[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 71 (Monday, May 11, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1112]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HONORING JACK KEMP

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 11, 2009

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great 
friend, Jack Kemp.
  I had the honor and privilege of meeting Jack Kemp when he was a 
member of the U.S. House of Representatives in the mid-80s during the 
Iran-Contra Affair. I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing on 
Sunday, May 2, 2009.
  He and I traveled with U.S. Rep. Jack Murtha, then-U.S. Rep. Jim 
Wright, then-U.S. Rep. Bill Richardson and Alberto Bustamante to 
Central America during the Contra War.
  I can say that Jack was a very decent man, who was committed and 
dedicated to representing not only the people in his district of New 
York, but all the people in this country.
  In the late-80s, when Jack was named Secretary of Housing and Urban 
Development under President George H.W. Bush's administration, I had an 
opportunity to visit with him as we discussed policy and the 
development of housing in this nation, including South Texas. He was 
very receptive to what I had to say and took the time from his very 
busy schedule to hear me out, which made him one of a kind.
  I clearly recall a very special moment in my life, when I, along with 
my staff, was flying on a commercial flight from Houston to Corpus 
Christi, Texas. We met Jack at the Houston airport and he noticed we 
were flying on a commercial plane. I remember him telling me, ``You 
don't have to fly commercial--I have a chartered jet--come with me.''
  Jack was on his way to speak at a Republican Convention in Corpus 
Christi, and when we arrived there, other members of the Republican 
Party saw he was accompanied by a member of the Democratic Party and 
joked, ``What are you doing with this guy?''
  That was the type of person he was--a considerate individual. And 
although we were from opposite parties, he was very respectful of my 
views of the governmental system as I was respectful of his.
  Long before Jack was ever elected to public office, I knew of him 
from Robert ``Bobby'' Smith, a former football player of the Buffalo 
Bills who was born in Corpus Christi. Jack, who also played for the 
Buffalo Bills, and Bobby were good friends.
  I want to offer my sincere condolences to Jack's wife, Joanne, and 
his children, Jeff Jennifer, Judith, and Jimmy. You remain in my 
prayers as your husband and father goes on to be with the Lord.
  Jack's passing leaves us all in mourning; however, I, as well as 
those who loved him, know he will forever remain in our hearts and 
spirit.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering Jack.

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