[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 158 (Tuesday, September 25, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      BILL HARRIS POST OFFICE BILL

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. BOB GIBBS

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 13, 2018

  Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer legislation to honor a 
good man, a faithful public servant, a veteran, and a friend to the 
people of the great state of Ohio by renaming the Post Office in 
Ashland, Ohio after former Ohio Senate President, Bill Harris.
  Bill served our nation as a United States Marine for 23 years. He 
completed tours of duty in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. His actions led 
to him being awarded the Bronze Star twice and the Vietnam Medal of 
Honor. He rose to the rank of Major and retired in 1977.
  Shortly thereafter, Bill found himself moving to Ashland, Ohio and 
opening a car dealership. It is still run by the Harris family. Bill 
was an active member of his community, serving as chairman of the 
Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce and was a member of the Board for the 
Ashbrook Center at Ashland University.
  I got to know Bill when we served in the Ohio legislature together. 
While he was in the Senate, I served in the House. Bill was Ohio Senate 
President when he led them to enact major reforms to Ohio's tax code. 
He also had a passion for making Ohio's higher education system better 
and more affordable. But I also got to know Bill on a personal level. 
After Bill broke his leg slipping on ice in 2009, he was unable to 
drive. Since I lived the closest to him, I drove him down to Columbus 
while he was recovering. We spent many hours talking, sometimes about 
politics and state government, but mostly about family and life. He 
told me stories and imparted his wisdom on those drives from Ashland to 
Columbus and back.
  Bill Harris dedicated his life to his family and friends, his 
community and country. I offer this legislation as a way to honor 
Bill's legacy and recognize his achievements. I ask for my colleagues' 
support of this bill to rename the Post Office in Bill's hometown of 
Ashland after him as thanks for his commitment to Ashland, the State of 
Ohio, and to America.

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