[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 20 (Wednesday, February 3, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E97]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





         HONORING THE LIFE OF CONGRESSMAN-ELECT LUKE J. LETLOW

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE SCALISE

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 3, 2021

   Mr. SCALISE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of our 
friend and colleague, Congressman-elect Luke J. Letlow. I know I speak 
for all of my colleagues in Congress and for my family and staff when I 
express how deeply saddened and heartbroken we were to learn of the 
passing of Luke on December 30, 2020. We lost him far too early, and 
our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Julia, and children, 
Jeremiah and Jacqueline.
  Luke's interest in public service began at a young age on a field 
trip to Washington, D.C. As a fifth grader visiting Arlington Cemetery, 
he was chosen to place the wreath on the tomb of the unknown soldier, 
and it was that moment that stuck with him for years to come. 
Understanding the ultimate sacrifices made by our men and women in 
uniform to protect the freedoms we enjoy as Americans inspired Luke. It 
was this inspiration that motivated him to fight for the principles 
that make America great during his time as chairman of the Louisiana 
Tech College Republicans and the Louisiana Federation of College 
Republicans. His passion for service continued after college as he 
served on the staffs of Congressman John Cooksey and Governor Bobby 
Jindal. A short time later, Luke returned to work in the office of 
Congressman Ralph Abraham, where he served as Chief of Staff for six 
years. Known as a servant's servant, in 2020, Luke made the decision to 
launch a bid to replace his boss and represent the people of the Fifth 
Congressional District of Louisiana.
  After a successful campaign and election, Luke was looking forward to 
serving the people of Louisiana in Congress, and we were excited to 
welcome him into our delegation. He was ready to make an even greater 
impact on our state and our nation. Luke's favorite phrases were ``win 
the day'' and ``go, fight, win,'' which he was fully prepared to do 
when he was set to be sworn into the United States House of 
Representatives on January 3, 2021. We are saddened that we could not 
share that day with Luke and his family.
  While I wish I was standing here welcoming him to Congress, I rise 
today to honor all that Luke accomplished in his 41 years of life. He 
will be remembered in this chamber, in Louisiana, and across the nation 
for his servant's heart and the kindness he extended to all that had 
the chance to meet him. As Luke is looking down at us from Heaven, I 
ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and honoring his life and 
accomplishments.

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