[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 20]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 27956]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 27956]]

              IN MEMORY OF HONORABLE R. LAWRENCE COUGHLIN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2001

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today is a bittersweet day. It is with both 
great sadness and immense pride that I rise today in honor and 
celebration of the life of my friend, the Honorable R. Lawrence 
Coughlin.
  Robert Lawrence Coughlin was born on April 11, 1929 in Wilkes-Barre, 
PA, and grew up on his father's farm near Scranton, PA. He served 
distinguishably as a Republican Member of the United States Congress 
for 24 years, from January 1969-January 1993 representing a portion of 
Philadelphia, PA and its surrounding suburban Main Line area.
  Lawrence's accomplishments were great during his tenure in Congress. 
He was a man of great honor and truly a gentleman. I had the pleasure 
of serving with him while I was Chairman of the Select Committee on 
Narcotics Abuse and Control and he served as the Ranking Republican 
Member.
  At first glance, one would perceive our relationship as that of the 
``Odd Couple'' as Lawrence and I strolled side by side through the 
Capitol as he donned his signature bow tie and me wearing a more 
conventional necktie. He represented the wealthy suburban Main Line 
area of Philadelphia and I represent the vibrant Harlem area of New 
York City. However, we had many shared interests and experiences.
  Lawrence Coughlin served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War. 
His military training was evident in the way he conducted himself in 
the Congress. He was a very disciplined man who took a dogged approach 
to tackling the difficult problems that face the nation and the 
Congress. I remember his passion for the youth of our great nation. 
This passion was the source of his drive to do whatever was necessary 
during his tenure on the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and 
Control to rid our communities of the scourge of drugs. Although some 
would say, Lawrence had a Patrician air about him I would say he had 
the air of a proud ex-marine who viewed the war on drugs as a series of 
unending battles to be confronted head on until the war was won and 
victory proclaimed. As a man of great consciousness, I will forever 
remember his stamina and commitment in his efforts to eliminate drugs 
from our communities, making the world a better place for our youth.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that all my colleagues join me in celebrating the 
life and the political accomplishments of my great friend, the 
Honorable R. Lawrence Coughlin.

                          ____________________