[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 8 (Tuesday, January 16, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E112]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         MOURNING THE PASSING OF PRESIDENT GERALD RUDOLPH FORD

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 9, 2007

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise with my colleagues 
today in support of House Resolution 15, honoring the late Honorable 
Gerald Rudolph Ford, the 38th President of the United States.
  Here in this Chamber, President Ford served dutifully for 24 years, 
representing the people of the Fifth District of Michigan from 1949 
until his ascension to the Oval Office. As a Congressman, Gerald Ford's 
warmth, approachability, and affability made him one of the most highly 
regarded Members of his day.
  It was these qualities which would shape Gerald Ford into an 
excellent House floor leader for his party, a position he held for 8 
years until his appointment as the 40th Vice President. During his 
tenure as minority leader, Gerald Ford set a standard of fairness, 
diplomacy, and cooperation to which all of us can aspire.
  As both Vice President and President, Gerald Ford was called to serve 
in positions of great responsibility during a troubled time in our 
Nation's history. Ford accepted his powers and responsibilities with 
the same steadfast composure and patience for which he had became known 
as a Congressman.
  As a man known for his ability to create consensus, compromise, and 
conciliation, he was well suited to take the helm of America and 
navigate the turbulent storm it faced. President Ford's gentle nature 
helped soothe the deep scars America faced after an arduous period of 
strife at home and abroad.
  Madam Speaker, Gerald Ford served our country with a patient hand, an 
understanding mind, and a reassuring voice. His time in Congress and in 
the White House leave behind a legacy of commitment, passion, and 
comity that we will all remember.

                          ____________________