[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22886]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING REPRESENTATIVES RAY LaHOOD AND JERRY WELLER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. PHIL HARE

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 26, 2008

  Mr. HARE. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate two of my 
distinguished Illinois colleagues--Congressman Ray LaHood of Peoria and 
Congressman Jerry Weller of Joliet on their retirement from the House 
of Representatives at the end of this term. Both men provided 
outstanding service to our state and Nation during their 14 years in 
Congress.
  Congressman LaHood and I represent neighboring districts in Illinois. 
I've known Ray for over 25 years. He is a man I deeply admire and 
respect. During my short time in Congress, the two of us have 
cooperated on a number of joint projects important to our districts. We 
have fought to bring jobs back to our region and improve Central 
Illinois' broken transportation infrastructure.
  Early in his career, Ray earned the respect of both Democrats and 
Republicans for his willingness to work across the aisle. During times 
of intense partisanship, Ray remained an unapologetic moderate who 
placed the needs of his district and our Nation above any political 
party. As Speaker Pro Tempore, Ray often presided over some of the 
fiercest debates on the House floor with prudence and evenhandedness.
  On a personal note, I will never forget the kindness Ray showed to my 
predecessor--Congressman Lane Evans--as he fought his battle with 
Parkinson's disease. I was proud to join with Ray to pass legislation 
naming a Rock Island post office in Lane's honor.
  Congressman Weller served the 11th District of Illinois with 
distinction. In addition to his work on international affairs, he 
advocated raising the minimum wage and sought to increase retirement 
and disability pay for combat-wounded veterans. I respect Congressman 
Weller's commitment to standing up for what he believes in and wish him 
well in retirement.
  Both men will be missed.

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