[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 153 (Thursday, September 25, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2003]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE JIM McCRERY ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

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                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 25, 2008

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished 
career of the Honorable Jim McCrery for his service to the people of 
Louisiana and the United States House of Representatives. Congressman 
McCrery has represented the 4th Congressional District of the state of 
Louisiana for the past 20 years.
  Born in Shreveport, Louisiana and raised in Leesville, Louisiana, Jim 
attended Louisiana Tech University in Ruston and received degrees in 
English and history. In 1975, he earned his Juris Doctor from Louisiana 
State University and was admitted to the Louisiana Bar that same year. 
Jim then got his start in politics working as district manager for 
former Congressman Buddy Roemer and later as his legislative director 
in Washington, D.C.
  Since his election in 1988, Jim has fought hard for issues important 
to the state of Louisiana, including defense and national security 
policy. He has also concentrated much of his efforts toward reducing 
the cost of healthcare and producing fundamental tax reform.
  In 2001, Jim's dedication and hard work were recognized by the 
Louisiana chapter of the March of Dimes when he was named Citizen of 
the Year. He has also been recognized for his efforts in response to 
Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma, which devastated his home state in 
2005. In 2006, the New Orleans Times-Picayune praised his ability to 
work across party lines, noting ``That legislation ($8 billion in tax 
credits for Louisiana) is among the most significant tools for this 
region's recovery.''
  Dubbed an ``economic guardian'' by Congressional Quarterly, Jim 
serves as ranking member of the House Ways and Means Committee. As a 
member of this powerful committee, Jim has played key roles in writing 
legislation for a prescription-drug program for seniors and passing 
major tax bills. Jim is regarded by his colleagues as an expert on the 
issue of welfare reform and played a key role in the passage of 
historic welfare reform legislation. He was also co-author of the 
landmark legislation, the Medicare Preservation Act.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a 
dedicated leader and friend to many in this body. I know his family, 
his wife, Johnette; their two children, Scott and Clark; and his many 
colleagues and friends join me in honoring his accomplishments and 
extending thanks for his service over the years on behalf of the state 
of Louisiana and the United States of America.
  Jim will surely enjoy the well-deserved time he now has to spend with 
his family and loved ones. I wish him the best of luck in all his 
future endeavors.

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