[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 187 (Tuesday, December 17, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H7233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING DEDICATED SERVICE OF RETIRING MEMBERS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the 
dedicated service of several of my colleagues. Throughout my time in 
Congress, I have had the opportunity to work with many great minds on 
both sides of the aisle.
  A life dedicated to public service isn't necessarily easy, but it is 
essential to ensuring the continued prosperity of our great Nation.
  When I first entered Congress, I became friends with classmate 
Representative Bill Posey, a gentleman from the great State of Florida. 
His leadership on issues like economic growth, space exploration, and 
government transparency has a lasting impact. As a steadfast advocate 
for fiscal responsibility, he has worked tirelessly to ensure taxpayer 
dollars are spent wisely and that the voices of everyday Americans are 
heard loud and clear.
  We are incredibly grateful for his efforts to champion our space 
program and support the innovators who keep America at the forefront of 
exploration and discovery. His work has been instrumental in 
strengthening our leadership in space exploration, a source of pride 
for all Floridians and Americans alike.
  As important is the fact that, from day one, Bill's wife, Katie, and 
my wife, Penny, became best friends. We wish them both all the best as 
they start their next chapter in sunny Florida, a chapter I am sure 
will include a few visits by the Thompsons.
  During my first term in Congress, I had the pleasure of getting to 
know another classmate, Blaine Luetkemeyer of Missouri. His work on 
financial reform and advocacy for small businesses has been 
particularly impactful. He has championed the entrepreneurs and 
hardworking Americans who drive our economy forward, ensuring that they 
have the resources and opportunities to thrive.
  Whether it was standing up for Main Street or leading efforts to cut 
necessary red tape, Representative Luetkemeyer has always been a 
champion of commonsense legislation in Washington.
  Best wishes to Blaine, his wife, Jackie, and all those grandchildren.
  In addition to my previously mentioned colleagues, I have gotten to 
know Representative McMorris Rodgers of Washington. Her leadership is 
undeniable.
  Representative McMorris Rodgers has served as both vice chair and 
chair of the House Republican Conference and was the first woman to 
chair the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
  Her commitment to energy independence, innovation, and economic 
growth has paved the way for a stronger and more secure future. Her 
dedication to improving access to healthcare, particularly for those 
living in rural areas, has made a real difference in the lives of 
countless families.
  I also have to say that Cathy has been a prayer warrior in 
Washington, D.C., both in Bible studies and, quite frankly, even just 
circling the Capitol in prayer.
  As the 118th Congress comes to a close, I reflect on my colleagues' 
dedication, hard work, and the positive changes that they have helped 
bring about.
  Madam Speaker, I thank Representatives Posey, Luetkemeyer, and 
McMorris Rodgers for their years of public service and commitment to 
improving our country.
  They all will be missed.

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