[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 22]
[House]
[Page 30388]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     REMARKS BY THE HON. JOE BARTON

  (Mr. BARTON of Texas asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, last Thursday evening I had an 
event occur that at the time my thought was, why me, Lord? But as I 
stand here this evening, I actually can say it is one of the greatest 
blessings of my life because since that time I have learned how great 
and how good this institution is and this country is. Literally 
thousands of people, many of whom I have never heard of, have sent good 
wishes and prayers to me and my family.
  I am not going to embarrass anybody on this floor, but some of the 
meanest, toughest reputations on both sides of the aisle have called me 
and shown themselves to be some of the biggest softies I have ever 
known.
  So I just want to say from the very bottom of my very, very sore 
heart, God bless this institution. This is the greatest institution for 
good the world has ever known.
  And I want to also say God bless the Lord for sending me my sweet 
wife, Terri, who is watching this and has been with me every step of 
the way.
  Let us work together the next year for the greater good of America 
because when we do what is good for America we do what is good for the 
world.
  Thank you for your prayers. God bless you all.

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