[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 101 (Friday, June 14, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E634]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF AUSTIN MURPHY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUY RESCHENTHALER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 14, 2024

  Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life and 
legacy of former U.S. Representative, Austin ``AJ'' Murphy, Jr., who 
passed away at the age of 96 on April 13, 2024.
  Congressman Murphy was a native of Monongahela, Pennsylvania, and 
graduated from Charleroi High School in 1945. He earned a Bachelor of 
Arts degree from Duquesne University in 1949 and received a Bachelor of 
Laws from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1952.
  Throughout his life, the congressman demonstrated a strong commitment 
to the people of southwestern Pennsylvania. He served our nation as a 
corporal in the United States Marine Corps during World War II and 
later continued serving in the United States Marine Corps Reserve from 
1948 to 1951.
  After returning from World War II, Congressman Murphy still felt 
called to give back to his community. He served as a member of the 
Speers Borough Council and an assistant district attorney for 
Washington County, Pennsylvania. In 1958, he won a seat in the 
Pennsylvania House of Representatives, where he served for 12 years. He 
was later elected to the Pennsylvania State Senate and assumed that 
office in 1971.
  Following his tenure in Harrisburg, Congressman Murphy ascended to 
the U.S. House of Representatives in 1976 and tirelessly fought for our 
community until his retirement in 1995. He spent his time in the House 
working on social security, education, and labor issues. He chaired the 
Subcommittee on Labor Standards and sponsored the Fair Labor Standards 
Amendments of 1989, which was signed into law by President George H.W. 
Bush on November 17, 1989.
  In addition to his political career, the congressman also volunteered 
as a Boy Scout Troop Leader and participated in many civic 
organizations. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion with 78 
years of continuous service and was commander of Post 51 in Uniontown, 
Pennsylvania.
  Congressman Murphy cherished his loved ones, and his memory will live 
on through his seven children, 16 grandchildren, 16 great-
grandchildren, and his sister. His life will undoubtedly serve as an 
example of love, devotion to one's family, and selfless service.
  Mr. Speaker, Congressman Murphy dedicated his life to the people of 
southwestern Pennsylvania. His legacy is the epitome of a life well-
lived. On behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional 
District, I wish his family healing during this difficult time.

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