[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 105 (Thursday, July 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1346]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE HONORABLE DOLPH BRISCOE, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 15, 2010

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
express condolences and celebrate the life of a true Texas hero and my 
friend, The Honorable Dolph Briscoe, Jr. His legacy is one that is 
admired by people from all political backgrounds and influences across 
the state of Texas.
  With family roots running back to an original signatory of the Texas 
Declaration of Independence, former Governor of Texas Dolph Briscoe, 
Jr. had in his blood to serve the citizens of this great state. Also 
the son of a cattle rancher, he never lost his humility though he 
amassed fortune, land and political fame known to few. As a freshman 
member of the House of Representatives in 1972 when Governor Briscoe 
took helm of the state, I came to admire the quiet dignity and 
authority by which he led the way for laws that would protect and 
enhance the rural Texas farm and agricultural way of life.
  A man of few words, his actions reflected his dedication to the State 
and the preservation of its history and its history makers. He was a 
great supporter of the University of Texas at Austin, and in 2008 was 
aptly honored as the namesake of the UT Center for American History. He 
has been quoted as saying, ``I firmly believe that we cannot really 
understand the present without knowledge of the past.'' Mr. Briscoe was 
not only a dedicated public servant but also a caring family man. I was 
fond of his wife Janey, who passed in 2000, and respected their 
devotion to their family.
  It would be difficult to describe Texas without including the great 
impression made by Governor Briscoe. He will be missed. A man of cowboy 
hats and boots, Mr. Briscoe was a true native son. I urge my colleagues 
to join me in mourning the loss and celebrating the life of Mr. Dolph 
Briscoe, Jr.

                          ____________________