[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 10]
[House]
[Page 13939]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 CONGRATULATING THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

  (Mr. KENNEDY asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. Speaker, one of the peculiarities of parliamentary 
procedure is that all discussion on the floor of the House is directed 
to the person who occupies the Speaker's podium. But it is on rare 
occasion when the significance of the individual presiding over House 
proceedings outweighs the proceedings themselves. This is such a time.
  It is with great pride that I stand here on this historic occasion as 
my close friend Jim Langevin presides over the House from the Speaker's 
rostrum. Jim is an individual who embodies the best of the American 
people. He is the personification of the word ``courage.''
  I have known Jim since our time together in the Rhode Island State 
Legislature, and I have been fortunate to witness his overcoming 
obstacle after obstacle throughout his life.
  As a teenager, Jim made a commitment to a life of public service, 
seeking a career as a police officer. When a cruel twist of fate denied 
him the path that he envisioned, the easy road would have been to give 
up. But Jim would not be dissuaded. Instead, he drew on a spirit of 
perseverance that any lesser of us would have struggled to find.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
  Mr. KENNEDY. May I ask unanimous consent to have the requisite 5 
minutes that I was initially given?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman may complete his thought.
  Mr. KENNEDY. I don't know who is controlling the time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair expects further debate during 
suspension of the rules. The gentleman may complete his thought on his 
1-minute.
  Mr. KENNEDY. How much time do I have?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman is recognized for 15 seconds 
to complete his thought.
  Mr. KENNEDY. Well, there he is. Who's in charge now? All right, 
Jimmy. Well, I'll get my chance later. And you better be ready, because 
there will be no holding back then. God bless you. I am so proud to be 
your colleague.

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