[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 68 (Thursday, May 17, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E845]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO BERNIE ROBINSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 17, 2001

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Bernie 
Robinson who has served the State of Illinois and indeed all of us as 
the Assistant to the Governor of Illinois in charge of the state's 
Washington, DC office.
  Bernie is about to leave his position for some exciting opportunities 
in the private sector. It would be inappropriate of me not to take this 
opportunity to publicly thank him for the work he has done, the counsel 
he has given and the lifetime's worth of friendships that he has made 
within our delegation.
  Thanks to Bernie and his capable staff, the State of Illinois has 
emerged with the most cohesive voice that we have ever had in terms of 
pursuing opportunities for the people we serve. It would be impossible 
for me to list all of Bernie's accomplishments, but I cannot overstate 
the important role he played in helping to bring our delegation 
together in pursuit of appropriations projects and priorities for our 
state. Thanks to him, I have a better understanding of the special 
needs of my colleagues in the northern part of Illinois and they have a 
better understanding of mine.
  Only one person could have brought together a delegation as diverse 
as the one we currently have. Without Bernie, it's unlikely that we 
would have had the successes that we have.
  I know that the members and staff of the Illinois delegation join me 
in thanking Bernie and wishing him well in his new endeavors.
  Bernie Robinson is a unique individual who has enriched our lives and 
allowed us to better understand who we are and how we can work 
together.
  Thanks also to Bernie's children, Sarah and Army, who have allowed us 
to share so much of Bernie's time. Together with his beloved wife Bess, 
may God rest her soul, Bernie has proven that the greatest joy in our 
lives is the beauty and potential of our children. He has prepared them 
for a life of tremendous possibilities and all indications are that 
they are poised to tackle them.
  Bernie, our thanks for establishing a foundation from which our 
delegation and therefore our state will grow and prosper. God's 
blessings to you and yours.

                          ____________________