[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2156]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE DEPARTING FLORIDA MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 7, 2006

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize the four departing Members of the Florida Delegation. These 
Members, Mike Bilirakis, Jim Davis, Katherine Harris, and Clay Shaw, 
are leaving with a combined 64 years of congressional service. Our 
State is losing dedicated public servants who have worked on behalf of 
their constituents and the Nation. Their input will be sorely missed in 
the 110th Congress.
  Mike Bilirakis is a shining example of heartfelt dedication to 
veterans' issues and is someone whose passion for veterans is hard to 
duplicate. Having shared many flights back and forth to DC with Mike, I 
can tell you that I learned a great deal from him during my time in 
Congress.
  I always found Jim Davis to be a thoughtful, respectful, and thought-
provoking Member of Congress. I enjoyed serving with him because of his 
southern genteel manner.
  Katherine Harris brought an amazing amount of energy to the House. We 
served together on the Financial Services and Homeland Security 
Committees, where I saw her dedication to the issues and the people of 
Florida. She is especially known for helping those looking to join the 
ranks of homeowners by fighting to pass the American Dream Downpayment 
Act.
  Clay Shaw worked tirelessly to find alternative approaches for 
preserving Social Security for future generations. While never the most 
flashy Member, Clay was instead known for his legislative 
accomplishments as a senior member of the Ways and Means Committee. Not 
only was he was the foremost proponent to save the Everglades, Clay 
made America a better place by helping push welfare reform through 
Congress.
  While each of these public servants will be replaced in the 110th 
Congress, their memories will not be forgotten. Mike, Jim, Katherine, 
Clay, we will miss you up here in Washington and wish you the best of 
luck in your future endeavors.

                          ____________________