[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2201]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE MICHAEL G. OXLEY UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE 
                     U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. JEAN SCHMIDT

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 7, 2006

  Mrs. SCHMIDT. Madam Speaker, I rise to add my voice in tribute to 
retiring Chairman Mike Oxley.
  Today is a sad day for me. Though I haven't known him nearly as long 
as my fellow colleagues from Ohio, I, too, will miss our Coach.
  I use that word not just as a tribute to his years of Congressional 
baseball and basketball dominance. I call Chairman Oxley my Coach 
because that is what he has been to so many of us. Chairman Oxley has 
been a model of public service since graduating from the Ohio State 
University School of Law in 1969. Coach Oxley has been legislating for 
over 30 years and he has always been kind enough to help others learn 
the ropes. He has taken me and literally hundreds like me by the hand 
and guided us through the legislative process.
  A kindness that I will never be able to repay.
  Coach Oxley, we will miss you in the halls of this great institution. 
I will miss your counsel and will be forever disappointed that you 
retired before the long hotly debated issue over which Member from Ohio 
has the lowest handicap was completely resolved. However, I trust that 
future coaching sessions will be available by phone.
  Congratulations, Mr. Chairman, to you and your family.

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