[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 194 (Wednesday, December 14, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1280]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING CONGRESSMAN PETER DEFAZIO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SUZANNE BONAMICI

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 14, 2022

  Ms. BONAMICI Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the incredible service of 
the Dean of the Oregon delegation, Chairman Peter DeFazio. Peter has 
been a fighter and champion for the people of SW Oregon for nearly 
three decades. Like me, Peter grew up outside of Oregon but fell in 
love with the state and made it his home. Peter and I also share an 
alma mater--the University of Oregon. Peter has been fortunate to 
represent the campus for his tenure in Congress, helping to secure the 
success of the University for past and future generations.
  Peter's district is home to some of the most beautiful natural 
treasures in the country, and he has spent his career fighting for the 
restoration and preservation of these wild spaces. He has also been one 
of the most committed Congressional champions for animal rights and has 
personally rescued and cared for many animals. As Chair of the 
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Peter has worked 
diligently to invest in infrastructure and in our people. Whether he's 
fighting to keep us safe with oversight of corporations, support for 
the U.S. Coast Guard, or by strengthening our roads and bridges, he 
puts people first. This is also reflected in the countless good-paying 
jobs he helped create with numerous infrastructure laws that center 
labor and the needs of working people.
  As a co-founder of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), Peter 
made fighting for progressive and populist policies the foundation of 
his work. Even as he experienced political shifts and challenges, Peter 
never wavered from his core values. There is no other voice in Congress 
quite like Peter's; he says what he means and does what he says he'll 
do. His persistence in aviation safety led to a successful documentary 
film--and importantly to industry changes and standards that will keep 
the flying public safer for years to come.
  Like many of us, I know Peter would not have been able to accomplish 
so much for his constituents over so many years without his dedicated 
staff in both Washington, D.C. and Oregon, and the support of his wife, 
Mymie Daut. I would like to add my thanks for their years of service 
and sacrifice. I congratulate my good friend and colleague on a well-
deserved retirement and wish him the very best in his next chapter.

                          ____________________