[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 89 (Thursday, June 4, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H3904]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             ON THE PASSING OF JOSEPH ROBINETTE BIDEN, III

  Mr. McCARTHY. Mr. Speaker, I send to the desk a resolution and ask 
unanimous consent for its immediate consideration in the House and, 
further, that it be read in full.
  The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:

                              H. Res. 299

       Whereas Joseph Robinette ``Beau'' Biden, III, born in 
     Wilmington, Delaware and a graduate of the University of 
     Pennsylvania and Syracuse University law school, served our 
     country as an attorney in the Department of Justice for seven 
     years, including assisting the nation of Kosovo in rebuilding 
     their criminal justice system;
       Whereas Beau Biden served his beloved State of Delaware for 
     eight years as Attorney General;
       Whereas Beau Biden joined the Army in 2003 at the age of 
     34, rose to the rank of major in the Delaware Army National 
     Guard's Judge Advocate General Corps, deployed to Iraq in 
     2008 and received the Bronze Star for his service;
       Whereas Beau Biden leaves behind a beloved wife, Hallie, 
     and two children, Natalie and Hunter; and
       Whereas Beau Biden was the eldest son of the former Senator 
     from Delaware and current Vice President of the United States 
     and President of the United States Senate, Joseph Robinette 
     Biden, Jr.: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives has heard with 
     profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the 
     untimely death of Joseph Robinette Biden, III.
       Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Representatives 
     communicate this resolution to the Senate and transmit a copy 
     thereof to the family of the Vice President of the United 
     States.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  Mr. CARNEY. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, I rise in 
support of this resolution that celebrates the life of Beau Biden, the 
son of our Vice President, my State's former attorney general, and my 
good friend.
  This past weekend, Beau Biden left this world far too young, at the 
age of 46. My home State of Delaware and this country suffered a loss 
that is deeply painful and deeply personal.
  Beau won our hearts when, as a young boy, he and his brother survived 
a car accident that killed his baby sister and his mother. His father, 
Joe, was sworn in to the United States Senate at Beau's hospital 
bedside.
  After the accident, Joe held his children tight because he knew how 
fragile life was. And the rest of Delaware did the same with the entire 
Biden family.
  We watched Beau grow into a young lawyer and then elected him twice 
to be our attorney general, where he became a champion of protecting 
the most vulnerable among us. We were filled with pride as we watched 
him join the National Guard and deploy to Iraq.
  We were inspired by his example as a loving husband to Hallie, a 
doting father to Natalie and Hunter, and, as always, a devoted son and 
brother. Family for Beau, like Joe, was everything.

                              {time}  1245

  Beau was a truly giving person. He appreciated the good in others in 
a way that we all should. He leaves a legacy that calls on each of us 
to be more gentle in our judgments and more gracious with our thanks. 
Beau was one of the best of the good guys.
  Back in my home State of Delaware, people are hurting. It feels like 
every person you meet has been wounded by this loss, and just wishes 
there were something we could do to support our friends, the Bidens.
  It is they who are comforting us. They have shown us the courage to 
believe that there is something more enduring than grief. Love endures. 
Beau and his family, through their love for each other, have shown us 
that.
  So as we say good-bye to this distinguished American, this genuinely 
good man, we say to him: Until we meet again, Beau. May God hold you in 
the palm of his hand.
  I withdraw my reservation of objection.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  The resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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