[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 184 (Tuesday, December 4, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2479]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 THE PASSING OF CONGRESSMAN HENRY HYDE

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                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 4, 2007

  Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the passing of our 
colleague from Illinois, Henry J. Hyde. Congressman Hyde served in the 
House of Representatives for over 30 years and his respect for this 
body and the United States of America was a hallmark of his career. 
Volunteering to serve in the Navy during World War II, he played 
basketball at Georgetown, graduated from Loyola law school and 
eventually chaired both the Judiciary and International Relations 
Committees, presiding over both with the same dignity and eloquence 
with which he treated all floor debate.
  Henry was perhaps best known as Congress's leading voice for 
protecting the unborn. During his first term, he was successful in 
enacting the ``Hyde amendment,'' which outlawed the Federal funding of 
abortion in most cases, and still stands today. But what stands out 
equally to many of us is the way he handled this advocacy, always 
arguing passionately, always arguing forcefully, but always arguing his 
beliefs with a grace and tact that provided for an honest exchange on 
the most contentious of issues. This is a great lesson for all of us 
today, that even when we disagree, we should debate the issues on their 
merits, with the highest levels of decorum.
  Madam Speaker, Henry Hyde was an influential presence in the House of 
Representatives and both national and Illinois politics. He will not 
soon be forgotten, and I send my condolences to his family.

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