[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 6]
[House]
[Page 8688]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          AL RIDDLEY'S PRAYER

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Illinois (Mrs. Bustos) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Al Riddley of 
Springfield, Illinois, who is giving this afternoon's opening prayer.
  This tradition of a congressional prayer dates back all the way to 
the Continental Congress in 1774. It has guided the House of 
Representatives through trying and through difficult times. That is why 
I can think of no better person to lead us in prayer this afternoon.
  Al has dedicated his life to helping others and improving our 
communities in Illinois. Throughout his entire professional career, he 
has extended a helping hand to the most vulnerable, especially our 
friends and our neighbors in need.
  Al serves on the Governor's Commission on the Elimination of Poverty. 
As the recent past executive director of the Illinois Coalition for 
Community Services, he has worked to empower volunteers through 
education and grassroots organizing.
  As a minister, Al gives the best sermons I have ever heard. He can 
move congregations to tears. He can give them a good laugh. And I can 
guarantee you that if you hear him, there is never a congregation that 
doesn't walk away feeling inspired to make a difference in the lives of 
their neighbors.
  That is why it makes me proud to say that Al Riddley is going to be 
giving the opening prayer later this afternoon, and I am honored to 
have him here with us today.

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