[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 17 (Monday, January 29, 2007)]
[House]
[Page H947]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY IN BULGARIA

  (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this weekend I 
participated in the American University in Bulgaria's Board of Trustees 
meetings. I am honored to serve on the board which promotes world-class 
education for students throughout Eastern Europe.
  This September marks the university's 16th year. The first American-
style undergraduate liberal arts educational institution in Eastern 
Europe, AUBG has more than quadrupled in size since its opening. 
University President Michael Easton, Provost Ann Ferren, and Chairman 
of the Board David Glanagan are to be commended for their dedication to 
AUBG and their vision for its future.
  As the people of Bulgaria continue their democratic transformation, 
AUBG's mission statement best exemplifies the institution's commitment 
to Bulgaria's prosperity, The mission of the American University in 
Bulgaria is to educate future leaders committed to serving the needs of 
the region by promoting the values of an open, democratic society.
  In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget 
September 11.

                          FATHER ROBERT DRINAN

  (Ms. NORTON asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Robert Drinan, or Father 
Robert Drinan as he was always known, the only priest to serve in the 
House of Representatives. He was the colleague of many who are still in 
the House. He was my own colleague at Georgetown Law School where he 
served on the faculty after he left the Congress.
  Father Drinan, while he was in Congress, wore his priestly garb 
because he always considered himself a priest, but when asked why he 
did not put on civilian clothes, he said, ``It's the only clothes I 
have.'' And they were.
  He bowed to the discipline of his church when the ruling came down 
that priests should not serve in a legislative body. He took many of 
the concerns he had brought to this floor with him into books and 
studies, particularly in the field of international human rights.
  I am beginning work on a resolution in honor of Father Drinan. He has 
already been honored by this House with the Congressional Distinguished 
Service Award.
  We are going to be on a retreat on Thursday. I hope that we can make 
some arrangements so that many of us who would want to attend the 
funeral on Thursday may do that and then go to the retreat.
  I will save further remarks for such time as a resolution or other 
fitting period of memorial for Father Drinan is offered here on the 
House floor.

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