[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 182 (Wednesday, November 30, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2131]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         REMEMBERING HAL BRUNO

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                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 30, 2011

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, a number of us have come to the floor today 
to remember a great American who passed away earlier this month. Hal 
Bruno made a real difference in people's lives, both by keeping them 
informed about our world and by serving as an advocate for firefighters 
and their families.
  Hal was ABC News Political Director through the 1980's and 1990's, 
covering major national events and keeping Americans engaged with their 
government. He skillfully moderated the vice-presidential debate in 
1992 after having covered presidential campaigns since Kennedy ran 
against Nixon. He had the respect and admiration of leaders from both 
parties.
  As a journalist, Hal made a reputation for himself as a truth-teller, 
even when the truth was difficult. That began in Chicago, when as a 
young reporter he uncovered how poor safety standards in the building 
code had contributed to a fire that claimed 95 lives. He became a 
respected voice for fire safety, and that experience led him to become 
a volunteer firefighter himself, which he continued to do for decades.
  After retiring from ABC News in 1999, Hal dedicated himself to 
serving our communities' firefighters and their families. He chaired 
the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation at a time when we lost so 
many brave first responders in the September 11 attacks. Hal was a 
champion for the families of firefighters who lost their lives in 
service to their communities, and he fought for and won the passage of 
legislation to provide them survivor benefits.
  I know that Hal will be both dearly missed and dearly remembered by 
many in government, those who turned to him for their news for so many 
years, and by the families of firefighters on whose behalf he worked so 
tirelessly.
  I join in remembering Hal and celebrating his life. I offer my 
condolences to his wife Meg and their children and grandchildren.

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