[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16608]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 16608]]

 EXPRESSING SORROW OF THE HOUSE REGARDING DEATH OF THE HONORABLE FLOYD 
                SPENCE FROM THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. BOBBY L. RUSH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 5, 2001

  Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, Like most of my colleagues, I was in my 
district--the southside of Chicago--when the news of the death of our 
friend, Floyd Spence, came. I was shocked and saddened by the knowledge 
that this institution had lost, yet, another Member.
  Born in 1928 in South Carolina, Floyd Spence was a product of the 
South Carolina schools and a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve. He was 
first elected to public office in 1956, the South Carolina Legislature, 
and he served there until his election to the South Carolina State 
Senate in 1966.
  Floyd Spence began his 30 years of service in this body in 1971 and 
he served three terms as Chairman of the Armed Services/National 
Security Committee in the House before yielding the gavel to his 
successor at the beginning of the current Congress. Throughout his 
Congressional career, Floyd Spence served the citizens of South 
Carolina's Second Congressional District, and the citizens of this 
nation, well.
  Mr. Speaker, Floyd Spence was my neighbor in the Rayburn Building. I 
will remember his cheerful greetings as we passed in the hallways and 
in the elevators. He was always optimistic, always upbeat, always 
energetic, always courtly, always the gentleman. I will also always 
appreciate the unfailing kindness and courtesy of his staff.
  Mr. Speaker, my prayers go with his family, his friends, his 
constituents and his staff, at this time of sorrow. I ask my colleagues 
to join me in support of this Resolution expressing the condolences of 
this House on the passing of the Honorable Floyd Spence.

                          ____________________