[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 96 (Tuesday, July 16, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1273]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  LEGISLATION TO NAME A UNITED STATES POST OFFICE IN ST. PETERSBURG, 
              FLORIDA FOR THE HONORABLE WILLIAM C. CRAMER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. C.W. BILL YOUNG

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 16, 2002

  Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, this morning I have introduced 
legislation to name the United States Post Office at 3135 First Avenue 
North in St. Petersburg, Florida for the Honorable William C. Cramer, 
who represented the great state of Florida in this House for 16 years 
from January 3, 1955 to January 3, 1971.
  Bill Cramer moved to St. Petersburg in 1925 where he attended public 
schools and The St. Petersburg Junior College. He enlisted in the Naval 
Reserve in 1943 and served with distinction as a gunnery officer during 
World War II. In particular he was cited for his service daring the 
allied invasion of southern France. He was discharged as a Lieutenant 
in 1946.
  Upon leaving the Navy, he graduated from the University of North 
Carolina and the Harvard Law School. He was admitted to the Florida Bar 
in 1948, when he began practicing law in St. Petersburg.
  Bill Cramer began his distinguished career in public service in 1950, 
when he was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, where he 
served until 1952, including one year as the House's first Minority 
Leader.
  It was in November of 1954 that he was elected to the United States 
House of Representatives, and was sworn into the 84h Congress on 
January 3, 1955. Bill Cramer was the first Republican from Florida 
elected to the House since reconstruction in 1875. He was reelected to 
seven succeeding Congresses.
  During his eight terms in the House, Bill Cramer established a 
reputation for being one of our nation's foremost experts on 
transportation and public works issues. His career in Congress 
culminated with his service as the Ranking Republican on the House 
Public Works Committee, its Subcommittee on Roads, and on the Federal 
Aid Highway Investigating Committee. He also served as a member of the 
Judiciary Committee.
  Following his retirement from the House, Bill Cramer was a 
distinguished professor and lecturer at The St. Petersburg Junior 
College, where he taught very popular classes in politics and 
government.
  He is the father of three sons: William C., Jr., Mark C., and Allyn 
Walters. He and his wife Sara currently live in St. Petersburg.
  Mr. Speaker, Bill Cramer is a friend and mentor who served our nation 
with great honor in this House, The enactment of this legislation will 
leave in St. Petersburg, the hometown he so dearly loves and served, a 
lasting tribute to his service, his patriotism, and his devotion to our 
nation.

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