[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 108 (Thursday, September 14, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1487-E1488]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




EXPRESSING SORROW OF THE HOUSE AT THE DEATH OF THE HONORABLE HERBERT H. 
     BATEMAN, MEMBER OF CONGRESS FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. MICHAEL BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 12, 2000

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, Evelyn and I wish to offer our 
condolences to Mrs. Laura Bateman and the entire Bateman family on the 
passing of our colleague and friend, Congressman Herbert Bateman.
  It is appropriate that Congressman Bateman represented the historical 
First District, because he was not only an exemplary representative on 
behalf of his constituents, but a leader who has served both his 
colleagues in the Congress and the American people with great 
distinction. Herb and I were freshmen congressmen in the class of 1983. 
It is a testament to Congressman Bateman's longevity, and the 
bipartisan respect he was able to garner, that he served so effectively 
in this body for eighteen years.
  Herb Bateman was an integral part of the restoration of America's 
armed forces after years of decline. His commitment to the military 
began with his service in the United States Air Force during the Korean 
War. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, and later, as 
Chairman of the Subcommittee on Military readiness, his efforts were 
key to restoring the ability of our men and women in uniform to perform 
their duty and reestablish their position as the preeminent military 
force in the world today. I was able to see Herb's commitment to the 
military first hand as we traveled together to meet with our men and 
women in uniform serving with NATO as they defended freedom and 
democracy in Europe. His commitment and concern for the young people in 
the armed forces was unparalleled, and it was clearly visible to anyone 
who spoke with him.
  His distinguished record was not limited to a focus on the military. 
Congressman Bateman's support of NASA and the United States' commitment 
to space helped advance and ensure our leadership in science and 
technology. His commitment to the environment led to the cleanup of the 
Chesapeake Bay, allowing its beauty to be preserved for the enjoyment 
of future generations. And these are but a few of his legislative 
achievements.
  On a personal note, I had the pleasure of spending time with Herb and 
his wife Laura

[[Page E1488]]

during the Republican Convention in August. Evelyn and I enjoyed the 
time we spent with them, and as grandparents ourselves, we could tell 
that they were looking forward to his impending retirement in order to 
spend more time with their two children, Laura Margaret and Herbert 
Jr., Herbert Jr.'s wife Mary, and their three grandchildren Emmy, Hank, 
and Sam.
  The American people were the beneficiaries of Congressman Bateman's 
lifetime of public service, a commitment that spanned five decades. He 
was a great statesman, and I will miss him personally, this nation will 
miss his leadership. However, his legacy lives on in everything from 
the U.S. space program to our military, as well as many other 
achievements too numerous to name. The fruits of his labor will 
continue to benefit generations of Americans to come, and they will 
honor his memory.

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