[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 148 (Wednesday, October 31, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1967]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  NORMAN SISISKY POST OFFICE BUILDING

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. ERIC CANTOR

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 30, 2001

  Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2910, the 
Norman Sisisky Post Office Building Designation Act, I am honored today 
to pay tribute to Norman Sisisky, who was a colleague and a familiar 
figure in Virginia politics for many years. It is fitting and proper 
that we should honor Norman today on the floor of this House where he 
acted so honorably as a public servant since he was elected to Congress 
in 1982 until his death earlier this year.
  Norman Sisisky spent a lifetime serving Virginia and the United 
States, and we are all deeply indebted to this distinguished Virginia 
gentleman. Norman first displayed his love for this country when he 
enlisted in the Navy as a young man during World War II. His time in 
the Navy, though short, left a lasting impression and he never forgot 
that we must diligently tend to the needs of the men and women serving 
in the military.
  At the conclusion of the war, he became a successful businessman and 
well known throughout the business community for transforming a small 
bottling company into a highly successful soft drink distributor. His 
business background and creative thinking proved invaluable when he 
later decided to enter elective politics. Norman served 'in the 
Virginia General Assembly for several years before being elected to the 
House of Representatives in 1982. Here in Washington, Norman was known 
as a staunch defender of our national security and worked tirelessly on 
behalf of the men and women who serve our nation in the military.
  Norman was particularly effective in building coalitions in support 
for key programs and reaching across the aisle on matters of importance 
to Virginians. From ensuring adequate funding for aircraft carriers and 
submarines to modernizing our weapons systems, he was an ardent voice 
on the Armed Services Committee and an ally of every person who wears 
the uniform of the United States.
  In his District, and throughout Virginia, his reputation as an 
outstanding Member of Congress was unparalleled. His legacy of 
constituent service, consensus building and selfless service is a model 
for all Members of Congress.
  The people of the Fourth District, the Commonwealth of Virginia and 
the United States of America have truly benefitted from his dedicated 
service and at this time of national crisis his military mind and 
Congressional experience are sorely missed. Norman was successful in 
every aspect of his life and we rightly dedicate this post office in 
his memory today.

                          ____________________