[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 185 (Wednesday, December 10, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2377]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE ROBIN HAYES ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT 
                 FROM THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 10, 2008

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished 
career of the Honorable Robin Hayes for his service to the people of 
North Carolina and the United States House of Representatives. 
Congressman Hayes has represented the Eighth Congressional District of 
the State of North Carolina for the past 10 years.
  Born and raised in Concord, North Carolina, Robin graduated from Duke 
University with a degree in history. Throughout college, Robin worked 
at his family-run textile business, but after graduation, he ventured 
out on his own, eventually moving his family to Alaska to run a freight 
business. He later returned home and bought a small air charter 
business as well as a hosiery mill.
  Robin's start in politics came as a Concord alderman, a post he held 
for three years. He ran successfully for a seat in the state House and 
was later elected Republican Whip.
  Elected to Congress in 1998, Robin was named to the Transportation 
and Infrastructure, Armed Services, and Agriculture Committees, and is 
currently the top ranking Republican on the Livestock, Dairy and 
Poultry Subcommittee. From his seat on the House Agriculture Committee, 
Robin has earned a reputation as one of Congress's staunchest defenders 
of tobacco--an industry vital to North Carolina's economy.
  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 of 40 years, Barbara; his two children, Winslow and Bob; and 
his many friends and colleagues join me in honoring his accomplishments 
and extending thanks for his service over the years on behalf of the 
State of North Carolina and the United States of America.
  Robin 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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