[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2190]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


        TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE LANE EVANS, MEMBER OF CONGRESS

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                               speech of

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 7, 2006

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in 
honoring the service of a highly effective and respected 24-year Member 
of Congress, on the occasion of his departure. I am grateful that I 
have been able to serve with Congressman Lane Evans, who has long been 
a champion of working people and will always be remembered as a special 
champion of our Nation's veterans. The American people and our veterans 
are particularly fortunate indeed that Congressman Evans served as 
ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, beginning in 
1995.
  I associate myself with the remarks of my colleagues, who have spoken 
of Lane's many accomplishments during his tenure here. He has adroitly 
used his legislative skills and concern to the benefit and well-being 
of the American people during his entire service, but his single-minded 
concentration on veterans' issues made that in many ways his very own 
issue. Lane's experience in the Marine Corps, his service in Vietnam, 
and the affects of military service on the families of enlisted men and 
women never left Lane Evans.
  Over the course of his career, Congressman Evans led a successful 
effort to pass legislation compensating Vietnam veterans for diseases 
linked to Agent Orange exposure, secured passage of legislation that 
provides health and compensation benefits for children of veterans 
exposed to Agent Orange, and cosponsored legislation to ban the use of 
antipersonnel landmines which kill and maim people worldwide. It is no 
wonder that Congressman Evans was named the recipient of the Vietnam 
Veterans of America's first annual Presidents Award for Outstanding 
Achievement, as well as the prestigious AMVET Silver Helmet Award.
  I am pleased and proud to have served with Congressman Lane Evans. I 
am certain that constituents and family are especially proud of his 
many accomplishments. Lane goes home with the best wishes and gratitude 
of Republicans and Democrats alike in this House.

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