21108 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 September 8, 2009 Empowering Patients First Act, devel- care today. Here, I observed physicians man Congressman from North Carolina oped out of suggestions by my col- at one hospital helping physicians at the first one to speak tonight? It’s be- leagues in the Republican Study Com- another local hospital to increase the cause Bill Hefner, Mr. Hefner, was my mittee. For those constituents without availability, the competition, for inno- Congressman from the Eighth District computer access, I provided hard copies vative medical treatments that benefit of North Carolina. And with all of the of these bills to eight libraries and my patients with improved outcome and reconfiguring that took place from four district offices. less time in the hospital. time to time in my home county, Besides reading legislation, I also en- I am 83 years old. I have seen in my Montgomery County, North Carolina, gaged in a lot of listening and dialogue. own career and life and that of my fam- was always in Mr. Hefner’s district. I visited with local doctors in my dis- ily that innovation in modern medi- And it was the way that Mr. Hefner trict to get their perspective about cine, American style, moves at an as- represented us and, once again, who he health care. tonishing speed. It is this innovation was that we want to talk about to- At the recommendation of one of my that has so improved the quality of our night. constituents, Dr. John Vitarello, who lives as well as extending the lifespans Madam Speaker, I believe that one of is a cardiologist who practices at Fred- of Americans. the greatest ways we can remember is erick Memorial Hospital in my dis- By far, the most enlightening and in- by telling stories, and tonight we’re trict, I toured the cardiac formative exercise was three nights of going to talk about Mr. Hefner. And I catherization ‘‘cath’’ labs at Wash- teletownhalls that I held during the have several colleagues and friends of ington Adventist Hospital on August break. On two nights, Dr. John not only myself but who knew Mr. Hef- 27. I was invited to tour the lab by Dr. Vitarello joined me as a guest for these ner at the time, and they have been so Mark Turco, an interventional cardi- townhall meetings. Over 180,000 tele- generous with their time to be here to- ologist. Dr. Turco is also a leader of phone calls were placed; almost 20,000 night to help us remember. the three-member physician team from people were home and listened to some And I just want to start out very Washington Adventist Hospital which part of the townhall. briefly by just letting the story of Bill volunteered to supervise and assist a Madam Speaker, I believe that the Hefner be told a little bit. Bill Hefner was born in Tennessee. He joint training venture for physicians in prescription for health care reform in went to Alabama. He was a son of a Frederick Memorial Hospital so they the present bill will make it worse and sharecropper. He saw that his way out could also perform innovative proce- more expensive. These changes are the of poverty was through a gift that he dures in cath labs that shorten pa- opposite of what we need and Ameri- had been given by God, and that’s tients’ recoveries and hospital stays cans want. through the singing of gospel music. compared to traditional surgical re- f And he was very good, and he received pairs. While I was there in scrubs and HONORING BILL HEFNER an invitation to come to North Caro- lina. mask, I observed a procedure called an The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under And this was the time period of the endograft. An endograft is an innova- the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- late 1950s and early 1960s where tele- uary 6, 2009, the gentleman from North tive procedure in this case used to re- vision was much different than it is Carolina (Mr. KISSELL) is recognized pair an aneurysm in the patient’s today, when there was only just a few for 60 minutes as the designee of the aorta. stations there in North Carolina, and In the image-guided endovascular re- majority leader. they often filled their time in the Mr. KISSELL. Thank you, Madam pair, a stent graft, a woven polyester afternoon with gospel singing. tube with a metallic skeleton, was Speaker. And Mr. Hefner was so good and his compressed inside a carrier catheter. It is truly with mixed emotions that group was so good that they were asked While viewed on an x-ray monitor, the I rise tonight on the floor of the House to be part of three television stations endograft was inserted through a small of Representatives. It’s a sadness in in North Carolina. Now, we didn’t have incision in the patient’s groin and noting that last week we lost Congress- that many stations, so this was a great threaded through the catheter through man W.G. Bill Hefner, a Congressman majority of the stations that were rep- arteries to the site of the aneurysm. from North Carolina for 24 years from resented, and he became known to the The stent graft was then placed across 1974 to 1998. And we truly give our con- people in North Carolina with his the aneurysm and released. As the dolences and our regards to his daugh- group, The Harvesters. stent graft expanded, it gripped the ters Stacye and Shelly and to his won- He eventually was successful enough normal arterial wall on both ends of derful wife, Nancy. and a good businessman that he bought the aneurysm, bypassing the bulge But the legacy of Bill Hefner did not a radio station. And at some point in from the inside. end last week, as we’re going to see to- time, a former Congressman came in As I observed this procedure, I mar- night as we spend some time remem- and was interviewed by Mr. Hefner, and veled at both the advances of our med- bering and talking about and telling Mr. Hefner went home and told his ical research and technology as well as stories of Bill Hefner, that his memory wife, You know, I believe I can do that, the dedication in caring for human will go forth because of the things he because Mr. Hefner had never been lives represented by this joint venture did, the person he was, and the Con- elected to a public office, never sought between Frederick Memorial Hospital gressman that represented his district public office. He was the president of and Washington Adventist Hospital. in North Carolina so well. his PTA and that was his background, This procedure cuts down the recovery Now, I have to tell you, Madam but his background was much stronger. time for patients as well as the time Speaker, that tonight I shall refer to He had the background of knowing the required for patients to be in the hos- Congressman Hefner as ‘‘Mr. Hefner’’ people of his district. pital. quite often because I was raised in a So he went out, Madam Speaker, and One of my greatest concerns about time and a place when the ultimate re- he ran for Congress. And without any health care reform is that we don’t cur- spect that you could give to someone is political background other than know- tail the innovations in health care that to call him ‘‘Mister.’’ And while his ing the people and caring about the are invented predominantly here in the wonderful, loving, lovely wife, Nancy, people and having a sense of who the United States. convinced me that I could call her people were, he was elected in a land- There is also a lot of concern about ‘‘Nancy,’’ I could not bring myself to slide. competition in health care. Competi- call Bill Hefner anything but ‘‘Mr. Hef- So that’s the background as to this tion is important. Competition always ner’’ because that’s the respect that man W.G. Bill Hefner that I want ev- does two things: It drives down costs people in the district had for him. erybody to be aware of. and increases quality. However, there And, Madam Speaker, as some might Now we want to fill it in with some is also a lot of cooperation in medical be saying, you know, Why is a fresh- personal stories, and I would like to

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:08 Apr 03, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\H08SE9.001 H08SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD September 8, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 21109

start out by recognizing DAVID OBEY His humor and his ability to charm our factories run. He believed to his from Wisconsin. were pointed out to me one time on the core in the dignity of hardworking ev- Mr. OBEY. I thank the gentleman for House floor. Evidently, there was quite eryday American citizens. the time. a serious debate taking place between Even after he retired from Congress, Let me simply say that I see Bill in two sides of the aisle, and Mr. Hefner Bill would often call me, and he called two ways. First of all, I see him as a somehow got the attention, Madam when he was concerned that the views legislator. He was a good, solid legis- Speaker, of the Speaker at the time, of working Americans were not being lator, a member of the Appropriation’s and got the attention of the full House considered in Washington, D.C. Wheth- Committee, and I watched him day and looked at his watch and supposedly er in office or out of office, Bill Hefner after day conduct his business with said, How much longer is this going to lived his faith by always being his grace and with courage. It was not pop- go on? Because I have to get home to brother’s keeper. ular to oppose some of the tax and watch the ‘‘Andy Griffith Show.’’ And Bill Hefner was a special personal budget proposals that President in North Carolina there is no higher friend and a mentor to me. While I can- Reagan was pushing, for instance, in calling than to go watch the ‘‘Andy not fill his shoes or come close to it, the 1980s. I know in my district at the Griffith Show.’’ I’m a better Congressman and a better time, 70 percent of the country favored At this point in time, I would like to person for having known him and hav- those changes. Bill Hefner had courage yield to CHET EDWARDS of Texas for the ing learned from him. I cherish the enough to point out that the numbers time he may consume. many, many personal conversations we just didn’t add up and that he carried Mr. EDWARDS of Texas. Madam had right here on the floor, Madam on his conviction, and eventually facts Speaker, I consider myself blessed to Speaker. I will always be grateful to proved him to be correct. have known Congressman Bill Hefner. the very sage advice he gave me on a Bill was also a person who respected He was a good, decent and caring per- golf course one day when he and I hap- this institution. He respected the Con- son, and I will miss him dearly. While pened to be partnered against then- gress, he respected the country, he re- this man of faith has gone on to a bet- President Clinton and the President’s spected his party, he respected the ter place now, his work here on Earth partner, when on the 15th hole in a other party, and he respected virtually will continue to enrich the lives of mil- very close match, the President had every person in this institution, and it lions of American citizens. There are about a 31⁄2-foot putt. I was not going showed in the way he dealt with others untold thousands of our troops and to give it to the President, and Chair- in this body. families who are living in better hous- man Hefner called me over and put me But my greatest and fondest memory ing today because Bill Hefner was their under his arm and said, Son, let me of Bill is rooted in his gospel singing. I champion. He not only worked hard for just tell you something. Right now we happen to like bluegrass, and I belong his beloved Fort Bragg, North Caro- have this line item veto in existence, to a bluegrass band called The Capitol lina; he fought for a better quality of and the Military Construction bill is Offenses, and I learned to love gospel music. And on many occasions, Bill life for servicemen and -women and sitting on the President’s desk for sig- would sing and I and members of my their families wherever they might live nature, and you represent Fort Hood. I band would back him up. And I have to in the world. As chairman of the House gave the President his putt, and the say, he was one of the best singers we Appropriations Subcommittee on Mili- Fort Hood soldiers got their barracks ever performed with. He knew a wide tary Construction, Chairman Hefner thanks to the sage advice of Bill Hef- range of gospel but he also had a solid saw to it that the service and sacrifice ner. voice, and he had fun doing it. He loved of our troops would be honored in a The moment of so many wonderful it, and anyone who listened to him meaningful way. moments, but the moment I shall never knew that he loved it. While Members of Congress some- forget, was on June 4 of 1998 when Bill He was a man of courage. He had a times take ourselves too seriously, Bill Hefner stood in this very same spot. We terrific sense of humor, and he could Hefner was a voice of self-deprecating were debating an issue of the school find a lot of ways to get things done by humor and humility. He took his work prayer constitutional amendment. And simply charming people in this place. seriously, but never himself too seri- I, consistent with my belief in the con- If logic wouldn’t work, if substance ously. In doing so, he helped us keep stitutional principle of church-State wouldn’t work, there was always the our proper perspective on ourselves and separation, was opposing the Istook Hefner charm to push things over the our work here. He used to joke that he constitutional amendment. During edge. had worked hard for over 20 years to that process I was personally attacked take a perfectly safe Democratic seat by one particular faith-based group b 2045 in North Carolina and turn it into a that claimed by not wanting to amend I was greatly saddened to learn of his marginal one. That was a reflection of the First Amendment to the Constitu- death last week. I have to say that I his humor and his humility, because tion I was somehow un-American and am proud to have served in the same the truth was that any political chal- even worse yet, I was accused of being institution with a man of his courage, lenges that Bill Hefner might have ever un-Texan. Leave it to Bill Hefner, the with a man of his integrity, and with a faced were because he was a person of man of the South, the gentleman from man of his good humor. I’m certain courage. North Carolina who sang gospel music that he will be missed by his family As Mr. OBEY pointed out, in 1981 he his entire life, a man of deep faith, and his friends. I very much am grate- was one of the very few Southern leave it to him to come to this very ful for the fact that I was able to know Democrats who voted against the pop- spot to stand up and defend the integ- him and to work with him for all of ular Reagan tax cuts because he felt rity of his colleague who had been chal- those years. I thank the gentleman for they would lead to large Federal defi- lenged. That was Bill Hefner, a man of the time. cits and ultimately undermine pro- deepest integrity. And that is why I Mr. KISSELL. Thank you, Mr. OBEY. grams important to everyday working will always revere him and what he I would like to add there about Mr. Americans. As long as I knew him, he stood for. Hefner and his showbiz background. always did what he thought was right To Stacye and Shelly, his daughters, One of the descriptions that was given for his district, for our great country and to Nancy, his widow, I would sim- of Mr. Hefner at one time that I think and for average working families. ply say that if my two sons had every he enjoyed the most was that it would In an age of special interests, Bill right to be half as proud of me as you be recognized that he had a showbiz Hefner’s cause was to fight for the in- have a right to be proud of your father background, but he was a workhorse, terests of everyday, hardworking fami- and your husband, I would consider my not a show horse. That summed his ca- lies, the kind of people who fight our life a success. reer up very appropriately, and he did fires, protect our streets, defend our May God forever keep our friend, our enjoy that comparison. shores, educate our children and make colleague, and a great American, Bill

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:08 Apr 03, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\H08SE9.001 H08SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD 21110 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 September 8, 2009 Hefner, forever in His loving arms. proven only too right. We were debat- were struggling in life, great sympathy Thank you. ing in our caucus one morning years for the underdog. He was a man of Mr. KISSELL. Madam Speaker, to ago another tax cut that was not near- great compassion, and that compassion kind of point out the legacy of how Mr. ly the same size, and he finally got up was not feigned. It was something that Hefner influenced people continues and said, I don’t know why we are came naturally to Bill, an innate sense, today to reflect that, I had not been spending so much time talking about I think, in Bill, of fairness and decency. sworn in but a matter of hours before I this tax cut. It ain’t going to benefit There is not going to be a speaker here got a phone call from Representative anybody but two people in this caucus. tonight, I promise you, that doesn’t EDWARDS telling me what a great influ- One of them is Norm Sisisky, and the refer to Bill’s sense of humor. He was ence that Bill Hefner was on him and other is JOHN SPRATT. the funniest man probably that ever how that mentorship and role model is I got up and I said, point of personal served in this Chamber. He could cut not forgotten. It continues from year privilege, Mr. Chairman, this poor- through tense moments in these over- to year to year. mouthing populist owns the second heated debates in a way that was a At this point in time, I would like to largest Cadillac dealership in North marvel to behold. yield to our friend from South Caro- Carolina and a radio station in Con- Sometimes, as Mr. EDWARDS said, he lina, Representative JOHN SPRATT. cord. He loved it. He never let me for- showed great courage in the way he Mr. SPRATT. Madam Speaker, I get it. He never jumped me again for dealt with those debates. I have a came here in 1983. And as I did, Bill benefiting from tax cuts either. memory very similar to CHET Hefner was just coming into his own. He became a voice that people lis- EDWARDS. This one comes earlier when Speaking of his name, you want to call tened to because he could get up and I had been here only a year or so. It him only ‘‘Mr. Hefner.’’ I will never speak to something and go right to the was a debate of the so-called ‘‘Grove forget one night we got on an airplane, pith of it. It’s really a gift. He had that City’’ bill which was a proposal to re- as we did many nights, US Airways, gift. As I said, he was a lot smarter verse an adverse interpretation of civil and someone spoke to him as Congress- than he let on being. rights laws. And it was a bill the effect man this and Congressman that. And One of my favorite recollections of of which was being greatly exaggerated the stewardess said, I didn’t know you Bill’s debate, we were debating the B2 by a prominent figure of the religious were a Member of Congress. What’s bomber. He got up and said, you know, right of that time. He said that if this your name? He said, Bill Hefner. She if this bomber is so stealthy as every- bill was passed, churches would have said, I don’t believe I’ve ever heard of body says it is and you can’t see it, you to, and I’m quoting him here, to hire a you. He said, well, you probably know can’t find it, radar can’t even see it, practicing active homosexual drug ad- my brother Hugh. He was always ready what I would suggest is we save our- dict with AIDS to be a teacher or for a quip like that. selves $50 billion. Let’s don’t build it, youth pastor. I rise to salute this wonderful guy but let’s tell the Russians we have Well, Bill Hefner was watching this with great sadness learning of his pass- built it, and they will go crazy trying go on, and like all of us, he was getting ing. I didn’t know him well, but I knew to find it. That’s the kind of humor he his switchboard flooded with calls com- him when I came here because from the brought to the people’s House, talking ing in alarmed about this from well- time I was a boy I had watched the like that all the time with a humorous meaning people who didn’t know what Harvesters on WBTV in Charlotte, cover to it but a for-real serious sub- to make of this. I wrote a book a cou- North Carolina, right after Arthur stance to it as well. ple of years later and remembered, Smith. He was the lead tenor on the He was a great guy. This place has looked back at this episode because it Harvesters, and they were good. And been known through the centuries as impressed me so much at the time. In they stayed that good harmonizing for the House of the people. Bill Hefner my chapter on religion and politics, I the next 50 years. You couldn’t beat helped this House earn its reputation quoted Bill Hefner, what he said com- them. They were just top rate. as a House of the people. We will miss ing to this floor and cutting through HOWARD COBLE got into a little fray him greatly. He served here with real that debate, and the words I’m going to with Bill sometime back because he distinction. He deserves every word of read don’t do justice to the effect he went into his district and spoke praise being said about him tonight. had just in his commonsense way. Bill against him in an election. Next elec- Thank you, Madam Speaker. said, ‘‘I find reprehensible not those tion, Bill returned the compliment. Mr. KISSELL. Thank you, Mr. thousands of people who have made the This time, he was not speaking, SPRATT. phone calls, but the people that have though, he was singing. He went in and Madam Speaker, if we had opened instigated this misinformation. If it made three to four gospel singing expe- this up to everybody who knew Con- means I lose my position in the U.S. riences and packed the houses and ev- gressman Hefner who could have been House of Representatives if I do not erything, and HOWARD called him up here tonight, we couldn’t have come cave in and base my vote on what peo- and said, I was awfully surprised to see close to getting this in within an hour. ple believe to be true but what I know you come directly into my district. He There are so many people that he af- not to be true, I say to my colleagues, said, HOWARD, you came into my dis- fected, and I certainly appreciate the this job is not worth that to me.’’ I re- trict. Let’s just have this under- colleagues that are with us tonight. membered that and looked it up. And it standing. If you come back, next time, Next I would like to recognize a fel- still stands for me as a memory of ef- I’m not coming in by myself. I’m bring- low Congressman from North Carolina, fective debate in this House, effective ing the whole quartet and we’re going Mr. DAVID PRICE. not just rhetorically but because of its to sing you right out of that seat, too. Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. I being said from the heart and its being From there after, they had a mutual thank my colleagues for scheduling said with true conviction. accord that the one would stay out of this time tonight for us to remember Bill was a member of the Appropria- the other’s district. That’s the kind of our friend and colleague, Bill Hefner, tions Committee, chairman of the Sub- guy this is that we’re talking about, a to honor his memory. committee on Military Construction, a wonderful guy. I first got to know Bill when I came champion of our servicemen and He put on the airs of being a populist to this body in 1987. He was already a -women, of their housing and of their sometimes, but he was a lot smarter fairly senior Member. He became an quality of life. An elementary school at than he put on, and a lot richer for important mentor to me and a valued Fort Bragg bears his name, as does the that matter. He looked at the Reagan friend and colleague. As many have Salisbury Veterans Administration tax cuts that probably would have prof- said already, Bill came from a humble Hospital. ited him and a lot of his constituents, background. He never lost touch with Bill was a mentor to many of us. He and said, it’s not the right time. It will working people. He had a natural em- gave me pep talks on more than one only add to the deficit. And he was pathy and understanding of people who difficult vote. He could put everything

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:08 Apr 03, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\H08SE9.001 H08SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD September 8, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 21111 in perspective. I valued that running for State superintendent, and came—any Member who is a freshman mentorship, that support, and that en- if you run in North Carolina, it’s an here, you get a lot better services now couragement. elected office. So you run, and anybody than you did when I came 14 years ago, b 2100 who has a good size group, you wanted even though people tried to help you— to be there. And I went to the Eighth Bill was the first one to offer. He said, He helped me get on the Appropria- District, they were having an Eighth If you need a place to meet with folks, tions Committee, and then he helped District rally. And it was the largest you can use my office. me figure out how to get things done group I went to I think all year, other Well, you know, somebody who is once I got on the Appropriations Com- than one where all the educators get coming up here, hadn’t been to Wash- mittee. together, and Bill Hefner was doing his ington much even though I served at He was a mainstay of our delegation, own singing at his own rally. And I the State level, that meant a lot. He one of our most influential Members, note that’s the most unusual political opened the doors of his office; I used it yes, but also a Member who helped us rally I had ever been to. to meet constituents and other people. all stick together, whom we all liked I heard of Bill, but I hadn’t met him. But that’s what Bill Hefner was about; and respected. We enjoyed his com- I learned very quickly he knew how to he was about making you feel at home. pany. And I think it’s fair to say that politic in a unique way. Those people He led by example, both as a public of- Bill’s role in our delegation has never who left that gospel sing that he was ficial and later as a private citizen. quite been filled since he left. singing at, it made no difference to He was known for his passionate sup- I remember very well the dinner that them whether he was Democrat, Re- port of our military veterans, as you’ve was given for Bill shortly before his re- publican, liberal, or conservative; they already heard this evening. He only tirement. The Harvesters Quartet, loved Bill Hefner. He was their man. represented Fort Bragg in the last few pretty elderly gentlemen by that time, And there were people at that rally I years it was in his district of his years they were gathered from all over the didn’t see at any other rally I went to here in Congress, but he represented country, they came in and sang one all year. It was because he had a mes- them every day as a Member of this more time. And Bill’s friends and asso- sage. They believed in him, and he body. And that’s why you have a school ciates and colleagues got up one after made a difference in their lives. on that base named for him and you the other and told many stories like Yes, he was president and owner of a have military hospitals named for him, those we heard tonight. It was one of radio station, and he made a difference. because they knew that Bill Hefner was the most enjoyable and heart-warming And he was a bright person, much a friend of veterans, he was a friend of evenings I have ever experienced in smarter than he wanted to admit. And the small business owners, and as this city or anywhere else. yes, he had more resources than he you’ve heard this evening, he really So I’m pleased to join tonight in hon- would ever acknowledge. You would was a friend of the working poor as oring Bill, in recalling our friendship, think he was the poorest guy in the well as the working class. our common labors with him. He room if you were around him, but he served North Carolina and this Nation His life of service will continue to in- did okay. spire all that knew him. And his love faithfully and well in ways that con- He was the leader of the Harvesters for North Carolina can be seen through tinue to inspire. Quartet, yes, but the last time I re- his work on our highways, in our Mr. KISSELL. Thank you, DAVID. member hearing Bill sing—I enjoyed schools, in our veterans hospitals, and And I think, as was just pointed out, the meeting as Congressman PRICE yes, in the laws that he helped pass in that while we have memories of Mr. talked about—he came to my district, this body. Hefner and how he could turn serious held a gospel sing, and he called me conversations with humor and charm, ahead of time to let me know he was He retired from Congress almost a that when necessary he stood up for his going to be there. He said, Now if you decade ago, but his work and influence beliefs and effectively stated those in a can be available, you might want to will not be forgotten. He was a re- way that spoke of the core being that show up. He said, I might say a good spected legislator, a dedicated public he was. word for you. Well, I recognized if Bill servant, and a great North Carolinian. Madam Speaker, I would like to next came to your district, you better show It is fitting that we honor Bill Hefner recognize another gentleman from up—he filled up the Civic Center. And and his family this evening. North Carolina, Representative BOB Bill enjoyed that as much as he loved Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my ETHERIDGE. his family, as he loved being in this colleague Representative KISSELL for orga- Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, I body. And he was a businessman at nizing this Special Order in honor of a good would like to thank my colleague, Rep- heart because as soon as he finished on friend and twelve-term Member of this House resentative KISSELL, for organizing that stage he was selling those cas- of Representatives. Former Eighth District this Special Order this evening for a settes. He had a delightful time and the Congressman Bill Hefner, who passed away good friend and, as all of you already people loved him. But that was Bill on Wednesday, September 2, 2009, provided heard, a 12-term Member of this body. Hefner. Bill Hefner enjoyed what he selfless service to our State of North Carolina Bill Hefner, who passed away on was doing, whether he was legislating and to this Nation. In his passing, I lost a Wednesday, September 2 of this year, or whether he was singing or telling a friend and North Carolina lost an outstanding provided a selfless service to our State good story. citizen; a man who was instrumental in his of North Carolina and to this Nation, As I came to know Bill over the community, county, State, and country. as you heard from a number of my col- years—and I only served with him here A native of Elora, Tennessee, Bill moved to leagues already. But in his passing, two—I understood that his political North Carolina after graduating from the Uni- we’ve lost a good friend; North Caro- service really was an extension of his versity of Alabama and became the president lina has lost an outstanding citizen and gospel singing, which really was what and owner of radio station WRKB in a man who was instrumental not only he loved to do. He cared about people. Kannapolis from 1954 to 1967. in this body, but in his community, in He cared about what he did. But he I met Bill Hefner at a political rally in North his State, in everything he did; Nancy cared about his religion. And both of Carolina decades ago while he was with the has lost a devoted husband; and Stacy those were powerful ways for him to radio station. He was the lead singer in the and Shelly have lost a loving father. He serve his fellow man. ‘Harvesters Quartet’, a gospel music group, was a grandfather, also, who loved chil- Many of the members of the North and he led that political rally with his voice be- dren. You’ve heard he was a native of Carolina delegation, as you already cause he just loved to sing. As I came to Tennessee. heard from Congressman PRICE, know him through the years, I understood that The first time I remember meeting learned the ropes of effectively advo- his political service was an extension of his Bill Hefner was more years ago than ei- cating for our constituents here in gospel singing. Both were powerful ways for ther one of us want to admit. I was Washington from Bill. When I first him to be of service to his fellow man.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:08 Apr 03, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR09\H08SE9.001 H08SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD 21112 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 September 8, 2009 Many members of the North Carolina con- our military were living, and became a like so many other hundreds of thou- gressional delegation learned the ropes of ef- crusader for better housing for our sands, maybe millions of people in this fectively advocating for our constituents while troops. country who like to say we play golf. in Washington, DC, from Bill Hefner. Bill lead Bill Hefner ran for Congress on the We play at it, I suppose. But Bill was a by example, both as a public official and later promise to be a spokesman, a rep- good golfer. And he had a tournament as a private citizen. Congressman Hefner was resentative, a voice for the common down at Pinehurst every year. And I known for his passionate support for military man. He remained faithful to that used to go down and play at Pinehurst veterans. In fact, the Veterans Affairs Medical promise. He never changed. He was the with Bill. And you not only went down Center in Salisbury, North Carolina, was same guy when he ended his service to play golf, you just went down to named in his honor in 1999. He was a friend after 24 years, one of the most influen- have this warm, gracious, outreaching to veterans, small business owners, the work- tial members of the Appropriations human being make you feel good about ing poor, and the middle class. His life of serv- Committee, a subcommittee chairman, serving with him in the Congress and ice will continue to inspire all who knew him. a cardinal. He was the same guy as he make you feel good about North Caro- His love for North Carolina can be seen was when he was elected. lina and your country. through his work on our highways, our He understood working Americans Bill Hefner was a great resource of schools, our veterans’ hospitals, and in our because he was one. He may eventually North Carolina. He then moved further laws. have done very well, but that’s where south and became a county commis- Bill Hefner retired from Congress almost a he started and that’s where his heart sioner for a little bit, my good friend is decade ago, but his work and influence will always was. He always understood telling me. never be forgotten. He was a respected legis- what life was like for ordinary Ameri- Bill Hefner will be missed. Bill Hef- lator, a dedicated public servant, and a great cans. ner used to tell me, he said, You know, North Carolinian. It is fitting that we honor him I am proud to be here tonight to STENY, I was elected in my district; it and his family today. honor Bill Hefner. And I am very grate- was a safe district then, and I’ve Madam Speaker, I join his family and ful that he is an example for all of us worked very hard and I’ve turned it our State in mourning a great legis- who still represent North Carolina in into a marginal district. lator and a tremendous human being. I Congress. I think you all heard him say that. yield back. Mr. KISSELL. Madam Speaker, at That was one of his favorite sayings, Mr. KISSELL. Thank you, BOB. this point in time I would like to rec- LARRY. Madam Speaker, continuing the ognize Majority Leader STENY HOYER. b 2115 North Carolina trend, I would like to Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, ladies recognize Representative BRAD MILLER and gentlemen of the House, and my Now, the good news for you, Mr. from North Carolina. friend, LARRY KISSELL, who is doing a KISSELL, is you’re going to do the oppo- Mr. MILLER of North Carolina. wonderful job representing the District site. You’re going to take a district Madam Speaker, I also rise to honor that Bill Hefner loved and whose people that could have gone either way, and Congressman Bill Hefner, and I appre- loved Bill Hefner, I came to Congress in you’re going to turn it into a safe dis- ciate Mr. KISSELL organizing this trib- 1981. Bill had been here for 6 or 7 years trict. I appreciate that, but nobody ute tonight. when I got here. He was on the Appro- would have appreciated it more than Congressman Hefner had a down- priations Committee; I went on the Ap- Bill Hefner. My friend BRAD MILLER, a home style that never changed. Some propriations Committee not too long friend of Bill Hefner’s and a colleague folks in Washington thought it didn’t after coming here. from North Carolina, told a story. really fit with their idea of what an in- Bill Hefner has been regaled by all of Bill Hefner was a singer. He was a fluential Member of Congress, an effec- his friends from North Carolina. And I real talent. He loved to sing, and he tive Member of Congress is supposed to know Chairman OBEY, who served with loved to entertain, and he loved to be a be like, but that was always their prob- Bill on the Appropriations Committee comedian, and he loved to make peo- lem, not his problem. He never as I did for well over a decade, can tell, ple, as I said, feel good. He accom- changed. I’m sure, numerous stories late into plished that with great frequency and Everyone who spoke tonight has spo- the night about Bill Hefner. And what with great ability. We’ll miss Bill Hef- ken of the Harvesters, his gospel music warm memories I have of Bill Hefner ner. Bill Hefner was what’s good about group that he continued to sing in. His sitting on the aisle back here. And all our country, which he loved so dearly. political rallies continued to be gospel my colleagues remember he would sit As I said, he loved the men and sings, the Harvesters performing. Now, on the aisle and you would go by and women who served in the Armed that sounds like something out of the Bill would sort of look up with a twin- Forces, and he served them so well as 1930s from the movie, ‘‘O Brother, kle in his eye and he would tell you chairman of the Military Construction Where Art Thou?’’, but this was still in story after story after story. Committee. I remember I had the op- the ’90s that he was doing this. That I remember one night I was going to portunity to travel to Germany and to was long past the era that was domi- give a speech and I wanted a few jokes, some other NATO allies in Europe with nated by political consultants, smart so I called Bill Hefner up and he gave him in the 1980s, and it was clear that guys who read polls and produced TV me a couple of jokes, and I used them, he was extraordinarily knowledgeable ads. And political rallies at that time and they worked very well. So I can about the needs of our men and women were supposed to be three people who say Bill Hefner was my writer, I sup- stationed overseas in terms of the qual- were sitting in front of their television pose. But he was a wonderful, wonder- ity of their lives. He mirrored IKE when a political ad came on. During ful representative, and he was a rep- SKELTON or IKE SKELTON mirrors Bill that period Bill Hefner was still doing resentative in the best sense of that Hefner in terms of his commitment to political rallies that were gospel sings term. He represented his people. He our men and women in the Armed and packing large halls. represented North Carolina. He rep- Forces. And it wasn’t just at political rallies. resented his country. He represented So I am pleased, LARRY KISSELL, to He had the Harvesters come perform at the men and women in our Armed join you, your colleagues from North veteran hospitals, including the one in Forces whom he loved and whom he Carolina, my chairman—I served on Salisbury that is now named after him, served with great fervor and affection. the committee for 23 years—Chairman and was very popular with the veterans Bill Hefner loved his country, he loved OBEY, and my good friend CHET who were in those hospitals. And he did his colleagues, and his colleagues loved EDWARDS, who now chairs the same become a great advocate for veterans, a Bill Hefner. subcommittee that Bill Hefner chaired. great advocate for our men and women It’s been talked about how he loved Bill was also a member of the Armed in uniform. He visited military instal- to play golf. I like to play golf as well— Services Committee, of course. So I lations, saw the conditions in which I’m not very good, but I love to play, thank you for letting me know that

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:08 Apr 03, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\H08SE9.001 H08SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD September 8, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 155, Pt. 16 21113 you were doing this Special Order to ner. Bill Hefner’s favorite song was ‘‘If light on some issues that involve the rise in memory, respect and deep affec- I Can Help Someone.’’ chairman of the Ways and Means Com- tion for a wonderful American, for a Mr. Hefner, Shelly, Stacye, and mittee; but over this August break, wonderful advocate of his faith, for a Nancy, please know that you have after talking about all of the things wonderful family man, and for a won- helped many people. Thank you so that were not resolved by our present derful Member of this body. much, and God bless Bill Hefner. Ethics Committee concerning Chair- God blessed America when he gave us Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- man RANGEL, more things have arisen William G. Hefner. I yield back. ance of my time. which raise the issues to such a level Mr. KISSELL. Thank you, STENY. f that they just absolutely cannot be ig- Madam Speaker, I am going to con- nored anymore. clude now, but you don’t finish when THE RULE OF LAW AND THE RE- We have an Ethics Committee, and you talk about Bill Hefner, because, as SPONSIBILITY OF THE HOUSE OF the American people should demand we’ve seen tonight, the legacy will not REPRESENTATIVES that, if we are going to set up a system end. It will continue for all the good The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. where we police up this House, then we things he did, but I want to talk a lit- MARKEY of Colorado). Under the Speak- need to get behind the business of po- tle bit about the personal side of Bill er’s announced policy of January 6, licing up this House. If it has to do Hefner and what he meant to me. 2009, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. with a Member who, by his own admis- There are all of these things we’ve CARTER) is recognized for 60 minutes as sion, has either through error or intent heard tonight, and as I mentioned ear- the designee of the minority leader. broken the rules of this House, then lier, he was my Congressman. I must Mr. CARTER. Thank you, Madam the Ethics Committee should not be say that, while those many years he Speaker, for recognizing me for this deadlocked on political lines but represented us, I wasn’t involved in hour. should resolve this issue. If it’s not party politics. I never ran for public of- For many weeks now, I’ve been com- going to be done, then the leadership of fice like Mr. Hefner, and there came a ing to the floor with my colleagues to this House should take control of this time when I felt that maybe that was talk about something that, I think, is House. The Speaker of the House was what people like me should do because the glue that holds our Republic to- given the authority to be in charge of that’s what Bill Hefner had done. He gether, and that is the fact that the this House of Representatives, and it’s was a man of the people. He recognized rule of law does and should prevail in her job. It’s the job she signed onto. the working people, and he stood up for this Nation. By ‘‘the rule of law,’’ it It’s the responsibility she took to those people. means that we are able, as a people, to make sure that this House runs by cer- I said, you know, we have seen in our establish a set of rules. Whether they tain rules. When blatant issues come district, the wonderful Eighth District be legal rules, whether they be ethical forward and when newspapers across of North Carolina, that, if you go out rules, whether they be rules of this this Nation are crying out that some to the people and if you tell them who House or rules of this Nation, we agree kind of justice needs to be done on an you are and if they recognize in you to abide by those rules, and those rules issue, if we’re not going to do it, we’re the knowledge that you know who they cover every element of our lives. There failing the very foundation of our Re- are and if they know that you respect is the rule of contract. We don’t violate public. them and that you are concerned about criminal laws. We have laws that gov- Tonight, I am joined by my col- them, as we saw for 24 years, those peo- ern this House. We have rules that gov- leagues—and there may be many of ple will reward you by sending you to ern this House, and they’re the glue them here tonight—and we’re going to Congress. So it was with knowledge of that holds a society together. talk about some of these issues that in- what Mr. Hefner had done that I ran for When we see the society having peo- volve our friend. I want to say that Congress. I come from a very small ple or events that cause the glue to specifically. I have no personal animos- town, Biscoe, North Carolina—1,500 weaken, I think it’s our duty and our ity whatsoever against Mr. RANGEL. In people—and needless to say, it wasn’t responsibility as Members of this fact, I will tell you he has been nothing exactly a turning moment in North House to step up and say, hey, this is but kind to me since I’ve been in this Carolina politics when I announced out of control; this has got to stop; the House, and I’ve tried to be kind back, that I would run for Congress. It is rule of law has to prevail. We have but there is an issue that needs to be with the legacy, though, of Mr. Bill rules. We have responsibilities to keep resolved, and it should not be resolved Hefner that people look to the person those rules, and we as a Congress just by saying on the floor of this for what he says and not who he is and should hold each other to those rules. House ‘‘I’m sorry.’’ It should be re- not where he comes from. The Congress of the United States, solved by following the rules estab- One time in my home county, Mont- like many other bodies in this country, lished by this House, and that’s what gomery County, which is also a small has a set of rules, and we police our- this is all about. It is not personally county, President Bill Clinton was selves up. We’re not the only group of aimed at anyone. It is about this insti- coming to visit our local hospital. He people who does this. The medical asso- tution and about the fact that the was accompanied by Mr. Hefner, and ciations do it. The bar associations do American people are more and more together they went visiting there in it. They have, within their own mem- distrusting of this Congress for reasons the hospital. I heard this story, and I berships, committees that police up the just like the reason we’re talking think it kind of sums up everything activities of their own members. The about tonight. They see things that about Bill Hefner. They went into the whole purpose is so that they can cor- upset them and that would upset them room. The President and Mr. Hefner rect issues before they get out of hand in their workplaces if they were to went into the room of a patient’s. and, if something is out of hand, so have that happen, so they ask: Why Mr. Hefner said, I’m Bill Hefner, and that they can have the strength of aren’t the people we sent to Wash- this is President Clinton. their convictions of their associations ington resolving this issue? What is The gentleman, the patient, said, to stand for what is right even if it’s wrong with those people? Now we need You’re Bill Hefner? I’ve been wanting difficult and to do the right thing even to ask those questions of ourselves. So to meet you all my life. You’re a won- if it’s difficult. I want to make it clear that this is not derful Congressman. I’ve even sent you I’ve been raising issues on the floor personal. This is about the rule of law a little bit of money, and I love the of this House with the help of my col- and about the responsibility of this way you sing. You’re the best singer leagues now for about 10 weeks. Of House. ever. these issues, there is one in particular I am joined by my good friend VIR- He never once recognized that the with which I’ve had some amount of GINIA FOXX, who is going to talk to us. President of the United States was also fun. Actually, I’ve created what’s She is from North Carolina. She is in the room. It was all about Bill Hef- called the Rangel Rule to put a spot- going to talk to us a little bit tonight.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 09:08 Apr 03, 2012 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR09\H08SE9.001 H08SE9 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with BOUND RECORD