[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 173 (Wednesday, January 2, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H7580]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      FAREWELL REMARKS TO CONGRESS

  (Mr. PLATTS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in my final time as a Member of 
the House of Representatives, as a retiring Member, just to express my 
gratitude to the people of the 19th Congressional District of 
Pennsylvania for allowing me the privilege, for the last 12 years, to 
serve. I'm a 12-year-term-limit guy, and it's hard to believe that 12 
years have come and gone already. But it's been a great privilege to 
serve with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. It's been an 
experience I will forever remember.
  In addition to my constituents back home, my wife, Leslie, is in the 
gallery today, and I certainly have to convey my thanks to her for 
standing by me all these years. It's certainly a family commitment, and 
it's one we've been honored to have and to do to the best of our 
ability in serving the people of our community.
  A final comment: While I've loved what I've done and I've been proud 
to serve, I also understand that what I do and what we do pales in 
comparison to those who serve us in uniform. As a Nation, as a 
citizenry, can we always keep our men and women in uniform in our 
thoughts and prayers, along with their families who make tremendous 
sacrifices so that we can be so blessed here as Americans.
  So thank you again and God bless.

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