[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13047]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO MEL BROOKS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 28, 2006

  Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, if you've ever seen Blazing 
Saddles, Young Frankenstein, or History of the World: Part I, then 
you've probably laughed out loud at one or all of these comedies and 
rank them among your all-time favorite movies. For those laughs, you 
can thank Mel Brooks, who I'm proud to represent and recognize today--
in wishing him a happy 80th birthday.
  Mr. Speaker, many people don't know that before he made movies, Mel 
Brooks served in the U.S. Army during World War II. One of Corporal 
Brooks' duties as a combat engineer was defusing landmines in areas 
around North Africa before the infantry moved in.
  With his wife, the late Anne Bancroft, who passed away just over 1 
year ago, Mel became a tremendous source of pride on Long Island. Known 
for his infectious sense of humor and for often breaking into a routine 
at the delight of surprised patrons of restaurants all around the East 
End, Long Islanders know Mel is just as extroverted, witty, and 
entertaining when you come across him in person as he appears on 
screen. Combined with his warmth and kindness, he has indeed earned a 
place among the East End's favorite sons.
  Mr. Speaker, we can all be very proud of Americans like Mel Brooks 
who use their humor and celebrity to bring joy to the lives of so many 
people and to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Today, let's 
wish Mel Brooks a happy 80th and many happy returns as he keeps making 
us laugh with his movies and through his unique, very funny outlook on 
life.

                          ____________________