[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 15 (Thursday, January 22, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E69]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





       TRIBUTE TO FORMER CONGRESSMAN RICHARD T. ``DICK'' SCHULZE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BRUCE WESTERMAN

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 22, 2026

  Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, as Co-Chair of the Congressional 
Sportsmen's Caucus, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of 
Richard Taylor ``Dick'' Schulze, a distinguished public servant, 
conservation advocate, and a true champion for America's outdoor 
legacy. Today, along with my Co-Chair, Congressman Jimmy Panetta, and 
our Vice Chairs, Congressman August Pfluger and Congressman Troy A. 
Carter, Sr., we are proud to carry on the legacy of Congressman Schulze 
as bipartisan leaders of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus.
  Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1929 to John L. and Grace 
(Taylor) Schulze, Mr. Schulze pursued his education at the University 
of Houston, Villanova University, and Temple University. A veteran and 
patriot, he also served this country in both the U.S. Merchant Marines 
and the United States Army. Beyond his military service, he was a 
successful businessman and devoted public servant.
  His commitment to service extended into a remarkable political 
career, where he was elected to the United States House of 
Representatives in 1975 and served for 18 years. During his tenure, he 
rose to the position of Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means 
Committee, a further demonstration of his leadership. Throughout his 
distinguished career, Congressman Schulze maintained a deep and abiding 
passion for conservation.
  He also served on the Natural Resources Committee and was a member of 
the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, where he championed the 
protection and management of America's fish and wildlife resources. 
Recognizing his expertise and dedication, President George H.W. Bush 
appointed Schulze to serve on the board of the National Fish and 
Wildlife Foundation, further cementing his lifelong commitment to 
conservation and the outdoors.
  Among his most enduring legacies, Schulze co-founded the bipartisan 
Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus and the Congressional Sportsmen's 
Foundation in 1989, working in bipartisan fashion alongside former 
Congressman Robert Lindsay Thomas to bring together Members of Congress 
who shared a passion for hunting, fishing, and wildlife conservation. 
Through the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, Mr. Schulze helped 
establish the largest and most effective bipartisan platform in 
Congress to advance policies that benefit sportsmen and women, 
America's incredible outdoor heritage, and a Caucus that we are proud 
to lead today.
  Congressman Schulze died peacefully at his home on December 23, 2025, 
at the age of 96, with his wife of 33 years, Nancy Schulze, at his 
side. He was an avid outdoorsman whose life was defined by service to 
his country, his community, and the natural world.
  Today, we remember and celebrate Richard T. Schulze, not only for his 
service in Congress but for his visionary leadership in the 
conservation community. His work exemplified a rare combination of 
policy acumen, practical conservation knowledge, and an enduring 
commitment to bipartisan cooperation. His legacy will continue to guide 
and inspire Members of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, the 
Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, and countless individuals who 
value our Nation's outdoor traditions.
  We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and 
colleagues, and we join the Nation in honoring a life well lived and a 
legacy that will endure for generations to come.

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