[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 153 (Thursday, September 25, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2007]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE TOM REYNOLDS ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 
                               RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                             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 Congressman Tom Reynolds for his service to the people of New 
York and the United States House of Representatives. Congressman 
Reynolds has represented the 26th Congressional District of the State 
of New York for 10 years.
  Tom has dedicated his entire adult life to public service. He began 
in the New York Air National Guard where he served from 1970 until 1976 
attaining the rank of sergeant. While in the Guard, Tom was elected to 
the Concord Town Council at the age of 23. He served on the town 
council for eight years before he was elected to the Erie County 
legislature. In 1988, Tom was elected to the New York State Assembly 
and became minority leader just seven years later. In 1998, Tom was 
elected to succeed his friend, Congressman Bill Paxon, in the U.S. 
House of Representatives.
  Known for his political acumen, Tom was chosen by former House 
Speaker Dennis Hastert to co-chair Battleground 2000, an unprecedented 
effort of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) to 
raise money for incumbents, challengers, and open-seat candidates. Due 
in large part to the overwhelming success of Battleground 2000, Tom was 
tapped by his Republican colleagues to serve two terms as chairman of 
the RNC where he raised substantially more money than his counterpart 
on the other side of aisle.
  In describing Tom, The Washington Post stated, ``Reynolds has quietly 
become one of the most influential Republicans in the House.'' He 
served on the influential Rules Committee before relinquishing his seat 
to become a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee, where he 
has served for two terms.
  Tom has received a number of awards and honors throughout his career. 
He was named a ``Champion of the Dairy Farmers'' and ``Hero of the 
Taxpayer.'' He was awarded the U.S. Apple Association's ``Golden Apple 
Award,'' the ``Guardian Eagle'' award for his efforts on behalf of 
senior citizens, and the ``Silver Helmet'' for his support of veterans' 
issues. He was named to the New York State Farm Bureau's Circle of 
Friends. The New York State Sheriff's Association named Tom a ``Friend 
of Law Enforcement.'' He was named ``Legislator of the Year'' by the 
Shooters Committee of Political Education, and he was inducted into the 
Kids Escaping Drugs Hall of Fame. In 1996, Tom's hometown Chamber of 
Commerce awarded him its Lifetime Achievement Award.
  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, Donna and his four children--as well as his many friends and 
colleagues join me in praising his accomplishments and extending thanks 
for his service over the years on behalf of the State of New York and 
the United States of America.
  Tom 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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