[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 29 (Thursday, February 14, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H2005]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING TOMMY RUKAVINA

  (Mr. EMMER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of a dear 
friend, Tommy Rukavina, who passed away after his battle with cancer. 
Tommy's life ended the way he lived, with a fight. He wouldn't have had 
it any other way.
  It is hard not to think of Tommy when I travel northern Minnesota and 
see all the great communities that rely on the mining industry and when 
I am with the amazing men and women who sustain Minnesota's Iron Range 
today. These are the people Tommy cared about. These are the people he 
represented and the people he helped.
  Tommy Rukavina was outspoken. He never shied away from a fight, and 
yet, win or lose, he preserved civil discourse in every interaction. 
After difficult battles, you would still want to hang out with Tommy.
  The Croatian Sensation, as I once called him, was passionate about 
life. He was passionate about people, and he was passionate about the 
causes he believed in and fought for every day. I have no doubt that he 
has a special place in Heaven, and I know Heaven will never be the same 
now that he is there.
  Our State has suffered a great loss. Tommy will be deeply missed.
  Our condolences to his family and loved ones, and a special thanks to 
all of you for sharing Tommy Rukavina with the rest of us.

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