[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 135 (Wednesday, October 25, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1933]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE TOM EWING ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM CONGRESS

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                               speech of

                          HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 24, 2000

  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute my friend and 
colleague, Congressman Tom Ewing. Like the rest of the Members of the 
House, I can say that Tom will be sorely missed when he leaves this 
body.
  Before I go any further, I must point out that Tom, myself, and 
Representative Bill Barrett all bear a resemblance to one another. It 
is not uncommon for colleagues to confuse us for one another.
  Colleagues often say such things as, ``Great job in the chair'' or 
``Saw you on television--good job'' or some have approached me with an 
agriculture issue. The thing is, I wasn't even close to the chair, on 
television, or on a committee that deals with ag issues.
  In fact, I have been mistaken for Tom or Bill--and vice versa--so 
many times that it has become somewhat of an inside joke among the 
three of us.
  Actually, it has gotten so out of hand that people have started 
confusing whose wife is with whom. Now I've been married to my wife 
Sandie for 38 years, but Tom and Bill continually have people 
mistakenly ask them how their ``wife'' Sandie is.
  Of course, these people are making an honest mistake but, naturally, 
the three of us have only perpetuated it--sometimes when these people 
ask me how Connie or Elsie are doing, I'll kid around and answer them. 
And these guys are all too ready to return the favor when people ask 
them about Sandie.
  It's gotten so regular that one time Tom and Bill saw Sandie 
approaching in one of the hallways and Tom quipped to Bill, ``Look 
Bill, here comes our wife.''
  Since Tom and Bill are moving on, I won't have anyone to get confused 
with anymore. I might start to get lonely.
  On a more serious note, Tom has been a good friend and a valuable 
Member of the House of Representatives. His experience--first as a 
lawmaker in the Illinois State House and then in this body--will be 
missed. His advice and level perspective will be notably absent.
  Sandie and I wish you and Connie health, happiness, and love as you 
enter the next phase of your lives.




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