[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 165 (Friday, October 18, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H8233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
{time} 0915
HONORING THE MEMORY OF BILL BERKMAN
(Mr. NEWHOUSE asked and was given permission to address the House for
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, the Tri-Cities community recently lost a
leader and a friend. I rise today to honor the memory of Bill Berkman,
chairman of the Benton County Republicans. Bill became involved with
the local Republican Party as a precinct committee officer in 2016, and
later that year, as chairman. I got to know him well while encouraging
our fellow community members to get out to vote.
As owner of the MenZone franchises in Kennewick and Pasco, Bill was a
passionate voice for limited government and policies that supported
small business owners. Even with his strong personal beliefs and
conservative principles, though, Bill never let partisanship rise above
integrity. He was adamant that we could and should do more to bring
more respect into our politics.
He will be remembered for his efforts to build bridges, including
with his counterparts in the local Democratic Party.
We will all miss Bill's booming voice, his polite fervent candor, and
his desire for facts, for truth, and for solutions for the Nation.
Rest in peace, Bill.
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