[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 178 (Thursday, December 20, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H10944]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY

  Mr. FRANK. Mr. Speaker, parliamentary inquiry.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman may state it.
  Mr. FRANK. What legislative business?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. If there is legislative business that comes 
from the Senate.
  Mr. FRANK. Well, I wonder, is any contemplated? I think the minority 
would have an interest in that prospect. Does anyone know if any 
legislative business is contemplated?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair has been informed that there may 
be legislative business.
  Mr. FRANK. Well, I have checked with our staff here who usually have 
good channels of communication. We did not know about any, and I would 
express some hope that there would be some communication so that we 
would have some idea of what legislative business might be transacted 
with everybody no longer in Washington.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair would suggest consultation with 
the leadership.
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, if many of us had our way, Dave Bonior would 
never leave this House. No one can or would begrudge a man of Dave's 
multiple talents another high office, as Governor of Michigan, or deny 
the people of Michigan the extraordinary leadership he will bring. Yet, 
the place Dave has carved out here in public service to his district, 
his state, and his country is an unique as it is lasting and 
unforgettable.
  Dave is a modest man who possesses large personal gifts. You can bet, 
therefore, that he is embarrassed by the spontaneous, maximum praise 
usually reserved for eulogies that is coming forward for him today. 
But, Dave is going to have to grin, or blush, and bear it.
  Dave Bonior has managed to lead the Democrats on issues when he 
agreed and when he did not by using his good head without ever losing 
his own heart and soul on issues of principle to him and his own 
constituents. Where Dave got his bewildering combination of great calm 
and fierce determination I cannot say. Perhaps that kind of versatility 
is honed in the success Dave has had in two very different games, 
basketball, and football.
  The hallmark of the game Dave played in the House was fairness, 
strategic skill, and devotion to principle. I am personally grateful 
for Dave's strong support and action when the Democratic House voted to 
allow a vote in the Committee of the Whole for the people of the 
District of Columbia, the first time District residents who are second 
per capita in Federal income taxes have ever had a vote on the House 
floor since the Nation was founded. Members of every variety can quote 
countless examples of thoughtful, critical support for their districts 
or their issues Dave has gathered. However, the affection and respect 
for Dave is not centered in mere individual gratitude but fundamentally 
in the way he brought the best of this institution to bear.
  Dave Bonior's tenure as a member of Congress from Michigan and as 
whip has prepared him well to be Michigan's next Governor. Between 
these two roles, Dave has shown a mastery of both executive and 
legislative skills. Add this unique bonus to Dave's extraordinary 
personal qualities, and the people of Michigan are guaranteed to 
continue to get from Dave what they certainly deserve but much more 
than they bargained for.

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