[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 65 (Thursday, May 9, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E638]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     COMMEMORATING THE 80TH BIRTHDAY OF LONG-TIME PUBLIC SERVANT, 
                        CONGRESSMAN SID MORRISON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DOC HASTINGS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 9, 2013

  Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, May 13, to 
commemorate the 80th birthday of Congressman Sid Morrison, who for more 
than 50 years and counting has served our nation and the great state of 
Washington as a public servant. Sid's career has represented results-
oriented government, bipartisanship and service to all with integrity 
and honor.
   His service began in 1966 when he was elected as a Washington state 
legislator, serving in the House until 1974, when he was elected to the 
Washington State Senate and served until 1980. During his time as a 
Washington legislator, he developed a reputation for taking on tough 
issues and reaching past politics to find bipartisan answers.
   In 1980, at the age of 47, he was elected to this great body and 
served in the U.S. Congress for 12 years, from 1981 to 1993. As a 
Member of the House, Sid worked on many issues including energy, water, 
forestry, agricultural markets and immigration. As a leader in 
Congress, he worked to ensure reliable energy supplies to support the 
energy needs of the nation, science and space research, advanced 
technology and providing the nation with a strong defense. Sid's 
congressional service also saw him as an advocate for civil rights, 
small businesses, people in need of organ donations, and the wide 
variety of needs of every citizen seeking help with the federal 
bureaucracy.
   Throughout his many endeavors since serving in Congress, Sid has 
been actively involved in federal policies to make Washington and our 
nation better for all citizens.
   He was appointed as Washington State Secretary of Transportation in 
1993 and served until 2001. In that post, Sid spearheaded work for 
safer roads, new ferries to make Washington the nation's largest fleet, 
the rebirth of freight and passenger rail, transit expansion and 
airport improvements.
   During the last 10 years, Sid has worked on special projects for 
Washington governors and continues to serve on many public boards. He 
has been a leading voice on behalf of public power and consumer-owned 
utility service in Washington state through his work as the chair of 
the Energy Northwest Executive Board. He also serves in the water, 
agriculture and education arenas including: on the Yakima Basin Storage 
Alliance, Board Chair; on the State Fair Park Board; and the Central 
Washington University Board of Trustees Chair.
   Despite all the above, he is officially retired, but don't tell Sid 
that, as many of us seem to be moving in slow motion next to him.
   I have personal and professional respect and admiration for Sid. As 
he celebrates his 80th birthday, I wish him happiness and good health 
and my best wishes.

                          ____________________