[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 185 (Wednesday, December 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2504-E2505]
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. VERNON J. EHLERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 4, 2007

  Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay my respects to our departed 
colleague, Representative Henry Hyde. I am saddened by the death of 
this exceptionally fine and honorable man, who so ably served not only 
the best interests of his constituents but, indeed, the entire nation 
for over 30 years in this House. Henry Hyde will be remembered in many 
different ways--as a skilled attorney who respected and defended the 
rule of law; as a stout champion of the rights of the unborn; and as a 
distinguished statesman who promoted peaceful and just international 
relations and agreements.
  As I remember the life and service of Henry Hyde, one personal 
experience stands out in my mind. In 1984, I was involved in a closely 
contested race for an open Michigan State Senate seat. A prominent pro-
life organization endorsed my opponent, based not on my record or his, 
but on unrelated reasons. This was done despite my own consistent pro-
life voting record and ardent pro-life policy stance. The pro-life 
endorsement carried considerable weight in the district and was a 
noteworthy point in the campaign. Henry Hyde found out about this 
development, and he was outraged. He traveled up from Illinois to 
campaign for me, to correct what he considered a grave injustice. Of 
course, given the passage of the ``Hyde amendment'' to prevent federal 
funds from being used for abortions--remarkably, passed during his 
first term in Congress in 1974--Henry Hyde was a hero in the pro-life

[[Page E2505]]

movement. His public endorsement of my campaign was a significant 
factor in my close victory.
  Mr. Speaker, I consider it an honor to have known and worked closely 
with Henry Hyde. I know many of us feel the same way. I hope we will 
uphold his legacy of defending the rule of law, promoting just 
international relations, and protecting the sanctity of all life.

                          ____________________