[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 154 (Thursday, November 8, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2034-E2035]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO THE HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                    HON. F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER, JR.

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 1, 2001

  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that I note the 
death of a former colleague and a great New Yorker, Mr. Gerald Solomon, 
who passed away last month.
  Jerry grew up in Delmar, New York and attended Siena College and St. 
Lawrence University before enlisting in the Marines at the onset of the 
Korean War. After serving his country with honor as a member of the 
Armed Forces, Jerry continued working for the nation as a Member of 
Congress. But even as an elected representative, when you spoke with 
Jerry, you could easily guess his background. Like the motto says, 
``once a Marine, always a Marine.''
  First elected in 1978, Jerry and I were in the same freshman class of 
Congress as I too was elected that year. I got to know, and become very 
good friends with Jerry during the 20 years we served in the House 
together. He was perhaps the most ardent supporter of our nation's 
veterans. As the Ranking Member on

[[Page E2035]]

the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Jerry worked tirelessly on their 
behalf. In fact, it was largely through his work and dedication that 
the Veterans Administration was elevated to a cabinet-level department.
  Jerry was a man who didn't mince words--he was fair and principled 
and called things as he saw them. We got along well because we were 
similar in many ways and agreed on a lot of things. But, sometimes, we 
disagreed. I never, for example, quite saw the merits of the Northeast 
Dairy Compact the way he did--but even when we disagreed, we disagreed 
like gentlemen.
  It is a testament to his character as a legislator, and a reflection 
of his leadership, that during his final years in the House, he served 
as Chairman of the powerful House Rules Committee. This is particularly 
noteworthy because as many of you know, he was the first Republican to 
have that position in four decades!
  When Jerry spoke, people listened. Not because he was Chairman of the 
Rules Committee, but simply because if he took the time to tell you 
something, you could bet it was worth your while to pay attention to 
him.
  It is with a heavy heart that I say good-bye to my friend Jerry. My 
wife Cheryl and I would like to express our condolences to Jerry's wife 
Freda, their five children, six grandchildren, and brother, in this 
time of sorrow and sadness. They will be in our prayers.

                          ____________________