[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 155 (Wednesday, December 1, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H7834]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING CONGRESSMAN IKE SKELTON

  (Ms. PELOSI asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to sing the praises of a great man, 
Chairman Ike Skelton. We all heard his beautiful address to us, and in 
it he started where his heart is, with his family, expressing his love 
for his family, his appreciation for his staff, his respect for his 
colleagues, his admiration for our great country.
  I am so pleased that we have been joined by Senator Claire McCaskill, 
coming over from the Senate side to make the respect for Mr. Skelton 
bicameral, and that we are joined by Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson, 
making that support bipartisan, as well as being joined by so many 
Members of the Missouri delegation, and that you, Mr. Carnahan, are in 
the chair for Mr. Skelton's presentation. I know we will be hearing 
from our distinguished majority leader Mr. Hoyer, but I think it is 
important to note that Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri is here, Lacy Clay 
of Missouri is here, and other Members, Chairman Miller, chairs, 
colleagues, new Members, senior Members--that is how Mr. Skelton is 
regarded and respected in the Congress of the United States.

                              {time}  1750

  He made his speech the way he served in Congress, surrounded by 
friends, admired by all, on both sides of the aisle, on both sides of 
the Capitol. He began by talking about his family, and he ended by 
talking about our men and women in uniform, which are like sons and 
daughters to him.
  He has always taught us that, as President Kennedy said, We'll pay 
any price, bear any burden. Mr. Skelton said to us over and over again, 
as he did this evening, that protecting the American people is our 
first responsibility. Our young men and women in uniform make us the 
home of the free and the land of the brave, and we can never forget 
that. They have no greater champion in the Congress than the chairman 
of the Armed Services Committee.
  I know I speak for every person in this Chamber when I say, Mr. 
Skelton, thank you for your leadership for our country. It is an honor 
to call you colleague. Thank you, Mr. Skelton.

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