[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 178 (Thursday, December 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2368]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING R. LAWRENCE COUGHLIN, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. WILLIAM J. COYNE

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2001

  Mr. COYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join in this special order 
honoring our former colleague, R. Lawrence Coughlin. I want to thank 
Mr. Gekas for organizing this special order.
  Larry Coughlin represented a suburban Philadelphia district in the 
House of Representatives for 24 years. He was a gracious gentleman who 
represented his constituents with integrity and wisdom.
  Mr. Coughlin had a remarkable background. Raised on a farm in 
Pennsylvania, he earned a degree in economics from Yale and an MBA from 
Harvard. He subsequently attended night school at Temple University to 
get his law degree while working during the day as a foreman in a steel 
plant. His academic accomplishments speak to his energy and ability.
  Mr. Coughlin was also a dedicated public servant. He served in the 
Marines in Korea during the Korean War as a aide-de-camp to legendary 
Marine Lt. General Lewis B. ``Chesty'' Puller. He served ably in the 
Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate before running for--
and winning--a seat in Congress in 1968.
  During his 12 terms in Congress, Representative Coughlin served on 
the House Judiciary Committee, the House Appropriations Committee, and 
the House Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control. He was 
particularly active in working to increase federal housing and 
transportation assistance to our nation's cities. Mr. Coughlin 
understood that even affluent suburbs like the ones he represented 
depend upon central cities for their continued economic well-being. Our 
nation is healthier and more prosperous as a result of his service in 
Congress.
  Larry Coughlin was always a quiet, upbeat, courteous man. It was an 
honor and a pleasure to serve in the House of Representatives with him. 
I join my colleagues in mourning his passing.

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