[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 149 (Thursday, September 14, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1223]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM J. ``BILL'' HOWELL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 14, 2017

  Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize William J. 
``Bill'' Howell for 30 years of distinguished public service to the 
Commonwealth of Virginia.
   Mr. Howell served in the Virginia General Assembly since 1988, and 
presided over the chamber as Speaker of the House of Delegates since 
2003. During his tenure, Speaker Howell championed the issues important 
to his constituents of Stafford and Fredericksburg and on behalf of all 
Virginians. As the second longest serving Speaker in the House of 
Delegates, Mr. Howell embodied the characteristics of a true Virginia 
Statesmen.
   Among other issues, Mr. Howell will be remembered for reforming the 
Virginia Retirement System and leading the first transportation funding 
overhaul in 27 years. Speaker Howell recognized the importance of the 
Chesapeake Bay and was a strong advocate for historical preservation 
and conservation efforts. Under Speaker Howell, Virginia's Rainy Day 
Fund is on track to exceed $1 billion by the end of the next budget 
cycle. In 2013, Speaker Howell was named ``Legislator of the Year'' by 
the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, and one of Governing Magazine's 2013 
Public Officials of the Year.
   Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Speaker Bill 
Howell on his dedication to serving the Commonwealth of Virginia and 
wishing him best wishes in his future endeavors.

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