[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22963]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE JERRY WELLER AND THE HONORABLE RAY LaHOOD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Saturday, September 27, 2008

  Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to 
join me in honoring the distinguished career of Ray LaHood, who will be 
retiring at the end of the 110th Congress. I wish to express my 
appreciation for his service to our country and the State of Illinois.
  First elected in 1994, Ray LaHood has represented the 18th District 
of Illinois for nearly 15 years. A teacher by trade, Ray began his 
career teaching junior high school students in Peoria, Illinois. He 
continued his commitment to public service by becoming a member of the 
Illinois General Assembly and serving Congressman Bob Michel for over a 
decade.
  Ray has been lauded by many of his colleagues for his leadership on 
the local, State, and national levels. He has led efforts to preserve 
our waterways, improve local airports, and addressed the development of 
rural communities in his district. Never afraid to disagree with his 
party's leaders, Ray has always worked in the best interests of the 
State and his district, particularly as part of the Appropriations 
Committee.
  Ray is widely regarded as someone who has a deep respect for the 
institution of Congress, proven by his efforts to establish a higher 
level of civility and decorum in the House of Representatives. His 
commitment to bipartisanship remains an example to all of us in 
Congress today. I wish Ray and his family the very best and I am proud 
to call him my friend.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in an expression of 
appreciation to Congressman LaHood for his years of dedicated service 
to this body and to the people of Illinois.

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