[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 6]
[House]
[Page 8555]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE PASSING OF GOVERNOR BILL CLEMENTS

  (Mr. SESSIONS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join fellow Texans and 
Americans all across this great country in mourning the loss of a true 
conservative icon, former Texas Governor Bill Clements. As those of us 
who were touched by the Governor join together today in his honor to 
celebrate his life, may we all reflect on his many achievements and 
generosity as a dedicated entrepreneur, philanthropist, and public 
servant for the great State of Texas.
  Governor Clements was the first Republican to serve as Texas governor 
since Reconstruction when he took office in 1979. His skillful 
leadership attracted Texans to the modern Republican party and modern 
day conservatism, paving the way for large Republican gains across my 
State in the following years. Governor Clements also laid the 
groundwork for Texas' economic viability by recruiting business and 
international trade to diversify our State's economy.
  I am deeply saddened by the passing of Governor Bill Clements; 
however, his life is being celebrated today. My thoughts and prayers 
are with his wife, Rita, and all of his family and friends as they 
celebrate his life's accomplishments and mourn this great loss, not 
only to America but to the great State of Texas.
  God bless Texas.

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