[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 67 (Monday, May 4, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H5081-H5082]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN HONOR OF JACK KEMP, FORMER MEMBER OF CONGRESS

  (Mr. KING of New York asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, it is my duty to inform the 
House of the death of our friend and former colleague Congressman Jack 
Kemp.
  Madam Speaker, Jack Kemp served in this House for 18 years. 
Subsequent to that he served in the Cabinet of President Bush. And 
prior to all that, he played for 13 years as a professional 
quarterback, achieving the status of All Pro on a number of occasions, 
being the AFL MVP in 1965, and to this day holds many lifetime records 
as a quarterback in the AFL.
  But Jack Kemp went beyond being a football player, beyond being a 
congressman, and beyond being a Cabinet Secretary. To all those who 
knew him, he was an inspiration. He was a man of tremendous energy and 
enthusiasm and vibrancy. As a Republican, I can say that he 
revolutionized our party, and,

[[Page H5082]]

indeed, his economic policies were the heart and soul of the Reagan 
Revolution.
  But his influence and his friendship went across party lines. He was 
a man who was beloved by those of his own party and those in the 
opposition, even though I don't think he ever called them the 
``opposition.''
  I was fortunate enough to know Jack Kemp for more than 30 years. I'm 
proud to have considered him a friend. His passing will be mourned by 
all of us. He was really a truly outstanding American. And certainly my 
thoughts and prayers go out for his wife, Joanne, and his children, all 
of whom loved him the way all of us who knew him loved him and 
cherished him.
  And with that I yield to the dean of the New York delegation, Mr. 
Rangel.
  Mr. RANGEL. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  I would just like to join in by saying those who knew Jack Kemp, you 
couldn't help but admire and respect him. He wasn't just a quarterback 
for the Buffalo Bills, but he was a quarterback for America and what's 
good for America.
  It wasn't really working across the aisle when working with him; it 
was working with someone that was trying to improve the life conditions 
of people in this country no matter what color or what religion they 
had. I worked with him on the empowerment zones. I got all the credit; 
he did all the work. I worked with him on the African Growth and 
Economic bill. He was one of the first to testify not because of Africa 
but because it was the right thing to do.
  When he became Secretary of HUD, everybody in public housing knew him 
as the ``godfather.'' He would visit when he was running for Vice 
President, and in Democratic districts, they would come out to pay 
respect to a guy that respected people regardless of their color. So he 
was one of those people that when they asked, ``What can I do for you? 
What do you need from me?'' it wasn't just an expression. Jack Kemp 
really meant it.
  His wife, Joanne, was a partner. He's got a great family. I know he's 
in heaven because he lived a straight life. He was a great guy. We all 
will miss him, especially the New York delegation and those who were 
honored to work with him and respect the work that he has done.
  Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, I ask for a moment of silence 
for Congressman Jack Kemp.
  The SPEAKER. Members will please rise to observe a moment of silence 
in honor of our colleague, the Honorable Jack Kemp.

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