[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 24, 2012)]
[House]
[Pages H123-H124]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1100
         HONORING THE LIFE OF FORMER REPRESENTATIVE ED JENKINS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Lewis) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and celebrate 
the

[[Page H124]]

life of Ed Jenkins, a fellow Georgian, a dedicated public servant, and 
a good friend. I had the honor of serving on the Ways and Means 
Committee alongside Congressman Jenkins.
  Born in the small town of Jasper, Georgia, Congressman Jenkins would 
often describe himself as a country lawyer, but he was a country lawyer 
with an extensive knowledge of the tax system. He was knowledgeable; he 
was very informed. He was an advocate for the people and industries of 
Georgia. He was a champion of the South's textile industry and a fierce 
protector of the local economy.
  Although often soft-spoken, Ed Jenkins bravely pressed for the facts 
of the Iran-Contra affair. He believed the American people deserved to 
hear the truth, and he was not afraid to speak out, he was not afraid 
to speak up.
  He was thoughtful, considerate, a brave negotiator and an 
unbelievable, just excellent colleague. When I first came to Congress, 
he was so helpful and so caring. I learned so much from him. He was a 
good man, a decent human being. I never heard him say a mean thing 
about anyone.
  I only wish we had more Members of Congress on both sides of the 
aisle, with not just his demeanor, but with the pride he took in this 
institution and this Congress. He was very proud to be a Member of 
Congress and proud to be a member of the Ways and Means Committee, and 
that pride made him a powerful leader.
  I can remember over the years each time the Ways and Means Committee 
came together for a reunion. He would always show up long after he 
retired from the Congress.
  I was so sad to hear of his passing and would like to express my 
deepest sympathy to his wife, Jo; his daughters, Janice and Amy; and 
his entire family. As a Nation, we greatly benefited from his service. 
As a colleague, I learned so much from his example and his friendship.
  He will be deeply missed by the people of Georgia, the people of this 
Nation. He made a lasting contribution to our country; and we must 
never, ever forget this good and great man.

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