[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 9]
[House]
[Pages 12619-12623]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE OF TIMOTHY JOHN RUSSERT, JR.

  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 1275) honoring the life of Timothy John 
Russert, Jr., public servant, political analyst, and author.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1275

       Whereas Tim Russert was born in Buffalo, New York, on May 
     7, 1950;
       Whereas Tim Russert graduated from Canisius High School in 
     Buffalo, John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio, 
     and the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in Cleveland, Ohio, 
     and received 48 honorary doctorate degrees;
       Whereas Tim Russert served as special counsel to Senator 
     Daniel Patrick Moynihan from 1977 to 1982 and counselor to 
     Governor Mario Cuomo from 1983 to 1984;
       Whereas Tim Russert began his celebrated career in 
     journalism with the National Broadcasting Company in 1984, 
     reporting from South America, Australia, China, and Rome, 
     where he arranged for the first live appearance on American 
     television by Pope John Paul II;
       Whereas in 1991, Tim Russert was named moderator of ``Meet 
     the Press'', the longest-running program in the history of 
     television;
       Whereas Tim Russert served masterfully as anchor and 
     political analyst, and earned a reputation as a tenacious yet 
     fair interviewer of his guests, who included the leading 
     political candidates, holders of public office, and 
     newsmakers of the day;
       Whereas Tim Russert moderated presidential debates with the 
     same dogged yet respectful manner with which he conducted his 
     interviews, and in so doing provided a valuable service to 
     American voters;
       Whereas Tim Russert was a successful author, and his moving 
     books ``Big Russ and Me'' and ``Wisdom of our Fathers'' 
     became New York Times bestsellers;
       Whereas Tim Russert won an Emmy Award for his coverage of 
     the funeral of President Ronald Reagan; he also won the Radio 
     and Television Correspondents' Joan S. Barone Award, the 
     Annenberg Center's Walter Cronkite Award, and the Edward R. 
     Murrow Award for Overall Excellence in Television Journalism 
     for his interviews of leading national political figures;
       Whereas Tim Russert sat in the front seat of world history, 
     chronicling the domestic and international political events 
     that have defined our time, deftly describing and analyzing 
     these events for millions of Americans;
       Whereas Tim Russert was a man of devoted and humble faith 
     who believed in the value of a Jesuit education and who 
     called himself ``a respectful servant in the laity of the 
     church'';
       Whereas Tim Russert powerfully advocated on behalf of 
     abused children and voiced the need to protect our Nation's 
     young people, serving on the board of directors of the Boys 
     and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington and America's Promise 
     Alliance;
       Whereas Tim Russert was a prominent booster of Buffalo and 
     a famous fan of his beloved Buffalo Bills;
       Whereas Tim Russert was always proud of his South Buffalo 
     roots and was a source of civic pride in the western New York 
     community; and
       Whereas Tim Russert's love for his family was evident to 
     all who knew him and to readers of his books: Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes and honors the contributions of Timothy John 
     Russert, Jr., as an award-winning political analyst; and
       (2) expresses its deepest condolences upon the death of 
     Timothy John Russert, Jr., to his wife, Maureen Orth, his 
     son, Luke, and his surviving family members and friends.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Higgins) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Issa) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York.


                             General Leave

  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their 
remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, it's with a heavy heart that I call up for 
consideration H. Res. 1275 which honors the life of legendary 
journalist Tim Russert whose life slipped away suddenly on Friday, June 
13, 2008. I would like to thank the Committee on Oversight and 
Government Reform Ranking Member Tom Davis and also Committee Chair 
Henry Waxman.
  That said, it is with profound regret that I stand before you on the 
floor of the House today to mourn and commemorate the life of Tim 
Russert, an icon of America's media for nearly two decades. Mr. Russert 
died on Friday after collapsing at NBC's Washington, D.C., home of 
``Meet the Press'' at age 58.
  While Tim Russert was a former Democratic congressional staffer, 
Washington bureau chief, and senior vice president of NBC News, the 
world knew him best as the host of the famous Sunday morning news show 
``Meet the Press.''
  In addition to his professional journalism accomplishments, Mr. 
Russert was also a best-selling author, penning the New York Times 
best-selling memoir ``Big Russ & Me'' and ``Wisdom of Our Fathers.''
  From his chair at ``Meet the Press,'' Mr. Russert demonstrated his 
dedication to Democracy, his passion for politics, his admiration for 
fairness, honesty, and humanity. Mr. Russert's enthusiasm for 
journalism and politics earned him the respect and acclaim of so many 
Americans, including myself and many of my colleagues.
  Born in Buffalo, New York, on May 7, 1950, Tim Russert received his 
undergraduate degree from John Carroll University, then proceeded to 
earn a law degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. Over the 
years, he earned 48 honorary doctorate degrees, which serves as further 
evidence of his prolific impact on the world.
  While Tim Russert sat in the front seat of world history chronicling 
the domestic and international political events that have defined our 
time, he performed his work with great humanity and quality of 
character. Tim Russert had a gift for making the all-too-complex nature 
of Washington politics understandable and compelling for Americans 
across our great country.
  In recognition of his work as the epitome of journalistic talent and 
devotion, Tim Russert won an Emmy Award for his coverage of the funeral 
of President Ronald Reagan, the Radio and Television Correspondents' 
Joan S. Barone Award, the Annenberg Center's Walter Cronkite Award, and 
the Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Excellence in Television 
Journalism for his interviews of leading national political figures.
  As the former Washington bureau chief of the Wall Street Journal 
stated, Tim Russert ``really was the best political journalist in 
America, not just the best television journalist in America.''
  Accordingly, it is my hope that we will join the citizens of this 
country in recognizing and honoring the contributions of a great 
American, Timothy John Russert, Junior.
  H. Res. 1275 formally expresses our deepest condolences upon the 
death of Timothy John Russert, Junior, and expends our sympathies to 
his wife Maureen and his son Luke for their loss. It is a loss that 
will certainly impact all of us for quite some time to come.
  Madam Speaker, earlier today, I attended at St. Albans the viewing 
service for Tim Russert with Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul, a trusted 
friend, former colleague, and student intern of Tim Russert. The 
tribute based on a line that was extending around the campus is 
extraordinary and profound to recognize his life.
  I would like to leave you with the story about Tim Russert and how he 
made it to Washington from his native Buffalo. Tim Russert would always 
tell that story to highlight the importance of the working-class values 
that were instilled in him by his father, Big Russ.
  It was the blizzard of 1977 when 3 feet of snow fell on Buffalo with 
extraordinary winds. Tim Russert was working for Daniel Patrick 
Moynihan at the time. Moynihan had come to Buffalo to survey the damage 
from the blizzard.

[[Page 12620]]



                              {time}  1715

  He was so impressed with Tim Russert, Senator Moynihan said, ``Tim, 
you have to come to Washington; you have great qualities that will 
serve you very well there, and you can be with me on my staff.''
  Russert went to Washington and, after a short period of time, was 
somewhat discouraged. Senator Moynihan had recognized that he was 
discouraged and asked him what the problem was. Tim said, ``Senator, 
your staff is made up of ideologues, Ivy League-educated people, and 
I'm from a blue collar background in Buffalo.'' Senator Moynihan put 
his arm around Tim and said, ``Tim, what they know you can learn. What 
you know, the values of hard work, of honesty, of love of community, of 
love of family, they can never learn.''
  It's with that that Tim Russert started his career in Washington, in 
both politics first and foremost and then in journalism.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may 
consume.
  Tim Russert was a great man whose time came too early. He had much 
more to give to us, not just this past Sunday where he would have had 
Joe Biden in a one-on-one or a one-on-two and then brought him to task 
and brought his other guests to task.
  But in fact, his legacy will disappear unless we bring ourselves to 
realize that the truth should not be a casualty of politics. That's 
what Tim Russert really brought to bear on ``Meet the Press.'' He made 
the style about the truth. He invited Republicans, Democrats. I think 
he had Ralph Nader on more than a few times. He made it a point to 
bring in people who were interesting, and then he asked them 
interesting questions. And when they answered, he then brought out the 
interesting fact that they perhaps had not yet prepared for. He asked 
them to tell the truth, and then if that was not the truth or if there 
was more to be heard in the truth, he brought that out. His research 
was second-to-none.
  Now, he certainly seemed to say every single week, ``Go Bills.'' But 
as a Clevelander, I am going to take a little liberty today in his name 
because when it came time to go to a fine college, he went to John 
Carroll, a Jesuit college in the city in which my high school, 
Cleveland Heights University High School, was located. He went there 
because it was a fine education. I'm only surprised that he learned 
during those years that it was a little less expensive to go to John 
Marshall for his law school. So he trotted downtown to Cleveland's John 
Marshall, now Cleveland State's John Marshall Law School. So he was as 
much a Clevelander in his education, in his preparation, as he was from 
Buffalo.
  I think that, in fact, his Cleveland roots are something we need to 
understand because one of the most famous things he ever did was 
predict in 2004 that it would be ``Ohio, Ohio, Ohio,'' that would 
indicate the outcome of the 2004 election. I know, Madam Speaker, that 
you're well aware that Ohio was, in fact, critical, not Florida.
  Tim Russert was the kind of person who really enjoyed that kind of 
let's call the facts to bear, let's bring them in, let's force people 
to answer tough questions. He did so whether you were a Republican or a 
Democrat. He did so whether or not the outcome was one direction or the 
other.
  I believe that's part of his Cleveland upbringing. I believe it's 
what made him great. So he will always be remembered for talking about 
the Buffalo Bills, but for me, he will always be remembered as somebody 
who was the product of Jesuit education at John Carroll and Cleveland-
John Marshall.
  With that, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I now yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman 
from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).
  Ms. NORTON. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Professional journalism and millions around the world are in mourning 
today and ever since they heard of the passing of one of America's 
giants of journalism. Hometown D.C. is also experiencing its special 
brand of mourning.
  It's true that Tim Russert always talked about Buffalo and the 
Buffalo Bills. He never let you forget where he was from. It was 
important to him, where he was from. He identified with the Buffalo 
Bills because he identified with Buffalo and because Buffalo reminded 
him of his childhood and his church and his working class upbringing.
  The fact is that Tim made his fortune in the District of Columbia and 
lived in this city. So we adopted Tim long ago as a resident of the 
city, knowing that his heart was back in Buffalo, but he needed a 
hometown. This was a man who always needed a hometown, and I can tell 
you he knew where he lived, and he made me know that he knew where he 
lived.
  I was, in fact, on his program more than once and especially remember 
one of his end-of-the-year programs, where he kind of looked at the 
world and looked at what is going to happen. I love it that somehow Tim 
understood or at least allowed me to weave into an answer what he 
expected, which was some notion of voting rights that was still 
necessary in the District of Columbia.
  Buffalo and the Buffalo Bills were the only things I know that Tim 
was not objective about. His gift was somehow to humanize hard news and 
subjects for interviews by reminding us every so often of Buffalo and 
the Buffalo Bills and making us laugh and making us know that he was 
one of us all. At the same time, he managed to be a thoroughly 
objective reporter and tough interrogator. That, Madam Speaker, is 
indeed a gift. I don't know of anyone else in broadcast who has that 
gift.
  What was both heartbreaking and heartwarming to hear were the many 
personal stories from Tim's colleagues, not about their professional 
work with him but about how he related to them and their families as 
people. That, in a real sense, makes us know that when Tim talked about 
the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo this was always the human being talking.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman's time has expired.
  Mr. HIGGINS. I yield 1 additional minute to the gentlewoman from the 
District of Columbia.
  Ms. NORTON. By talking about ``Big Russ'' his father and writing 
about ``Big Russ,'' Tim was reminding us that he always knew whatever 
he did on his program, what was important, that family was important. 
He was not a politician but imagine what kind of politician he would 
have made? Can you imagine what he would have done in political life?
  Tim took an old, respected format and made it new. Tim revolutionized 
his species of broadcast and branded it as his own.
  Our hearts are breaking but our hearts go out to Maureen, to Luke, 
and especially to Tim's beloved ``Big Russ.''
  Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  No story of Tim Russert would be complete if we didn't talk about the 
loss we're going to have this political season. Clearly, as Barack 
Obama and John McCain compete for the hearts and minds of the American 
people, we're going to miss Tim Russert asking the tough questions. 
We're going to miss him undoubtedly at the debates. Somebody else is 
going to have to be there to be fair but tough.
  Madam Speaker, additionally, we're going to miss Tim Russert when it 
comes to the people on both sides of the issue of why we have $5 
gasoline and $135 oil. I think Tim Russert would have been just the 
right guy to hold people accountable, who would talk about the 68 
million acres that are ``inactive'' while, in fact, 41 million are 
under current lease and use and are producing millions of barrels of 
oil and natural gas a day, but more importantly, over 2 billion, 2 
billion acres are not available for exploration and development, 
including the over 50 miles and less than 200 miles off the California 
coast. Those miles certainly could give us the natural gas we need to 
fire our electricity in California at a time when we are dangerously 
close to the lights going out once again.

[[Page 12621]]

  So, Madam Speaker, I'm going to miss Tim Russert because this debate 
is too important not to have, a fact-oriented, unbiased moderator who 
can, in fact, bring to bear the truth that we need to have.
  With that, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I now yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman 
from New York (Ms. Slaughter).
  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  I rise with a heavy heart today because last Friday, one of Buffalo's 
most cherished sons was taken from us Today, I join my colleagues in 
celebrating the life of Tim Russert, whose contributions to journalism 
and American discourse will outlive us all.
  As anyone who watched ``Meet the Press'' knows, Tim Russert never 
forgot where he came from. He was an unabashed and shameless fan of 
anything Buffalo, and that was fitting. He embodied the values of the 
old steel town: honesty, integrity, and hard work. Instead of 
forgetting them when he came to Washington, as so many do, he brought 
Buffalo with him.
  When Tim Russert spoke with someone, he was making a friend, not 
climbing a ladder. While his career soared, he stood with his feet 
solidly on the ground. A product of his South Buffalo roots, his 
character was his trademark and earned him the respect of journalists 
and politicians and all Americans alike.
  Tim Russert didn't chase ratings by taking cheap shots. He didn't 
distort his guests' positions to create a news story. He always asked 
fair questions, encouraged open debate, and held politicians 
accountable to the people who elected them. He was the epitome of a 
journalist, sorely lacking today, and his show was the gold standard.
  And I would be remiss if I didn't mention his role in honoring 
fatherhood. Tim Russert reminded Americans of the important role 
fathers play in child rearing, both through his books and by sharing 
stories about ``Big Russ'' and his own son. His admiration for his 
father and his unconditional love for his son were evident every time 
he spoke of them.
  There will be a void on America's television sets every Sunday, and 
later this fall, the Bills and the Sabers will miss the sounds of 
cheers from their most loyal fan. But Tim Russert's legacy, his 
unwavering pride in Buffalo, his devotion to his family, and his 
indelible mark on journalism will live on.
  My thoughts are with his wife and son and the rest of the Russert 
family.
  Mr. ISSA. I would continue to reserve.
  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I now yield 2 minutes to the 
distinguished gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Lewis).
  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for 
yielding.
  Madam Speaker, Tim Russert personified the best of America. He rose 
to the top of American journalism. He worked for a Governor, a United 
States Senator, and received a very good education, but he never ever 
lost the common touch. He never strayed from his Buffalo roots. He 
loved to talk about Buffalo. He knew that I had many relatives living 
in Buffalo.
  On the ``Today Show,'' his son, Luke, called his father ``the 
questioner for the American people.'' He had a high calling, a mission, 
a mandate, to ask politicians and public officials the questions most 
Americans could not.
  When we mourn for Tim Russert, we mourn for his wife, his son, and 
his father, ``Big Russ.'' We mourn for his colleagues at NBC and the 
community of journalists, but we also mourn for ourselves at a turning 
point in the history of our Nation. We mourn for his words, his 
insight, and his commitment to the people's right to know.
  God bless Tim Russert. He will be deeply missed.

                              {time}  1730

  Mr. ISSA. I have no further requests for time and I continue to 
reserve my time.
  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Tennessee (Mr. Cohen).
  Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, I think the whole country shared in 
mourning the loss of Tim Russert as if he was part of our family. We 
had seen him on television for so many years, and he would come into 
our homes on Sunday mornings.
  And he was so much like so many people in America in that he was 
passionate about politics, passionate about government, passionate 
about sports, and passionate about being an American. He loved his 
Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabers, he loved baseball and he loved horse 
racing. He loved politics, and he had two great mentors in Senator 
Patrick Moynihan and in Governor Mario Cuomo, two of the great people 
in political life to ever have the opportunity to work for.
  And he was a success story, climbing from the ranks of a government 
official in the media and perfecting that trade and going to the 
heights of his profession. He was diligent in doing his research and in 
quizzing everybody, I think, in an even-handed manner that you really 
didn't know exactly where Tim Russert was coming from. I had the 
pleasure of meeting him at a Vanity Fair dinner, which I was invited to 
last year, and we were at a small table. At the time, I didn't know his 
wife worked for Vanity Fair. I thought Tim Russert was just there 
because he was Tim Russert, and that was a good enough reason for him 
to be there. And he was nice as he could be, just a regular guy, and we 
had a delightful conversation.
  He loved his father. And the book about his dad, Russ, has been well 
spoken about. But I think what's amazing is I have a very good friend 
in Memphis named Ted Donaldson. And Ted had written a letter to Tim 
Russert to be included in the book. And Ted's not a bashful guy at all, 
and Ted came up to Tim Russert at a function, I think it was in New 
York, and he said, ``Hi, I'm Ted Donaldson, I'm from Memphis and I 
wrote you about my dad.'' And he said, ``Yup, page 45.'' He knew 
exactly the page in the book that it was. He knew his book. He 
appreciated the people who remembered their fathers and wrote and 
shared with him. And that book will go on forever remembering the 
relationship of fathers and sons. I'm sure his son Luke has a great 
tribute, what he lived and what he remembers from his father and will 
have a great life. I mourn with him and I'm sorry that he lost his 
father.
  Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, I will continue to reserve.
  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I now yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman 
from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank the distinguished gentleman, and to 
the New Yorkers and Washingtonians that had the privilege of having Tim 
Russert as their native son and someone who moved to their particular 
area, and to the State of Ohio where he was educated.
  Let me thank the author of this legislation, the Congressman from New 
York (Mr. Higgins), the full committee Chair and ranking member.
  This is a special tribute that is necessary for this body because we 
are nothing without words. And Tim Russert was the architect of words 
that gave politicians a basis of explaining how democracy works. That's 
what Meet the Press and Sunday morning was all about for many, many 
Americans.
  So I rise to pay tribute to Tim Russert for his life and what he gave 
to the process of government, and to thank him as well as I watched 
over the weekend in the times that I was able to see the tributes 
toward him that he also gave a sense of importance of family, and how 
he emphasized his wife and his son and of course his family and ``Big 
Russ.''
  And isn't it interesting that he lost his life on the weekend of 
Father's Day? But it allows so many to emphasize that he was more than 
just the moderator, the host of Meet the Press; he was an American who 
loved this country and loved his flag, but he was also someone who 
loved his family and showed America that even in all of his energy and 
all of his business he could stop and smell the roses and appreciate 
the wonderment of his family.
  And so I join my colleagues in tribute to him today on the floor of 
the House and ask, as we celebrate his life,

[[Page 12622]]

that we will be reminded of the preciousness of democracy and all that 
we have in benefits to be able to stand on this floor and to espouse 
our words and to talk about what democracy and freedom is all about. 
Tim Russert captured it in his love for this process, and his giving to 
America the ability to understand it in layman's terms.
  I offer my deepest sympathy to the Russert family.
  Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, just let me say in closing, Tim Russert 
was the voice to a Nation and to the world with a distinct inflection 
of that of Buffalo, imbued with exuberance and tempered with a love of 
family and community and country.
  With that, I would ask that this resolution be approved.
  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of 
Mr. Tim Russert, devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend, 
whose brilliant legacy as a journalist served to inform the lives of 
all who knew him well.
  Since 1991, Mr. Russert's piercing assessment of our Nation's 
political scene graced America's television screens on NBC's ``Meet the 
Press,'' enlightening viewers with tough questions posed to political 
candidates, elected leaders and influential people of our time. In his 
relentless search for the truth, Tim Russert served to provide the 
checks and balances critical to maintaining the integrity of our 
national freedoms. In every interview, with every question posed, Mr. 
Russert created an atmosphere of respect, fairness and integrity--an 
atmosphere in which his ultimate goal as a journalist was sought--
discovering the truth.
  Tim Russert grew up in working-class Buffalo, NY, where the lessons 
of hard work, faith and family remained at the core of his being. He 
and three sisters, Betty, Kathleen, and Patricia were raised by their 
dedicated parents, Tim and Elizabeth (``Betty''). A sanitation worker 
and truck driver, his father worked two jobs to provide for his four 
children. He carried the lessons of his parents every day and within 
every interview. One of the most engaging and effective journalists of 
our time, his passion and commitment to his profession was eclipsed 
only by his devotion to his family and friends. Mr. Russert shared his 
joy for life with everyone he met, and he treated everyone with respect 
and kindness, regardless of their social standing. Tim Russert never 
forgot where he came from, and his street-smart common sense, infused 
with a brilliant mind and kind heart, endeared everyone to him--even 
his toughest competitors.
  Madam Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance 
of Mr. Tim Russert, whose professional legacy raised critical and 
complex societal issues into the clear light of day. I offer my deepest 
condolences to his wife, Maureen; to his son, Luke; to his parents and 
sisters, and to his extended family members and numerous friends. Tim 
Russert lived his life with passion and joy, and although he will be 
greatly missed, the love he shared with family and friends will live on 
forever, and he will be remembered always.
  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, there are two types of people 
in Washington--those known for what they love and those known for what 
they hate. Tim Russert was known for all the things he loved.
  He loved politics, as he discovered at an early age and as his two 
bosses in the industry--Mario Cuomo and Daniel Patrick Moynihan--would 
learn to cherish. He loved humor. All of America knew his jowly and 
ever-present smile. He loved the give-and-take of a good, rousing 
political argument--as I and all who appeared with him on Meet the 
Press would attest.
  He loved his family. What moved him finally to write a book? His love 
for his father. It led to two books, in fact, both of which ended up 
atop The New York Times bestseller list. His son, Luke, was one of the 
luckiest kids in Washington. He grew up with a sports-mad dad who took 
him to every game or match they could squeeze into their days. Nats 
baseball. Bills football. Wizards basketball. On nights when none were 
playing, a good high school or college game. Now, Luke and James 
Carville co-host a sports talk show on XM.
  He loved his faith. He called his time in the Catholic schools of 
Buffalo the most important of his life. He served on numerous boards 
and devoted countless hours to working on behalf of his faith.
  He loved the people who make up Washington--the leaders and media 
moguls, of course. But he also had a strong relationship with those who 
are never seen in front of the cameras. It was Russert who stood 
against staff cutbacks and defended the hard-working men and women 
behind the scenes who made his show a reality each week.
  A lot of people claim to love, but when it comes time to do the work 
that exemplifies this love, they fall short. That was not the case with 
Tim Russert. He did the work. He scooped the competitors. He put in the 
time with family. He practiced and lived his faith. He lived and died 
with his teams. He looked out for the big and little people in his 
midst.
  A number of commentators have seemed surprised by the extensive 
coverage of his passing, how hard America seems to be taking it. Why? 
This is just my guess, but I think when the American people watched him 
every Sunday morning or during election or other news coverage, they 
saw a little bit of themselves. They saw someone inherently fair, 
scrupulously prepared, unfailingly thankful and thoroughly, pleasantly 
humble. He had the conversation with world leaders and newsmakers we 
like to think we'd have had if we'd been there. He was us. Part of our 
families. And we will miss him.
  Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1275 
honoring the life of Timothy John Russert, Jr.
  It has been just days since one of Buffalo's favorite sons was taken 
from us tragically, and suddenly. We have been touched by the makeshift 
memorial outside the NBC News bureau in Washington, DC, the flags 
flying at half-staff outside City Hall in Buffalo and Rockefeller 
Center in New York City, and the thousands who have come from all walks 
of life to visit the park right outside South Buffalo that bears the 
name of this giant of broadcast journalism.
  Tim and I walked similar beats, cutting our teeth in New York 
politics--the tricks of the trade Tim picked up working for the late 
great Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan and former Gov. Mario Cuomo, he took 
with him to NBC, where he ended up the sparring partner of many a 
public official, including me. Every time we got together, Tim was 
tough, but fair--and at the end of the day, we were still two Buffalo 
guys who could talk shop about the Bills and the Sabres.
  Though we cannot begin to comprehend the reach of Tim Russert's 
legacy--we are still a community in mourning--we can say with great 
certainty that he has left an indelible mark on all of us.
  Thank you, Tim. Go Bills!
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 
1275, a resolution which honors the life of the late Timothy John 
Russert Jr. H. Res. 1275 was sponsored by a member of the Oversight 
committee, Representative Brian Higgins of New York and introduced 
yesterday with 89 original cosponsors.
  I would like to thank the House Leadership, Chairman Henry A. Waxman 
and Ranking Member Tom Davis for their support in bringing this measure 
to the floor in such a timely manner. I also wish to thank Edward 
Leong, senior counsel with House Legislative Counsel's office for his 
efforts in drafting a very fine resolution. Such cooperation, support 
and dedication to excellence are truly a fitting tribute to Timothy 
Russert.
  I think the Washington Post said it best. In the June 14, 2008 
edition, on the front of the Style section, the caption under Tim 
Russert's photo read, ``The ``Meet the Press'' moderator during a 
taping of his show last year. He got to do what he most wanted to do, 
and the news business was better for it.''
  I couldn't agree more. He was on top of his game as the NBC News 
Washington bureau chief and moderator of ``Meet the Press.'' In between 
ball games, cheering and supporting those Buffalo Bills, going to Mass, 
writing books about the wisdom of our fathers, hanging out with his 
son, Luke, and checking in on his father Big Russ, he did what he loved 
best--being an award wining political analyst.
  Madam Speaker, Timothy John Russert, Jr's sudden death, has left a 
huge void on the political landscape. I extend my deepest sympathy to 
his family and friends.
  I commend my colleague Representative Higgins for sponsoring this 
condolence measure and I urge its swift passage.
  Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor a staple in the 
American household on Sunday mornings, a political commentator, Tim 
Russert, whose untimely passing on Friday, June 13th in a Washington 
Bureau of NBC News has been a devastation for Americans everywhere. Tim 
Russert, 58, was a native of Buffalo, New York and the NBC News' 
Washington Bureau Chief.
  Russert was an advocate of strong family values founded on principles 
of love and support as displayed in his dedicated marriage with his 
wife, Maureen Orth, and his continued encouragement of his son, Luke.
  A passionate news journalist and attorney, Tim Russert accomplished 
many accolades throughout his lifetime. As a bestselling author

[[Page 12623]]

and inspiration to many, Russert also devoted his time to athletics as 
an elected member of the Baseball Hall of Fame board of directors and 
as an avid supporter of the Washington Nationals and Washington 
Wizards.
  Tim Russert was a devout Catholic that spent much of his time giving 
back to the community by offering aid to non-profit organizations and 
Catholic charities. Russert was concerned with the welfare of children 
in the community, and specifically those who lost their lives to gun 
violence.
  On behalf of the people of the 11th Congressional District in Ohio 
and the United States Congress, I extend my heartfelt sympathy.
  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Higgins) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1275.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a 
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not 
present.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.
  The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.

                          ____________________