[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 74 (Thursday, May 14, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E704]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF THE HONORABLE BRUCE REYNOLDS ALGER

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. KENNY MARCHANT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 14, 2015

  Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of an 
outstanding citizen and public servant, my former congressman, Bruce 
Reynolds Alger. He recently passed away in Palm Bay, Florida at the age 
of 96.
  The Honorable Bruce Alger served the 5th District of Texas in the 
House of Representatives from 1955 to 1965. Congressman Alger served in 
a very significant time in Texas history with President Lyndon B. 
Johnson and Speaker Samuel T. Rayburn, both of the Lone Star State, 
leading the country during his tenure. He was a pioneer of his time by 
being the only Republican Congressman in the Texas delegation for eight 
years. It wasn't until his final term in Congress that he could hold a 
Republican meeting of Texas Representatives with more than just 
himself. Congressman Ed Foreman from Odessa, Texas was elected in 1963 
to double the size of the Texas GOP delegation.
  Congressman Alger was one of the earliest Republican members of the 
Texas Delegation in the mid-20th Century and the first Republican 
Representative from Dallas County. He fought and spoke for limited 
government, balanced budget, flat income tax, and many other ideals 
that became the basis for conservative principles for years to come. He 
was the eleventh Texan to be appointed to the Ways and Means committee, 
which I sit upon today.
  Prior to being elected to Congress, he was also a distinguished 
veteran. Like many of the greatest generation, he answered the call to 
service. He served during World War II in the United States Army from 
1941-1945. As a pilot, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross and 
attained the rank of Captain. He devoted much of his life to public 
service and did what he could to better our country. Congressman 
Alger's endless energy benefited so many who he served.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to celebrate the life of the Honorable 
Bruce Reynolds Alger. I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join 
me in celebrating our former House colleague's remarkable life and 
service in Congress and to our country.

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