[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 6]
[House]
[Page 8144]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING PRIME MINISTER TONY BLAIR WITH CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL

  (Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tell 
my colleagues about a bill I introduced 2 days ago. It is H.R. 1511. 
The purpose is to honor British Prime Minister Tony Blair with a 
Congressional Gold Medal.
  Mr. Blair is a true ally and friend to this country and has shown 
incredible leadership, resolve, and solidarity with the United States 
in recent months. I thank him for his friendship, and I want to honor 
his commitment and contribution to this country by bestowing him with 
this honor.
  The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest expression of national 
appreciation for distinguished achievement and contributions to the 
United States that Congress can offer to any individual. The 
Congressional Gold Medal of Honor was originally created by this body 
in 1776 to recognize military leaders, and the first recipient was 
George Washington.
  Since that time, the award has evolved to include world leaders and 
humanitarians as well. Great Britain has long been one of America's 
closest friends and staunchest allies. I thank the Prime Minister and 
Great Britain for the loyalty, resolve, and support they have shown 
throughout this most recent conflict. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
supporting this resolution to pay tribute to a great man and a great 
leader.

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