[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 177 (Thursday, November 20, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2317]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING REP. JIM McCRERY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 20, 2008

  Mr. STARK. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the service of my colleague 
Jim McCrery of Louisiana who is retiring after over 20 years as Member 
of the U.S. House of Representatives. Jim and I have also served 
together on the Committee on Ways and Means for 16 years.
  Though we are from opposite sides of the aisle--and we frequently 
take opposite perspectives on issues--he is a colleague I admire 
greatly and a friend I will miss.
  One of the many downsides to the increased partisanship in Congress 
is that many Members do not take the time to develop personal 
relationships across the aisle. Jim has never adhered to that 
philosophy. Maybe that's because he started in Congress on the staff of 
a Democratic Member of Congress. But I believe it's because Jim values 
the array of opinions to be had in Congress and is willing to look at 
the data and listen to others' thoughts before he makes up his mind--
not necessarily always toeing a straight party line.
  As the Ranking Member on the Committee on Ways and Means during this 
session of Congress, Jim and our Chairman Charlie Rangel restored 
civility and respect to the proceedings of our Committee--something 
that didn't exist under the leadership of the previous Chairman.
  For Jim, the title ``Honorable'' is truly representative of him. He's 
served his constituents and this country well. His leadership and 
service will be missed. I wish Jim and his family all the best.

                          ____________________