[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 4 (Wednesday, January 8, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H42]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 WELCOMING THE HONORABLE BRADLEY BYRNE TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

  (Mr. BACHUS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, we welcome Bradley Byrne as the newest 
member of the Alabama delegation. We also welcome his wife, Rebecca, 
who is in the balcony with his four children: Patrick, Colin, Kathleen, 
and Laura.
  Bradley asked me--and I think all of the Members will identify with 
him--do you ever get over the thrill of walking in this Chamber?
  And the answer is, No, you never do.
  Let me say this: we like Bradley, the delegation, and I think you 
know how important that is. He has a wonderful wife. We are very 
excited about his being here. He brings a wealth of understanding. He 
comes from an area with natural resources--very important in Armed 
Services. He served as chancellor of our 2-year college system. He can 
bring some insight to educational reform.
  He succeeds one of our closest friends--of all of us on both sides--
Jo Bonner. Although we miss Jo, we welcome Bradley. That makes up for 
some of the loss of Jo, and I think you are going to get to where you 
know and appreciate this gentleman who has joined us today.
  At this time, I yield to the gentlelady from Alabama (Ms. Sewell).
  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my Alabama 
colleagues in welcoming newly elected Representative Bradley Byrne to 
the 113th Congress.
  As a lawyer, as a former Alabama State Senator, and as a former 
chancellor of Alabama's 2-year college system, Bradley has a proven 
record as a principled servant leader.
  I know Bradley as a man of strong character, who has dedicated his 
public life to strengthening his community and improving our State. I 
believe Bradley will ably follow in the tradition of his predecessors 
Sonny Callahan and Jo Bonner in proudly representing Alabama's First 
Congressional District.
  I look forward to working with you, Bradley, especially on our shared 
constituents in Clarke County.
  Recently, a local reporter asked the delegation to give Bradley some 
advice.
  The best advice that I could give you as you embark upon this special 
journey is to always put your constituents first. The oath you took 
today is a very sacred one. You join a body that has an awesome 
responsibility, and that responsibility is neither Republican nor 
Democrat. The issues that we talk about are for all Americans. I look 
forward to working with you, and I know that given your record of hard 
work and your willingness to work across the aisle that you will be an 
amazing addition to the Alabama delegation, and I welcome you.
  Mr. BYRNE. Mr. Speaker, it is my great privilege to represent the 
good and hardworking people of southwest Alabama.
  To my family--my wife of 33 years, Rebecca, and my children Patrick, 
Kathleen, Laura, and Colin--I thank you for your love and your support.
  To the people of the First District of Alabama, I promise that I will 
work hard every day to serve you and build upon the trust that you have 
placed in me to represent you in our Nation's Capital.
  To the Members of this House, I am ready to roll up my shirt sleeves 
and work with you as a problem-solver, not a problem-maker; as a 
workhorse, not a show horse.
  This is a great country, Mr. Speaker; but over the past several 
years, we have failed to live up to that greatness. I come to this 
House ready to work together with each of you, to find solutions that 
will make this country truly great again.
  I ask God's blessings and wisdom as I embark on this new endeavor in 
this House for the people of my district.
  Thank you again, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to make these brief 
remarks. Now it is time for me to get to work.

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