[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2239]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E2239]]


    HONORING CONGRESSMAN MARTIN OLAV SABO'S CAREER OF PUBLIC SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 27, 2006

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate a 
fellow Minnesotan, Congressman Martin Sabo of Minneapolis, on his 
distinguished career of public service.
  The neighboring cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, MN, are known as 
the ``Twin Cities.'' As the representative from St. Paul, it has been 
my privilege to serve in Congress with my ``Twin brother'' Martin Sabo. 
After I was first elected to the U.S. House, he immediately became an 
expert mentor, always generous with time-tested insights. I will never 
forget the much-needed help he and his staff offered me as I made a 
difficult transition into Congress following the death of my 
predecessor, Congressman Bruce Vento. Six years on, we are partners 
working to solve the problems facing the families of St. Paul and 
Minneapolis. Through these collaborations, I have come to admire his 
wisdom--garnered through his personal experience, knowledge and 
integrity--and recognize what the Congress will lose following his 
much-deserved retirement.
  Martin's public life began 45 years ago when he was elected to the 
Minnesota State House of Representatives at the young age of 22. He 
went on to serve with distinction as both House Speaker and minority 
leader until his election to Congress in 1978.
  During his nine terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, Mr. 
Sabo's patient dedication to results and sound governance earned him 
the respect and trust of his colleagues. In his position on the 
powerful Appropriations Committee, Congressman Sabo directed federal 
funds to advance Minnesota's transportation system and improve the 
quality of life for U.S. soldiers and their families. As Chairman of 
the House Budget Committee in 1993, he played a central role in shaping 
and supporting President Clinton's landmark budget, which righted 
America's fIscal course and set the stage for years of unprecedented 
economic growth and prosperity.
  Outside of the House Chamber and Capitol Hill committee rooms, Mr. 
Sabo championed causes close to his heart. He promoted educational and 
cultural exchanges between the United States and Norway as a co-founder 
of the Friends of Norway Caucus in the House. As a fellow Norwegian, I 
can attest to the success of these exchanges in reinforcing the bonds 
between Minnesota and Norway. Mr. Sabo also combined his passion for 
Minnesota Twins baseball with big league Washington politics by serving 
as the long-time manager for the Democratic squad at the annual 
congressional baseball game where, in my opinion, he equaled Minnesota 
Twin greats Tom Kelly and Ron Gardenhire.
  Congressman Sabo's tactical mastery and commonsense approach in the 
dugout is an honest metaphor for his model of leadership in Congress. 
He worked on behalf of Minnesota in the tradition of Minnesotans--with 
quiet dignity, progressive ideals and intent of purpose. His instinct 
for good policy and a focus on the needs of real people over partisan 
politics has served his constituents and his country well. We are 
honored to inherit his legacy of a public life, honorably lived. While 
I am certain his wife Sylvia and his children and grandchildren look 
forward to spending more time with him, he will be dearly missed by his 
colleagues at the Capitol.

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