[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 12, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E680-E681]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNITION OF FORMER U.S. SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE JAMES ``JIM'' WRIGHT, 
                                  JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 12, 2015

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with 
great pleasure to pay tribute to the life and legacy of Former Speaker 
of the House James ``Jim'' Wright, who passed away on Wednesday, May 
6th at the age of 92. Speaker Wright served in Congress for more than 
three decades and left an indelible legacy as chairman of the House 
Public Works Committee. He was elected by his peers as Speaker in 1987.
  Jim Wright was born in Fort Worth, Texas, the son of a traveling 
salesman. He was educated at Weatherford College and the University of 
Texas at Austin. Jim Wright dedicated his life to serving the public. 
He bravely served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War 
II and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for flying combat 
missions in the South Pacific. Subsequently, he was elected to the 
Texas House of Representatives in 1946. He served as mayor of 
Weatherford, Texas from 1950 to 1954. He was elected to the U.S. House 
of Representatives in 1954 and was reelected 16 times.
  Speaker Wright was a visionary who served the people of Fort Worth 
and this nation well. He is deserving of this tribute. Because of his 
leadership, the House experienced one of its most prolific periods. 
Speaker Wright demonstrated his skill as a political leader and

[[Page E681]]

master legislator by shepherding extraordinarily complex legislation 
through the House. He understood that the business of legislating and 
good politics required great skill in the art of compromise.
  Speaker Wright never backed down from a challenge, and even after 
leaving office, he continued to serve the public diligently. I was 
always able to consult with Speaker Wright regarding difficult 
legislation, and he never failed to provide thoughtful and principled 
insight.
  Our country has lost one of its finest statesmen, and I have lost a 
close personal friend whose wisdom, dignity and knowledge of the 
legislative process was unquestionably enviable. He is among the most 
influential Speakers in the history of the House of Representatives.
  Mr. Speaker, Jim Wright is an unforgettable public servant and 
leader. A man fueled by passion and concern for others, he set the bar 
high for his successors. He is survived by his wife, Betty and four 
children. I stand today to honor Former Speaker of the House, Jim 
Wright, and to thank him for his work in service to the people of Texas 
and throughout this great nation. He left a powerful legacy that will 
live for generations.

                          ____________________