[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 86 (Friday, June 30, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1168-E1169]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION TO RENAME THE FEDERAL COURTHOUSE IN ROME, 
            GA, AFTER THE HONORABLE LAWRENCE PATTON McDONALD

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. BOB BARR

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 29, 2000

  Mr. BARR of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to introduce 
legislation to rename the federal courthouse located in Rome, GA, in 
the 7th District, after the Honorable Lawrence Patton McDonald. Several 
members in this Chamber today had the privilege of serving with 
Congressman McDonald and I have the distinct honor to represent his 
congressional district.
  Lawrence Patton McDonald was born on April 1, 1935, in DeKalb County, 
GA. After receiving a doctorate in Medicine from Emory University in 
1957, Lawrence, or ``Larry,'' McDonald courageously served his country 
for four years, primarily as an overseas flight surgeon. In 1966, he 
settled in Cobb County where he practiced medicine. During his medical 
career he was a member of the State Medical Education Board, the 
National Historic Society, and the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce.
  On January 1, 1975, Larry McDonald began his first term in Congress. 
Congressman McDonald dedicated his political life to the defense of the 
United States Constitution.
  During his congressional career, Congressman McDonald was presented 
with the Defender of Individual Rights award by the National Rifle 
Association. He was also a member of the American Pistol and Revolver 
Association, Advisory Board of the National Committee for the Right to 
Keep and Bear Arms, Gun Owners of America, National Advisory Council of 
the Second Amendment Foundation, and Citizens Committee for the Right 
to Keep and Bear Arms.
  Congressman McDonald was a strong supporter of the right to life. He 
was an active member of the Georgia Right to Life Committee, Board of 
Advisors for American Life Lobby, Congressional Advisory Council of 
Christian Voice, Advisory Council of Birthright of Atlanta, and the 
National Pro-Life Political Action Committee.
  Throughout Congressman McDonald's eight years as a Member of 
Congress, he received many awards and acknowledgments. In 1977, he was 
presented with the Bernardo O'Higgins Award by the government of Chile. 
In 1978, he was given a certificate of appreciation for

[[Page E1169]]

the National Human Rights Committee for POWs and MIAs. In 1980, the 
Naval Reserve Association named him ``Man of the Year,'' and presented 
him with the Distinguished Service Award. In 1981, the Congressional 
Medal of Honor Society presented him with its distinguished service 
award for his leadership on national defense issues. He was also 
honored by the American Security Council for his work in the same area. 
Congressman McDonald also consistently received the Watchdog of the 
Treasury Award from the National Federation of Independent Business 
(NFIB).
  Congressman McDonald had a strong interest in foreign affairs. He was 
one of six lawmakers selected to attend a three-day conference 
commemorating the 30th anniversary of the United States Mutual Defense 
Treaty with South Korea. However, he was the only Member of Congress 
aboard Korea Airlines Flight 007 when it apparently strayed into Soviet 
airspace and was shot down without provocation, by a Soviet fighter, on 
August 31, 1983.
  Larry McDonald was survived by his wife, Kathy, and his five 
children, Larry, Lauren, Tryggvi Paul, Callie Grace, and Mary 
Elizabeth. He is remembered for his distinguished career in Congress 
and the many lives he touched not only in the Seventh Congressional 
District of Georgia, but across America and around the world.
  Mr. Speaker, Congressman Larry McDonald's career clearly demonstrates 
why we should name this court house in his honor. I ask you and my 
colleagues to join me in renaming the federal court house building in 
Rome, GA, after the Honorable Lawrence Patton McDonald, deceased Member 
of Congress.

                          ____________________