[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9220]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               COMMEMORATING THE LIFE OF WILLIAM H. HECHT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DEVIN NUNES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 13, 2017

  Mr. NUNES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and public 
service of William H. Hecht.
  Born in Tifton, Georgia, Bill received a Master's of Divinity from 
Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, and an M.A. in philosophy 
from Washington University. After serving as a Lutheran pastor at Faith 
Lutheran Church in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, he became a campus pastor at 
the University of Oklahoma.
  Bill had a long history in both Missouri state politics and on the 
national stage in Washington, D.C. In 1967, he became the executive 
director of the Missouri State Republican Party. Two years later, he 
served as Vice President of the American Security Council, and in 1971 
he became Executive Assistant to the Chairman of the House Committee on 
Internal Security. After serving as an advisor and spokesman for the 
Reagan for President Campaign, Bill founded the respected government 
relations firm Hecht, Spencer and Associates in 1981.
  Bill was well known for his political camaraderie and engaging 
conversation. He was a regular at the Capitol Hill Club, where he was 
respected by lawmakers for his sharp wit and political advice. Bill 
also took great pride in mentoring some of the brightest young minds in 
Washington, dedicating his time to getting to know countless young 
people and their families. Bill was always direct, and even in the 
digital media age he exemplified the value of authentic relationships 
and person-to-person communication.
  Outside of politics, Bill was deeply dedicated to his family and 
friends. He was a devoted husband, proud father, and loving 
grandfather. Bill touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed 
by all who knew him.

                          ____________________