[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 27 (Wednesday, March 9, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E393]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN HONOR OF TILLIE FOWLER, FORMER MEMBER OF CONGRESS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. C. W. BILL YOUNG

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 8, 2005

  Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a great 
American, Tillie Fowler, who served this House with honor and with 
passion for eight years.
  She was not only a colleague and friend to many of us but she was an 
unquestioned expert on national security. Her highest priority was 
always taking care of our men and women who serve in uniform. She 
established such a strong reputation as a tireless worker for her 
district, our state, and our nation that she quickly rose to one of the 
most important leadership posts in our conference.
  Even after she left this House, she continued to serve when called 
upon, taking on a number of difficult assignments given to her by the 
President and Secretary of Defense.
  As much as Tillie Fowler will be remembered for her dedication to 
this House, I will always remember her for the respect and compassion 
with which she served. At a time when we talk about civility in the 
House, it would do us all some good to reflect on the way in which she 
treated all the members and staff in this body with grace and respect.
  Our prayers go out on this day to Buck, Tillie's husband of 34 years, 
and their two daughters Tillie and Elizabeth. The news of her sudden 
hospitalization and quick passing was a shock to them and all of us as 
well.
  The family can take great solace, though, as they reflect on a woman 
who dedicated her life to public service and who will long be 
remembered not only for what she accomplished but for the way in which 
she set about to serve others. Today indeed is a tragic day for the 
people of Florida, our nation and this House. We have lost a great 
American, a great colleague, and a great friend.

                          ____________________