[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 201 (Thursday, December 20, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1701-E1702]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       SPEAKER PAUL RYAN FAREWELL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LAMAR SMITH

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2018

  Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize Paul Ryan's 20 
years of exemplary Congressional service with great appreciation and 
gratitude.
  I think Speaker of the House may be the toughest job in America. A 
Speaker has to gather 218 votes to approve any measure, unlike 
executives who can simply issue orders.
  Paul may be the first Speaker who didn't seek the office and, 
instead, was drafted by the Republicans in Congress--a true testament 
to the respect his colleagues have for him. And he has handled the 
speakership with humility, dignity, and confidence.

[[Page E1702]]

  Speaker Ryan also has consistently made his family a priority, even 
forgoing political activities on weekends to be with them.
  I thank Paul for his leadership and heartfelt commitment to our 
nation.


                     Rep. Dana Rohrabacher Farewell

  Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize the gentleman from California for 
30 years of service in Congress. He cares deeply for California's 
Orange County and his constituents.
  Dana Rohrabacher has been an active member of the Science Committee 
and has been the Chair of the Space Subcommittee. In fact, he was such 
an able Chairman, I requested a waiver to keep him in that position for 
two years beyond the regular six-year term limit.
  After beginning his career as a speechwriter for President Ronald 
Reagan, Dana, who is an avid surfer, continued to ride the wave of 
political service by running and winning his first campaign for 
Congress in 1988.
  A true public servant, Dana has an infectious personality and a sense 
of humor that brightens any room. In fact, some of his jokes are even 
funny.
  I thank Dana for his friendship and for his service.


                   Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen Farewell

  Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize my friend and colleague, Ileana 
Ros-Lehtinen, or, as she allows me to call her, Lily.
  When I first met Ileana, I asked her if she had a nickname. She told 
me her friends call her Lily and so could I.
  Her accomplishments as a Congresswoman from Florida's 27th 
congressional district are historic. She was the first Cuban-American 
elected to Congress and also had the distinct honor of serving as the 
first Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
  She has left a positive and indelible mark on Congress and on her 
colleagues. I thank Lily for her dedicated service to our country.


                       rep. kevin yoder farewell

  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague, Congressman Kevin Yoder 
for his years of service to Kansas's 3rd congressional district.
  Kevin's childhood on a family farm in rural Kansas gave him strong 
values and a work ethic. As the student body president at the 
University of Kansas, he showed an early affinity for politics before 
he entered Congress.
  His work here on the Appropriations Committee has focused on 
balancing the budget, reducing our national debt, securing our borders, 
and spurring private sector job growth, all in the best interests of 
our country.
  I've enjoyed working with him on these shared goals, and I've also 
enjoyed our friendship off the Floor when we regularly play doubles 
tennis matches with Bob Goodlatte, Fred Upton, and Shelley Moore 
Capito.
  Whether on the tennis court or in the halls of Congress, Kevin is a 
team player, exhibiting determination and a good attitude. I thank 
Kevin for his service in Congress and for his friendship.


                      rep. randy hultgren farewell

  Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize the gentleman from Illinois for 
his eight productive years in Congress.
  Randy Hultgren has been passionate about public service from a young 
age. He got his start as an intern in D.C. and was then elected to the 
Illinois House of Representatives, the Illinois Senate, and as the 
representative of Illinois' 14th district.
  Over the years, there have been few, if any, members who rival 
Randy's steadfast commitment to supporting the U.S. research system. 
His district is home to a Department of Energy National Laboratory, 
FermiLab, and he has played a pivotal role in keeping the United States 
at the forefront of high energy physics.
  I thank Randy for his efforts in promoting American innovation. His 
service has made an impact that will continue to benefit his 
constituents and our country.


                     rep. barbara comstock farewell

  Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize the gentlewoman from Virginia for 
her years of service in the U.S. Congress.
  Barbara Comstock has been an active and effective member of the 
Science Committee and Chair of the Research and Technology Subcommittee 
for four years.
  She worked tirelessly to promote STEM education and opportunities for 
American students. Her commitment to empowering women in STEM fields 
motivated her to author the INSPIRE Women Act, a law that enables NASA 
to encourage young women to pursue a STEM education.
  No doubt Barbara honed her skills while attending high school in my 
home state of Texas, where she also met her husband. But I know her 
heart has always been with her constituents in Virginia. I thank her 
for her public service and the influence she has had on the education 
of our young women.


                      rep. bob goodlatte farewell

  Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize a best friend in Congress, Bob 
Goodlatte of Virginia.
  I often cite Bob as an example of an ideal Member of Congress. Over 
his 26 years, he has proven himself to be a dedicated public servant, 
resilient leader, and exemplary statesman.
  During his congressional career, Bob served as Chairman of both the 
Agriculture and Judiciary Committees, one of the few members of 
Congress to chair two committees.
  He also is a leader on Internet and high-tech issues. Bob's work to 
foster innovation in the technology sector. has contributed to our 
nation's economic growth.
  He is knowledgeable, smart, persistent, cheerful, and a strategic 
thinker. That's why he is a great Member, a great Chairman, and an 
inspiration to friends, family, and colleagues.
  It has been a privilege to serve with Bob and know him as a close 
friend.


                        rep. trey gowdy farewell

  Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize the gentleman from South Carolina 
for his eight years of distinguished service in Congress and for his 
successful Chairmanship of the Oversight Committee.
  Trey Gowdy has one of the sharpest legal minds I have ever 
encountered. He possesses that rare combination of smarts, confidence, 
and humility.
  Trey is a skilled debater and a masterful cross-examiner on the 
Judiciary Committee. Perhaps it goes back to his education at Baylor 
University in the great state of Texas.
  He will leave a legacy as one of the most capable and versatile 
experts of law we have in Congress.
  I thank Trey for his leadership and service that has benefitted his 
constituents, the Congress, and our country.


                       rep. darrell issa farewell

  Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize the gentleman from California for 
his 18 years of service in Congress.
  Darrell is intellectually gifted, and his knowledge of electronics 
and technology is unmatched in Congress. And, as a holder of 37 
patents, Darrell knows the importance of protecting the property rights 
of artists and inventors.
  He is also a skilled representative and leader. His time as Chairman 
of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform was one of the 
Committee's most productive and effective periods. In fact, I 
appreciate him allowing some of his best staff to join me on the 
Science Committee.
  Darrell will continue to excel as Director of the Trade and 
Development Agency and I wish him well with his new responsibility.


                       rep. steve knight farewell

  Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize the gentleman from California for 
his long-time service to our country.
  Steve Knight is an active member of the Science Committee and Vice 
Chair of the Energy Subcommittee. He authored several bills to advance 
research initiatives, improve STEM education, and promote opportunities 
for women in aerospace.
  His father was an Air Force test pilot who still holds the world 
record for top speed in a winged aircraft. Steve also followed the 
patriotic calling by joining the Army and serving 18 years with the Los 
Angeles Police Department.
  He has dedicated his professional life to the people of California, 
holding office in the State Assembly, State Senate, and here in the 
House of Representatives.
  I thank Steve for his commitment and service.

                          ____________________