[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSMAN JIM RYUN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TODD TIAHRT

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 6, 2006

  Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker of the many friends and colleagues, who will 
not be returning for the 110th Congress, I am especially disappointed 
that my fellow Kansan Jim Ryun is one of them.
  It was at an event in Wichita, where I first encouraged Jim to run 
for Congress. Most Kansans knew Jim as the world record holder in the 
mile run and as an American Olympic hero. I knew him as a loving father 
and family man and someone who cares deeply about his country.
  Jim Ryun won a hard fought battle in 1996 and served honorably in 
this House for five terms. He was an effective legislator and tough 
advocate for the constituents of the Second District of Kansas. You 
only need to look as far as Fort Riley and Fort Leavenworth to see the 
results of Congressman Ryun's efforts. They not only survived the BRAC 
process, both installations have expanded missions and are well 
positioned for the future.
  Jim Ryun not only stood strong for the men and women of the military, 
he has been a tireless fighter for the issues that are of greatest 
importance to his constituents. Jim Ryun is a budget hawk, defender of 
life and someone on whom you can always rely. He is a man of integrity 
and has already left an indelible mark on Kansas, our country and the 
world. He will be sorely missed.

                          ____________________