[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 2]
[House]
[Pages 1816-1817]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF CHAIRMAN JOHN MURTHA

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the life of our 
dear friend and colleague, Chairman Jack Murtha. Jack was truly an all-
American, a committed public servant, decorated veteran of war, small 
businessman, devoted husband and father and grandfather.
  Many have recalled tonight and in recent weeks his service on the 
front lines of combat. His experience in the military made him a 
lifelong advocate for our men and women in uniform and a compass for 
this body when it came to making some of the toughest issues we face, 
those related to the defense of the United States.
  Jack Murtha exercised his power to protect the country he loved, 
taking seriously the trust of his constituents and his responsibility 
to the American people.

[[Page 1817]]



                              {time}  1900

  I learned so much from Jack Murtha. I witnessed firsthand and 
benefited from his expertise on military strategy, intelligence, and 
foreign policy. His compassion and commitment to do what was right were 
equally impressive. On his broad shoulders, he carried a great burden 
to not only provide for our troops and their security but to ensure 
that we have made this world a better place, a safer place, including 
for innocent civilians in war zones and vulnerable societies around the 
world. And with a heavy heart he regularly gave his time to lift the 
spirits of men and women recovering from injuries in battles, sharing 
with them the appreciation of a grateful Nation.
  Finally, I would like to note his dedication to a goal we shared: 
Alleviating cancer, especially those unique to women. He not only 
worked to help adapt military technology to aid in the treatment of 
cancer, he and his loving wife, Joyce, have supported initiatives to 
directly support breast cancer patients and survivors.
  Jack was a giant among men. He was tough, he was smart, he was 
committed to this great institution. His lifelong service to our 
country will be missed.
  Rest in peace, my dear friend. I will miss him.

                          ____________________