[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 13 (Tuesday, January 20, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E55-E56]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF THOMAS O. HICKS

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. PAT FALLON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 20, 2026

  Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of 
Thomas O. Hicks of Dallas, Texas, who passed away on December 6, 2025.
  Thomas O. Hicks was born in Houston, Texas, and raised between Dallas 
and Port

[[Page E56]]

Arthur. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and earned a 
bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Texas, followed by 
an MBA from the University of Southern California. A proud Texan, Mr. 
Hicks lived a life defined by service, leadership, and commitment to 
his community. He served his country as a paratrooper in the Army 
Reserves and later as a presidentially appointed Commissioner of the 
American Battle Monuments Commission.
  Mr. Hicks began his professional career in banking with JPMorgan 
before returning to Texas, where he became a pioneer in private equity. 
In 1984, he co-founded Hicks & Haas and helped advance the leveraged 
buyout model through his ``buy and build'' strategy, most notably with 
the merger of Dr Pepper and 7UP. He later co-founded Hicks, Muse, Tate 
& Furst and served as chairman until 2004. Under his leadership, the 
firm became one of the most influential private equity organizations in 
the world, raising more than $12 billion and completing over $50 
billion in acquisitions. In recognition of his contributions to 
business, Mr. Hicks was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame 
in 2022.
  A lifelong sports enthusiast, Mr. Hicks purchased the Dallas Stars in 
1996, leading the franchise to its 1999 Stanley Cup championship. He 
later acquired the Texas Rangers, who won consecutive American League 
West titles, and held ownership in Liverpool Football Club.
  Mr. Hicks was deeply committed to the Dallas-Fort Worth region. He 
played a key role in the development of the American Airlines Center, 
contributed to the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, and supported education 
initiatives across North Texas, including the land donation that became 
Thomas O. Hicks Elementary School. His dedication to the University of 
Texas included service on the Board of Regents and helping establish 
UTIMCO, now the largest public university endowment in the Nation.
  I am honored to recognize Thomas O. Hicks for a life of service, 
leadership, and lasting impact on the State of Texas and our Nation.

                          ____________________