[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 15]
[House]
[Page 20659]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



   TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF THOMAS DOWNING, FORMER CONGRESSMAN FROM 
                          VIRGINIA'S TIDEWATER

  (Mr. WOLF asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I want to take a moment to address the House 
to pass along the news that Thomas Downing, a former Congressman from 
the Tidewater area of Virginia, died Tuesday night. Former Congressman 
Downing was 82 years old and represented the Tidewater Peninsula for 18 
years, from 1959 to 1977.
  While Congressman Downing's record of long public service and work in 
the House of Representatives preceded most of today's Members, 
including myself, the impact and achievements of his career will long 
be remembered.
  Next week there will be an opportunity when Members can speak about 
Congressman Downing. I would like to say a few words today to 
acknowledge the career of this dedicated public servant.
  A graduate of Virginia Military Institute, Congressman Downing, who 
was an Army captain, led an Army reconnaissance team in World War II. 
On August 11, 1944, his unit was ambushed by the German troops. After 
the initial exchange of gunfire, two of his troops were injured. 
Congressman Downing immediately rescued them, and received the Silver 
Star, which said, ``Captain Downing, without hesitation and with utter 
disregard for his personal safety, ran to the aid of his men among a 
hail of bullets.''
  Tom Downing was first elected in 1958, and is especially remembered 
for his dedication to his district, especially Newport News 
Shipbuilding. During his tenure, the shipyard added the area known as 
the Northyard, making it easier and more cost-effective to build some 
of the largest ships in the world.
  In short, Congressman Downing served the Commonwealth of Virginia and 
the country with distinction. Again, on behalf of the entire House, we 
would like to pass our condolences on to the family and to his friends.
  Mr. SCOTT. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?
  Mr. WOLF. I yield to the gentleman from Virginia.
  Mr. SCOTT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Tom Downing was a good friend to everyone on the Peninsula. He 
represented part of what is now the First and Third Congressional 
Districts, and part, at one time, of the Second.
  He is highly respected, and I look forward to participating in the 
special order for Tom Downing next week.
  Mr. WOLF. I thank the gentleman.

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