[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 149 (Tuesday, December 9, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1757]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   JAMES L. OBERSTAR MEMORIAL HIGHWAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 8, 2014

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 
support of H.R. 4926 and to honor the life of a truly remarkable man 
that we lost this year, Jim Oberstar. This legislation would designate 
the ``James L. Oberstar Memorial Highway'' and the ``James L. Oberstar 
National Scenic Byway'' in the State of Minnesota, but more 
importantly, it would honor the legacy of one of our most beloved 
former colleagues.
  Jim grew up appreciating the value of hard work and he innately 
understood the importance of cultivating strong relationships and 
tirelessly fighting for what was right.
  He left the House of Representatives and the nation quite frankly, in 
a better place than when he found it. He was the consummate public 
servant and has an incredible lasting legacy.
  In the 18 terms he served in Congress, he had a remarkable impact on 
the transportation industry in America and upon all of his colleagues. 
He was uniquely aware of the value of jobs, the economy, and the 
interconnectedness of goods and people throughout the country.
  In a profession not always known for brevity of remarks, his 
speeches, as we can all attest, were amongst the most lengthy. However, 
when delivering remarks, he spoke passionately and with great 
intellect, never failing to effectively convey his point to a wide 
variety of audiences.
  More importantly, he understood the value of bipartisanship in 
Washington and never let politics get in the way of good policy.
  While we mourn the loss of our dear friend, we celebrate his life and 
service to this nation. I urge my colleagues to support this 
resolution.

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