[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 135 (Wednesday, October 25, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1920]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO RON PACKARD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 25, 2000

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Congressman 
Ron Packard as he prepares to retire at the end of the 106th Congress 
and conclude his remarkable career as an elected representative. For 18 
years, I have had the honor of serving with my distinguished California 
colleague. Upon his arrival in 1982, Mr. Packard immediately immersed 
himself in many of the most significant policy debates of the time by 
serving on the Transportation and Science Committees. His vast 
intellect and ability to work with Members in a bipartisan fashion 
became apparent immediately, foreshadowing a long-standing career of 
effective and responsible leadership. Mr. Packard eventually made the 
transition to the Appropriations Committee where he went on to become 
one of the most well respected Chairmen of the Military Construction 
Subcommittee, and later the Energy and Water Subcommittee. Through his 
extraordinary work, he has become one of the most ardent fiscal hawks, 
has legislated against wasteful government spending and has 
continuously fought to solve the many immigration challenges 
confronting the state of California. Also, Mr. Packard has been a 
constant champion of the men and women who serve in our armed forces, 
and has led with a clear vision in working to meet the water, 
environmental, and energy needs of California and our nation.
  But given his lifetime of public service, Mr. Packard's success in 
Congress comes as no surprise. That service began in the military as a 
dentist with the U.S. Navy Dental Corps at Camp Pendleton, California 
located in the congressional district he would later represent. He soon 
became active in local and civic affairs, first serving on the Carlsbad 
school board, then the Chamber of Commerce, served two years on the 
Carlsbad City Council and eventually became the mayor of Carlsbad in 
1978. It was during these years that the people of the 48th district in 
California learned of Mr. Packard's ability to fairly and justly serve 
those he represented, and as a result, they entrusted him with their 
congressional seat by electing him as a write-in candidate in 1982.
  Mr. Packard's career has been exemplified by the values of hard-work, 
honor and integrity that are all too often absent in society. Through 
his ability to work in a bipartisan manner, he has been one of the most 
potent and influential leaders in this body and for 18 years has worked 
tirelessly to serve his constituents and our nation. Although my 
colleagues and I will miss his presence, we wish him well as he 
prepares for retirement and pursues new challenges. Ron, best wishes to 
you and your family.

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