[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 20]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 28080]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO FORMER CONGRESSMAN CHARLIE BENNETT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CORRINE BROWN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 6, 2003

  Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, as the Member who 
currently represents Florida's third congressional district, I am proud 
to serve the area represented by my honorable predecessor, Charlie 
Bennett. He was truly a role model for anyone interested in public 
service. Regarded as among the most remarkable national leaders, his 
service to our Nation and its citizens remains memorable to this day.
  Congressman Charlie Bennett was a great American who earned utmost 
respect in Congress. We can't even begin to thank him for what he did 
for us in this area and for the military. To me, Charlie Bennett is the 
one most responsible for making Jacksonville the military powerhouse it 
is today. And on a national level, Congressman Bennett, who served as 
the 2nd Ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, is owed 
a great deal of gratitude for making the U.S. military the fine 
institution it is today.
  A role model not only as a politician, but also for those with 
physical disabilities, his list of accomplishments in his remarkable 44 
years in Congress is seemingly endless. Even though he was stricken 
with polio and walked with crutches, the longest serving congressman 
from Florida remarkably never missed a vote. Perhaps the most 
noteworthy advocate for ethical reforms in Congress, he sponsored 
legislation that created the House Ethics Committee, and served as its 
first chairman.
  Among the most noteworthy of his successes includes providing a 
hostile fire/imminent danger pay to our Nation's soldiers during 
combat, and making ``In God We Trust'' the U.S. motto. He also was 
instrumental in creating a strict code of ethics for government 
service, for co-sponsoring the Americans With Disabilities Act, for 
creating the Caroline National Memorial, and the Timucuan Preserve. In 
addition to his extensive knowledge of politics on a national level, he 
was also an expert in Florida history, and wrote several books on the 
subject.
  Charlie Bennett will be missed for his service to his fellow man, his 
friendship and his statesmanship. He was truly the best of the best.
  Members who wish to express their respect for Congressman Bennett may 
do so today at Arlington National Cemetery where his friends and family 
are holding a memorial service at 11 a.m.

                          ____________________