[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 21948-21949]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING ROBERT ``BUD'' CRAMER FOR HIS SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN S. TANNER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 24, 2008

  Mr. TANNER. Madam Speaker, I am proud to join our colleagues today in 
paying tribute to my friend, Congressman Bud Cramer, who, as you know, 
will retire later this year after representing Alabama in this body for 
18 years. During that time, he has been an important leader in Congress 
and an excellent public servant for the American people.
   Several years ago, Bud and I, along with a handful of our Democratic 
colleagues, formed a small group to fill what we saw as a void

[[Page 21949]]

within the body at that time--a solution-oriented coalition of moderate 
members who could help forge a bipartisan bridge between our colleagues 
on either side of the partisan aisle. That group was named the Blue Dog 
Coalition, to which we both still belong. I appreciate Bud's leadership 
in working on bipartisan solutions to the challenges facing our 
country.
   A military veteran, grandfather and children's advocate, Bud has 
dedicated much of his life to serving his country and helping others. 
Madam Speaker, Bud Cramer's dedication and commitment have served our 
country well, and his presence in this chamber will be missed.

                          ____________________