[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 158 (Thursday, November 15, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2091]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       ON THE PASSING OF FORMER VIRGINIA CONGRESSMAN TOM DOWNING

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FRANK R. WOLF

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 15, 2001

  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, we honor today the memory of Thomas Downing, a 
former member of Congress from the Tidewater area of Virginia who died 
October 23 at the age of 82. I join with fellow members of the Virginia 
congressional delegation in honoring Tommy Downing, who represented the 
Tidewater Peninsula for 18 years from 1959 to 1977.
  While Congressman Downing's record of long public service and work in 
the House of Representatives preceded most of today's Members, 
including myself, the impact and achievements of his career will long 
be remembered. I would like to say a few words today to acknowledge the 
career of this dedicated public servant.
  A graduate of Virginia Military Institute, Congressman Downing, who 
was an Army captain, led an Army reconnaissance team in World War II. 
On August 11, 1944, his unit in northern France was ambushed by the 
German troops. After the initial exchange of gunfire, two of his troops 
were injured. Congressman Downing immediately rescued them, and 
received the Silver Star, which said, ``Captain Downing, without 
hesitation and with utter disregard for his personal safety, ran to the 
aid of his men among a hail of bullets.''
  Mr. Downing was first elected in 1958, and is especially remembered 
for his dedication to his district, especially Newport News 
Shipbuilding. He recognized early on the great economic impact the 
Newport News shipyard had on his district and on the state of Virginia. 
During his tenure, the shipyard added the area known as the Northyard, 
making it easier and more cost-effective to build some of the largest 
ships in the world.
  Congressman Downing is also remembered nationally for his work 
following the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Martin 
Luther King Jr. During the 94th Congress he served as the chairman of 
the select Committee on Assassinations.
  Finally, Congressman Downing made significant achievements in 
strengthening and modernizing the U.S. Merchant Marine Service. As 
chair of the House Merchant Marine Subcommittee he helped craft major 
legislation to overhaul and modernize the merchant marines. The 
Merchant Marine Act of 1970 was a significant promotion of our national 
security interests.
  In short, Congressman Downing served the Commonwealth of Virginia and 
the country with distinction. Again, on behalf of the entire House, we 
would extend our condolences on his family and friends. Our nation, the 
state of Virginia and the Tidewater Peninsula will truly miss him.

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