[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 26 (Friday, February 7, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E155]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF THOMAS RAILSBACK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DARIN LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, February 7, 2020

  Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I would like to honor and remember the 
life of Congressman Thomas Railsback, who passed away on January 20, 
2020, at the age of 87.
  Born in Moline, Illinois in 1940, Tom displayed a natural gravitation 
towards leadership. He began his studies at Grinnell College in Iowa 
and then Northwestern Law School in Illinois. Not long after he 
finished his formal education, Tom served in the United States Army 
from 1957 to 1959. After the completion of his military service, Tom 
returned home to the Quad Cities to practice law.
  Tom had a resilient passion for ethical leadership, which pushed his 
desire to hold public office promoting just ideals, supporting bi-
partisan solutions advocating for good constituent service. In 1962, he 
was elected to the Illinois General Assembly as a republican state 
representative, where he served for two terms. In 1966 he was elected 
to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he represented Illinois' 
19th congressional district for 16 years. While serving in the House, 
Tom played a key role in the passage of the Juvenile Justice and 
Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, which provides critical support for 
state programs that assist communities to take a comprehensive approach 
to juvenile justice. Tom was the second ranking republican on the House 
Judiciary Committee and a key member during the Nixon presidency.
  Tom found joy in his life through his family and many lifelong 
friends. He and his first wife, Patricia (Sloan) Railsback, raised four 
daughters: Kathryn, Julie, Maggie, and Lisa. Tom married Joyelyn 
Railsback on Oct. 23, 1998. They enjoyed golfing together, playing word 
games, and traveling during their 21 years of marriage.
  Congressman Tom Railsback's steadfast work to improve the lives of 
American citizens stands as a model for progress to further the greater 
good and prosperity of the union. He set the standard for the values 
and priorities which current--and future--public servants should strive 
to uphold in order to better our communities. It's my honor to 
commemorate his life and his tireless bi-partisan work to improve the 
lives of Americans and strive for ethical leadership. My deepest 
condolences go out to his wife, family, colleagues, and friends during 
their time of mourning.

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