[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2043]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CONGRESSMAN SONNY CALLAHAN'S RETIREMENT

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                          HON. J. RANDY FORBES

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 14, 2002

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to our 
distinguished colleague, Sonny Callahan, as he retires from Congress 
after 18 years of representing Alabama's first district.
  Chairman Callahan has dedicated most of his life to public service. 
In addition to his long and noteworthy career in the House of 
Representatives, he served in the Alabama legislature for 12 years and 
he has served his country in the Navy. I congratulate him on his 
remarkable record of service. I commend him for his proven dedication 
to his constituents and his countrymen.
  Most recently, Sonny has served as the chairman of the Energy and 
Water Appropriations Subcommittee. In this role, he has had a direct, 
lasting, and positive impact on the basic infrastructure that enables 
America's economic might. Nearly every congressional district 
represented in the House, Mr. Speaker, has directly benefited from 
Sonny's leadership of this committee.
  I have personally benefited from Sonny's leadership. His office in 
the Rayburn Building is next to mine. Because of his proximity, he has 
provided me with guidance and support in my first term in Congress. I 
am grateful, Mr. Speaker, for direct and positive impact Mr. Callahan 
has had on me in his final term.
  Our Nation is better off because of Sonny Callahan's long and 
distinguished career. We in Congress are better off for knowing him. I 
wish him well in his future endeavors, and I thank him for his 
accomplishments.

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