[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 14 (Wednesday, January 21, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H1159]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING RICHARD J. CODEY

  (Ms. POU asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. POU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of former New 
Jersey Governor and longtime State Senator Richard Codey, known to all 
of us as Dick Codey, a public servant whose 50 years of public service 
remain unmatched in our State's rich history.
  Dick Codey believed deeply in service, and he practiced it with 
heart. Dick was a champion for people living with mental illness long 
before it was widely acknowledged or understood. He was willing to go 
further than most, even going undercover in a psychiatric hospital to 
ensure dignity for those of us too often forgotten.
  As Governor, he brought steadiness and integrity during a difficult 
moment for New Jersey, in return earning extraordinary trust from the 
public.
  What defined Dick for me was his common touch. He returned 
constituents' calls himself. He conversed in diner booths late at 
night. He coached youth basketball. He never stopped being the same 
person, no matter the title he held.
  I had the privilege of serving with Dick Codey in Trenton and of 
calling him my friend. He cared so deeply about the people he 
represented and the institution that he served.
  New Jersey is better because of Dick Codey's life and work. He will 
be deeply missed by all who knew him.

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