[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 149 (Tuesday, November 16, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1931]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      THE SPECIAL ELECTION CLASS OF THE 110TH AND 111TH CONGRESSES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 16, 2010

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Madam Speaker, as the 111th Congress comes to a 
close, it is fitting for us to recognize our colleagues who will not be 
joining us in January for the start of the 112th Congress. 
Specifically, 3 of my classmates from the special election class from 
the 110th and 111th Congresses will be moving on to new endeavors, 
where they will undoubtedly achieve great success and distinguish 
themselves, just as they did while serving their constituents and the 
American people in this body.
  For the outstanding accomplishments that we achieved during their 
tenure, I would like to recognize these representatives and thank them, 
for their service: Bill Foster, Travis W. Childers, Scott Murphy.
  Each of these members has been instrumental in formulating and 
implementing policies that serve the best interests of the American 
people and that will continue to shape the future of our nation for 
generation to come.
  These colleagues of mine--though their service, intellect, and 
companionship will be missed dearly--can look back on these last two 
years in Congress and take pride in the historical legislative 
achievements of which they were a part. These members can take heart in 
the knowledge that our legislative achievements assisted in pulling the 
country through some of its toughest times. They were instrumental in 
the passage of landmark legislation such as:
  Health Care Reform, ensuring that the wealthiest country in the world 
gives all of its citizens an opportunity to receive decent care and 
ending the worst insurance industry abuses.
  Wall Street Reform, promising to the American people that the greed 
of Wall Street executives will never again jeopardize their savings, 
retirement, or livelihood.
  The Recovery Act, providing the investments necessary for the 
American economy to create new jobs while saving existing ones, and 
spur economic activity while laying the groundwork for long-term 
growth.
  These members can also proudly look back at other important 
accomplishments such as: Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, Credit CARD Act, 
Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act, American Clean 
Energy and Security Act, Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act, 
Hire Act, Cash for Clunkers, Small Business Jobs and Credit Act, 
Disclose Act, Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act.
  The 110th and 111th Congresses acted boldly to confront pressing 
challenges; we worked hard, put in long hours, and prolifically passed 
vital pieces of legislation. Congressional scholars have even called 
the 111th Congress ``one of the most productive'' in our nation's 
history. Thanks to your hard work and vision, we have been a part of a 
Congress that has looked forward, rather than backwards, and has always 
put the middle class first.
  In closing, I would like to thank each of these members for their 
extraordinary commitment to public service and wish them the best of 
luck in their future endeavors, which I and my Democratic colleagues 
hope includes a return to the House.

                          ____________________