[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 105 (Monday, June 8, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E521]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING CONGRESSMAN SAM JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 8, 2020

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 
former Congressman, War Hero, and Chairman of the Ways and Means Social 
Security Subcommittee Sam Johnson.
  Sam Johnson was an iconic American war hero. He epitomized the stoic 
silence and toughness needed to persevere through his captivity by the 
Viet Cong. He was a decent, caring, and humble American whose nobility 
was measured by his actions, not his words. Engraved above the 
Speaker's rostrum in the House of Representatives it says, `that we may 
in our day and generation perform something worthy to be remembered.' 
Sam Johnson lived up to that. He would look you in the eye and his word 
was his bond. He never sought the limelight; he always just sought to 
do what was right.
   Johnson served 29 successful years in the Air Force and spent seven 
of those years as a prisoner of war. He shared many stories from the 
years he was held captive. Johnson was a staunch patriot, often 
expressing his deeply held patriotism as cause for his civil service. A 
result of his dedication, he was awarded two Silver Stars, two Legions 
of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, one Bronze Star with Valor, 
two Purple Hearts, four Air Medals, three Outstanding Unit Awards, and 
the Freedom of Flight award. As a sincere supporter of the military, 
Johnson worked to enact the Military Family Tax Relief Act of 2003, 
which increased benefits to members of the armed forces and their 
families.
  Johnson represented Texas for almost 28 years, the oldest Member of 
Congress, when he retired in 2019. Serving as the Chair of the Ways and 
Means Social Security Subcommittee, Johnson was committed to Social 
Security solvency. He never wavered on the importance of our seniors 
retiring securely and often expressed concern for future beneficiaries. 
I was privileged to serve as the Ranking Democrat alongside Sam Johnson 
during his time as Chairman of the Social Security Subcommittee and 
will always cherish the friendship we formed.
   In 2016, Johnson rightfully received the Congressional Patriot Award 
alongside John Lewis. They were the first recipients of the award. It 
was presented to them by two other American heroes, Ambassador Andrew 
Young Jr. and the late Senator John McCain. Johnson and Lewis are two 
giants of American history and are reminders that patriotism knows no 
party. I was honored to have a part in celebrating them both that 
night.
  America and the United States Congress lost a true hero with his 
passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will be 
dearly missed.

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