[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 67 (Wednesday, April 25, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H3563]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1700
               CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF PETER G. PETERSON

  (Ms. PELOSI asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember a great American 
patriot, Pete Peterson, who passed away at the age of 91 last month.
  Born to Greek immigrant parents in America's heartland of Nebraska, 
Pete rose from humble beginnings to contribute to our Nation as a 
public servant, statesman, business leader, and especially through his 
philanthropic and policy work.
  Pete was a clarion voice for fiscal responsibility and a strong moral 
conscience in Washington, working tirelessly and always reaching across 
party lines.
  For Pete, building a bright economic future for the next generation 
was his patriotic duty. He understood that he was so fortunate to have 
lived the American Dream, and he wanted that same opportunity available 
for every man, woman, and child in our Nation.
  Economic policy leadership was a defining thread running through his 
life, including in his roles as Secretary of Commerce, the head of 
major American corporations, and the founder of respected policy 
organizations, including the Peterson Institute for International 
Economics and the Peterson Foundation.
  Pete's prophetic voice on the importance of fiscal sustainability 
brought together generations of policymakers, no matter their political 
background, to find common ground and effective solutions. His strong 
moral leadership to ensure our children and our grandchildren inherit a 
healthy fiscal future leaves a remarkable legacy.
  Mr. Speaker, anyone who knew Pete will attest to his wit, generous 
spirit, and personal warmth that made him a pleasure to be around.
  Pete signed The Giving Pledge and committed the bulk of his personal 
fortune to philanthropic causes. His legacy will endure in many ways, 
but especially through the work of the Peterson Foundation, which 
continues to focus on solutions to America's fiscal and economic 
challenges, now under the leadership of his son Michael.
  The loss of Pete will be deeply felt in Washington, in the Nation, 
and around the world. May it bring some measure of comfort to his wife, 
Joan Ganz Cooney; his children, John, Jim, David, Holly, and Michael; 
and all his loved ones that so many grieve with them during this 
difficult time.
  I knew and loved Pete Peterson, and I know he loved his family above 
all. He was a great American, who loved our country as well.

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