[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2207]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO MY COLLEAGUES OF THE 109TH CONGRESS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TODD TIAHRT

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 8, 2006

  Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer a tribute to my 
colleagues. In the waning days of the 109th Congress, it is a time of 
reflection and reminiscing. We will miss our colleagues, who will not 
be returning in January as Members of the 110th.
  I have many fond memories of the heady early days of the 104th 
Congress. My colleagues Gil Gutknecht, J.D. Hayworth, and John 
Hostettler helped keep the spirit of 1994 alive, and I will never 
forget their steadfast commitment to serve and, above all, their 
friendship.
  I have enjoyed working with my colleague Ernest Istook on the House 
Appropriations Committee. He is a good friend and I admire his hard 
work on behalf of American families.
  Other fellow colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee are 
Anne Northrup and Charles Taylor. I had the opportunity to spend a lot 
of time with these fine Members and their absence will be felt 
throughout the halls of Congress.
  Mark Green and Bob Beauprez worked hard for their constituents each 
and every day. Their dedication to the constituents they represented 
was unparalleled.
  Sue Kelly, Nancy Johnson, and Rob Simmons have each played an 
important role in supporting our Republican principles. They have 
served their districts impeccably and will be missed.
  My colleague, Chris Chocola, fought each and every day for the 
American people. He worked diligently on behalf of American values and 
used his business knowledge to help keep and create jobs in the United 
States. He is a true patriot.
  And finally, my good friend, Melissa Hart, with her bright smile and 
tremendous energy, she worked tirelessly on behalf of her district. She 
fought each day for the conservative cause and she will be sorely 
missed. I look forward to seeing her again in Congress.

                          ____________________