[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 13]
[House]
[Page 18563]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING CONGRESSMAN IKE SKELTON

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Garamendi) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. GARAMENDI. It was 13 months ago that I was given the great 
privilege of becoming a Member of the Congress. And it was 7 months ago 
that I was given another privilege of becoming a member of the Armed 
Services Committee. For the last hour and 10 minutes, we have heard 
from Chairman Skelton and from his colleagues that have expressed their 
appreciation based upon their knowledge and their experiences of 
working with an extraordinary man.
  I feel cheated that I don't have all of those years that my other 
colleagues have had to learn and to share time with Chairman Skelton. 
My 7 months have been just too short; but in those 7 months, I have 
found the opportunity for friendship, brotherhood, and the opportunity 
to work and to be mentored by an incredible individual.

                              {time}  1840

  What you have seen here tonight is the outpouring of emotion and 
respect for a gentleman that has served this Nation and the armed 
services for 34 years in the capacity of a Member of Congress. That's 
an incredible record. Seven months of that I have had a personal 
experience of, and I value those moments intensely.
  I have had my hours on the floor talking about policy. I have not had 
such an important hour as this hour listening to the Members of this 
Congress speak of one of their colleagues. It has been a very good 
hour.
  Chairman Skelton, you are loved, beloved, for a very good reason. You 
are a unique individual.

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