[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22501]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE RAY LaHOOD ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 25, 2008

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished 
career of Congressman Ray LaHood for his service to the people of 
Illinois and the United States House of Representatives. Congressman 
LaHood has represented the 18th Congressional District of the state of 
Illinois for 14 years.
  Ray was elected to Congress in 1993 after having served as chief of 
staff to his predecessor, Republican Leader Bob Michel of Illinois. A 
native of Peoria, Illinois, Ray worked his way through school and 
taught in Catholic schools for six years. Following his service in the 
classroom, Ray became a staffer for Congressman Tom Ralisback. He was 
then elected to the Illinois State House of Representatives in 1982 
where he served until joining Congressman Michel's staff.
  A master of parliamentary procedure, Ray quickly developed a 
reputation for bipartisanship and civility. He was the Member his 
leadership would often tap to preside in the chamber during contentious 
floor proceedings, including the impeachment proceedings of former 
President Bill Clinton. A member of the Appropriations Committee, Ray 
serves on both the Agriculture and Legislative Branch Subcommittees and 
as the top-ranking Republican on the Select Intelligence Oversight 
Panel.
  Throughout his career, Ray has received numerous awards, including 
three honorary doctorate degrees in political science, humane letters, 
and public service. In 2001, Ray was named the Ray A. Neumann Tri-
County Citizen of the Year by the Downtown Kiwanis Club of Peoria, and 
in 1999, he received Peoria Notre Dame High School's Distinguished 
Alumnus Award.
  A hallmark of Ray's term in office has been his support for farmers 
in his Illinois district. As a member of the Agriculture Subcommittee, 
Ray has been a tireless supporter of Illinois ethanol production. The 
Illinois Farm Bureau recognized his leadership on agriculture issues by 
awarding him their highest honor in 2005, the Charles B. Shuman 
Distinguished Service Award.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a 
dedicated leader and friend to many in this body. I know his family--
his wife, Kathy; their four children; Darin, Amy, Sam and Sara; and his 
seven grandchildren, Ella, McKay, Henry, Luke, Oliver, Theodore, and 
Brogan--as well as his many friends and colleagues join me in praising 
his accomplishments and extending thanks for his service over the years 
on behalf of the state of Illinois and the United States of America.
  Ray will surely enjoy the well-deserved time he now has to spend with 
his family and loved ones. I wish him the best of luck in all his 
future endeavors.

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