[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 45 (Wednesday, March 13, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN MEMORIAM OF FORMER TEXAS CONGRESSMAN AND HOUSE COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, 
               SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY CHAIRMAN RALPH HALL

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 13, 2019

  Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the entire Texas 
Congressional Delegation, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to 
the life and legacy of former Congressman, Chairman of the House 
Science, Space, and Technology Committee, fellow Texan, and my friend 
Ralph Moody Hall for a life dedicated to his family, his country, and 
his constituents.
  Congressman Hall first served his country as a Navy pilot during 
World War II. After the war ended, he served the people of the great 
state of Texas for nearly half a century; 10 years as a Texas State 
Senator from the 9th district and 34 years as a Member of the U.S. 
House of Representatives from Texas's 4th district. He genuinely 
enjoyed public service, and he was good at it.
  Congressman Hall and I first met and became friends in the Texas 
State legislature. When I was elected to the House of Representatives, 
he was the first to reach out and offer his assistance. He helped me 
learn the ins and outs of Washington. No matter the party affiliation 
or political leaning, Congressman Hall was a man that could always be 
counted on--and one who enjoyed a good joke.
  Congressman Hall made the difficult decision to switch party 
affiliation in 2004, a move that irritated many Democrats. I fondly 
recall reaching out to him to let him know he was still loved despite 
his decision. He admitted to being so happy to hear my message because 
his wife was mad at him.
  Congressman Hall was known throughout the halls of Congress as an 
effective legislator. He made strides in science and technology policy 
and was a reliable advocate for the country's space program during his 
time as both Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, 
and Technology Committee.
  Congressman Hall's service on the Science Committee was a significant 
milestone in his service to our nation. In many ways, he was able to 
transcend the extreme partisan climate which exists in Washington 
today. From the first time we met to that last time I visited him at 
his home in Rockwall, he remained the same caring, thoughtful, 
humorous, and hardworking man.
  Congressman Hall was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ellen Murphy 
Hall, sister Rosemary Hall Scott, and brother Hugh Hall. He is survived 
by his three sons; Hamp, Brett, and Blakeley Hall, and many wonderful 
grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to extend my sympathy to his family, many 
friends across the country, and the people of his district. The Texas 
community will miss him dearly.

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