[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22895]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE CAREER AND SERVICE OF REPRESENTATIVE RAY LaHOOD

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 26, 2008

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge my friend 
and colleague Representative Ray LaHood, who is retiring from the House 
after 14 years of service to the 18th District of Illinois.
  I have had the pleasure of working with Ray LaHood on many issues of 
importance to our State. We have not always agreed on every policy 
issue, but we have always been able to discuss our differences with 
respect and good will and we have always been able to work together to 
promote the interests of Illinois. His common sense and sense of 
fairness are recognized and valued not just within the Illinois 
delegation, but within the entire House of Representatives.
  A member of the House Appropriations Committee, Ray LaHood has been a 
strong advocate of Illinois farmers and rural communities. When the 
Republicans were in the majority, he was often called on to chair the 
House, not only because of his knowledge of procedures but because of 
his ability to maintain order in a calm and fair fashion.
  Representative LaHood has a long and distinguished record of serving 
his district, from his leadership in establishing the Abraham Lincoln 
President Library and Museum in Springfield to his work to spur 
economic growth while protecting the environment. A teacher by 
training, he has worked to preserve and improve the Library of 
Congress--our Nation's preeminent library.
  I will miss Ray LaHood and, like his constituents, I wish him all the 
best and thank him for his years of public service.

                          ____________________