[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 11]
[House]
[Pages 16272-16276]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  REMEMBERING THE HON. C.W. BILL YOUNG

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 3, 2013, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Crenshaw) will control 
the remainder of the hour.
  Mr. CRENSHAW. Madam Speaker, before I introduce and call on a couple 
of my colleagues, I would like to say a brief word about my longtime 
friend and mentor, C.W. Bill Young. I first met Bill when he was in the 
Florida Senate. He was the Republican leader in the Florida Senate. He 
was the minority leader. I think my colleagues might be interested to 
know that he was the Republican leader, minority leader, not because he 
gathered all the votes of the other minority members, the Republicans; 
he was the Republican leader because he was the only Republican in the 
Florida Senate.
  You might say maybe that diminishes that leadership role, and I would 
say just the reverse is true because Bill Young was such a great 
leader, such a man of courage and conviction that he

[[Page 16273]]

would stand up for whatever he believed, even if there was no one there 
to stand up with. I think it is because of that conviction, because of 
that commitment, that we are here tonight to honor his legacy.
  I found it interesting that about 25 years later I found myself in 
the Florida Senate, and I became the first Republican to be elected 
president of that body, and I got a note from Bill Young. He said, 
``We've come a long way.''
  Of course when I came to Congress, he was there to help me become a 
member of the Armed Services Committee because he knew that I cared 
about the military. He was there to help me become a member of the 
Appropriations Committee and the Defense Subcommittee which he loved so 
very much. He taught me and he taught all of us that everyone has 
value. Everyone has worth, whether it is a private first class or four 
star general, and he lived and died by the belief that if we are to be 
the land of the free, it is because we take care of our brave.
  So that is the way he lived his life, and we will hear tributes 
tonight--we heard tributes last Thursday in Largo at his funeral, but I 
believe that the lasting legacy that Bill Young leaves will be seen for 
generations to come in the greatness of our military, and in the 
compassion that we have for those who serve and those who are wounded.
  So, Madam Speaker, I simply want to say tonight that America lost a 
great leader, and I lost a great friend.
  Godspeed, Bill Young.
  Now I would like to yield to one of my colleagues on the 
Appropriations Committee, the chairman of the State, Foreign Operations 
Subcommittee and a member of the Defense Subcommittee which Bill Young 
chaired, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger).
  Ms. GRANGER. I thank the gentleman from Florida for yielding me time.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to and celebrate the life 
of an outstanding public servant, Bill Young. It is a true honor to 
have been able to know a man like Chairman Young and to be able to call 
him both a friend and a role model for all of us. There is no one who 
was more respected, decent, gracious, dedicated and humble. Everyone 
who crossed his path is richer for the experience. That is evident 
through the hundreds of people who attended his memorial service last 
week. His service was attended by over 30 Members of Congress. During a 
time of such partisanship, the respect for Chairman Young was 
illustrated through the attendance from both sides of the aisle, 
including leadership.
  The respect the military has for his lifelong advocacy for our 
national security and for our servicemembers was evident through the 
attendance and heartfelt eulogies of former Deputy Secretary of Defense 
Gordon England and the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General James 
Amos.
  It was clear that the Department of Defense depended on him. 
Immediately before the service began, General Amos bestowed a very rare 
and appropriate honor by naming Chairman Young an honorary marine.
  I will never forget when I was first appointed to the Defense 
Appropriations Subcommittee. As one of the first women ever to serve on 
the subcommittee, I wasn't sure how I would be treated, but Bill 
immediately brought me in and treated me with respect and kindness, as 
he did to everyone. Gender didn't matter to him; he only cared about my 
commitment to the military and to our Nation.
  When John Wooden wrote ``the true test of a man's character is what 
he does when no one is watching,'' he clearly was talking about 
Chairman Young. Over the years, we have all heard many, many stories 
about the personal interest and assistance that he and Beverly provided 
for our wounded soldiers, but we never heard these stories from him. He 
never talked about what he did. He was motivated by doing what was 
right for someone else's health and well-being.
  When Marine Lance Corporal Josh Callihan spoke at the memorial 
service, it was the first time that most of us had ever heard about the 
extraordinary efforts the Chairman and Beverly took to help this 
wounded warrior.
  Lance Corporal Callihan had been shot in the back and sustained 
significant damage to his spinal cord. With no family support system, 
he was in Bethesda injured both physically and emotionally. Then he met 
Bill and Beverly Young, and his life changed forever. They stepped in 
and became his family, helping him to recover. Today, Josh calls the 
Chairman and Beverly ``mom'' and ``dad.'' After many years of hard 
work, he is now married and expecting his first child. According to 
Josh, none of this would be possible without Bill Young.
  As I was thinking about what I wanted to say about Chairman Young, I 
realized it was impossible to do justice to such an extraordinary man 
merely through words. He was truly one of a kind. The best way we can 
honor this man is to redouble our efforts to our national security and 
to the treatment of our servicemembers and their families. I ask that 
all of my colleagues join me to make sure that we carry on his legacy.
  In closing, I want to let Beverly, their children, his friends and 
his staff, who were part of his family, know that you all remain in our 
thoughts and our prayers.
  Mr. CRENSHAW. Madam Speaker, I would like to yield to the gentleman 
from Texas (Mr. Carter), another member of the Homeland Security 
Subcommittee.
  Mr. CARTER. I thank the gentleman from Florida for yielding.
  We can talk about Bill Young all night, a man who came from nothing 
and grew to be head and shoulders above, champion for America's 
military. But I think the thing that struck everybody who ever met Bill 
Young was his humanity. He was just such a kind, gentle, fine man. He 
cared about every soul he met. He took the time when I was a freshman 
to meet me and talk to me. I told him I had some interest in 
appropriations and learning how it worked, and he sat down and talked 
to me about it. Whenever I had any questions I needed to ask him, he 
was always very, very informative and very, very kind in explaining 
things to people, to me and others.
  Bill Young was a very special man because he came from very, very 
meager means and he rose up to a position of power, but you would have 
never known by his interaction with humanity that he was a man of power 
in this government because everybody who draws a breath was important 
to Bill Young. But the most important people were those who served in 
our armed services.
  I wanted to share something which I think is a perfect description of 
the kind of man Bill Young was. I had the privilege to go on a trip 
with him to Normandy for an anniversary of that landing on D-day, and 
on the way we landed in Shannon, Ireland. When we arrived, it just so 
happened that at least one or two brigades from Fort Hood, Texas, which 
is in my district, were there, ordinary soldiers and their officers in 
transit to Afghanistan.
  When Bill Young came into the room, ordinary soldiers, as if he were 
some kind of star that you would see in a rock concert, started moving 
over to have their picture taken with Chairman Young. Chairman Young at 
that time was in a wheelchair most of the time. But as he did when he 
presented his bill on this floor, he stood with every soldier and took 
a picture. I stood on the periphery of that and listened. He asked 
about their parents and where were they from and about their 
deployments and their needs. Just a gentle, kind, friendly man with 
hundreds of soldiers gathered around him.
  I heard one soldier ask another soldier:
  Who is that guy? It looks like everybody here wants to have their 
picture taken.
  The other guy said:
  I don't know for sure, but the way I understand it, he is the guy who 
makes sure when we go to battle, we have everything that we need to be 
victorious.
  That is a great statement about a human being and a great statement 
about the man. He cared about all who serve our Nation, but in 
particular

[[Page 16274]]

those who risk their lives on our behalf. In honor of Bill Young, I 
will always remember that day where soldiers flocked to him just to be 
seen with Mr. Young.

                              {time}  2015

  Mr. CRENSHAW. I now yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Calvert), another member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee 
that Bill Young chaired.
  Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, tonight I join my colleagues in honoring 
the life and legacy of a great man and an American patriot, Bill Young.
  I keep looking to my right and expect to see him with that great 
smile, but I am sure tonight he is sitting at the right hand of God.
  The death of Congressman Bill Young was a great loss for this 
Chamber, for our country, and for the millions of men and women in 
uniform who were Bill Young's priority for more than 40 years. Anyone 
who has served with Bill knew of his unwavering dedication to our 
Active Duty military, our veterans, and their families.
  As chairman of both the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and the 
full Appropriations Committee, he was both firm and fair. When it came 
to our troops, he was uncompromising and insisted on nothing but the 
best for the U.S. servicemembers.
  Chairman Young was motivated by his genuine and deep concern for the 
well-being of the individual soldier, sailor, airman, marine, and 
guardsman. His concern went far beyond politics and policies. As many 
of you know, Bill and his wonderful wife, Beverly, took special 
interest in our wounded veterans, visiting the wounded regularly at 
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Whether in a committee 
hearing or in the military hospitals around the world, he was tireless 
in visiting, speaking with, and listening to these incredible 
servicemembers.
  While we can't hope to replace Bill Young, perhaps we can follow his 
example and let his integrity, his gracious manner, his firm commitment 
to the men and women who protect this country serve as an inspiration 
to this Chamber as we continue to wrestle with the same issues to which 
he devoted his life.
  On a personal note, I was honored to work with Chairman Young on the 
Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. I was continually impressed by his 
depth of knowledge. I think it is safe to say that no one understood 
the Department of Defense quite like Bill Young. His knowledge, 
expertise, and compassion will be sorely missed on the subcommittee.
  On my own behalf and on behalf of so many former Members who served 
with Bill, like our mutual friend and former chairman, Jerry Lewis, I 
extend my condolences to his wife, Beverly, his sons, and his entire 
family.
  Mr. CRENSHAW. Thank you.
  I now yield to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole), another member 
of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.
  Mr. COLE. I thank my friend for yielding.
  Madam Speaker, like every Republican in this Chamber, until 10 days 
ago, every day I served in the House of Representatives I served with 
Bill Young.
  It has been noted here that he was a lion and a legend. At the time I 
was fortunate enough to come to this Chamber in 2003, he was probably 
at the zenith of his influence. He was chairman of the House 
Appropriations Committee, and he was the confidant of the President, 
our military leaders, and leaders around the world at a time when the 
United States was at war.
  No one cared more about the defense of the United States of America 
than Bill Young, and no one cared and did more for the people who 
actually bear the burden, the men and women that wear the uniform of 
this country--past, present, and future--than Chairman Young.
  He was also a role model for many of us, a mentor, and a friend. He 
was somebody who would reach out and help you, take care of you, look 
after you, and give you the wisdom and advice that only he, with all 
his years of experience, can give. I remember on one occasion, not too 
long ago, when the chairman was obviously ill in the last several years 
of his life and still very active chairing our committee, a pretty busy 
man, a man dealing with his own problems; and I had tornados that hit 
my town in Moore, Oklahoma. Two days after those tornados hit, Bill 
Young was on the phone to tell me that I would be getting a telephone 
call from representatives of a New York investment bank called Cantor 
Fitzgerald, which had suffered grievous damage during 9/11, where they 
had lost 650 of their 950 employees at the World Trade Center. That 
company made a commitment that it would look after all of its people 
and all of their families and would reconstitute itself, and it did. 
Then they built on that commitment and said, We are going to help other 
people that are in tragedy by devoting all of our revenues earned on 9/
11 of every year--not just profits, everything we earn--to help people 
in need. They have kept that commitment.
  Bill Young had forged a relationship with them because of all they 
had done to help men and women in uniform and the victims of disaster. 
He said they will be calling you and they want to help. They did. They 
helped literally hundreds of families with millions of dollars' worth 
of personal and directed relief. That probably never would have 
happened if Bill and Beverly Young had not reached out to me at that 
point, and I and the people in my community will be forever grateful to 
them.
  So we have lost arguably, I think, the greatest Republican Member of 
this body in the last two generations. We have not seen his like 
before, and it will be a long time again before we see anyone that 
rivals his compassion, his character, his civility, his decency, and 
his absolute devotion and commitment to our country and to the men and 
women who defend it.
  Mr. CRENSHAW. I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Dent), 
another member of the Appropriations Committee.
  Mr. DENT. I too want to the take a moment to reflect upon the life 
and service and dedication of Bill Young. Much has been said about him 
already this evening, and I too, like many, look back at that corner 
and want to see Bill Young there, but obviously he is not with us.
  Before calling Florida his home, Chairman Young was actually born in 
Harmarville, Pennsylvania, in Allegheny County in western Pennsylvania, 
that area best known for steel and coal. A lot of tough people came out 
of that area, and certainly Bill Young, I think, really had a lot of 
the character traits I associate with people there. He could be very 
tough when he needed to be, very firm. He was just like steel.
  Also, we should not forget about his compassion. He was a kind man, a 
gentle man, a patient man. I would often ask him questions or make a 
request of him from time to time, and he always listened to me very 
patiently. He had served here for 22 terms. He didn't have to spend a 
whole lot of time with me, but he did, and I always appreciated that. 
He was a great mentor to me and to many other Members here. It was a 
pleasure to serve with him.
  There are so many other things about Chairman Young, too. It has been 
mentioned his support of our troops, particularly our wounded warriors, 
and the impact they had on him and the impact he had on those wounded 
warriors.
  When you get beyond the defense and veterans policy, though, Chairman 
Young played an integral role in creating a national registry for bone 
marrow donors back in 1986, and that registry helped save more than 
50,000 lives over the years.
  Again, not having known Bill Young as long as some of my colleagues, 
I just wanted to say what an extraordinary privilege it was for me to 
serve with him, to know him, to call him a friend, and really to be one 
of my mentors here in the House.
  My deepest thoughts and prayer go out to Beverly and the entire Young 
family during a difficult time.
  Mr. CRENSHAW. I now yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Posey), 
one of Mr. Young's colleagues.

[[Page 16275]]


  Mr. POSEY. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Madam Speaker, I first met the man, the legend, really, known as Bill 
Young, in 1974; but it wasn't until I got elected to Congress in 2008 
that I realized what a larger-than-life true leader this man was and 
what a wonderful and great mentor he was not just to me and everybody 
in my freshman class, but we find out everybody that has ever served in 
this place. He was wise, gentle, kind, honest, thoughtful, and helpful 
to anyone just for the asking.
  I called him a hero; and until his last days, he would blush, as he 
was so humble, that anybody would address him like that. What a 
wonderful man. Never, ever before and probably never again will every 
man and woman serving us in uniform have as great an advocate as they 
had in Congressman Young.
  My thoughts and prayers remain with Beverly, his family, and his 
staff.
  Rest in peace, Bill.
  Mr. CRENSHAW. Thank you.
  Now I yield time to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Nugent), another 
colleague and a member of the Rules Committee.
  Mr. NUGENT. Madam Speaker, it is with great humility that I stand 
here tonight, and I think you have heard from a lot of Members tonight 
talk about Bill Young.
  I think he has made the same impression on so many Members on this 
side of the aisle and on the other side about his humility, about his 
true caring about people, about the caring that he has for the members 
of the military.
  As a father and a parent of three sons who serve in the United States 
Army, what struck me so much about Bill and his wife, Beverly, was 
their true compassion, particularly his compassion as it relates to 
those who serve us. Beverly was really the fire behind Bill with 
regards to a lot of these issues as it relates to our veterans. Bill 
led the way, but Beverly was right there carrying the flag along side 
of Bill.
  Madam Speaker, they were a team together. They worked together for 
the betterment of all, and that is why Bill is such a great American. 
While you have heard tonight in this House talk about his legacy, you 
can't replace Bill Young.
  When I first met Bill Young here in this Chamber 3 years ago, he was 
on that side sitting over there, and he had had a fall and he was 
injured and he had been at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and his 
health continued to decline over the last few years. But I came in 
every day in these Chambers to go see Bill Young because Bill was such 
a good, kindhearted person. He had a great grip when he shook your 
hand, but he always had a smile. When you asked him, Mr. Chairman, how 
are you feeling today? It was never about him. You heard that from 
other Members today. It was always about, How are your sons? How are 
your boys? He knew that they were serving in harm's way in Iraq and had 
been in Afghanistan. He was more worried about them than himself.
  I saw him and his wife, Beverly, on the airplane ride back to Tampa 
almost every week, and without fail they would offer their better seats 
to a serviceman or servicewoman who was in uniform walking down the 
aisle. They would get up and say, Would you sit here?
  That is just the way they were built.
  Bill and Beverly were a perfect match, and Bill has gone on to a 
place that we can only aspire to go. I truly believe that Bill is at 
the right hand of God. Maybe he is talking about appropriations, 
talking about what is right with America.
  Mr. Chairman, I do appreciate the time you have given all of us to be 
down here to talk about our good friend, C.W. Bill Young, who will be 
missed by all.
  God bless America.
  Mr. CRENSHAW. Thank you, Mr. Nugent.
  Our hour is just about over. We could go on for hours, but I think 
you have all heard tonight that Bill Young was a man that loved his 
Lord, he loved his wife, he loved his family, he loved his country. You 
might say it just seems like they don't make them like that any more, 
but the truth is that they never did.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Madam Speaker, I was honored to be asked by the 
Young family to be among those who delivered eulogies for my departed 
friend and mentor last week in Largo, Florida. I ask unanimous consent 
that my statement be included in the Record:
  ``From the back row of the House Chamber, Congressman C.W. ``Bill'' 
Young was able to see across the House Floor. And, for over forty 
years, through the terms of eight Presidents and 16 Secretaries of 
Defense, he watched members of both parties meet and greet each other 
as both Democratic and Republican Speakers presided.
  ``From that prized vantage point, he could also keep tabs on his 
longtime Defense Appropriations Committee counterpart and partner, Jack 
Murtha, sitting opposite him in the back row of the Democratic side of 
the aisle known as the `Pennsylvania section.'
  ``Jack Murtha left us a few years ago, but Bill soldiered on. In 
recent months he used a walker or sat in a wheelchair taking greetings 
from colleagues from both sides of the aisle. He was beloved--engaging 
everyone with a smile and handshake, however he might have felt on that 
particular day. He was always gracious, well-humored and accommodating 
to freshmen and old-timers alike.
  ``It is well known that Bill Young chaired the House Appropriations 
Committee, and twice, its Defense Subcommittee. He also served as 
Ranking Member when the majority changed hands. He loved our committee, 
constantly saluted our members for their dedication and fully expected 
each one to support the process, limit debate, support open rules and 
with a minimum of partisanship and `do the nation's business.'
  ``A copy of the Constitution was ever-present in his pocket, to 
remind all of Article 1, Section Nine, Clause 7. For those of you 
unfamiliar with this provision, I suggest you look it up!
  ``On the Defense Subcommittee, he always spoke of the dedication of 
members of our Armed Forces and the sacrifice of their families and our 
committee's obligation to serve them!
  ``He would say at every meeting: our soldiers, sailors, Marines and 
airmen and women are the ones doing the work of freedom--the ones who 
work every day to make the world safer for Americans and our friends 
and more dangerous for those who would do us harm.
  ``That's why Bill Young would often state on the House Floor, `there 
is no room for politics in our bill'--we must always be there for all 
those who serve and sacrifice.
  ``As you know, Bill and Beverly visited the old Walter Reed Army 
Medical Center, the old Bethesda Naval and the newly-expanded Bethesda 
National Military Medical Center just about every week.
  ``They were quiet visits, executed without fanfare or press release.
  ``Each time, they met with our wounded warriors and their families, 
adopting their hardships and often underwriting their expenses--helping 
them meet every type of crisis: food, travel, rent, inattention from 
medical personnel or hospital administrators.
  ``The Youngs confronted military brass whenever necessary in order to 
get those with physical and mental wounds the best care and support 
possible. They were fierce in their determination!
  ``And wherever they were with the troops, the Youngs took names, 
called their families and carried grievances to `the top' to be 
resolved. This was their SOP, their passion, and woe to those who 
underestimated their dedication and resolve!
  ``You might say from time to time they `rang a few chimes' to get a 
tough situation resolved! In fact, I am confident that there are many 
officers with us here today who would vouch for that. I won't ask for a 
show of hands, but you know who you are!
  ``Typical was the story Bill told us once--about a Saturday lunch at 
a small restaurant in Alexandria, Virginia--an area teeming with 
military personnel on-duty and off-duty. As Beverly left the table to 
greet another soldier or Marine, Bill was presented with the meal check 
and was stunned! `$171 for a tuna fish sandwich and a burger and two 
cokes?!?!' The waitress calmly replied that `It's not just a sandwich 
and a burger, sir. Your wife volunteered you to pay for that soldier at 
that table and that Marine family over there and the sailor in the 
corner and a couple that have already left.'
  ``I also know that, over the years, many military families were 
pleasantly surprised when their grocery tab was covered by Bill or 
Beverly Young standing behind them in the supermarket check-out line.

[[Page 16276]]

  ``Bill and my late father served together for a few years before my 
father retired from Congress in 1974. With that early tie, he has been 
a friend and mentor to me since my arrival.
  ``I know these personal connections may not count for much these 
days, but were it not for Bill, it is likely that I would not be 
serving on the Defense Appropriations Committee or honored to be 
speaking here today.
  ``Nor would I have had the opportunity to occupy the back row of the 
House chamber--from which Bill Young had an expansive view of American 
history as few others ever did or as few others ever will.
  ``He personally made much of that history, directing an 
appropriations process that actually worked, despite its procedural 
flaws and partisan challenges.
  ``It is well-documented that his strong support for our national 
security made America the envy of the world and improved the lives of 
our servicemembers and their families in more ways than they will ever 
know and assured that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
  ``A reverent hush has now fallen over that back row of the House 
chamber.
  ``The Congress has lost a leader.
  ``The nation has lost an experienced authority on national security.
  ``Our Armed Forces have lost a valuable partner.
  ``And whether they know it or not, the troops and their families have 
lost one of the best friends they ever had.
  ``We all have lost a great, principled man who lived a life from 
which we all could learn.
  ``May the tributes and prayers that have flowed in recent days be a 
source of comfort and strength to you, Beverly, and to Billy, Patrick 
and Rob and the rest of the Young family and his loyal, long-serving 
staff--past and present--both in his personal offices in Washington and 
Florida and the Defense Committee's staff--the unsung majority and 
minority professionals who make the Committee work.
  ``Ladies and gentlemen, the sun is setting on an American life of 
service. Bill Young, now an Honorary Marine, may be gone, but he will 
never be forgotten!
  ``From the back row of the House chamber, Bill Young had a front row 
seat to history--a history he helped shape. And for that, our nation is 
a stronger and a better place.''
  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
our late colleague, Congressman Bill Young.
  Congressman Young was an extraordinary public servant whose legacy of 
caring for his constituents and veterans will not soon be forgotten. I 
am truly honored to have served alongside him in Congress.
  For more than four decades, Congressman Young championed legislation 
to improve the lives of Floridians and all Americans and never 
hesitated to reach across the aisle to find common ground.
  A veteran of the Army National Guard, Congressman Young used his 
expertise on defense and security issues to advocate for our men and 
women in uniform. Throughout his legislative career, Congressman Young 
worked diligently to ensure that our military had access to the 
training and equipment necessary to be successful in their missions. He 
also stood by our brave soldiers and their families at home--making 
sure military retirees had access to health care, defending benefits 
for military spouses, supporting our wounded veterans, and honoring our 
fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.
  Congressman Young was a tireless advocate for Florida. In the 1980's, 
he established the first moratorium on drilling off the West Coast of 
Florida, and fought subsequent efforts to repeal this moratorium. Mr. 
Young also championed landmark legislation to protect the Everglades, 
raising his voice to break a deadlock amongst his colleagues.
  His work to establish the National Marrow Donor program and support 
for biomedical research is another example of how Congressman Young's 
efforts will touch lives many years after his public service.
  I remember shortly after I was first elected to Congress, Mr. Young 
made it a point to reach out and share his insights with me. During our 
time together on the Appropriations Committee, I was so fortunate to 
learn from this experienced Floridian and great statesman.
  Congressman Young's leadership and service to all Floridians will be 
truly cherished and forever missed. He never stopped working for a 
better nation and a better Florida, and for that, we should all be 
thankful. Our nation has lost a true champion whose legacy will 
continue to inspire generations to come.
  Ms. BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Chairman Bill Young, whose passing we mourn and whose dedication to 
America's servicemembers is well known to his fellow Floridians, as 
well as to all who serve in this House.
  Taking care of our nation's men and women in uniform was his passion. 
He often called them, ``kids'' because he cared for them as deeply as 
if they were family.
  Chairman Young was an officer and a Gentleman. He served for nine 
years in the Army National Guard. During his decades in Congress, he 
and his wife, Beverly, regularly visited with hospitalized combat 
troops in Florida, and here at Bethesda. They helped arranging travel 
for military family members, or those who were having trouble paying 
the bills. Here in the House, at the Appropriations Committee, and in 
any other way he could find, he was tireless in his work on behalf of 
servicemembers, veterans and their families.
  I worked with him when we were trying to finish the new courthouse in 
Orlando. This was just after the Oklahoma City Bombing, and all the new 
security requirements that were added to protect the buildings and the 
people in them.
  The project was $19 million over budget, but the Chairman came to 
what must have been the longest town hall meeting ever. Everyone had 
something to say. The Chairman was a gentleman as always and wanted 
what was best for the people of Florida, regardless of party. This was 
the case also when it came to funding for research. Chairman Young knew 
how important cutting edge research is and made it a priority to find 
the funding to help future generations of Americans.
  Madam Speaker, as we say goodbye to our friend and colleague, 
Chairman Bill Young, I want to thank him for being a reasonable person 
to work with. All of our encounters were pleasant and I will miss 
working with him.
  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, C.W. Bill Young was a truly 
great American who served the people of the State of Florida with the 
utmost degree of professionalism, excellence, and dedication for more 
than 50 years in both the Florida State Senate and the United States 
House of Representatives.
  It was truly an honor and a privilege for me to serve with Bill, and 
it would be impossible to list all the things that I have learned from 
Bill in the few short minutes that I have today. Anyone who was 
fortunate enough to get to know Bill can tell you that there was 
perhaps no greater advocate for our Nation's veterans and no greater 
friend to our military than Bill Young.
  Last week, I was here on this floor to offer legislation to rename 
the Bay Pines VA Medical Center after Bill. The enormous outpouring of 
support, with 378 original cosponsors, was a testament to Bill's 
tireless work on behalf of veterans and the boundless respect that his 
colleagues had for him. But, what many may not know is that the current 
medical center in Bay Pines may not have existed at all if not for 
Bill's work back in 1976. As President Ford travelled through Florida, 
Bill joined him aboard Air Force One. Despite opposition from high 
ranking senior officials in the Administration, Bill convinced 
President Ford that the veterans of Central Florida needed a new 
facility to make sure that our Nation upheld our solemn promise ``to 
care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his 
orphan.'' Thanks to Bill that facility was built.
  Madam Speaker, Bill's distinguished service to our Nation, as a 
veteran and a lawmaker, stands as a shining example for every public 
servant, and indeed every American, of what can be achieved through 
hard-work, patriotism, and an abiding faith in God. My wife Vicki and I 
extend our deepest condolences to Bill's wife, Beverly, children, Rob, 
Billy and Patrick and the entire Young family. We will all miss Bill 
dearly, but we know that his legacy will never be forgotten and that 
our Nation is that much stronger thanks to his service.

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