[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 161 (Thursday, December 13, 2012)]
[House]
[Pages H6787-H6794]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING CONGRESSMAN LEONARD BOSWELL
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of
January 5, 2011, the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Latham) is recognized for
60 minutes as the designee of the majority leader.
General Leave
Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and
insert extraneous materials for the Record on the topic of my Special
Order.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Iowa?
There was no objection.
Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, those of us from Iowa and elsewhere would
like to recognize today the service of my fellow Iowan, Congressman
Leonard Boswell, who will be leaving the House at the adjournment of
this Congress.
I first want to thank him for his 20 years of service to our great
Nation in the U.S. Army. No one has done more to secure our freedom and
the promise of a bright future than our veterans and military
personnel. I know that Leonard counts his efforts to secure additional
support for military families and veterans among his most meaningful
achievements. I also want to recognize the gentleman from Iowa for his
time in public service as a legislator. His distinguished career traces
back to the Iowa State Senate, where he once served as president of
that body.
Although we haven't always agreed on the issues before us, Leonard's
relationships with his fellow Members have enabled him to work with
colleagues of all political stripes. His work on behalf of his
constituents has exemplified what Iowans expect of their
Representatives in Congress--those who are approachable, thoughtful,
and hardworking.
I appreciate the many years of service Leonard Boswell has provided
to our home State of Iowa and its people. I know that he will continue
to serve his fellow Iowans faithfully beyond the conclusion of this
Congress--and in that, I truly wish him and his family the very, very
best.
Mr. Speaker, in addition to my remarks today, I asked Iowans to pay
tribute to Leonard by providing their comments for submission into the
Congressional Record. We do not have the luxury of time to read the
numerous notes and well-wishes that came in, but I would like to
highlight a few of those at this time.
Iowa Governor Terry Branstad sent the following:
I commend Congressman Leonard Boswell for his longtime
dedication to public service. His selfless service to others
has been demonstrated in many ways--as an officer in the
United States Army, as president of the Iowa Senate, and as a
Congressman from Iowa. Congressman Boswell should be proud of
his public service accomplishments and for his personal
achievements as a husband, father, and grandfather. I am
heartened by Iowans like Congressman Boswell who have spent a
lifetime serving the State of Iowa. We thank him for his
service.
Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley wrote:
Representative Boswell has worked hard to represent his
constituents. He did his job very well. While we disagreed
politically, we never had a personal disagreement. We found
plenty of common ground. I'll miss his camaraderie around
Congress, but I have no doubt we'll run across each other
because Representative Boswell is unlikely to avoid public
service, which has been his calling for so long.
Thank you for your service, Representative Boswell.
Nancy Williams, president of AIB College of Business in Des Moines,
wrote:
I wish to recognize and thank Congressman Boswell for his
dedication to our country, to Iowa, and to his constituents.
He has changed our world, our country, and our State with his
personal service for so many years. Every life has a great
purpose, and Congressman Boswell has had a wonderful calling
for his. I will wait in anticipation to see what he chooses
to do next. I just cannot thank him enough.
Ken Sagar, president of the Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, wrote:
Congressman Boswell was a Representative who would take the
time to listen to Iowans. He paid special care and attention
to all veterans. He was a friend of working people. When home
visiting, he would make an effort to meet with the labor
leaders in the State. He spent time listening to their
concerns and would give honest answers on his positions, not
always to the liking of the unions, but always honest and up
front.
Then Jon Murphy, director of government affairs at PolicyWorks, sums
up the assurances we all have that Leonard will continue to serve his
State and Nation:
I would like to thank Congressman Boswell not only for his
support of me, personally, but also for his service to our
country. As a soldier and statesman, there are few people who
have given more of themselves to our Nation. I wish him and
Dody well as they move forward to their next adventure in
life. I would ask them to take some time and get some rest,
but I know that won't happen. That's not the Boswell way.
Mr. Speaker, at this point, I would like to recognize the gentleman
from Iowa (Mr. Loebsack).
Mr. LOEBSACK. Thank you, my colleague Tom Latham from Iowa.
[[Page H6788]]
This is my sixth year here in Congress. I'm just finishing it up, but
this is only the third time that I've actually come to the floor to
speak during Special Orders. That's how important it is for me to do
this. The first time was when I was arguing for Boeing to get the
tanker deal, when that was a big issue before our country. The second
time was when I was pushing hard to make sure that the STOCK Act was
passed so that Members could not trade on insider knowledge. Now I'm
here for my good friend Leonard Boswell. It's not that I don't come to
the floor very much--I do speak for bills, what have you--but not
during Special Orders. This is only the third time, and it's with very
good reason.
I want to note at the outset here, too, how many Members of the Iowa
delegation are here, including a former Member, Jim Nussle.
It is really fantastic that you're here today, Jim. This is really an
honor for Leonard. To think that you're here is just absolutely very
special.
When you say ``Special Orders,'' Mr. Speaker, it applies in this
case.
I didn't know Leonard Boswell very well when I first got elected in
2006. I knew him but not very well. I was not an elected official
before I got elected in 2006, but I'd been involved in Democratic Party
politics for a number of years in helping other folks get elected. I
think it's fair to say that, when I got elected, neither Leonard nor
I--and I think he would say this, I think he would admit this--had any
idea what good friends we would become over the years.
Leonard has been very helpful to me in sort of helping me navigate
the ways of this Chamber, the ways of Washington, the ways of
Congress--something that, I think, everybody knows is a challenge.
Whether you've been in the State legislature or in any kind of
legislative body prior to coming to the Congress, it is a challenge to
get to know how to operate in this environment. Leonard has been very,
very good for me, and I appreciate everything he has done.
I could talk about his military service and all of these other things
that Congressman Latham just mentioned, but I'm not going to go through
that except to say that I'm on Armed Services. I've never served in the
military myself. I have two marine children with whom we're going to be
spending Christmas again this year. No matter what the Congress decides
to do and what the President and Speaker Boehner decide to do, we're
with them to honor them and to honor our military this Christmas.
Leonard has a distinguished past in the military, and there is
absolutely no doubt about that.
There is one other thing I'll say about Leonard Boswell. We talked
about a lot of us being from Iowa, but I often refer to Leonard Boswell
as being ``of'' Iowa. He's an Iowan true and true in every possible
way, and I think those of us who are from Iowa know exactly what I'm
talking about. The rest of you, I'll explain it to you at some point if
you so desire, but it is very important that Leonard Boswell is ``of''
Iowa.
I've had a wonderful time serving with him these 6 years. We're not
going to lose touch. I do have six of his former counties, including
his home county of Decatur, and I look forward to staying in touch with
him and getting more advice from Leonard as we go forward. He is a font
of wisdom and advice for those of us who need it here in this body.
Thank you very much for having me, and thank you especially,
Congressman Latham, for organizing this. I think that tells us
something about what can happen if we put our minds to it on the larger
issues of getting this country back on its feet. Thank you, Tom. I
appreciate it.
Thank you, Leonard Boswell, for your wonderful service.
Mr. LATHAM. I thank the gentleman.
I, too, want to recognize Congressman Nussle here on the floor in
honor of Congressman Boswell, and we have the distinguished minority
whip, Mr. Hoyer.
Mr. HOYER. I thank my friend for yielding, and I'll be brief.
I had the privilege many years ago to get on the telephone and call
Leonard Boswell. Leonard Boswell was then presiding over the State
senate. He tells the story about how his executive assistant came on
the floor and said, ``There's a guy named Congressman Hoyer on the
phone. Shall I tell him you'll call him back?''
Fortunately, for me, President Boswell at the time said, ``No, I'll
talk to him now.'' He turned the podium over to one of his colleagues,
and came on the phone and talked to me.
And I said, ``Senator, this is Steny Hoyer. I would very much like
you to run for Congress. We think you'd be an excellent Member of
Congress, we think you'd be a great candidate for Congress, and we
think you could win this seat.''
He said, ``Well, what does Mr. Gephardt think about that?''
It so happened Dick was about 4 feet from me, so I said, ``Well, let
me turn this over to him, and he'll tell you what he thinks about it.''
Of course, he echoed my comments.
{time} 1250
Now, I didn't know Leonard Boswell at the time, but I'd heard
wonderful things about Leonard Boswell, not only about his skill as a
legislator, but of his decency and his character as a human being; not
only his experiences in war, but his service at home as a farmer, as a
businessman, as a public representative and as a Senate leader in Iowa.
And I want to say that nothing that has transpired over the years that
he and I have served together in this body have disabused in any way
the extraordinarily positive things that were told to me of Leonard
Boswell and why I ought to ask him to come to the Congress of the
United States.
He has been a dear and close friend of mine every day he has served.
He will remain a dear and close friend of mine until he and I pass from
this Earth. He is a salt-of-the-Earth human being. He is someone that
the American people, if they knew personally, would say is the kind of
person they wanted representing them in the Congress of the United
States; or, frankly, in any other body.
Leonard Boswell, thank you. Thank you for serving our country so
well, so courageously, so ably, so conscientiously with so much
character and decency. You have brought a greater degree of civility
and understanding to this institution. It is better for your service.
Godspeed.
I thank the gentleman for yielding.
Mr. LATHAM. I would now like to recognize the gentleman from Iowa,
Congressman King.
Mr. KING of Iowa. I thank the gentleman from Iowa for leading this
discussion to have an opportunity to say some things about my friend,
Leonard Boswell, across the floor.
I have reflected on a number of things. In 1996, I aspired to run for
the Iowa Senate. I got there just as Leonard Boswell was elected to
come here to the United States Congress. I got to know a little bit
about the area that he came from and traveled down to that area a good
number of times. Little did I know that a few years later I would
arrive here in this United States Congress, some 6 years later,
representing not Congressman Boswell, not Lieutenant Colonel Boswell,
but his cows.
I have stopped a number of times and looked across the landscape and
wondered what makes a man the man that he is. Coming from Iowa,
especially rural Iowa and growing up in the hills like I did, and
walking through those hills and working in that soil and having my
hands on a lot of things that are the origins of new wealth, you
understand what makes a man who he is when you see the landscape that
he came from.
And that landscape down there in Decatur County, it's a little hilly.
It raises a lot of grass. We, where I come from, don't always think
it's the best corn ground, but they're doing better down there with the
new hybrids. Now I'm seeing the character of the man who served in this
Congress these years, these 16 years, and served in the United States
Army for I believe 20 years, the character of the man who took the
controls of helicopters time after time as an assault helicopter pilot
in Vietnam, was formed and shaped in the hills that today I have the
privilege to represent and that feed those cows that wander out there
in that pastureland and won't probably as often go down in that
neighborhood to check on them, but I'm glad to know that Congressman
Leonard Boswell
[[Page H6789]]
will have some time to check on those cows because I know he loves them
and takes care of them.
I also had the privilege to go to Vietnam as Congressman Boswell was
going back to Vietnam for the first time since the end of his second
deployment there. And he asked me if I would sit in front behind the
glass with him as we went all around Vietnam, through Saigon, out
through the streets of Saigon, out into the countryside, out on a boat
on the Mekong River. And we looked at how the country had changed, how
the population of Saigon had gone from 1 million to 7 million during
that interim period of time since Leonard so nobly, bravely, and
patriotically flew over that landscape. Everybody that he served with
didn't come back, but more people came back because of Leonard Boswell,
and I know that.
I heard some of those stories because I pulled a few of them out; but
it is not something that he's brought out front, not something he's
worn on his sleeve, as something within the character of the man that
sits here with us today. It's part of the character of the man who
served Iowans and Americans in the United States Congress these 16
years.
For this time I have had the privilege to serve with him, a decade
for me, I'm grateful for those times. We've always been able to work
together. We served on the Ag Committee together all of that time.
There has been a certain communication that has gone on that was often
unspoken even in committee when we'd look over across at each other,
and somehow Leonard Boswell would know what I was thinking and I think
I knew what he was thinking. And that worked pretty good for Iowans,
and it worked pretty good for Americans, and it worked pretty good for
agriculture.
So I congratulate you, Leonard Boswell, on your service to our
country all of these years. It's been a stellar career, and it's not
over. There's a future also of service that I know will continue every
day, and I certainly will keep you in my prayers and in our memories
here as I thank you for serving the United States of America and
serving here in the United States Congress and serving Iowans the way
that you have.
Mr. LATHAM. I thank the gentleman.
I would like to recognize the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Braley).
Mr. BRALEY of Iowa. I thank the gentleman for yielding and for
organizing this well-deserved tribute to my friend, my colleague, my
mentor, and my hero, Leonard Boswell.
Now, we've been talking about how Leonard is Iowa through and
through. But, Leonard, the secret is out: you were born in Missouri.
That was a great day for America, but I think it has also been part of
shaping the person you are because you know that we are much more than
the State we come from, the region we come from; and everything about
your life of public service has reflected that.
Leonard grew up on farms in both Ringgold and Decatur Counties and,
amazingly, was drafted into the Army on his 22nd birthday. Quite a
birthday present.
He served with distinction for 20 years, but the people who know him
best can tell you that one of the things that made Leonard Boswell
unique was he went from a draftee serving at the lowest levels of the
Army, to being encouraged to go to officer candidate school. What
happens when you get commissioned, you actually have to resign from the
United States Army in order to be commissioned. Leonard did that and
was commissioned as a second lieutenant on February 19, 1957. It seems
like a long time ago.
After his commissioning as an officer, you've heard how Leonard
served two tours as a helicopter assault pilot in Vietnam. Leonard, I
know from doing a lot of interviews with Vietnam veterans for the
Library of Congress's oral history project that everyone remembers that
first day when they arrived in Vietnam. And for you, that was on April
12, 1965. I'm sure that you can tell us the sights, the sounds, the
smells, the feelings you had when you arrived there.
One of the things that Leonard never talks about because he's too
modest of a person is the fact that he was awarded not one but two
Distinguished Flying Crosses for his bravery and heroism serving our
country in Vietnam. On November 1, 1968, on his second tour of duty,
Leonard became the assault helicopter company commander for the 336,
and led that unit with distinction until he finally retired and came
back to the State that he loved and started pursuing other things.
But Leonard has always been about service to country, service to
family, and service to his faith. So when an opportunity presented
itself, he ran for office in Iowa. He was elected to the Iowa Senate,
became senate president in Iowa in 1992, and then continued his career
here, and we've heard the minority whip talk about how that all came
about. And we're so glad that it did.
Leonard has always been a strong advocate for military families. He
has a lot of proud achievements in this body. But, Leonard, your
proudest moment was when the Joshua Omvig Suicide Prevention Act was
passed in the House, passed in the Senate, and signed into law by the
President. And the reason why that was so meaningful to me personally
is I knew Joshua Omvig's family long before he took his life.
{time} 1300
And for you to take up that cause and to give voice to the thousands
of Americans who were losing loved ones to suicide who had served this
country with honor and distinction was the cause you were meant to
lead. And to me, that day when we passed the bill on the House floor
was one of the highlights of my career in Congress, because one
miraculous thing happened that day.
After you stood and talked about why we needed to do more for
veterans like Josh Omvig to help them before they got to that point of
taking their own lives, an extraordinary thing happened. After you
spoke, Members on both sides of the aisle came down to the well and
told the stories of constituents from their district who did the same
thing that Josh Omvig did and put a human face on this crisis that was
damaging our country. That happened because of you, Leonard, and I have
never been prouder of you. I've never been prouder of your leadership
than the day that happened. And America owes you a grateful thanks for
leading the charge and giving voice to that problem.
But Leonard's courage and heroism just doesn't apply to his service
to his country. Not long ago, when an intruder attacked his home and
his family, Leonard was there to stand up and protect them as well. And
you shrug it off, Leonard, but everybody who knows you knows that the
outcome of that horrible moment was inevitable, that truth and justice
were going to triumph because you were the one who was there at the
right time and the right place.
We are honored to have the privilege of serving with you. We wish you
and Dody and your entire family the best. Don't be a stranger. We're
counting on you to continue to inspire us. And may God go with you.
Mr. LATHAM. Thank you, Mr. Braley.
I'd like to now recognize the Representative from northern Missouri
(Mr. Graves).
Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the
distinguished service of my neighbor to the north, Congressman Leonard
Boswell. And as was just pointed out, he was born in Missouri's Sixth
Congressional District, which is the district I represent, in Harrison
County. I think that's a fact that has probably dogged him throughout
his career in Iowa politics, but we're very happy to have him actually
born there.
But I got to know Leonard through his hard work on matters related to
aviation. And as has been pointed out today, Leonard is obviously a
former military helicopter pilot, but he later got his fixed wing
license, and most recently he's been flying a Comanche and a Zenith,
but he's been a great advocate for all of general aviation.
I've worked with him on countless pieces of legislation, large and
small, to advance the interests of general aviation. In the FAA
reauthorization, which we just finished this year, or parts of last
year, there was an important provision in it to allow residential
through-the-fence agreements at general aviation airports, and this
provision would not have survived the process without Leonard's
efforts.
[[Page H6790]]
He's been a leader in opposing user fees, which is one of the number
1 issues to those of us in general aviation and to general aviation
pilots, and ensuring the continuation of programs such as the Block
Aircraft Registration program.
He has been an instrumental voice and established something that's
very important to me, and that's the General Aviation Caucus. He's been
very instrumental in the process of getting over 190 members, which is
one of the largest caucuses here in the House of Representatives. And
whenever I needed somebody to have courage to stand up for good policy
even when it wasn't necessarily good politics, Leonard was always
there, and I could always count on him to stand with me on those
issues.
I was also thrilled that Congressman Boswell attended the greatest
little air show in the country, which is in my hometown of Tarkio,
Missouri. And he has come there as a friend and, obviously, an aviation
enthusiast, but I am hopeful he will join us again this year, July 13,
for the show.
Leonard has served his country in uniform and, obviously, as a Member
of this House of Representatives, and he's served capably and very
honorably. And on behalf of general aviation enthusiasts across this
Nation, I want to thank you for everything that you have done to help
those folks out. It's been an honor to work with you, and it's an honor
for me to be able to call you my friend.
Thank you very much, Leonard.
Mr. LATHAM. I thank the gentleman.
I'd like now to yield to my good friend from West Virginia (Mr.
Rahall).
Mr. RAHALL. Thank you, Mr. Latham. I appreciate your yielding, and do
want to join today in paying tribute to the illustrious career of a
colleague, a very good friend, the gentleman--and I mean gentleman in
every sense of the word--the gentleman from Iowa, Mr. Leonard Boswell.
As the ranking member on the Surface Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee on which Mr. Boswell has served, I can tell
you that his expertise in so many issues that we've already heard
discussed today have been critical to us in passing much-needed
legislation.
Much has been said already, but not enough can be said to say thank
you to Leonard Boswell for his serving our country as he has in the
U.S. Army, to have risen, like he did, from private to lieutenant
colonel. To have run as many missions as he did as a helicopter pilot
in Vietnam and to have won two Distinguished Flying Crosses is
something that this Nation can never say thank you enough for what
Leonard Boswell has done, even before he came to the illustrious Halls
of the U.S. Congress.
In the real world, Leonard Boswell has truly combined a midwestern
farmer's common sense with practical, everyday living. And it has been
that experience that has proven so invaluable to us on the
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, his work to draft critical
legislation.
As a pilot, Leonard Boswell knows very well the tremendous issues
facing our aviation community, and he served on that Subcommittee on
Aviation for each of his 16 years in this body. And during the hearings
and markups, Leonard often spoke about the critical importance of
aviation safety and as an advocate for his fellow general aviation
pilots.
It was for that reason that Leonard received an appointment to the
conference committee that wrote the FAA bill that we passed last year.
He served as a conferee, providing very valuable firsthand experience
about what some of the irresponsible cuts being proposed at the time in
FAA funding would have meant. And it's thanks to his deep, deep
knowledge of these issues that we were able to get what we did, and
that we were truly on the right side of this fight and came out in what
circumstances at the time would call a true victory for our side.
As a strong advocate of veterans, of independent truckers, and
agriculture interests, Leonard Boswell brought that same experience to
us as a conferee when we considered the MAC 21 transportation
legislation of last year as well.
It was his amendment that was offered in committee that ended up in
the final legislation that gave veterans preference for jobs with
highway and transit contractors, again, putting his past experience to
work, ensuring that our veterans, after they have put their life on the
line for our country, that they have a job to come back home to when
they return home.
And in addition, he's one of the few members of our Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure who has a commercial driver's
license. Leonard Boswell knows very well the very intricate, the very
complex and critical issues involved in motor carrier safety
regulations. And he put that experience, along with his agriculture
experience, to tremendous work for our colleagues.
I know that on our Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
when Leonard Boswell spoke, every member listened. You could hear the
conversations, the side bars, the side conversations stop, and
everybody listened to what Leonard had to say when he spoke on our
committee.
He played an instrumental role in the Midwest Regional Rail
Initiative, establishing a new Amtrak route between Chicago, the Quad
Cities, and Iowa City. This $30 million project will be completed in
2015 and is creating more than 500 family-wage jobs each year. And
that's just the start.
Whether Mr. Boswell's been advocating for high-speed rail or for
ethanol pipeline, he's always been focused on what is best for Iowa and
for the transportation needs of this Nation. He's been an invaluable
resource to our committee. I know we will miss him speaking on the
committee, but we certainly will look forward to continuing to profit
from his experiences and advice to us in whatever capacity he may
follow in his many years left.
I would note that, again, before I conclude, as has already been
noted, that it is the gentleman from Iowa that beat Mr. Boswell that is
bringing this Special Order today. And I think that is worth special
recognition, as well, because it shows the greatness of both of these
individuals, how they can fight a very hard battle, political battle,
yet both remain true gentlemen.
I would even submit that, in this day of critical fiscal cliff
negotiations, that if Mr. Latham and Mr. Boswell were conducting
negotiations, we'd be going home for Christmas by sundown today.
{time} 1310
Mr. LATHAM. I thank the gentleman.
I would like to now recognize the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr.
Petri).
Mr. PETRI. I thank my colleague from Iowa.
I actually want to echo the words of Nick Joe Rahall in commending
both of you gentleman--especially Tom--for organizing this Special
Order. I think it says something about each of your character and your
respect for the process and for this institution. We hear a lot about
how the camaraderie or the goodwill has deteriorated in this body, but
I think, at least so far as Iowa politics is concerned and a lot of us
from the Midwest, that's not the case. There's strong differences, but
there's also strong respect and a recognition that we're working on
something that's greater than all of us and we're trying to do our best
for the American people and for our country.
I got to know Leonard Boswell and his wife Dody--I don't know if you
remember this, but I think it was in Hershey, Pennsylvania, in 1979. A
new freshman Member of Congress, my wife and 8-year-old daughter and I
went up to Hershey. They had a bipartisan conference there for a couple
of days. It was really fun. We got to go on tours and had different
sessions. They broke us down into different groups, and my wife and I
happened to be the same group with Leonard and Dody, and we hit it off
right away, feeling that here was someone who was not your typical idea
of what a politician is but someone who is in it for the right reason
and doing public service and was a decent person.
Leonard is, I think, a very, very low-key, very proud, and very tough
person. Some people say you've got to be a firebrand and you've got to
yell and holler and all that. I was raised with the idea that it's the
empty can that makes the most noise. Sometimes the most noise is not
the way you get things done or you make a contribution.
[[Page H6791]]
Leonard has always been a strong, steady, responsible, honorable,
honest participant in the process and someone I have looked up to. I
have served with him for many years on the Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee. He's honored us in Wisconsin by coming with
his true love of aviation. I think he actually graduated first in his
class back when he was taking both helicopter and fixed wing aviation
back in the fifties. So he's been a good pilot of all sorts for a very
long, long time. A couple of Bronze Stars and a lot of the other awards
that he has received during his service in the military, there's a
story behind each one of those, an important one. I know that a lot of
people are very grateful for what you did during those 20 years in the
military representing our country.
He's a natural leader. He was selected by his friends and neighbors
to be a leader in a co-op movement in Iowa, and then elected to the
State senate and became president of the State senate. He's always
shown, as I have had the opportunity to work with him, a real concern
for his constituents and their problems and personally has gone to bat
to make sure that they're getting a fair deal and a hearing and not
just going through the motions. His knowledge of aviation has been a
great resource for this Congress and for the Transportation Committee.
I don't normally participate in these sort of things, but I did want
to come down here today to just say, Leonard, I respect you. You're the
salt of the Earth, the kind of person that I think we would all like to
be. I'm sure your family is proud of you and your neighbors are proud
of you. We thank you for your service to our country.
Mr. LATHAM. I would like to now recognize the person who's the
subject of all this, my colleague, Congressman Leonard Boswell.
Mr. BOSWELL. Thank you, Congressman Latham.
This is the first day we've actually talked, except for election
night when I called to say congratulations. Our little conversation we
had a few moments ago before this started was kindly, and I think I
appreciated you coming to me and saying what you did in this event that
took place last November. So I wish you well, and I appreciate the
cordial treatment you have given me today.
Some suggest to me, You may not want to do this; he was your
opponent. I said, No. We're from Iowa. We don't do things like that.
That's protocol. You made me proud today, and I thank you for it.
I've said this on other occasions, as you've heard me, I have a
regret. I'm sorry my mother couldn't have heard this discussion today.
I owe a lot of appreciation to those of you left in the room. I
realize most people had to flee for the airport, as we normally all do.
Thank you for staying and doing this.
I do want to pay tribute to my wife, Dody. I think she's probably
watching.
Sweetheart, I hope you have enjoyed this, as well as my children--
Terri, Diana, Cindy, and Joe--and their families and many friends. I
hadn't planned on this all coming to this kind of a closure, but it's
caused me to reflect back over life, and I feel very blessed.
Tom, you heard it too many times. I started out in a tented
farmhouse. You did hear that a time or two, I'm sure, in days past. But
look what I've gotten to do, as you've heard about here today, when we
talk about the American Dream and the opportunities that exist in
America. It's been very rewarding to me. I can't say enough about that,
but enough has been probably said.
I realize as I reflect back on what's happened over the last years
that I couldn't have done it without the help of great staff. And some
names--I shouldn't do this--but just to hit a few of them. A gentleman
named John Norris--I think you knew him, Tom, at one time--we started
out together. He's on the FERC Board now, and doing a good job.
I think back over many others. Sandy Carter, you're probably watching
over there in our cube. Sandy, thank you for your service and your
dedication to the people of Iowa in the Third District. I could go on
and on. Back in Iowa, there's Jay Byers, Sally Bowzer, Grant Woodard,
and all the rest. Frequently, I would stand before a group and invite
Ted Tran to come and stand with me as a surrogate son from Vung Tau,
Vietnam. He was one of those refugees, and what he went through to get
to be an American and have the American Dream is very special. So the
list is long, and I will stop. It's getting long for some of you. I
know you've got travels to do.
But those here in the room, Bruce, thank you for your attributes. Jim
Nussle, it's great to see you again. Tim, thank you for your remarks
and the service we've had together. Tom, I wish you continued success.
I know that you'll give your heart to what you believe in for our
State. We both kind of come from the soil, really. That's probably a
good thing.
So with that, I want to say a fond farewell. I will continue to
respond to our constituents until we finally close this down, if no
sooner, at least by the 2nd of January, when we change from the 112th
to the 113th.
I'll just say it's been my pleasure and my good fortune to live this
much of my life in the United States of America and to serve our
country. It's the right thing to do. We've got lots on our plate, but
we can do this because that's who we are. We can, and I'm sure we will.
Thank you and God Bless.
{time} 1320
Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I just want to say thank you to Congressman
Boswell. I wish him and Dody the very, very best in the future.
With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, in addition to my remarks today, I asked Iowans to pay
tribute to Congressman Boswell by providing their comments for
submission into the Congressional Record, which follow.
Remarks of Senator Chuck Grassley on Representative Leonard Boswell
Representative Leonard Boswell is a strong advocate for his
constituents and many other categories of individuals who are
not necessarily constituents but important members of our
society, including veterans and farmers.
He saw the world as a 20-year veteran of the United States
Army, returned home, and applied his broad perspective to
public service, first in the Iowa state legislature, then in
the U.S. Congress.
He made a big impression on me in the 1990s when he was
president of the state Senate. When he had an issue on his
mind, he tracked me down at my town meetings or whatever it
took. At times, he rode with me from one town meeting to the
next so we could talk. That persistence on behalf of Iowans
is something I greatly admired.
His decorated military service, including two tours of duty
in Vietnam, made him a natural for looking out for veterans'
needs.
Representative Boswell did a tremendous amount to raise
awareness of veterans' suicide and promote preventive
services. He championed and shepherded through Congress the
Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act. This act,
signed into law, is named for a soldier from Grundy Center,
Iowa, who took his own life after returning from Iraq.
As the operator of a farm in Davis City that has been in
his family for generations, Representative Boswell
understands the challenges facing family farmers. He's been a
vocal advocate for an updated farm bill and other policies
critical to the nation's farmers.
Policy work to support economic growth in Iowa is another
signature for Representative Boswell. He has promoted
legislation that rebuilds the highways and other
infrastructure that are necessary for job creation.
In closing, Representative Boswell has worked hard to
represent his constituents. He did his job very well. While
we disagreed politically, we never had a personal
disagreement. We found plenty of common ground. I'll miss his
camaraderie around Congress. But I have no doubt we'll run
across each other because Representative Boswell is unlikely
to avoid public service, which has been his calling for so
long.
Thank you for your service, Representative Boswell.
____
Statement From Governor Terry Branstad on Representative Leonard
Boswell
I commend Congressman Leonard Boswell for his long-time
dedication to public service. His selfless service to others
has been demonstrated in many ways--as an officer in the
United States Army, as President of the Iowa Senate, and as a
congressman from Iowa. In the United States House of
Representatives, Congressman Boswell was a great ally for
rural development, transportation infrastructure, and
agriculture, and he championed legislation to help veterans
across the nation. I enjoyed working with Leonard in a
bipartisan fashion during his time in State government--just
one example came in our joint work to bring IPSCO Steel to
Iowa in 1994 which has provided hundreds of high-quality jobs
for Iowans. Congressman Boswell should be proud of his public
service accomplishments and for his personal achievements as
a husband, father, and grandfather. I am heartened by Iowans,
like
[[Page H6792]]
Congressman Boswell, who have spent a lifetime serving the
State of Iowa. We thank him for his service.
____
On behalf of the Waukee City Council and myself, I would
like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Congressman Leonard
Boswell for his many years of service in the Iowa Senate and
for the past 16 years, his service to the people of Iowa in
the United States House of Representatives.
It has been a pleasure to work with Congressman Boswell
over the years. In my communications with Congressman
Boswell, he has always been friendly, receptive, and eager to
work with and for his constituents. In particular,
Congressman Boswell has been very supportive and helpful in
the City's efforts to obtain funding and necessary approvals
related to the Alice's Road/105th Street Interchange.
Congressman Boswell's many years of service in the military
and in the halls of Congress are a testament to his love of
home, state and nation. He is a true friend of Waukee and I
wish him the very best in his future endeavors.
--Honorable William F. Peard,
Mayor of Waukee
____
One of Representative Leonard Boswell's most significant
and enduring accomplishments during his long political career
was the critical role that he played in bringing the World
Food Prize to Iowa and in helping ensure that it would have a
permanent home in Des Moines.
The World Food Prize, known around the world as ``The Nobel
Prize for Food and Agriculture,'' was created by Iowa's and
America's greatest agricultural hero, Nobel Peace Prize
Laureate Dr. Norman E. Borlaug. However, when the prize's
original sponsor on the east coast was lost and the Prize was
about to go out of existence, then State Senator Boswell was
part of a critical bipartisan effort, with Republican
Governor Terry Branstad and John Ruan Sr. to rescue the World
Food Prize and relocate it to Dr. Borlaug's home state of
Iowa.
Since then, thanks to the highly supportive role
Representative Boswell has played, The World Food Prize has
grown in stature and now annually welcomes more than 1,500
people from more than 70 countries for an award ceremony and
symposium which has been called ``the premier conference in
the world on global agriculture.''
In addition, Representative Boswell worked hand in hand
with all of the members of the Iowa Congressional Delegation
on a bipartisan basis to help attain approval of Dr. Borlaug
receiving the Congressional Gold Medal, America's highest
civilian honor. For this achievement Representative Boswell
has our heartfelt appreciation, as well as for all he has
done to preserve and enhance the legacy of Dr. Norman E.
Borlaug.
On behalf of the World Food Prize Foundation, we extend our
warmest congratulations to Representative Boswell on his
dedicated career of public service, in the US Army in
Vietnam, as well as in the Iowa State Legislature and the US
House of Representatives.
--Ambassador Kenneth M. Quinn, President of the World Food
Prize Foundation
____
Congressman Boswell
On behalf of the Iowa Federation of National Active and
Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), thank you for your years
of support and service to not only Federal employees and
retirees but all Iowans.
When first becoming an officer in NARFE, I was not
knowledgeable about legislation and you took the time to
visit with me and bring me up to speed. I will always be
grateful for this guidance.
It has been a pleasure knowing and working with you.
--Darlene Freeman, Past President and Legislative Chair of
the Iowa Federation of NARFE
____
Cousin Leonard: Congratulations on your successful careers
of service in the Armed Forces, State Senate, and U.S.
Congress. We wish you and Dody a happy retirement.
--Eldon and Marilyn Boswell
____
Congressman Boswell: We want to thank you for your years of
service and we admire and respect your views/contribution to
all of us!
I know we have not heard the last from you and we encourage
you to stay involved. We need you! Again, thank you so much
for helping all of us!
--Tom and Nancy Courtney of Burlington
____
Congressman Boswell: I admire your service to our country,
from your time in the military to the halls of Congress. You
have always been fair and willing to compromise for the
overall benefit of Iowans and Americans. I appreciate that
you always make efforts to hear from constituents and to work
hard on our behalf. Your work will enrich Americans lives for
years to come.
Thank you for your service to the people of Iowa.
--Michael Worrell
____
Dear Representative Boswell: Thank you so much for your
years of service. Roxy and I are from Burlington and are now
in the 2nd District, but we appreciate your work so much.
--John and Roxy Riessen, West Burlington
____
Congressman Boswell has been my representative personally,
as well as the representative for AIB College of Business in
Des Moines, where I serve as the President.
In his time in DC, Congressman Boswell has been a huge
supporter of Education, from K-12 through private and public
colleges and universities. He believes in students and
recognizes that young people are the future for our nation.
He is also very supporting of our active duty military
personnel and our Veterans.
I wish to recognize and THANK Congressman Boswell for his
dedication to our country, to Iowa, and to his constituents.
He has changed our world, our country, and our state with his
personal service for so many years. Every life has a great
purpose and Congressman Boswell has had a wonderful calling
for his. I will wait in anticipation to see what he chooses
to do next! I just cannot thank him enough!
--Nancy Williams, AIB President, Des Moines
____
Leonard Boswell was truly a gracious man and a class act.
I retired from teaching in 2010, after 38 years. A number
of years ago, I had a group of 5 or 6 students that competed
in a Citizenship Competition in Des Moines while Mr. Boswell
was the President of the State Senate.
We presented a plan for the public library in our home
town--Creston Iowa--and how it needed to be remodeled,
updated, made handicapped accessible, and just made safe in
general. We had to present an action plan along with pictures
before a group of judges. Our presentation won the
competition and Mr. Boswell made himself available to present
the award to my group of students.
He then invited us upstairs in the Iowa Capitol and took
the students through different parts of the Capitol and
showed us his offices. He spent precious time with the group
and throughout it was generous and patient and made it a very
special day for some eighth grade students and their teacher.
Mr. Boswell went above and beyond to be kind to us, when he
could have easily either ignored the occasion, or made it a
quick event.
I will always remember Leonard Boswell for his support for
education and the time he took to support it.
Character is what you do when no one is looking and I felt
that this experience with Leonard Boswell was a shining
example of the true strength of his character.
We will miss him.
--Mrs. Lauris Heinzel, Creston
____
Leonard Boswell has a long and distinguished career of
service to his state and to his country. He is a humble
servant of the people, and we are going to miss him greatly
in Congress. Congressman Boswell is a committed statesman, a
dedicated family man, a courageous and decorated veteran, and
a most trusted friend.
We extend our sincere and best wishes to Congressman
Leonard Boswell and hope that the people of Iowa continue to
enjoy his gifts of time, talent, and leadership in
retirement.
--Myron R. Linn, Pella Corporation
____
Congressman Boswell: We want to thank you for the years of
dedicated service to our country, serving in Vietnam; and in
the US House of Representatives. You did a great job of
representing your District in Southern Iowa and voted your
thoughts on the various issues. Your service in Vietnam as a
helicopter pilot was far and away your greatest achievement,
facing death on every mission. Your service to America should
never be forgotten. Again, Thanks.
--Jerry and Beverly Wetzel, Indianola
____
Congressman Leonard Boswell . . . a quiet and thoughtful
voice of reason, someone who saw the big picture, someone who
always opened his door and his ear to his constituents,
someone who sincerely worked for the betterment of his state
and country, and someone who played his role as a servant
leader with unparalleled dignity, honor and integrity.
I was so very fortunate to work with this dedicated public
servant for more than 3 decades at the state and national
level. I always left his presence with a keen sense of
appreciation for the sincere commitment he had to our state,
nation and the American people. Thank you Congressman Boswell
for your friendship, service, and spirit of professionalism.
Your legacy of leadership will live on through the lessons
you taught to us while serving your country.
Thank you.
--Thomas R Temple, Former CEO of Iowa Pharmacy Association,
Des Moines
____
Congressman Boswell: I appreciate the opportunity to thank
you publicly for your service to our nation and state and for
your friendship. The bond initially sparked by our common
Vietnam aviator experience has led to a longstanding personal
friendship that has endured despite our different political
affiliations. I continue to hold your key leadership in the
Iowa General Assembly in highest regard. In all of the
capacities that you have served, you have put the greater
good ahead of your self interest, beginning with your
willingness to risk your life in military service. I honor
your great record of public service!
I am retiring at the end of this year and hopefully we will
have occasion to spend some time together. I have missed your
presence at the statehouse, Leonard! There is a
[[Page H6793]]
lot of hangar flying yet to be done, my friend!
Best personal regards.
--Keith E. Luchtel, Nyemaster Goode, Des Moines
____
I served as a Congressional Page for the 108th Congress in
2003-2004 during my junior year of high school. Despite being
a conservative Republican from southern Iowa, Congressman
Boswell nominated me for this position and I cannot thank him
enough for this amazing opportunity. During my year of
service, I learned an incredible amount about the House of
Representatives and the legislative process. This experience
jump started my life in ways hard to imagine.
Congressman Boswell served with dignity and represented
Iowa well in a place that seems foreign and out-of-touch to
many Iowans. While I disagreed with him on most of his
positions, I valued his working-man approach to representing
ordinary folks in the U.S. Congress.
Again, thank you for your service. I know you will enjoy
returning to your farm and family in southern Iowa--A place I
will always call home.
Best wishes,
--Blake Yocom, Chariton
____
I owe Congressman Boswell a lot. In 1998, Congressman
Boswell gave me an opportunity to work for him as a
legislative assistant in his Washington, D.C. office. That
opportunity evolved into other career opportunities
throughout my career. Any of the successes I have achieved in
my professional life are due in large part to Congressman
Boswell. His willingness to place his trust in me to do an
important job for the people of Iowa's Third Congressional
District is something I will never forget.
I would like to thank Congressman Boswell not only for his
support of me personally, but also for his service to our
country. As a soldier and statesman, there are few people who
have given more of themselves to our nation. I wish him and
Dody well as they move forward to their next adventure in
life. I would ask them to take some time and get some rest,
but I know that won't happen--that's not the Boswell way!
Job well done, Congressman!
Jon Murphy, PolicyWorks, Des Moines
____
There is no doubt that Congressman Boswell was a friend of
postal workers. He supported us on every front, as he has
from the anthrax incidents to the recent financial situation
the USPS is facing.
The Postal Workers in Iowa, and the country, want to thank
Congressman Boswell for all his support and years of service.
On behalf of all the American Postal Worker Union Local in
Iowa, thank you.
--Lance Coles, Iowa Federation
of Labor AFL-CIO
____
Congressman Boswell: The first time we met was in the year
2000 when the National Institute of Health asked me to
contact the Iowa Congressmen to request their support of the
Lupus Research and Care Amendment Act. Whereas most
Congressmen were very polite, but spent no more than 10
minutes with me, you took me into your private office and
spent more than 30 minutes asking me numerous questions about
the disease and the prospective legislation. As it turned
out, you were the only Congressman to co-sponsor the bill
that would affect 15,000+ Iowans afflicted with the disease,
lupus. At that point I knew we would be friends for life.
When my husband served on the Des Moines City Council, you
were always the first Iowa Congressman he would contact when
he needed advice and assistance on an issue. He knew that he
could always count on you. Not only were you the most
accessible, but also the one who would truly ``listen'' to
what he had to say.
These ``friendships'' have continued throughout your term
of office. Whether it was a problem or concern with social
security disability, immigration, social security, medicare,
or numerous other topics, you and your staff were always
prompt in addressing our concerns.
We shall truly miss your smiling face at the community
events, as we always knew that we could count on you being
there. We wish you the very best in the next phase of your
life, and we hope that you, and your lovely wife Dody, will
be blessed with good health and happiness.
Your friends,
--Sophie and Tom Vlassis
____
Leonard Boswell has been my friend for 20+ years and as I
write this message my thoughts go back to all the roads we've
traveled, the adventures we've shared, the laughter and tears
we shed I just want you to know you are my brother.
To you and Dody my love and best wishes.
--John Flannery
____
Congressman Boswell: I wanted to take this opportunity to
thank you for your support for diabetes issues. I am proud
that I have gotten to work by your side over the past 7 years
to increase funding for diabetes research and on stem cell
research. I will never forget the time when I was 13 and at
an event listening to you speak. You pulled me up on stage
and talked about how we needed to work to find a cure so that
I wouldn't have diabetes anymore. That meant the world to me.
Because of all you have done for me, you will always have a
special place in my heart. You have taught me so much and I
hope to someday impact my community as much as you have.
Thanks again!
--Karli Borcherding, Ankeny
____
Congressman Leonard Boswell is a name well recognized in
Iowa. After years representing the issues important to Iowans
in the U.S. Congress, many years addressing the concerns of
Iowans at the state capitol, and twenty years defending the
freedoms and rights that Americans hold dear as a member of
the U.S. military, Congressman Boswell deserves the thanks of
Iowans and Americans for his commitment to this country. This
congressional recognition is well earned.
Congressman Boswell was a representative who would take the
time to listen to Iowans. He paid special care and attention
to all veterans. He was a friend of working people. When home
visiting, he would make an effort to meet with the labor
leaders in the state. He spent time listening to their
concerns and would give honest answers on his positions--not
always to the liking of the unions--but always honest and
upfront.
The labor movement in Iowa has lost an ally in Congress,
but we are grateful for all the years he was there for us. We
hope he will not be a stranger to Iowa politics and will
continue to support veterans and workers.
--Ken Sagar, President of Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO
--Charlie Wishman, Secretary/Treasurer of Iowa Federation of
Labor AFL-CIO
____
Leonard Boswell was my representative for 11 of the past 15
years he was in the U.S. Congress. Prior to that he
distinguished himself as he represented Iowans for many years
at the state capitol. Leonard has dedicated the majority of
his life to public service and he is more than worthy of this
congressional recognition.
Leonard was a decorated veteran of the Viet Nam war which
has special meaning to me as I too had the privilege to serve
during that time. I truly believe Leonard would have been
just as caring for the Veterans of this land even if he
hadn't served. Leonard is just that kind of person.
I have had the privilege of representing Union members in
South Central Iowa for over three years and had the
opportunity to partner with the congressman on numerous
issues that affected working people. I can confirm that
Leonard was receptive to all my concerns and he made my
concerns his concerns in regard to working people and the
citizens of Iowa.
I count Congressman Boswell as one of most trusted and
beloved friends and look forward to partnering with Leonard
in the future in whatever capacity.
Thank you,
--Mark Cooper, South Central Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO
____
Members of Congress,
The Iowa Corn Growers Association would like to take this
opportunity to express our gratitude and extend special
recognition to Congressman Leonard Boswell for his many years
of service to his country, his home state of Iowa, and to
agriculture. His background as a family farmer and his
service in the Iowa Senate greatly prepared him to represent
corn farmers in the U.S. Congress.
Because Congressman Boswell values the family farmer, our
goals have often been lock step with one another's. He has
served the agriculture community well with representation on
the House Agriculture Committee and as Chair and Ranking
Member of the General Farm Commodities and Risk Management
Subcommittee. In these roles, he has worked to; protect and
strengthen corn farmer's risk management, build a secure and
stable crop insurance program, and build realistic farm
commodity programs. Congressman Boswell also served Iowa and
its farmers on the House Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee where his work on numerous highway bills as well as
the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) impacted Iowa's
critical transportation systems.
During his years of service, the corn ethanol industry was
developed. Congressman Boswell was instrumental in promoting
the ethanol industry and shaping policies that allowed the
industry to grow. From the Renewable Fuel Standard, to the
Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit, to leadership on the
Renewable Fuels Pipeline legislation, the ICGA could be
confident that Congressman Boswell would work to support and
defend one of the corn industry's top markets.
In closing, on behalf of the farmer members of the Iowa
Corn Growers Association, we would like to again thank
Congressman Leonard Boswell for his long standing support of
Iowa agriculture and the corn industry. We are sincerely
grateful for his tireless work to serve our state and our
industry.
Sincerely,
--Bruce Rohwer, President of Iowa Corn Growers Association,
Johnston
--Craig Floss, Chief Executive Officer of Iowa Corn Growers
Association, Johnston
____
Congressman Boswell,
On behalf of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, we extend
our deepest thanks and appreciation to you for your service
to the
[[Page H6794]]
citizens of Greater Des Moines, the State of Iowa, and United
States of America.
First and foremost, thank you for the 20 years of service
to our country as a member of the United States Army. And,
thank you for your excellent work in representing Central
Iowa in the United States House of Representatives over the
many years. You and your dedicated staff have been a
tremendous asset to our community.
Your leadership and efforts in securing federal funding for
transportation projects, quality of life priorities, and
other economic development initiatives have played a critical
role in the rapid growth and prosperity of the Greater Des
Moines Region. We cannot thank you enough for being such an
important partner in these efforts.
And thank you for helping accommodate our group and taking
the time to address our participants during our annual visits
to Washington, D.C. We appreciate the great work in helping
set up meetings, coordinating schedules, lining up speakers,
and advising and meeting with trip participants.
Again, thank you for your efforts on behalf of the Greater
Des Moines Partnership in our nation's capital. We truly
appreciate your leadership and all the work you have done on
issues important to Central Iowa's business community. We
hope for, and wish you, the best in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
--Jay Byers, Chief Executive Officer of Greater Des Moines
Partnership
--Eugene Meyer, President of Greater Des Moines Partnership
____
We residents of your hometown--Lamoni, Decatur County,
Iowa--are privileged to join in paying tribute to you for
your years of service to our community, our state, and our
country. We can't list all of your achievements, but can
mention a few:
Active sports player in High School
Farmer
Pilot in the skies of Vietnam
Senate President--Iowa Legislature
Father and Grandfather
President of Farmers' Coop
Member of U. S. House of Representatives
Problem solver for people immersed in ``Red Tape''
Pastor of Lamoni Community of Christ
Devoted Husband
Thank you for your many years of selfless service.
--Lamoni Lions Club and the Town of Lamoni
____
Leonard Boswell has worked for his country, his state, and
his community throughout a lifetime of public service.
Lieutenant Colonel Boswell had a distinguished 20-year career
in the United States Army. His service in the Iowa Senate, as
President of that body from 1993 to 1996, was where he first
took the lessons he brought from his military life, and
brought them to bear in the political arena. Those lessons
included focus on the mission at hand, and get the job done.
Trust your team, and let them know they can trust you. And
perhaps most importantly, leave no comrade behind. In 1997,
Leonard brought those values to work for Iowans, and their
neighbors across the country, in the United States House of
Representatives. His work on transportation issues has
changed the face of Iowa. But it has been his advocacy for
his fellow veterans and their families, that has changed the
heart of Iowa.
We are grateful to his wife, Dody, and his family, for
sharing him with us these many years. We are proud of the
work he has done, and we welcome him home with open arms.
--Sue Dvorsky, Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party
____
Congressman Boswell: All Iowans stop from what they are
doing today to say thank you to Representative Leonard
Boswell who has represented us well during his tenure as U.S.
House Representative. We thank him for his leadership and
courage dealing with issues of importance to the people of
Iowa.
--Mary L. Madison
____
Leonard: It is with gratitude that we thank you for being
our Congressional Representative in the 90's and good friend
in support of the issues that matter in middle Iowa. You
always treated us with respect and desire to make things
better for Iowans.
Thank you for your support of the Affordable Care Act. And
we also thank you for always meeting with our delegation of
Orthopedic Surgeons when we came to visit you each spring
when Bob was on the Academy's Board of Councilors. We also
appreciate your strong support for Israel, and your personal
stories of facing the tragedies after the Holocaust. And
thank you for serving in the US Army for many years. And also
thank you for your support for women's reproductive rights
and health care issues. I knew that you would always listen
to us at Planned Parenthood and would do as much as you could
to support us in Congress. And that was not an easy task
these past few years.
All the best to you and Dody. We know that you will always
be there for a good chat on issues and will always stand up
for Iowans no matter what!!
--Debbie and Bob Gitchell, Ames
____
Congressman Boswell: Your campaign this fall was full of
energy, which is representative of your years of support. It
is a privilege to honor your many years of serving Iowans
both locally and in Washington, DC.
As advocates for working on behalf of vulnerable Iowans, we
have found you to be loyal to these issues. I am appreciative
of your willingness to listen to concerns from constituents
and advocacy groups. I was especially delighted when you
provided your support and signed on to the Social Work
Reinvestment Act upon listening to our issues.
You have dedicated your time to working on behalf of Iowans
and assuring policies were in place to support your
constituents. Thank you Congressman Boswell for your years of
service!
--Kelli Soyer, National Association of Social Workers, Iowa
Chapter
____________________