[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 54 (Monday, April 16, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E537]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING BERNARD RAPOPORT

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 16, 2012

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
honor the life of Mr. Bernard Rapoport, a successful entrepreneur and 
philanthropist. Mr. Rapoport was 94 years old when he passed away in 
his hometown of Waco, Texas.
  Bernard Rapoport was born into humble beginnings. As the son of 
Russian immigrants, Mr. Rapoport began working at an early age to help 
his family survive the most trying times of the Great Depression. Out 
of this experience, Mr. Rapoport developed a tremendous value for 
education and hard work, and would promote this universally throughout 
his life.
  After moving to San Antonio, Mr. Rapoport began a career selling 
insurance, where he quickly realized his true talents and passion for 
the work. Mr. Rapoport opened his own insurance agency in Waco, and 
launched a long and successful career. Mr. Rapoport ultimately founded 
the American Income Life Company and expanded it to become one of the 
Nation's largest providers of supplemental life insurance.
  Mr. Rapoport understood well the values of social responsibility, and 
used his success to help others in need. Using $46 million of his own 
money, Mr. Rapoport established the Bernard and Audre Rapoport 
Foundation in 1987. Consistent with his values, the Foundation focuses 
on promoting educational, healthcare, and cultural programs for the 
community in Waco and elsewhere. For his widespread generosity, Mr. 
Rapoport was named as one of America's ``40 most generous 
philanthropists'' by Fortune magazine.
  Mr. Rapoport's civic involvement continued well beyond his 
philanthropy, and he was well-known for his dedicated political 
involvement at all levels of leadership. Mr. Rapoport built strong 
relationships with presidents, senators, and representatives, and was 
frequently praised for his fierce advocacy.
  Mr. Speaker, it takes a special person to become as successful in 
business and political activism as Mr. Rapoport. It takes an 
extraordinary person to use that success to contribute so selflessly to 
the community. It has come as a great loss to many people to hear of 
Mr. Rapoport's passing. I am pleased to honor Mr. Rapoport for his 
contributions, and his legacy will be preserved in the Bernard and 
Audre Rapoport Foundation and the American Income Life Company.

                          ____________________