[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 14 (Wednesday, February 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E91-E92]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        SALUTE TO BARBARA BOWES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 8, 2006

  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as we begin this Second Session 
of the 109th Congress, I'd like to salute a constituent of mine, 
Barbara Bowes of Houston, Texas, who served as Jack Fields' district 
coordinator for the entire 16 years that Jack represented Texas' 8th 
Congressional District.
  Barbara served her community not only as Jack's district coordinator 
but worked in our Houston district office. More important, she is a 
personal friend and someone I have come to admire over the last several 
decades.

[[Page E92]]

  Throughout the years she served Jack and me on behalf of the men and 
women of the North Channel area of Houston, Texas, I admired Barbara 
for her commitment to public service. When Jack represented the North 
Channel area in Congress in the early 1980s, and I represented the same 
area in the Texas State Senate, Barbara was the ``go to'' person in 
Jack's district office--the one we all contacted for requests, 
appointments and information. As Jack's district coordinator, Barbara 
was the best at what she did--keeping the Congressman and his staff on 
schedule and serving his constituents, often satisfying impossible 
requests.
  But Barbara did far more as Jack's district coordinator.
  Barbara served as a ``mother'' for the 8th Congressional District of 
Texas. She served as a ``mother'' to Jack's congressional staffs both 
in Houston and Washington, DC--offering support and good humor to 
everyone who served him. I don't think Barbara would object if I 
suggested that much of that good humor was somewhat ribald or slightly 
earthy.
  Barbara continues to wage a courageous battle against melanoma, and 
in characteristic fashion, often uses humor to comfort everyone from 
her doctors to her family. Jack and I continue to marvel at her 
strength and endurance--as do her many friends, her family members and 
the staff at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Over the last 25 years, 
Barbara has provided all of us with a shining example of public service 
and a lesson in how service should be delivered. She never sought 
recognition for her work, but she earned the admiration of all who were 
privileged to work alongside her and those she helped through the 
years. I would ask that you and all of my colleagues remember Barbara 
in our thoughts and prayers.
  Mr. Speaker, if not a Texas native, Barbara certainly is a Texas 
original--a Long Island native who found her home in Houston, Texas, 
and who served her community and her fellow citizens with dedication 
and distinction. Texans have always welcomed such men and women to our 
state and offered them our love and respect. Texas and our Nation are 
better as a result of Barbara's service, and I appreciate this 
opportunity to recognize this unique Texas woman.

                          ____________________