[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 25 (Thursday, February 25, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN TRIBUTE TO REPRESENTATIVE JOHN P. MURTHA OF PENNSYLVANIA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 24, 2010

  Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I want to thank Representative Kanjorski 
for organizing this afternoon's special order to honor the memory of 
our friend and colleague Jack Murtha.
  Over the course of the hour many members of our delegation and the 
House will add their own personalized sentiments to memorialize Jack 
Murtha and I appreciate the opportunity to add my own remarks today.
  Jack Murtha will always be remembered for his extraordinary service 
to his country, both in and out of uniform. He always put the interests 
of his country, his state, and his constituents first and he will be 
greatly missed by all who knew him.
  Outside of Pennsylvania, Jack Murtha will be remembered--and rightly 
so--for his skills in navigating the ins and outs of House rules and 
procedures. He will be remembered as someone who could get things done 
in Washington.
  As a former colonel in the Marine Corps, Jack never forgot Congress' 
primary responsibility to provide for our common defense. His unceasing 
commitment to our national security will go down as legend in 
Washington, as will the work he did on behalf of our men and women in 
the military through his chairmanship of the Subcommittee on Defense 
Appropriations.
  For those of us from Pennsylvania, especially the western part of the 
state, Jack will always be remembered and greatly missed for the dogged 
determination he showed over his career to make sure the needs of the 
people he represented were met.
  There is little doubt that Jack left an indelible mark on this House 
and his impact will still be felt long after he is gone.
  Personally, I will always remember Jack as a friend to both my father 
and me over the 36 years he served the people of the 12th district of 
Pennsylvania.
  Jack was an extraordinary person--a tireless advocate for his 
constituents, and a champion for our national security. We have lost a 
true patriot. I send my condolences to Jack's wife Joyce and their 
children. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with them and the 
people of the 12th District.

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