[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 130 (Monday, October 11, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1939]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO MR. LIPINSKI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. THOMAS E. PETRI

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 8, 2004

  Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I want to join in this tribute to the many 
years of public service and the more than 20 years of service here in 
the House of our colleague Bill Lipinski.
  I have had the privilege of serving with Bill on the Transportation 
and Infrastructure Committee for many years. During this Congress, he 
has served as the ranking Democrat on the Subcommittee on Highways, 
Transit and Pipelines. Together, we have had to navigate through the 
often frustrating, confusing and twisting course of the transportation 
bill reauthorization effort this year and last. Bill has always been a 
steady partner and a strong defender of the program. He certainly 
hasn't been reluctant to voice his strong support for increased 
investment in transportation. He is a great fighter, and we have been 
lucky to have him on our side during this particular fight. I have 
valued his advice and counsel these past two years as together we have 
worked to produce a transportation program that moves our country 
forward.
  Beyond our work together on the Subcommittee, we have worked together 
on other issues, such as the expansion of O'Hare and many years 
fighting the whistle ban to protect our towns that had developed around 
the railroad tracks crisscrossing through our districts.
  Apart from the Committee activities, Bill has been a tireless 
advocate for his constituents. He was born on the southwest side of 
Chicago, and he truly knows and understands his district. Prior to 
coming to Washington, Bill was a Chicago City alderman and he still is 
a Ward committeeman--a good education for any member of this House!
  So I want to acknowledge Bill's courage, his strength in standing by 
his convictions, and his love for the city of Chicago. He has had a 
real impact, and his successes can be seen all over the city--whether 
riding the ``el'' or landing on a plane at Midway.
  I wish him and his wife, Rose Marie, all the best on his retirement. 
He has been a valuable member of the House, and we will miss him.

                          ____________________