[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 185 (Wednesday, December 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2497-E2498]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  MOMENT OF SILENCE IN MEMORY OF FORMER REPRESENTATIVE HENRY HYDE OF 
                                ILLINOIS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 4, 2007

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my deepest 
condolences on the loss of Congressman Henry Hyde. It is a great honor 
to have known him and served with Henry, a dedicated public servant 
whose devotion to his constituency, values, and country was rivaled by 
few.
  Though I only shared a single term in the House of Representatives 
with Congressman Hyde, I felt privileged to serve with him in the 
Illinois congressional delegation. A man well-known for his eloquent 
speeches, Henry Hyde was a legend throughout Illinois and the entire 
country.
  Throughout his 32-year tenure in the House of Representatives, 
Congressman Hyde proved to be an intellectual powerhouse, commanding 
respect for the strong arguments and stimulating debate that he brought 
to the House. A true statesman, Henry was known for his ability to 
bring opposing sides of a debate together to find a consensus for the 
good of the country.
  In the House, Congressman Hyde was influential on matters of 
international importance, having chaired both the Committee on the 
Judiciary and the Committee on International Relations. I have 
particularly great respect for his eloquent voice on American foreign 
policy during the Cold War.
  For his public service and great contributions to America throughout 
his career, not the least of which was his brave service in the Navy 
during World War II, Congressman Hyde was recently recognized with the 
Presidential Medal of Freedom. Awarded by the President and given only 
to those individuals who have made an especially meritorious 
contribution to the security or national interests of the United 
States, this is the Nation's highest civilian honor.
  A man who always stayed true to his faith, Henry Hyde was unwavering 
in defending his values and beliefs with every word he spoke.

[[Page E2498]]

In the end, I will always admire Henry for his basic belief that the 
law exists to protect the weak from the strong, and his willingness to 
fight for this principle.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today not only to honor Henry Hyde, a great man, 
but to recognize the impact he has made on our country. America no 
doubt will feel the loss of this man who so deeply committed himself to 
his country. I count myself lucky that I had the opportunity to serve 
with him. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family.

                          ____________________