[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 151 (Thursday, November 29, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1837]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       A TALL TEXAN AMERICAN HERO

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. MICHAEL T. McCAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 27, 2012

  Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dear friend 
and great leader in this body: Science Committee Chairman Ralph Hall, 
who just became the oldest known House member to cast a recorded floor 
vote. I am honored to serve on the Science Committee with the Chairman, 
and I have seen first hand his dedication not only to America's 
scientific endeavors, but also to our country and the great state of 
Texas.
  Chairman Hall was born in Rockwall County, Texas, a place he has 
represented in Congress since he was elected in 1980. He was an 
aircraft carrier pilot in the Navy from 1942-1945 and received his law 
degree from Southern Methodist University in 1951. In the 1950s, he 
served as Rockwall County judge and in the 1960s he served in the Texas 
state senate. During this time he was also a successful business leader 
in Rockwall County.
  He brought his strong sense of leadership and service to the U.S. 
House of Representatives, where he has faithfully served since Ronald 
Reagan was elected president. As House Science Committee chairman, he 
has been a leader promoting science, technology, engineering, and math 
education. He has worked to ensure that sound scientific principles are 
the bedrock of any related public policy decisions being made. He has 
put a priority on research and development to ensure that America 
remains competitive. And he has been a leading proponent of America's 
space exploration program.
  In addition to all of his professional achievements, Chairman Hall 
has a great sense of humor. Congress can be a place of intense 
political maneuvering and infighting, and he always brings levity to 
tense situations with his wit and charm. He endears his colleagues to 
him on both sides of the aisle.
  It is with great pride today that I congratulate my friend and 
colleague, Ralph Hall, on his distinguished career; his service to our 
country; and his leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives. This 
body is better because of his service, and I wish him many more years 
of success and happiness.

                          ____________________