[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2186]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE LANE EVANS, MEMBER OF CONGRESS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 7, 2006

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of my 
colleague and good friend from Illinois, Mr. Lane Evans.
  Lane has always served his country with honor. From 1969 to 1971, he 
served in Vietnam in the U.S. Marine Corps, and as they say, ``once a 
marine, always a marine.'' When he was elected to Congress in 1982, he 
immediately worked to make sure veterans were given the benefits that 
they deserve, and he has fought to bring up issues that would go 
unknown if it was not for his voice. For almost a quarter of a century 
in Congress, Lane has been a champion of America's veterans, and his 
passion for this cause will truly be missed.
  Lane and I were able to develop a friendship that transcended 
politics. We worked together on many issues as members of the House 
Armed Services Committee. Serving others, especially his constituents, 
was something Lane did exceedingly well. I was able to see this 
firsthand when I traveled to his district in 2004. I was impressed, but 
not shocked, by the large amount of people who showed up at an event he 
hosted, which certainly speaks to how well-liked and respected he is in 
the 17th district of Illinois. Serving with Lane has truly been an 
amazing and educational experience.
  Unfortunately, Lane has had to battle Parkinson's Disease since 1995. 
In his fight against this debilitating disease, he has yet again shown 
courage and perseverance that proved to everyone that he was not going 
to easily give up. Lane has also been a great partner in the effort to 
advance stem cell research, which is a matter of great importance to 
me. This effort will continue so that patients with spinal cord 
injuries, Parkinson's Disease and other conditions will benefit from 
this research in the future.
  Lane, thank you for making a difference. While you will be missed in 
the halls of Congress, I wish you the very best in the next chapter of 
your life.

                          ____________________