[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 100 (Thursday, May 28, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H2346]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         MOMENT OF SILENCE HONORING REPRESENTATIVE SAM JOHNSON

  (Mr. THORNBERRY asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. THORNBERRY. Madam Speaker, yesterday, we lost a former colleague, 
a patriot, and a true American hero.
  Calling the gentleman from Texas, Sam Johnson, a hero is not some 
sort of inflated rhetoric or hyperbole; it is the best description I 
know of Sam Johnson and his life.
  Born in San Antonio, raised in Dallas, a graduate of SMU, Sam then 
served 29 years in the United States Air Force.
  He was a fighter pilot, and some of those fighter pilot traits came 
through in everything he did, from how fast he drove across the 
highways of Texas to the way he approached legislation.
  Sam was a veteran of the Korean conflict and, of course, the Vietnam 
war.
  On his 25th combat mission in Vietnam, he was shot down, severely 
injured, and spent the next 7 years as a prisoner of war in the prison 
known as the Hanoi Hilton.
  Many Members have read his book ``Captive Warriors,'' which describes 
the hellish conditions and the courage and fortitude of Sam and his 
fellow prisoners as they fought to survive.
  After serving in the Texas State House, Sam was elected to Congress 
in 1990 and served until January 2019, including, for a time, as acting 
chairman of the Ways and Means Committee.
  He now goes to join his wonderful wife, Shirley, and his son, Bob.
  Madam Speaker, I know of no one in the House who was more universally 
admired across the Chamber than Sam Johnson.
  Sam sacrificed much in service of our Nation, but always with courage 
and good humor and a deep, deep love of country.
  He inspired those of us who worked with him, and his memory will 
continue to be an inspiration to follow his example of service, 
sacrifice, and love of country.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that the House observe a moment of silence in 
memory and in honor of this great American.
  The SPEAKER. Will all Members please rise, and those who are in their 
offices and staff throughout the Capitol, for a moment of silence in 
honor of our dear Sam.

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