[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 54 (Thursday, April 3, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E681]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO FORMER CONGRESSMAN TENO RONCALIO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BARBARA CUBIN

                               of wyoming

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 3, 2003

  Mrs. CUBIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise with sadness today to note the 
passing of one of Wyoming's most prominent and able public servants--
former Congressman Teno Roncalio. Congressman Roncalio died on March 30 
at the age of 87. He will be forever remembered for a body of 
legislative accomplishments that truly benefitted the state he loved so 
well.
  Known to all in Wyoming as simply Teno, the Congressman was born in 
1916 in Rock Springs, WY, the eighth of nine children of an immigrant 
Italian family. He attended the University of Wyoming, graduated in 
1939, and then went to Washington to work for Wyoming Senator Joe 
Mahoney. He enrolled in Catholic University Law School, only to have 
his studies interrupted by World War II. He served with distinction in 
the 18th infantry, and saw combat in seven campaigns including Africa, 
Italy, France and Germany. He earned a Silver Star for gallantry during 
the D-Day Invasion at Normandy.
  After World War II, he returned to his beloved state and earned a law 
degree at the University of Wyoming. After practicing law and serving a 
stint as a deputy county attorney, he was elected to Congress first in 
1964 and then, after losing a Senate race, won our House seat again in 
1970. He served another four terms with distinction, retiring in 1978.
  During his time in Congress, Teno worked diligently on critically 
important issues to Wyoming. He helped boost Wyoming's share of mineral 
royalties, a driving force in our state's economy to this day. He wrote 
legislation to create a number of recreational areas in the state, 
including Flaming Gorge, Big Horn Canyon and Fossil Butte. After he 
left Congress, he continued to serve Wyoming, acting as Special Master 
in the adjudication of water rights on the Big-Horn-Big Wind River. His 
commitment to environmental concerns and preserving the beauty and 
history of Wyoming constitute a lasting contribution to the state.
  Only last year, the Wyoming congressional delegation was successful 
in securing approval of legislation to name the United States Post 
Office in Rock Springs in Teno's honor. It was a privilege to have a 
part in recognizing a man with such a distinguished career of devoted 
public service to our state.
  My thoughts and prayers are with Teno's family. He was a man of great 
heart and compassion who will truly be missed. Though he is gone, his 
legacy in Wyoming will live forever.

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