December 10, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H9809 had a lot of fun with them. I decided, playing basketball and sailing on the District, I called President for ad- instead, to bring one of three specially water, sharing and listening to Presi- vice. He encouraged me to run and gave made Ways and Means ties that we had dent Bush’s stories until the sun went me the push that I needed. I will never just created. down. forget it. Years ago, I announced my I brought that to the President, and I remember one basketball game. My congressional campaign in his office he seemed thrilled, but it was Barbara daughters were playing, and they with him by my side sitting next to who was most excited. When I pre- didn’t have any tennis shoes. Mrs. Bush me, and the rest in my world is history. sented the tie, she exclaimed: Thank went and got her tennis shoes and gave I am forever grateful to President God. No more socks, please. them to my daughters. When they Bush. He has been an inspiration I will finish, too, with this. Finally, began to shoot, there were vines that throughout my life. He has been like a every Veterans Day and Memorial Day had grown up on the basketball goal, father. Whether it be in my faith or in as I address our events in the Eighth and she made the President get hedge my path to public service, he was very Congressional District of , I often clippers and clip the vines down before kind to me. conclude with my most memorable the girls could shoot baskets. He was the first person to call me quote from President Bush. It is a What a man he was. I am grateful for while I was in the hospital after the quote that is emblazoned in the library these priceless moments with Presi- baseball shooting back in June of 2016. in College Station in letters 10 feet dent Bush that exist now only as He said he was praying for me and tall, where that Brazos Valley sun can memories, and great memories. praying for our team. Two days later, catch it every day and afternoon on the In addition to traveling together as he called to check on me again. library. The quote is this: ‘‘Let future friends, we also shared a love for base- He has always answered the phone to generations understand the burden and ball. I was proud to be awarded with offer his sage wisdom when I called and the blessings of freedom. Let them say his award, the George H.W. Bush Dis- given me his advice, and I truly miss we stood where duty required us to tinguished Alumnus Award, by the Na- him terribly. stand.’’ tional College Baseball Hall of Fame. Over a week has gone by now that That quote embodies President To this day, I wear a ring that has his our country has been without one of George H.W. Bush, and it is a call to us name on it. the greatest Americans to ever live. as well to stand where duty requires us It was during our baseball days that This is an immeasurable loss for Amer- to stand today in all things and in the something very interesting happened. ica, but I am comforted knowing that future. We were having lunch one day in his of- he has been reunited with his beloved Mr. Speaker, the next Member to fice at College Station, and it was my- Barbara and their daughter Robin. speak will be the gentleman from self; President Bush; Jean Becker, his It has been a true honor to experi- Texas (Mr. WILLIAMS), a dear friend of chief of staff; and Drake McLane, who ence life with President Bush in it. Our President Bush for more than three owned the Astros. President Bush, just country is better because of him, I am decades, a partner and a colleague, and out of nowhere, said: I need to bring better because of him, and my family is a huge admirer. something up that I have gotten no better because of him. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance credit for. He once said, and we have all heard of my time. Ms. Becker said: No, don’t go there, it: Public service is the most noble Mr. President. f calling of all. And he answered that He said: No, I am going to go there. call. Each and every day, I am praying HONORING PRESIDENT GEORGE b 1930 for the entire , as we all HERBERT WALKER BUSH And Ms. Becker said: No, don’t go are, and I hope they find peace during The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under there, Mr. President. this difficult time. the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- And he said: No, I am going to go One more story. uary 3, 2017, the gentleman from Texas there. There is plenty of time between We were in Fort Worth one day and (Mr. WILLIAMS) is recognized for the re- that. he spoke. He found out that one of our mainder of the hour as the designee of He said: I said a statement that I get civic leaders was not doing well, from a the majority leader. no credit for, and that statement is, health standpoint. We got in the car. Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I am ‘‘You da man.’’ He had his cell phone, and he dialed the reminded of a time in Texas when we He explained that he was at an number. A lady that worked in his were at a breakfast, and we had two Astros game—it was actually the Colt house answered the phone, and he groups. We had a group that was very .45s in 1961—and they had a player asked to speak to this gentleman. She close to , the Governor of named Rusty Staub. Rusty Staub held a minute, and the wife of this gen- Florida, and one that was close to wanted to meet President Bush. After tleman got on the phone. George W. Bush. the game, Staub came toward Presi- He said: This is President Bush. I Mrs. Bush was our guest speaker, and dent Bush, who then was not President, would like to speak to your husband. she spoke. When she opened up for and President Bush said: I don’t know She said: He cannot speak. questions, one of the questions was: why I said it and don’t know what it He said: Well, take this phone into Mrs. Bush, a lot of us in here know Jeb meant, but when he came closer to me, his bedroom right now, and I want to better than George; we know George I said, ‘‘You da man.’’ tell him I love him. better than Jeb. How are they alike? Drayton McLane said: Well, if you That is the kind of man President How do they differ? haven’t got any credit for it, we are Bush was. Mrs. Bush said she had been blessed playing the Dodgers tomorrow night, So God bless President Bush, God to have a great family, but she said we will put on the diamond vision your bless this family, and God bless Amer- these words: You could put all my boys picture, and we will put, ‘‘You da ica. together, and they would not equal man.’’ Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman their father. The next night, they did, and he got from Texas, (Mr. CULBERSON), who I I thought that was powerful. that credit for ‘‘You da man.’’ think represents where President Bush On November 30, 2018, America lost a So I would just say to the President, lives. great servant, and I lost a great friend. and I think we would all agree: Mr. Mr. CULBERSON. Mr. Speaker, I President Bush epitomized every- President, you da man. thank the gentleman for yielding. thing wonderful about America, and We had a relationship that was very In 18 years, it has been my extraor- like his country, he was tough, strong, unique and very dear to my heart. This dinary privilege to represent the people and kind. great man served as a mentor to me of District 7. I have had the world’s Over the years, I was able to get to and had a huge impact on my life. In best role model as a Congressman. know the President and his family very fact, he was the reason I am standing My predecessor, George H.W. Bush, well. My family and I had the oppor- here before all of you today. was the first Congressman to represent tunity to visit them in Kennebunkport When I was contemplating running to District 7. He, just as he was to ROGER many summers. Our days were spent represent Texas’ 25th Congressional WILLIAMS and as he was to KEVIN

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:11 Dec 11, 2018 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10DE7.062 H10DEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE H9810 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 10, 2018 BRADY, has been not only a role model stand him in strong stead through the then Senator Gramm took the Presi- to me, but an adviser who helped to ebbs and flows of posterity’s judgment. dent’s handwoven silk tie, and I ended guide me when I first decided to run for On that score, George H.W. Bush was a up with Gramm’s polyester tie. The office. uniquely good man. President said: Well, JOE, you are the He has always been there for me to In a political universe where good junior man here. You just have to suck offer advice every step of the way. He men are hard to come by, there was bi- it up. is an extraordinary role model. Every- partisan consensus a quarter century Later that week in Fort Worth, Sen- one who knew him understood imme- after he left the White House. We will ator Gramm and I were at a fundraiser diately that they were in the presence miss this great, good man, and Amer- for the Republican women, and I no- of someone extraordinary. ica and Texas are far, far better that he ticed he was wearing the President’s As Mark McKinnon remembers: lived and he served his Nation so well. handwoven silk tie. So at the end of ‘‘George H.W. Bush will be remembered Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I yield the event, I stood up and I said: Now, by history as a deeply accomplished to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. BAR- ladies, we need to raise some more public servant. But the many of us who TON), the dean of our Texas delegation. money. were lucky enough to pass through his Mr. BARTON. Mr. Speaker, I think it We auctioned off the President’s tie. orbit will remember him for his un- is a measure of President George H.W. had to be a good sport, common grace and love toward family Bush that we all think of him as a per- and I think we got $2,000 for it. and friends.’’ sonal friend. It is literally true that he When Bush was President, he was a The editor-in-chief of Texas Monthly had tens of thousands, possibly hun- strong supporter of the Super Collider once said of George H.W. Bush that it dreds of thousands, of men and women project in my district. I invited him to is clear there is a narrative that runs who considered themselves personal come to Ellis County to tour it, and he through the Bush family: ‘‘be polite, friends. did. I got to ride on Air Force One, and treat people decently.’’ I felt I was very close to the Presi- I got to ride on Marine One and show This came from his father and from dent, although obviously not as close him the project. He had on a hard hat his mother. They passed it on to their as Mr. WILLIAMS, who went to that said ‘‘President .’’ children. Kennebunkport and really knew the When he went back to the helicopter, He remembers: ‘‘Every encounter I family. as he got out of the Presidential mo- ever had with George W. Bush, whether I knew the President first as Vice torcade, he threw his hat on the back it was Governor Bush or President President. When I was a White House seat. I said: Mr. President, can I have Bush 43 or ex-President Bush, he was Fellow, it was Vice President Bush who that hard hat? the same guy. He is very much his fa- had a reception in the White House and He said: Well, keep it for me until the ther’s son, and all of us who are par- gave my class their White House Fel- next time I come down here to open the ents hope that whatever else we don’t low certificates. SSC. do right, the thing we do do right is to As a candidate, one of the reasons As we all know, he got defeated for convey the fundamental values of who that I am here today is because he took reelection. President Clinton didn’t we are and who we’re supposed to be to a personal interest in me. We had an strongly support the SSC and it was our kids.’’ event that we had planned for myself killed, but I still have that hard hat. One of the things that survives about in Fort Worth, but the NRCC decided After he left office and a decision was George Bush, the elder, is the fact that that I couldn’t win, and they gave that made to put the Bush library at Texas he passed along to his own children date and that time to Dick Armey. A&M, I put a bill on the floor that got that same decency, that same line of They did the event in Denton, Texas, $15 million to set up the Bush Fellows decency that he learned from his par- instead of in Fort Worth, for Dick at Texas A&M, and I am very, very ents. Armey. proud of that. In fact, Jeb Bush once said: How I was so mad that I crashed his event. The last story I will tell is that in great is this country that it could elect I went up to the security checkpoint my reelection in 1986, I was the number a man as fine as our dad to be Presi- and they wouldn’t let me in. I asked to one target in the State of Texas and dent? speak to the events team, and the head one of the top 10 targets in the coun- If we remember what George W. said of the events team was a gentleman try. The Vice President called me and as he accepted the Presidential nomi- named Ron Kaufman. Ron knew me. He said: Would you like me to do an nation in the year 2000, President Bush said: Well, JOE, that is pretty unusual. event? 43 said, as he accepted the nomination: This is really for Dick Armey. Of course, I said yes. ‘‘My father was the last President of a But he went and talked to the Vice We did that event in Fort Worth. great generation, a generation of President, and the Vice President said Fran and Eddie Chiles hosted it, and we Americans who stormed beaches, liber- sure. So I got on the stage with Roger raised, I believe, over $200,000, which in ated concentration camps, and deliv- Staubach and Dick Armey and the Vice that time and era, for me, was a lot of ered us from evil. Some never came President. I was only there for about 3 money. home. Those who did put their medals minutes, but my picture and the video The Vice President spent a lot of in drawers, went to work and built on was in the TV market that night. time there and was very gracious to a heroic scale highways and univer- The Vice President asked me to go to my family and to my parents. He in- sities, suburbs and factories, great cit- Houston. I had Montgomery County, vited my mother and father to the ies and grand alliances, the strong and so I went. He flew, but I drove, and White House when he was President for foundations of an American century.’’ I got to be in the rally that night. the White House Christmas Ball, and George H.W. Bush brought the Cold When he was going to Texas A&M as that was one of the highlights of their War to a peaceful conclusion, success- President, I represented A&M. I got in- lives. fully managing the fall of the Berlin vited to fly on Air Force One with Sen- So to the Bush family, thank you for Wall, the reunification of Germany, ator Gramm to Texas A&M, and I wore sharing the President with us all these and the end of the Soviet Union with- my Texas A&M tie. years. out provoking violence from com- As we were sitting up in the Presi- As I said at the start, it is a measure munist bitter enders. dential cabin of Air Force One, I no- of an individual when he has so many In the first , George H.W. ticed that the President had on a people who consider themselves to be Bush established that on his watch handwoven, beautiful silk tie, and I no- personal friends. My guess is that America would not retreat from the ticed that Senator Gramm had on an President Bush has more of those types world but would intervene decisively old, cheap polyester tie. Senator of individuals than just about anybody when the global balance of power was Gramm looked at me, and he said: JOE, else in the country. in jeopardy. you ought to give your tie to the Presi- God bless the late President Bush. His life was spent in the service of his dent. Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I yield Nation, and his spirit of conciliation, I volunteered to give my Texas A&M to the gentleman from San Antonio, common sense, and love of country will tie to the President, which I did; but Texas (Mr. SMITH).

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:11 Dec 11, 2018 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10DE7.064 H10DEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE December 10, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H9811 Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I through his loved ones on Wednesday the 26th District of Texas, I thank him thank my friend and colleague from during his memorial service. As his son for his matchless service to our coun- Texas, ROGER WILLIAMS, for yielding to President George W. Bush said—who try, and I join a grateful nation to me. has the same sense of family and dedi- thank the Bush family for sharing him Mr. Speaker, I would like to com- cation to the Nation—of his father: with us. memorate the life and public service of ‘‘Your decency, sincerity, and kind Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I yield our 41st President, George Herbert soul will stay with us forever.’’ to the gentleman from Texas, Con- Walker Bush. So through our tears, let us know the gressman PETE OLSON, a great veteran. President Bush was simply one of the blessings of knowing and loving you, a Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I thank my most honorable people I have ever met great and noble man. George H.W. friend from Texas 25 for setting up this in or out of politics. As a fellow Texan, Bush’s greatness shows in the strength Special Order for a great American, I was privileged to know and work with of his family, and he has given us all a Bush, back him over the years. lesson in how to be a good friend. home known as Bush 41. One of my happiest memories was President Bush accomplished much There are many words which describe when I was a junior Member of Con- in his long life. He epitomized what it his life: statesman, dignified, hero, fa- gress. I was invited by the President to means to be a public servant, and I am ther, husband, devoted leader, and accompany him on Air Force One. This honored to recognize this distinguished human being. was my first flight. We went down to Texan today and thank him for his My wife, Nancy, and I met him twice my hometown of San Antonio for the service to our country. in very relaxed settings in Houston, signing of the North American Free Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I yield Texas. We loved how funny he was. He Trade Agreement. to the gentleman from Texas, Con- loved to make people laugh. After we were in the air, the Presi- gressman MICHAEL BURGESS, from Den- He and I talked about being former dent asked me to join him and the ton County. naval aviators and running back home First Lady, , in the for- Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I thank in Houston for Congress. Both of us had ward cabin. I expected the visit to last the gentleman from Texas for bringing a big problem with our first campaign: about 5 minutes, but, instead, I ended us together for this hour to pay tribute We weren’t born in Texas; we weren’t up spending the entire 21⁄2-hour flight to our American hero who served on native Texans. Some called us carpet- with them all the way down. the front lines of our Nation’s history baggers. for, really, almost a century. President Bush had the best reply I b 1945 From the skies of the Pacific to the have ever heard. To paraphrase, he Mr. Speaker, I have to say that I felt Yale baseball diamond, to the oilfields said: It is true, my friend, I wasn’t born a twinge of guilt because I felt like he of Texas, to the floor of the United in Texas. But on my birthday, it was should have been spending this time States House of Representatives, to the very important that I was with my making phone calls or writing those streets of Beijing and the halls of the mother; and, sadly, my mom was not in well-known personal notes that he was White House, President George Herbert Texas on June 12 of 1924. famous for. Walker Bush led a life of humble lead- I wish I had the wisdom of that line This was an election year and, cer- ership, courage, and conviction. when I ran in 2008. tainly, he could have taken my support Over five decades, he built an un- He loved having fun with his soul for granted. But instead, this gesture matched resume. His accomplishments, mate, Barbara Bush. He was married on his part I think showed his big heart while impressive on their own, are ex- for 73 years, and she was the first and how gracious and friendly he was. traordinary when bundled together. woman he ever kissed. Earlier this year, I arranged for a After the war, he left his New Eng- And check out this photo. That is tree to be planted on the Capitol land home to move his young family to President Carter and Rosalynn; Presi- Grounds to honor President Bush. It west Texas, where he pursued an oil ca- dent Ford and Betty; Lady Bird John- was the first tree to be dedicated to a reer and later served the people of the son; and President George H.W. Bush President. His selfless public service Seventh Congressional District here in and Barbara Bush. Guess who has rab- and commitment to family continues the United States House of Representa- bit ears? Our First Lady, Barbara Bush. to be a worthy example for all of us. tives. George Bush never let the job take Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I yield As a leader, President Bush faced over his humanity. to the gentlewoman from Fort Worth, some of the greatest challenges of his Mr. Speaker, I have a final story Texas, Congresswoman . time: He worked to open new paths of about President Bush having fun with Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, George diplomacy in China; he helped to re- the same photographer back in Hous- H.W. Bush was a giant of a man, a store confidence in the Central Intel- ton. He has been with the Bush family decorated naval aviator who nearly ligence Agency; and he worked along- for about 40 years. lost his life in World War II, Ambas- side President Reagan to make Amer- As President Bush’s health faded, he sador to the United Nations, Director ica great. went there one fall to take some pic- of the Central Intelligence Agency, Though he is perhaps better known tures for Christmas. I asked my friend: Vice President, and, most notably, for making waves overseas, our 41st How is the President doing? President of the United States. President achieved new heights at He said: He is doing fine. His brain is But more than any of that, he is home when he opened new doors for great, but he can’t walk anymore. He is someone to admire because he spent Americans with disabilities. wheelchair bound, and we take a photo his life dedicated to serving his coun- While President Bush had a robust every year with the First Lady after try and his fellow man. His dedication resume stacked with prestigious jobs they come back home from to his country was only rivaled by his at critical times in American history, Kennebunkport for photos for Christ- dedication to his family, marked by his most of us will remember him from the mas and for the entire year. Those 73-year marriage to his wife, Barbara, roles he held most dear: for 73 years, shoots have become very, very tough. and his loving relationships with his President Bush was a devoted husband I can’t stand him up. He has to sit children, his grandchildren, and his of Barbara Pierce, a legend in her own down in his wheelchair. He was 6 foot 2, great-grandchildren. right, with whom he built an honorable 6 foot 3. Barbara was probably 5 foot 7. As important as he was, he took time family of children, grandchildren, and He towered over her in real life. In the to greet people who came to see him. great-grandchildren. Together, Presi- wheelchair, she towered over him. He knew the value of a written note of dent and Mrs. Bush wove their own So how do you fix that? praise and a hug and a handshake. He story of the American Dream. He said: I worked the First Lady out laughed as well as he led, and he knew There is no doubt that President hard. I made her squat down, get on her the importance of relationships. Bush made the State of Texas, the knees so she is below him as they have Those who didn’t have the privilege United States of America, and the been their whole life. And then to try of knowing President Bush personally global community a better place to to hide that wheelchair from the were given a glimpse of his character live. On behalf of my constituents in photos, I put her up to the left down

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:11 Dec 11, 2018 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10DE7.066 H10DEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE H9812 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 10, 2018 low, to the right down low, behind to his legacy as President will continue to sions—missions defined and missions the right down low, behind to left down grow long after his passing. completed. Today, George Herbert low—moved her all over. Thank you for your service. Rest in Walker Bush’s mission on Earth is Then he started laughing and said: peace, Mr. President. complete, and I join my friend, Presi- What made their love so special, so Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I yield dent George W. Bush, the entire Bush dear, is that both, at 90 years old, as to the gentleman from Texas, Con- family, and all Americans in cele- our First Lady walked in front of the gressman WILL HURD, who represents a brating a life well-lived and rejoice President, about 10 times she stopped very large district in Texas. with them in the promise of life ever- and said, ‘‘George, stop that. Stop Mr. HURD. Mr. Speaker, I would like lasting. that.’’ Our President was pinching her to thank my friend and colleague for God, no doubt, has blessed this great behind out of love. arranging this conversation. country in many ways, not the least of There is good news today for the I want to join my colleagues and a which is with men like George Herbert Bush family. President Bush and Bar- mourning nation today as we continue Walker Bush. bara are walking hand in hand with to honor the legacy of President God bless the Bush family, and God their daughter, Robin, in Heaven right George H.W. Bush, a giant of a man continue to bless America. now. that we should all aspire to be. Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mr. Speaker, I will close by saying He was also a man of integrity who to the gentleman from California (Mr. the last four words President Bush said focused on his family and his faith. He LAMALFA). when he was with us. He said these was a loving and caring husband, fa- Mr. LAMALFA. Mr. Speaker, I thank words to our President George W. Bush, ther, grandfather, and great-grand- my colleague from Texas (Mr. WIL- so-called Bush 43. He said, ‘‘I love you, father who treated his friends and his LIAMS) for leading this tonight. He fi- nally ran out of Texans to present too.’’ foes with kindness, civility, and re- He said that to George W., but we all spect. here, so we are now up to California. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to be able know he said that to every American, I will be forever grateful that he fell to be here tonight to join in the com- every person in this world. This man in love with Texas A&M University, memoration celebration of President loved life. He loved America. He loved my alma mater, because that is where I had the opportunity of meeting and Bush 41. When he was looked to for humanity. He was a great man. leadership, he came through in spades. Rest well in Heaven, and have fair becoming friends with the late Presi- dent. I recall mostly, I think, one of the winds and following seas. strongest moments was, indeed, during Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I yield He encouraged me to join the CIA and had a lasting impact on me and the Gulf war, Desert Storm, and his to the gentleman from Texas, Dr. steady hand was what was needed at a BRIAN BABIN. many of my peers to answer the call to service and work toward causes greater very perilous time for our allies and Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the neighbors in the Middle East who were gentleman for yielding. than ourselves. I will be forever grate- ful for him instilling this spirit in me. counting on us, but also on the ability Our Nation lost a true patriot on No- to keep the coalitions that America vember 30 with the passing of George Forty-one was the epitome of a pub- lic servant and a beacon of light in this had built over so many years and, in- Herbert Walker Bush. deed, form that coalition to help us be Our 41st President ascended to the of- world embodying America at its best. Rest in peace, Mr. President. Thank successful on the world stage in that fice with an impeccable resume for the effort. position, having served as Congress- you for your selfless service, and thank you for being an example to us all. He exuded leadership. I love the pho- man, Ambassador to China, CIA Direc- tograph—I think it is the best of him. tor, and Vice President to our 40th b 2000 He is standing there in that bomber President, . Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I yield jacket, looking off in the distance, and His service as a Navy pilot during the to the gentleman from Lubbock, Texas just that photo exudes confidence and Second World War, during which he (Mr. ARRINGTON). gives us confidence in him as a leader was shot down over the Pacific, ce- Mr. ARRINGTON. Mr. Speaker, I at that time when it was so very per- mented his status as an American hero. thank the gentleman for hosting this ilous. But the humble Bush rarely referenced Special Order, my friend ROGER WIL- He was a good man. He learned from his war experiences. Indeed, President LIAMS, a fellow Texan, to honor the life mistakes that happened, and he built Bush rarely discussed his own record. and legacy of President George Herbert upon them to be successful. His accomplishments as President, Walker Bush. As a President and I think most im- particularly on the world’s stage, seem Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor portantly, he would say, as a family more impressive with the passing time, the life of a great American and a man—indeed, when we all viewed the and historians and scholars hold his ad- proud Texan, President George Herbert service for him last week here, that ministration in increasingly high es- Walker Bush. This past week, we as a beautiful family that he was so proud teem. nation said good-bye to a true states- of really is a legacy that he can be Mr. Speaker, I met President Bush man. We reflected on a life of duty, proud of, along with Barbara. That is only once, but I still treasure the pho- honor, and, above all, service to others. the most important legacy. tograph that I had taken with him. He From one of the youngest Navy pi- But also what he brought to the of- was a real gentleman. lots in our Nation’s history to the lead- fice—civility, it is something that Despite a life spent in public service er of the highest office in the land, our might be a little shorthanded in the at the highest levels, President Bush 41st President’s life was defined by dealings in Washington, D.C., these was a devoted family man. He was con- service to others, and his dedication to days. He brought civility, and he stantly surrounded by his loved ones. our country was matched only by his brought respect to the office, the insti- His children adored him, and his rela- love for and devotion to his family. tution, and the interactions. tionship with his wife, Barbara, has Throughout his life, President Bush Indeed, his ability to work across the long been celebrated for its commit- taught us that public service is a noble aisle, and post-Presidency, work with ment and its warmth. calling and that being a politician and people who had been his opponents pre- The people of Texas, which became a gentleman aren’t necessarily mutu- viously for causes that were bigger his adopted home after his service in ally exclusive. His example inspired than all of us, he showed the way. He the Navy, will forever hold President countless other Americans to get in- showed the light when he talked about Bush in special regard. volved in public service, which made a the thousand and being George Bush led an exemplary life. tremendous impact on many lives, such able to accomplish and help others His service to his country and his kind- as mine, and, no doubt, has had an im- post-Presidency. ness to his fellow Americans ranks him pact on this country. It has made it a His sense of adventure, jumping out among our most beloved of Presidents. better and brighter place to live. of perfectly good airplanes at each His reputation as a loving husband and Mr. Speaker, President Bush once birthday or landmark birth date, that father will persist, and I believe that said that he saw life in terms of mis- is something else. It makes me smile.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:11 Dec 11, 2018 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10DE7.068 H10DEPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with HOUSE December 10, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H9813 Mostly, he had a sense of humor. You Budapest and see the economic vitality Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman saw it in his son, George W., as well. of free-market capitalism at work. from the State of Georgia (Mr. ALLEN). You see it all the time, but he could But there were other exceptional mo- Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank take a joke and give one out. ments in the international portfolio, the gentleman so much for this oppor- Always one of my favorite things was including the completion of the North tunity to come talk about someone we his interacting with Dana Carvey on American Agreement; the have talked about for some time now, the Saturday Night Live skits there reinforcement of the Monroe Doctrine but we could talk about him for a very and his playing along, because he saw by ejecting the threatening thug long time. the fun in it. He saw the humor in it Manuel Noriega from Panama; the deli- It is with a heavy heart that I rise when people chalked him up as a com- cate punishment of China while bal- this evening, along with my colleagues, bination of John Wayne and Mr. ROG- ancing our relationship during the re- to recognize the life and legacy of a ERS in how he carried himself and the gime’s horrible, murderous actions in true American statesman and patriot, whole ‘‘na ga da’’ thing. That he Tiananmen Square; and ending the our late President George H.W. Bush. interacted with Dana Carvey just years of tension between the United My association with President Bush showed what a well-rounded and great States and our ally Japan by creating was through my hometown of Augusta, man this man was. the Structural Impediments Initiative home of the Masters Tournament, We are appreciative of the oppor- that opened Japanese markets by re- founded by the greatest amateur golfer tunity to commemorate him and his moving nontariff barriers to American of all time, Bobby Jones. The Walker service in all capacities and all phases exports and services. Cup, played by teams of the best ama- of his life. On the domestic front, this man of teur golfers from the United States, God bless him, and God bless the the House, Bush 41, developed an out- Great Britain, and Ireland every 2 whole Bush family. standing creative agenda, starting first years, was named after President Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I yield with cleaning up the failure of the S&L Bush’s grandfather and his namesake. to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. crisis of the 1980s. He proposed the I got to know President Bush. He was HILL). Americans with Disabilities Act that the first honorary chairman of the Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I thank my was accepted by Congress and has pro- First Tee organization. The sole pur- friend from Texas for coordinating this vided millions of Americans with more pose of the First Tee organization is to opportunity to stand in solidarity on opportunities for work and access. His give those young people who do not the House floor and memorialize a dear Clean Air Act amendments set the otherwise have the economic means to family friend and my former boss, standard in the world for cleaning up play the game of golf the opportunity George Herbert Walker Bush, our 41st acid rain challenges using market to play this great game. President President. mechanisms, benefiting not only Amer- Bush was also only one of two Presi- President Bush was a great sports- ica but our neighbor to the north, Can- dents to be inducted into the World man, a man of warm and goofy humor, ada. He left office with a reputation of Golf Hall of Fame. and a man who in every instance put constraining government spending and He led a life of utmost distinction, himself in the position of serving oth- responsible budgeting. and the family and friends he leaves be- ers. But, of course, along the way, there hind will always cherish the valuable He was willing to enlist and became were heartbreaks, beginning with the time spent with this American hero. As the Navy’s youngest aviator. A brave failure to have his close friend, Senator he is reunited with his wife, Barbara, aviator, indeed, he was, flying some 58 John Tower, confirmed as Secretary of and daughter, Robin, in Heaven, we combat missions. Defense for ridiculous and spurious will continue to learn by his example But at every stage of his life until he partisan reasons. always. Those young folks who are passed on to be with Barbara and Robin On Capitol Hill, President Bush 41 playing golf now and learning those on November 30 at the age of 94, Bush struggled with incredible partisanship values much appreciate it as well. 41 continued to put himself in the posi- from Senate Leader George Mitchell Rest in peace, Mr. President. tion of serving others. That is his leg- and House Majority Leader Dick Gep- Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I yield acy, helping spread a thousand points hardt, but he treasured his friendships to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. of light—American helping American, of cooperation and success with Mem- WEBER). Americans helping the less fortunate, bers like John Murtha, Dan Rosten- Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Americans reaching out across the kowski, and Speaker Tip O’Neill. George Herbert Walker Bush asked all ocean to help those in time of need. Mr. Speaker, George Bush 41 treas- of us to be light in this world, to be As I noted, he was a great sportsman. ured God, faith, and family. He prided gracious, to be diligent, and to be hon- He loved speed, fast boats like the Fi- himself in the Army mantra of duty, est. And then he led the way by exam- delity, fast planes like his Avenger honor, and country. In his memorial ple. Barbara III. He was said to be Grum- service at Washington National Cathe- His patriotism was innate. It was his man’s best customer after losing three dral, historian Jon Meacham stated guiding light, Mr. Speaker. And Bar- planes as a naval aviator. Even in that he believed Bush 41 was striving bara was his soulmate, his compass, sports that were known for being relax- every day to justify why he had been and part of his true north. ing, Mr. Speaker, he made them fast: 18 saved on that day off Chichi Jima. Mr. Speaker, George H.W. Bush was holes of ready golf, or cart polo, as it Thus, his focus on service as well as his one of our last great statesmen, a was referred to, in minutes, not hours; commandments: Don’t blame others member of the Greatest Generation. supercompetitive doubles tennis and and always share the credit—warm ad- His love for his Nation was bested only fishing. He always loved fishing—that monitions from his beloved mom. by his love for his family. This endur- is, when he wasn’t skydiving. So, Mr. Speaker, I stand today with ing love for both is how we will long re- But this sportsman, gentleman, serv- my friends from Texas to salute George member George H.W. Bush, Mr. Speak- ant leader accomplished an extraor- Bush, a good and faithful servant who er, and, oh, that we would emulate dinary portfolio of successes in his sin- ran a full and fast life. I was lucky to him. gle term of 4 years as our President. know him, work for him, and recognize President Bush could walk into a Called upon by the media and many him for being the exceptional man of room and make everyone feel like they to dance atop the crumbled Berlin character that he was. Our country is belonged. He was the epitome of the Wall, President Bush did not dance. In- blessed to have him as our Commander true Southern gentleman, even though stead, he put his shoulder down and in Chief and our 41st President of the he wasn’t born in the South. The South produced an agreement that, in turn, United States. did adopt him, however, I might add, has produced extraordinary growth and Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Mr. Speaker. His mannerisms and his prosperity among the peoples of Eu- Texas for yielding. convictions gained him respect far and rope. There is no greater memorial to Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, for the wide—worldwide, in fact. this success than to walk down the remaining speakers, we have 12 min- This great and good man brought us streets today of Warsaw, Prague, or utes remaining. together and led the way, once again,

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He is a for his family. In God we trust. at his final, kindest, gentlest resting man we will honor and continue to Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance place with Barbara and Robin. He is honor. By our lives and our service we of my time. home. hope to affirm both the wonderful life f Mission accomplished, Mr. President. of his lovely bride, as well as himself, CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 2, George Herbert Walker Bush, Mr. and to say to his children, grand- AGRICULTURE AND NUTRITION Speaker, is worth emulating. Oh, that children, great grandchildren, and oth- ACT OF 2018 we would all do so. ers: Rest well. Thank you for sharing Mr. CONAWAY submitted the fol- him with us, for he did serve his Na- b 2015 lowing conference report and state- tion. By that, he has served the people Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I yield ment on the bill (H.R. 2) to provide for of this Nation. My God bless. the reform and continuation of agricul- to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I yield JACKSON LEE). tural and other programs of the De- to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. partment of Agriculture through fiscal Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I YOHO). rise to join my colleagues tonight in year 2023, and for other purposes: Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I would like (For conference report and state- what is a tribute to George Herbert to take this time to honor the late Walker Bush and Barbara Bush, a trib- ment, see proceedings of the House of President George Herbert Walker Bush, December 10, 2018, published in Book ute of which I hope we will continue to our 41st President of the United States, II.) live. and express our condolences to the f It is my great honor to salute Presi- Bush family. dent Bush and to be reminded of the President Bush accomplished many IGNORANCE OR EVIL beauty of his love of 73 years, a part- policy objectives during his nearly 30 The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. nership of service, raising a family, and years in government, but I believe his BERGMAN). Under the Speaker’s an- serving a Nation. Last week’s tribute greatest legacy is his complete devo- nounced policy of January 3, 2017, the of mourning, memorials, and funerals tion to this Nation and its people. In Chair recognizes the gentleman from was an opportunity for not only the and out of office, President Bush dedi- Virginia (Mr. GARRETT) for 30 minutes. Nation, but the world to learn of the cated his life to public service and Mr. GARRETT. Mr. Speaker, over depth and the level of integrity, hon- helping others. He belonged to that era Thanksgiving, I had the amazing op- esty, statesmanship, and leadership of of Americans known as the Greatest portunity to accompany some impres- our 41st President. Generation. sive individuals and thought leaders I am glad to have known him, as a Whether it was serving in the U.S. from the Freedom Research Founda- Houstonian, and delighted to have Navy during World War II or achieving tion, on my own dime and my own worked with his wife, Barbara Bush, on the highest office in the land, Presi- time, into and northeastern Syria. her great commitment that everyone dent Bush never failed to demonstrate There was a debate that ran between should have the ability to read. Lit- selflessness and compassion. When myself and one of these individuals eracy was a standard-bearer by which faced with conflicts and adversity, over what was more dangerous, igno- she guided her later life. So many peo- President Bush always responded with rance or evil. Ultimately, I suggest ple learned to read and cherish books grace and honor. He lived at a time that perhaps ignorance is dangerous because of her service. when Americans and America knew and evil is dangerous, but the most I got to know the President more who we were. His lifetime of service dangerous thing might be the igno- closely because of his relationship with was rightly recognized in 2011, when he rance of evil itself. In order to van- my husband, Dr. Elwyn C. Lee. What received the Presidential Medal of quish evil, we must first vanquish igno- most people don’t know is, preceding Freedom, the Nation’s highest civilian rance. We must recognize the evil that the Honorable Barbara Jordan and honor. Even though he is no longer exists in order to correct it. Tonight, to that end, I will speak to , parts of the 18th Con- with us, his legacy of kindness and self- the realities on the ground, not only in gressional District, of which I rep- sacrifice will live on. the Middle East, but in so many parts resent, was represented by this young As we transition into the 116th Con- of the world, but specifically in Iraq Congressman by the name of George gress, I would like us to remember and Syria right now as I speak. If we Herbert Walker Bush. They were Afri- President Bush for his complete devo- don’t get this right, not only will innu- can Americans in a segregated Hous- tion to this country and its citizens. It merable lives vanish, but entire cul- ton. He was beloved because of his ea- is an honor to have a career in public tures will vanish. gerness to treat everyone as a human service, and I am grateful our country To my left is an image of individuals being. had a role model like President Bush. I restrained and then set on fire, one of One of his dear friends, who will turn hope my colleagues in Congress feel many barbaric acts that I could have 90 in a couple of weeks, Reverend Dr. the same. chosen to visually depict the horrors F.N. Williams, the pastor of the Anti- At a time in history when the Nation that have been visited upon this region och Baptist Church—he still is the pas- feels divided, we must remember those since the rise of ISIS and the Syrian tor—and I remember standing next to who have stood before us and worked civil war began. him in Acres Homes when then-Presi- to bring the American people together Edmund Burke once said—and I will dent Herbert Walker Bush landed his for the good of the country. The align- paraphrase, ‘‘The only thing necessary big helicopter right there in our com- ment he had in life is a simple one. In for evil to triumph is for good people to munity, showing and affirming the fact, our Nation would be better served do nothing.’’ I might submit that the friendship. if we followed it. It is: God, country, only thing worse than doing nothing is We further enjoyed the opportunity and family. doing the wrong thing. All too often in to know him, along with my husband, I ask that we honor late President the Middle East Western governments’ through his assisting him in his own Bush, we remember his encouragement policies are some combination of the high school, Andover Academy, and to work hand-in-hand with our neigh- two: nothing and the wrong thing. how kind he was to send a gift for our bors to give back to our community There are any number of ways to il- wedding from China. and to our country. The American peo- lustrate this, but one might be this de- He is more than the President of the ple are lucky to have such a compas- piction of an individual who was ac- United States, the Congressman; the sionate and honorable leader and we tively committing atrocities against

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