Ryder Cup team, he displayed his patriotism 
and pride for his country, and his sportsmanship in helping lead the 
U.S. team to victory.
  Payne Stewart was more than just a role model to many aspiring 
athletes in the United States.
  He truly recognized the joy of giving and making a difference in the 
lives of children.
  He donated his winner's check from the 1987 Bay Hill Invitational to 
the Florida Hospital Circle of Friends to aid the families of cancer 
patients.
  Just last year, Payne Stewart and his wife donated $500,000 to the 
first Foundation, the fundraising arm of the First Baptist Church of 
Orlando, to be used for the expansion of a Christian school.
  In the most recent years of his life, Payne Stewart devoted his life 
to his family and his faith in God.
  Payne Stewart's love for America was a great credit to the game of 
golf and to our country.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in extending the House of 
Representatives' deepest condolences to Payne Stewart's family, and to 
the families of Robert Fraley, Van Arden, Michael Kling, Stephanie 
Bellegarrigue, and Bruce Borland.
  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for 
time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Gibbons). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Miller of Florida) that the 
House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, House Resolution 
344.
  The question was taken.
  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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