[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 150 (Monday, September 18, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E857-E858]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE IN MEMORY OF THE HONORABLE DON SUNDQUIST

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 18, 2023

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
memory of my good friend, former Tennessee Governor Don Sundquist, who 
also served alongside us, in this House chamber for 12 years, as the 
U.S. Representative for the 7th District of Tennessee. He was a trusted 
leader and treasured friend who will be deeply missed.
  He accomplished a rare feat that every elected leader aspires to, 
winning every election in his path of public service, including 6 terms 
in Congress and 2 terms as the 47th Governor of Tennessee. Don was an 
original ``Reaganaut,'' first elected to Congress in 1982 during 
President Ronald Reagan's Administration. As a successful business 
owner and entrepreneur, his expertise and personal insight were 
invaluable in his leadership on the Ways and Means Committee, where he 
stood firm on conservative American values.
  His love and compassion for the people of Tennessee led him from 
Capitol Hill to the Governor's Mansion in 1994. Unwavering in his 
convictions, Gov. Sundquist took on monumental issues, including 
welfare reform that lifted 40,000 families out of poverty, a 
comprehensive crime bill focused on victim's rights, expanding 
broadband to every public school and library in Tennessee, and earning 
National accolades for the state's economic success on his watch.

[[Page E858]]

  In addition to his courageous public service, he was also a proud 
veteran of the United States Navy. Of all the honorable titles that 
have been etched into history beside his name, Don's most cherished 
were husband, father, grandfather and friend. Thanks to our longtime 
friendship in the U.S. House, Don later introduced me to my beautiful 
Tennessee bride, Cynthia. He and his First Lady Martha graciously 
hosted our wedding at the Governor's mansion in 1999, remaining 
constant friends all the while. It is for his dedicated friendship and 
partnership in public service that I shall be eternally grateful. My 
wife Cynthia and I offer our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the 
entire Sundquist family and the people of Tennessee.

                          ____________________