[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 155 (Saturday, September 27, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2086]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE BUD CRAMER AND THE HONORABLE TERRY EVERETT ON 
                     THEIR RETIREMENT FROM CONGRESS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 24, 2008

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me take this means to add my tribute to 
two fine Alabama Congressmen, Bud Cramer and Terry Everett. Through the 
years, I have had the pleasure of working with these outstanding 
lawmakers. They have been friends to me both personally and 
professionally. They have exhibited the best of this institution--
looking after the interests of the people they represent and ensuring 
our Nation has a strong economy, strong foreign policy, and strong 
national security.
  They, like I, represent rural areas of our country. There are few of 
us serving in Congress who have the privilege of representing 
predominantly small town America, Typically, we rural Congressmen and 
women bond together on rural matters, working across party lines to 
ensure the interests of rural America are best represented in the laws 
we make in Washington. Both Bud and Terry have worked on behalf of 
rural people, not only in Alabama but across our country.
  Bud and Terry have also worked for a strong national defense. I have 
worked with Terry on the Armed Services Committee, and I have always 
been honored by his commitment to our men and women in uniform. Bud, 
too, has been a stalwart supporter of our troops and of the NASA 
community in Northern Alabama.
  While I am sad to see Bud and Terry leave the House, the institution 
has been strengthened by their service. I hope they enjoy the next 
chapter in their lives.

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