[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 37 (Friday, February 26, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E175]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING RON WRIGHT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL T. McCAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 26, 2021

  Mr. McCAUL. Madam Speaker, on February 7th, we were forced to say 
goodbye to my dear friend and fellow Representative, Ronald ``Ron'' 
Wright.
  Throughout his long and distinguished career in public service, Ron 
inspired all with an unshakeable drive to make his community a better 
place. Ron was a committed Texan through and through, and among those 
values he held most dear were those of integrity and hard work.
  Ron's jobs over the years reflect this. He spent his early years 
milking cows--on the family dairy farm, then proceeded to 30 years in 
business, working in construction, media, sales, and management. But 
throughout his time in the private sector, Ron couldn't quite shake a 
deeper desire to serve. He served on a number of boards and 
commissions, including the Tarrant County Historical Commission, the 
Arlington Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, the Mansfield 
Education Foundation board, the Arlington Sports Authority, and the 
Arlington Tomorrow Foundation.
  In 2000, Ron made the permanent switch to public service when he was 
elected to the Arlington City Council. In this role, Ron fought to 
improve the lives of his fellow citizens. After serving 8 years on the 
City Council, Ron accepted an appointment to become the Tax Assessor-
Collector of Tarrant County. He was later elected to a full term by the 
voters of Tarrant County, then re-elected to a four-year term in 
November 2016.
  In 2018, Ron was elected by the constituents of Texas' 6th 
Congressional District to represent them in the U.S. House of 
Representatives. In this capacity, Ron fought to improve the lives of 
his fellow North Texans, and he served as a Member of the Committee on 
Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Education and Labor.
  I had the opportunity to learn from Ron last Congress during our time 
on the Foreign Affairs Committee. In my conversations with Ron, I was 
struck by his wit, charm, and readiness to solve the problems affecting 
all Americans.
  During his time in Congress--Ron, famous for his impeccable taste in 
bow ties, began every day with a smile on his face. He worked with 
everyone, looking past the bounds of party lines in his desire to find 
solutions for the American people. In 2019, Ron was diagnosed with lung 
cancer. In the face of this challenge Ron did not balk but maintained a 
rigorous work schedule and inspired us all with his fortitude and 
lasting sense of humor.
  Ron was a fighter, a proven conservative, and a true statesmen. The 
citizens of Texas' 6th District have lost a leader and we here in 
Congress have lost a dear friend. My heart goes out to Ron's wife, 
Susan, their three children, and their nine grandchildren. Ron Wright 
was a warrior, and someone who passionately fought for his 
constituents, for Texas, and for America--he will be missed.

                          ____________________