[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 31 (Saturday, February 17, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E394]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 EXPRESSING SORROW OF THE HOUSE AT THE DEATH OF THE HONORABLE CHARLIE 
         NORWOOD, MEMBER OF CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF GEORGIA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 14, 2007

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, this week our country lost a fine American 
with the death of Congressman Charlie Norwood. Congressmen Norwood was 
a tireless advocate for his district and the State of Georgia and an 
icon in the field of health care. His dogged determination to improve 
life for the average family and improving health care in this country 
for the patient that confronted overwhelming bureaucracy, increasing 
costs, and diminishing access was a hallmark of this great man's career 
of public service.
  Before I was elected to Congress and during one trip to Washington I 
met with my Chamber of Commerce as a private physician, I was asked 
which Member of Congress I would most like to meet. I responded that I 
would most like to meet with Charlie Norwood. To my surprise, they were 
able to set up a meeting for me with Congressman Norwood. Now at the 
time, I was a constituent of Majority Leader Dick Armey who represented 
the 26th District before he retired and I succeeded him here in the 
House of Representatives. At that time, the Majority Leader was 
basically playing traffic cop to one of Charlie's many bold health care 
initiatives. Unfortunately, when Congressman Norwood figured out I 
wasn't visiting him as an emissary of Congressman Armey he listened to 
my gushing praise and then quickly exited the meeting graciously. It 
was 6 years later that I would have the chance to meet again with 
Congressman Norwood, this time as a freshman member of the U.S. House 
of Representatives. The first question he asked me then was, ``are you 
with me or against me,'' then referring to his long battle for the 
Patient's Bill of Rights.
  Well, I've been with Charlie ever since. During my early tenure in 
office, he was a gracious mentor and even more so when I joined him as 
member of the Energy and Commerce Committee during the 109th Congress. 
Charlie's strong defense of medical providers and patients, his tough 
stances on border security and national security, defined a man 
dedicated to his country. Even during his failing health, Congressman 
Norwood was as persistent as he ever was.
  My thoughts and prayers are with Gloria and his family. America lost 
a great man. I lost a friend and a mentor. Charlie, we won't forget 
you.

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