H6444 — HOUSE November 27, 2012 Smith (WA) Tonko Webster but in closing, I just want to say the Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay trib- Southerland Tsongas Welch Speier Turner (NY) West no-nonsense way you’ve led the ute to an American hero and also to a Stearns Turner (OH) Westmoreland Science, Space, and Technology Com- friend and a great leader on this floor, Stivers Upton Whitfield mittee, the way you’ve put good policy someone from whom I wish years and Stutzman Van Hollen Wilson (FL) and people above politics—all without years and years of service. As a fellow Sullivan Vela´ zquez Wilson (SC) Sutton Visclosky Wittman compromising your principles—is the Texan, I join my Texans and others to Terry Walberg Wolf kind of leadership we need. That’s the say, Thank you, RALPH HALL, for the Thompson (CA) Walden Womack kind of leader you are, and that’s the friendship, the leadership, the cour- Thompson (MS) Walsh (IL) Woodall kind of leader we should all strive to Thompson (PA) Walz (MN) Woolsey age—and, yes, you are an American Thornberry Wasserman Yarmuth be. hero. Tiberi Schultz Yoder So, today, I thank you for your many ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Tierney Waters Young (AK) years of service, for your model of lead- Tipton Waxman Young (IN) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ership, and for being so kind to all of Chair will remind all persons in the NAYS—4 those Members who aren’t from . gallery that they are here as guests of Amash Kucinich ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE the House and that any manifestation Gohmert Paul The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. of approval or disapproval of pro- NOT VOTING—31 WEBSTER). Members are reminded to ceedings, including applause, is in vio- Austria Gosar Rigell direct their remarks to the Chair. lation of the rules of the House. Barber Gutierrez Rivera f Bartlett Hochul Ross (AR) f Bono Mack Holden OUR FRIEND, RALPH HALL Roybal-Allard RALPH HALL Brown (FL) Johnson (IL) Sanchez, Loretta (Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas asked Campbell Lipinski Stark (Mr. FLEISCHMANN asked and was Dicks Mack and was given permission to address Towns given permission to address the House Dingell Manzullo Watt the House for 1 minute and to revise Filner Marino Young (FL) and extend her remarks.) for 1 minute.) Frelinghuysen Murphy (CT) Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I Gallegly Pence Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today is a good day. We get to rise today to honor my friend RALPH b 1903 honor a great and magnificent Amer- HALL. So (two-thirds being in the affirma- ican—my friend, our friend, RALPH I came to this great House as a result tive) the rules were suspended and the HALL. of the election in 2010 and was privi- Senate amendment was concurred in. In the moments and minutes and leged to be assigned to the Science, The result of the vote was announced hour to come, there will be many who Space, and Technology Committee. as above recorded. will rise to recognize the extraordinary The chairman was RALPH HALL. Chair- A motion to reconsider was laid on public service, but I want to add, in ad- man HALL showed me kindness. I went the table. dition to the extraordinary public serv- to his office. He showed me the corsairs Stated for: ice, a man who has seen numbers of that he flew in World War II. He told Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall 610, I Presidents. As an American who has me stories about playing baseball with was away from the Capitol due to prior com- worked, spoken and achieved under all Ted Williams in the Navy in World War mitments to my constituents. Had I been of them, RALPH HALL today reigns as II. present, I would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ both the oldest Member of Congress Truly, this is a great man. f and the oldest House Member known to He has shown both sides of the aisle cast a vote on the House floor. fairness and compassion in his service b 1910 But that is not his only definition, as chairman, and he has mentored me. CHAIRMAN HALL for he is one who has a heart and who More importantly, when I asked him to recognizes the value of service to the (Mr. PALAZZO asked and was given come to my beloved city of Oak Ridge, American people. Tennessee, he came and visited our permission to address the House for 1 Oh, he loves his great State of Texas. minute and to revise and extend his re- great national lab there. He is truly a tall Texan. He is a faith- I honor Chairman HALL today, and I marks.) ful public servant who has dedicated 32 Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, it is an thank him for his great service to this years of service to representing the House as chairman and as my friend. honor to stand before you today to rec- constituents of the Fourth Congres- ognize Chairman HALL and his work as sional District; but he started his life f the oldest serving Member of Congress. by the service to the in A TALL TEXAN AMERICAN HERO Over the last 2 years, I’ve had the the United States military—in the honor of serving with Chairman HALL The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under . Yes, 1942. the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- on the Science, Space, and Technology So he has seen this Nation in her ups uary 5, 2011, the gentleman from Texas Committee. Chairman HALL has been and her downs, but RALPH HALL has (Mr. SMITH) is recognized for 60 min- an inspiration and a mentor to me in never been down. What a great leader those 2 years. He has been a crucial of the Science, Space, and Technology utes as the designee of the majority force in keeping NASA on track and for Committee. What an opportunity to leader. pushing for a strong American space serve with him. What a servant as he GENERAL LEAVE program. We’ve had the opportunity to worked with Presidents like Lyndon Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I work on space bills, such as the recent Baines Johnson, making difficult and ask unanimous consent that all Mem- indemnification extension and the tough decisions—not a partisan but a bers may have 5 legislative days in NASA artifacts bill that passed unani- lover of America. which to revise and extend their re- mously back in September. Yes, I can stand here today and say marks and to submit extraneous mate- Another reason I admire Chairman not only is this great hero and Amer- rials for the RECORD on the topic of HALL is that he never forgets those ican and Member of the United States this Special Order. back home whom he represents. He Congress—young in age but old in num- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there doesn’t want anyone else to forget ei- bers—wise, dedicated, but I can also objection to the request of the gen- ther. He’s a Texan through and say that he is a lover of his family: his tleman from Texas? through. Chairman HALL always tells late wife, his grandchildren, his chil- There was no objection. me that he is willing to forgive people dren. I was able to join him at a time Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, who aren’t from Texas. Fortunately, he when he had to visit a grandchild. I the purpose of tonight’s Special Order has been especially good to me, and was glad to be able to have RALPH in is to celebrate our friend and colleague that’s probably because I married a our city, not for the cause that he was, RALPH HALL’s distinguished service in Texan myself. but to be able to say, RALPH, you’re a Congress. If there were a congressional Finally, Chairman, I know at your friend, and we stand with you during hall of fame, tonight would be Rep- age you don’t like the word ‘‘final’’; this time. resentative HALL’s induction as the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:34 Nov 28, 2012 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A27NO7.015 H27NOPT1 tjames on DSK6SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE November 27, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6445 oldest—some would say the most sea- RALPH HALL has fostered programs to Well, he said, on such and such a plat soned—voting Member in the House of better understand extreme weather and in such and such a county, you’re the Representatives. to ensure that citizens are prepared for listed owner of this producing oil well. As Members of Congress, we have the natural disasters. He also has worked So RALPH took time one weekend to distinct honor of serving the American to advance science education and pro- drive up by himself, and sure enough people. Each day as a Representative grams that promote medical, energy, there was a producing oil well on some can be both challenging and rewarding; and technological breakthroughs to property that he did not know about. and though we sometimes make head- benefit future generations. Obviously, he made a change in who lines, we do not always make history. Throughout his time in Congress, was his caretaker at that property, but b 1920 Chairman HALL has served this institu- that is one true RALPH HALL story that tion with style and humor. Back home, shows the epitome of being the Texan That is why today is especially im- you would be hard pressed to find a portant. Today is a day for the history that he is. constituent who hasn’t been given an I first got to know RALPH back in books. After 32 years of service, Con- ‘‘All for Hall from Rockwall’’ encased 1985 when I was a freshman on the gressman RALPH HALL today became penny that is a fixture of his cam- Science and Space Committee and the eldest Member of Congress to cast paigns going back to his first race. ALPH a vote in the House of Representatives. R was subcommittee chairman of His constituent service is second to And on Christmas Day of this year, the Space Subcommittee. Since that none—which is a large part of why he time, he and I have become good Representative HALL will become the has had no difficulty in getting re- oldest Member of the House to have friends. He is the epitome of a true elected back home no matter how his ever served in our Nation’s history. Texas gentleman. He is the most well- They say that with age comes wis- district lines have changed over the liked person in the congressional dele- dom. So Congressman HALL may also past three decades. gation, not just from Texas but from be the wisest man to have served in the In Washington, to this day, he still the entire Congress, and I am very hon- House of Representatives. They also gives his constituents more White ored to be one of the very few who gets say that some things get better with House tours personally than any other to speak on what a great man he is. Member of the House. age. In Representative HALL’s case, his We’re so glad that he’s still in the Con- commitment to both his country and It is an honor to work with RALPH gress. his constituents just continues to in- HALL as both a colleague and a friend. So, RALPH HALL, we love you. We crease. RALPH HALL has always said, ‘‘I’d rath- hope you serve for another 10–20 years Since he was 19 years old, RALPH er be respected at home than liked in and continue to be an inspiration to HALL has led a life of service for which Washington.’’ Actually, he has the Fourth District of Texas. we can all be grateful. As a lieutenant achieved that rare combination of Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I in the Navy during World War II, both. yield to the gentleman from Texas, Chairman HALL served as a pilot, and We thank RALPH HALL for his service , a true Texas hero. since then he has never hesitated to ac- to the Congress and to our country. Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. I thank complish a mission. Mr. Speaker, before I recognize other the gentleman for yielding. In fact, he recently was back up in Members of Congress here tonight, I You know, RALPH’s district adjoins the air. Following the lead of another just want to remind us all that this mine. He and I have represented the great Texan, President George H.W. Special Order is only an hour long, and same area in Collin County for many Bush, RALPH HALL parachuted out of given the number of people from whom years. RALPH is just one of a kind. He’s an airplane this past August, proving we have had requests to speak, we are one of the nicest guys I’ve ever known. that he’s never afraid to jump right in. going to ask each person who does It’s a privilege to recognize my fellow That mentality has made him a dis- speak to limit themselves to 2 minutes Texan and good friend for his many tinguished Member of Congress and a or less so we’ll have time not only for years of outstanding service to our very effective chairman of the Science, the Members who want to speak, but country and to the great State of Space, and Technology Committee. we’ll also hear from RALPH HALL at the Texas. Congressman HALL represents the end of this Special Order. RALPH is a man of great integrity Fourth District of Texas, which has Having said that, I’m pleased to yield whose steadfast commitment of service only elected three Members of Con- to the gentleman from Texas, Con- to our Nation is to be commended. gress in the last 100 years. His constitu- gressman , who is the sec- RALPH and I have known each other a ents back in northeast Texas are accus- ond-most-senior Member of the Texas long time, and I’m lucky to have him tomed to electing strong leaders and delegation. as a neighbor and friend. I don’t have a keeping them there. Mr. BARTON of Texas. There are better friend or ally in the Congress, It was 100 years ago this month that many RALPH HALL stories, most of and I want to congratulate RALPH on his district elected a young farmer which we can’t really tell on the House reaching this milestone. turned State representative named floor—that’s how funny they are—but I He was in the United States Navy , who went on to serve in want to tell one real, true RALPH HALL and he fought for our country in World the House for the next half century. story which is the epitome of a Texan. War II. And then when we got back up RALPH HALL knew and worked with Several years ago, RALPH told me where we do an event every year in Sam Rayburn early in his career when that he had some property up over in McKinney, Texas, he was kind of mad RALPH HALL was a county judge. He his district and he didn’t have time to at me because I jumped out of an air- was elected to that position while he go visit it. He had been involved in a plane five times and he hadn’t jumped was still in law school. bank, and apparently the bank had out of one. And so he decided he was Earlier today, we had the privilege of taken control of the property, and going to jump out of one just so he unveiling a new portrait memorializing somehow RALPH had gotten control of could come to that meeting and tell us Representative HALL’s tenure as chair- the bank’s assets legally, so it was his he did it. And he did. man of the Science Committee. It was property, but he never had time to go He’s still a great patriot. He lives and fitting that the ceremony took place in visit it. He had a caretaker who was breathes America. I look forward to the Rayburn House Office Building. taking care of his property. He began many more years with RALPH HALL. Throughout his tenure, RALPH HALL to get letters from the Railroad Com- Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I has been a consistent advocate for ad- mission down in Austin. The Railroad yield to the gentlewoman from Texas, vancement through scientific research Commission is in charge of oil and gas , who is the and development. He has been an ally leases and royalties for the State of ranking member of the Science Com- of small businesses, and as Science Texas, and they kept sending these let- mittee of which RALPH HALL is the Committee chairman has worked to en- ters asking where to send his royalty chairman. sure that business owners are not un- checks. And he finally called down and Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of necessarily burdened by excessive EPA said: I don’t have any oil and gas wells, Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gen- regulations. what are you talking about? tleman very much. I rise today to

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:34 Nov 28, 2012 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K27NO7.031 H27NOPT1 tjames on DSK6SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H6446 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 27, 2012 honor Congressman RALPH HALL, who I wanted him to know that I certainly didn’t or maybe longer, and about an hour is the dean of our Texas congressional agree with the switch, but that we would al- and a half later, the American Airlines delegation, and a lifelong public serv- ways be friends, and I meant it. people came and said, Just so you ant from the State of Texas. It has been an honor to be his friend and know, the flight left about 30 minutes b 1930 colleague all of these years. RALPH HALL con- ago. Do y’all want to have dinner with tinues to inspire and encourage us all through us or what? I don’t know that I have a better his milestone of service to our Nation. And we looked up at each other and friend in this body than RALPH HALL, Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize we’d missed the flight, and that was be- and our relationship goes all the way RALPH HALL for his many accomplishments as cause RALPH HALL was telling the fun- back to the Texas Legislature. an exceptional politician, civic leader, busi- niest stories of taking time with KAY When I first went to the Texas House nessman and shining example of the Amer- GRANGER and me, sitting around a back in 1972, he was a part of the sen- ican dream. small table at Reagan airport. ate. And I still have a little penny that Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I And he was doing more than just tell- is encircled in a little silver band that am happy to yield to the gentlewoman ing stories. What RALPH was really try- says, RALPH HALL of Rockwall. And from Texas, . ing to do was to mentor KAY GRANGER I’ve always kept it as something spe- Ms. GRANGER. Like all the Members and on, not the life and cial because he is a very special person that are speaking tonight, I’m very times of RALPH HALL, but to talk about to me. honored to pay tribute to our friend, citizenship and of service and of benefit When he switched parties in 2004, and RALPH HALL. And I thank Congressman to people. And he talked about how he, I’ve said this before, I tried to call him for organizing this very in his personal life, lived his life for the several times and I didn’t get a re- well-deserved tribute. benefit of other people. sponse. So I finally said, just, I want to Congressman HALL served his coun- From that day forward, I learned leave this message; tell him I still love try as an aircraft carrier pilot in World more about RALPH HALL and have con- him. In 30 seconds, he called me back. War II, and has continued his commit- tinued to want to hear him and tell the And I really meant that. I meant it ment to service ever since. stories. Every time it is about how you then; I mean it now, because party has As the oldest Member of Congress to can better your life, about how you can never been anything that separated cast a recorded floor vote, the dean of look at what your service and your friendship, and he’s a perfect example the Texas congressional delegation, time and the things that you do is of that. and the oldest Member of this House, about other people, not yourself. His sense of humor has been so useful Congressman HALL has a long, distin- RALPH HALL, for all the years that I am on the committee that often it’s used guished career behind him. sure he has served, whether it was as a to make witnesses more comfortable or More important than the longevity of State senator or a county judge or as a to break some of the partisan bick- RALPH HALL’s service, however, is the distinguished Member of Congress, ering. incredible dedication and commitment RALPH has done so for others. But whatever, he’s unique in this to his constituents that he’s shown in RALPH comes and goes every single body. If we had more RALPH HALLs, we his service. Congressman HALL has re- weekend. I’ve never spent a weekend in wouldn’t have the rating that we have peatedly earned the trust and respect 16 years that I’ve been a Member of today. of voters of north Texas who elected Congress, and I’m sure RALPH has not Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Con- him to his first political office 62 years in the time he’s been here since the gressman RALPH HALL, Dean of the Texas ago, and they’ve been sending him back early eighties. Congressional delegation and a life-long public with overwhelming support for 32 Mr. Speaker, RALPH HALL is an im- servant from my State of Texas. years. All along the way, in every of- portant and distinguished Member of RALPH HALL is often quoted, saying ‘‘I’d rath- fice he’s served, Congressman HALL has this body, and he has brought distinc- er be respected at home than liked in Wash- made Texas proud, and continues to do tion, not just to the Texas delegation ington.’’ I do both. I have tremendous respect so as chairman of the Science, Space, and not just to the people that he rec- for him as my Chairman of the House Com- and Technology Committee. ommends, but I think to all of Amer- mittee on Science, Space and Technology and Serving with RALPH has been a true ica, as a statesman, a man who gets his he is a true friend back home in North Texas. honor, and I look forward to con- work done, not to put himself forward, RALPH HALL in many ways has been able to tinuing to serve with him well into the but to put others. transcend the extreme partisan climate which future. I think he’s a model of success. He’s exists in Washington today with his keen polit- Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I a model of somebody that I want to be- ical acumen and candid sense of humor. yield to the gentleman from Texas, come more like. But I will tell you Through our shared experiences in the PETE SESSIONS, the next chairman of what: If we will take the time tonight, Texas legislature and on the Science Com- the Rules Committee. those of my colleagues that have not mittee, I have learned that RALPH enjoys a Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Chairman, thank known him, to watch the way RALPH good joke and that I should not try to match you very much. does it, he even does it today the same him in storytelling. RALPH uses humor to dif- Tonight we all rise in support of the way he did it the first day he came fuse tensions in a room. I have seen him use favorite son of Rockwall, Texas, and here. And that, to me, is a legacy of it to do everything from stopping partisan bick- perhaps all of Texas, the Honorable RALPH HALL, a great Member of Con- ering to easing a witness’s nerves. It’s a real RALPH HALL. gress and one of my colleagues. skill and I have truly appreciated it over the And I think of so many wonderful I’m proud and pleased to be here to- years. stories about RALPH. Tonight you’ll night with the Honorable RALPH You may recall back in January of 2004 hear many of them, Mr. Speaker, of the MOODY HALL, Member of Congress. after serving 12 terms as a Democrat, RALPH Texas delegation, of the life and times Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I HALL decided to run as a Republican. I was of our members, as we not only try and yield to the gentleman from Texas, the first Democrat to call RALPH when he gather together every week, but also . switched parties. As soon as I heard this news work together. Mr. CULBERSON. Mr. Speaker, the I attempted to call him at his office, however One of my favorite stories about Proverbs tell us that our good name is I was unable to get in touch. After a few more RALPH HALL really took place with the our most valuable possession on Earth, attempts, I left a message saying, ‘‘just tell young woman who was just up here, and by that measure RALPH HALL is him that I still love him.’’ He called me right KAY GRANGER. One night KAY truly one of the wealthiest men in back, and said he was so happy to hear my GRANGER, then as a Member of my Con- America. He’s earned the trust of his message because his wife was mad at him. gress, and myself—this is probably 12, constituents over and over again, as he Some said she actually had him sleeping on 13, 14 years ago—were with RALPH has earned the trust of his colleagues, the couch. He knew several of his Democratic HALL at the brand-new Reagan airport. because we know, his constituents friends would be upset with him. And we sat down, waiting for a flight know, that RALPH HALL always keeps Our districts are practically right next to that was going to be in 35 or 40 min- his word, that RALPH HALL always does each other and we had been friends for years. utes, that got delayed 35 or 40 minutes what’s right for America. He does the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:34 Nov 28, 2012 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K27NO7.033 H27NOPT1 tjames on DSK6SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE November 27, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6447 right thing for the right reason on And so, Mr. Speaker, I’m honored to RALPH HALL. Here he is, the oldest every occasion. recognize a Texas legend, a World War Member to cast a vote on this floor. And he understands that his service II veteran, a statesman, a role model Texas has sent an awful lot of treas- in Congress is for his fellow man. Just for all American citizens, including my ure to this place over the years. We’ve as he served us in uniform in our children. I’m honored to recognize him shared resources. We are a State of re- Armed Forces, RALPH serves here as he on this historic occasion. I’m honored sources. We shared our resources, we served as county judge, as he served as to recognize this institution for this think, pretty graciously with the rest State senator for the benefit of Texas, historic moment. But most of all, I’m of the country. And when we shared for the benefit of America. honored to call RALPH HALL my friend. RALPH HALL with this body, we shared It’s an extraordinary privilege for me I thank the gentleman for yielding. one of Texas’s treasures. to serve with him, to look to RALPH Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I We’ve talked about RALPH, and most HALL as a mentor, as a friend, as a col- yield to the gentleman from Texas, MI- of the stories that have been told I league, as a fellow Texan, to honor him CHAEL BURGESS. have known and thought about shar- tonight, one of the great Americans, Mr. BURGESS. I thank the gen- ing. But the truth is that when I think one of the great Texans ever to serve in tleman for the recognition. about RALPH HALL, it’s amazing. Peo- the , RALPH I don’t want to say that RALPH HALL ple that don’t really know him in HALL. We honor and thank him for his has been here for a long time, but he Texas think they know him because service to the Nation and to the great was here when the Earth cooled the they know his reputation. State of Texas. first time. It’s been said that a statesman is a Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I RALPH, I just can’t tell you what it’s person who puts everything above him- am happy to yield to the gentleman meant to serve with you. When I was a self and all partisanship aside and tries from Texas, , the next freshman Member of Congress, you ac- to do what’s right for the country. I’ve chairman of the Financial Services tually were on the other side of the watched RALPH as a Democrat, I’ve Committee. aisle. You were the ranking Democrat watched him as a Republican, and Mr. HENSARLING. I thank the gen- on the Science Committee, and I served that’s what he does. tleman for yielding. with you there. Certainly, your ability A national treasure is something Mr. Speaker, I rise today in great to get your way in that committee was they bury in the ground, so RALPH honor to recognize my friend and fel- something that I’ve always marveled doesn’t like to talk about that, but low Texan, RALPH HALL, for being the at, because we had the votes, but you what he does like to talk about is the oldest Member of Congress to cast a re- had the way of getting things done. fact that we all need to be nice to each corded vote on the House floor. It is And then I lost the ability to have my other. And RALPH HALL is like what we not often that I have been given the op- bills bipartisan because I always got Texans define as a Texan. And the first portunity to recognize someone with RALPH to cosponsor whatever crazy lit- definition every Texan will give is a such a long, long, long, very long his- tle bill I had up there and it became bi- man that’ll look you straight in the tory of service to our country. partisan, and then RALPH switched face, make a deal with you, look him in Everyone in this institution knows sides on me. I wasn’t able to utilize the eye, he gives you his word, and you that RALPH’s passion in this institu- that any longer. can count on it. That’s the definition tion is science and space and tech- I’ve got to tell you, RALPH, one of the we Texans cherish. nology. It represents the areas of the profiles in courage that I will always He is the man who originated that committee he now chairs. remember from my service here in the definition, because he’s the man you When I came here, I asked someone, House, I hadn’t been here 3 months and can look in the eye, and when he prom- Why is RALPH such an expert in it was the first budget vote that I had ises you he’s going to do something, science? And someone said, Well, you lived through. It was a pretty wild he’s going to do it; but even more im- may not know it, but according to night. It went on late. The budget was portantly, to be a person who has some, he was there when Columbus dis- kind of seesawing back and forth with charm and grace and humor and the covered the Earth was round, Newton not quite enough votes to pass, and ability to make your day brighter discovered gravity, and Franklin dis- then it had enough and then people every time you see him. I don’t know covered electricity. switched. Right at the end, RALPH of anybody in my life I’ve ever met Now, Mr. Speaker, they say that imi- HALL came down this very aisle to this that has that talent like RALPH HALL. tation is the greatest form of flattery, table and cast the deciding vote in That makes him a treasure. and this was a poor attempt on my part favor of the Republican budget. At the God bless you, RALPH. to show how RALPH HALL brightens time, he was a Democrat, but it was Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I this institution every day with his important to him. Our country had just yield to the gentleman from Texas, humor. He is clearly the wittiest Mem- gone to war in Iraq. The President . ber of Congress in a body that is in des- needed the support of the House of Rep- Mr. NEUGEBAUER. I thank the gen- perate need to be brightened up and oc- resentatives. To RALPH, that was an tleman. casionally benefited by such wit and important vote to cast. Honestly, I’ll I rise this evening to talk about my humor. just never forget that profile in cour- young friend, RALPH HALL. One of the But besides his wit and humor, for age that you showed that night and things about RALPH is that he is like those who really know him, he is clear- how you put country above party, you the Energizer bunny. He’s up just about ly one of the wisest men to ever serve put country above self, and you made every morning pretty early and walks. in this body. And I certainly benefit that sacrifice. But most of the time you will see him from that wisdom, as do so many oth- RALPH, it has been an honor to serve down at the White House about 7:30 let- ers. with you. You are a near neighbor in ting some constituent in for a White north Texas. We ride back and forth on House tour or, in some cases, taking 1940 b that darned plane every week, and it is that constituent for a tour. Mr. Speaker, we heard earlier that a testament to your ability to not just The thing about RALPH is he’s never RALPH has said, I’d rather be respected serve here in Washington, but take interested in RALPH; he’s always just at home than liked in Washington. The care of your folks at home in Rockwall. interested in you. If you walk up to truth is, not only is he respected in RALPH, it’s been an honor to serve RALPH, during that conversation it’s Rockwall, Texas, he is beloved in with you. going to come out, What can I do for Rockwall, Texas. And not only is he Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I you? What do you need? How can I help liked in Washington, more impor- yield to the gentleman from Texas, you? tantly, he is respected in Washington. JOHN CARTER. What RALPH has done for all of his And more importantly, he is respected Mr. CARTER. I thank you for yield- life is served. He understands that the by both Republicans and Democrats ing. roles that he’s been allowed to serve in alike. And that, Mr. Speaker, is a huge, I’m really pleased to step up tonight were really roles of servanthood. And huge testament. and say a little bit about my friend, he is the ultimate servant. He has the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:34 Nov 28, 2012 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K27NO7.035 H27NOPT1 tjames on DSK6SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H6448 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 27, 2012 servant’s heart. It’s a delight to be single individual. It is deep-seated and the space shuttle was going to New around him. it is heartfelt and it is genuine and York City instead of Houston, Texas, I’ve enjoyed serving on the House real. And those of us that have the rumor is that he was trying to get a Science Committee with him. Some- honor and the privilege of service with posse to go up to New York and bring times there will be some adversarial RALPH HALL understand it and bask in that shuttle back to Houston where it conversations in a committee hearing, it on every single occasion. belongs. I don’t know if that’s true or but RALPH has, always, a way to bring So I would simply like to add my not. levity sometimes when levity is need- congratulations and heartfelt admira- RALPH HALL loves America, he loves ed. tion to serve with RALPH HALL and to this body, he loves Texas, but most of I woke up one morning here just a be able to say that when I write about all he loves the American people. It’s a few months ago and I read in the paper: whatever I did in Congress, one of the great honor to recognize you, a states- RALPH HALL Jumps Out of Airplane. lines in there will be that I had the man and favorite son of Texas, Chair- Now that would shock some people, but honor and privilege of serving with man RALPH HALL. I guarantee it didn’t shock anybody in RALPH HALL at a time when he was at And that’s just the way it is. the Texas delegation, because we know his best. Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I when RALPH wants to make a point, he RALPH, congratulations. yield to the gentleman from Texas, just goes ahead and makes the point. . Now, you’ve got this guy that gets up b 1950 Mr. GOHMERT. Thank you, Mr. at 7 o’clock in the morning, he’s down Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I Chairman, for yielding. at the White House, he jumps out of yield to the gentleman from Texas, It is an honor, privilege and a pleas- airplanes, he goes back and forth to . ure—all three—to be here to pay trib- every weekend, and the ques- Mr. POE of Texas. I thank the chair- ute to our friend RALPH HALL. I think tion, RALPH, that all of us want to man for yielding. Thank you for spon- I’m the only one that has spoken that know, is: What kind of vitamins are soring this Special Order where we can, was actually represented by RALPH you taking? Because we all want to be as a body, recognize our friend and fel- HALL, and so it’s not my first testi- on whatever diet that you’re on. low Texan, Chairman RALPH HALL. monial for the gentleman from But what I wanted to say about Mr. Speaker, we Texans are proud of Rockwall. RALPH tonight is RALPH is a Congress- our State, we’re proud of our heritage, In fact, in 2001, it looked like there man to many people and the people in and we’re proud of the people that have was a new redistricting map the legis- Rockwall, but to all of us, RALPH HALL been in our State. Texans have a long lature had come out with, and it was is our friend. And we’re very proud of history of remarkable Texans in our going to put my home town of Tyler in our friend, and we’re very proud to history, men and women with, I shall a different district. During my years on have the opportunity to serve with a call it, personality, uniqueness, all the the bench, I had been concerned about great man like RALPH HALL. way back to General Sam Houston— some of the Federal laws that were lur- My RALPH HALL story is: We were and there are many others. But on that ing people into ruts they couldn’t get celebrating one of his birthdays on a list will be, and is, Chairman RALPH out of without any hope, and that’s Thursday—the Texas Republican dele- HALL. He is a person of personality and when I first thought about running. gation has lunch every Thursday—and character—and quite a character. But I knew, and I said publicly, as long somebody had brought a birthday cake He has not always been a Republican. as RALPH HALL is my Congressman in, and I think we had a candle there. At one time he sat over here. He was a there’s no need for me to run. I know We just had one to kind of commemo- Democrat. He switched, got religion, that man, I know his heart, I know his rate all of the years. The fire marshal and came over and became a Repub- convictions—not criminal convictions, wouldn’t let us bring all the rest of lican. But his principles have never I don’t know of any of them—but I them, RALPH, I’m sorry. Anyway, he changed; they have always been the know the convictions of his heart, and was making light of his birthday, and same. Whether he sat over here or I know him to be a man of conscience, he looked at us and he said, The worst whether he sat over here, he has always a moral, upright, decent man who had thing somebody can say to you on your been a man of remarkable character a wonderful wife, and there was no way birthday is, Doesn’t he look natural? and always voted his principles. there was a need for me to run as long What we know is that RALPH HALL is He is a World War II veteran. We not a natural person. He’s a super- as RALPH HALL was my Representative. have a special place in this country for natural person. I was told by some Republican lead- veterans like him that served in the RALPH, we love you and we appre- ers, look, he’s a Democrat, you ought ciate the opportunity to serve with great World War II. My dad served in to run against him anyway, and I said you. God bless you, and God bless the World War II. He was on the other side no way. I couldn’t do any better than United States of America. of the world while RALPH was flying off RALPH HALL. I’m well represented. But Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I of aircraft carriers in the Pacific. in 2003, finally the legislature actually yield to the gentleman from Texas, There is a special something about did redistricting, and we ended up in a . World War II veterans. They under- different district, and I ran. But I’ve Mr. CONAWAY. Thank you, Mr. stand American history. They under- been amazed not only by the incredible SMITH. stand the importance of our military knowledge of science and technology I, too, want to add my congratula- and how it’s important for us as a Na- and the workings of this body, but as tions and prideful acknowledgement of tion to always do two things—have a others have alluded to, the sense of RALPH HALL’s long service. You’ve strong military, and then support our humor. But now one thing I’ve noticed, heard the long list of his accomplish- veterans when they return home, a lot of times around here people get a ments and his service. RALPH rep- whether they return home as wounded good joke, they just keep it to them- resents the folks in northeast Texas warriors or whether they return home selves, whereas RALPH shares even ably and well, including my alma with the scars of war, and some that funny material. mater, Texas A&M at Commerce. He is return home in those caskets. RALPH We had a college coach here that was a terrific individual. HALL makes sure that we remember going to speak to a big group of Mem- I’m in constant awe of his quick wit our veterans. bers of Congress, and somebody told and his storytelling ability. RALPH is He was a business owner. He ran for him, just start off with something never at a loss for some remark or re- office because his wife wanted him to funny and you’ll be fine. He was nerv- sponse to whatever is going on. It just run for office. Mary Ellen was respon- ous, and he said, I don’t know anything makes you want to laugh out loud. sible for him spending many years on funny. So RALPH said, well, what would That is a rare talent—one that I would the campaign trail running for office. you like it on? He said, well, what love to have, but don’t. I am in awe of As the chairman of the Science Com- about education? He said, here’s your his quick wit and his wisdom. mittee, he has been a special fan of joke: I’m also in awe of his gentle spirit NASA. We in Texas, we love NASA. A teacher tells her first-grade kids and kindness that he expresses to every When he learned—rumor has it—that that they’ve got to come back and tell

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:34 Nov 28, 2012 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K27NO7.037 H27NOPT1 tjames on DSK6SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE November 27, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6449 some family story that is told around and Clyde, the notorious gangsters who Advancing our Nation’s human space the family. Everybody in the classroom met their demise shortly after leaving flight program has been a hallmark for the next day had their story, but little Rockwall, Texas. RALPH pumped gas Chairman HALL. And as we look out at Johnny never raised his hand. Finally, for Bonnie and Clyde. America’s next generation of explorers, she said, Johnny, everybody’s done But RALPH has not just had amazing space is their destiny. And he’ll help their family story but you, don’t you brushes with history, like Bonnie and ensure that they reach it. have one? And he said, well, I do have Clyde. He’s made history. As a county RALPH, there’s a lot of work to do, one, it’s even got a moral, but I don’t judge, a State legislator, a United and I’m truly honored by the oppor- know. The teacher said: Well, is it States Congressman, RALPH made our tunity to serve with you to get ’er clean? He said sure. She said, Well, go country stronger and made the world done. I only hope and pray that when ahead and tell it. So Johnny got up and better. I’m 65 years old, I’ll be in half as good said, Well, my Aunt Katie was in the I have had the honor and privilege to shape or half as smart as you. God Air Force as a pilot, and she got over work with Chairman HALL for nearly 4 bless you, RALPH. hostile territory. My Aunt Katie al- years to ensure America retains its Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ways was prepared for the worst. She dominance in human space flight. yield to the gentleman from Texas, had a bottle of whiskey, an Uzi, a 9mm When the Obama administration’s ill- QUICO CANSECO. and a knife in the cockpit with her just conceived budget of 2010 threatened to Mr. CANSECO. I thank my friend and in case something happened. Sure lose that dominance, RALPH used every colleague and fellow Texan, Chairman enough, she got hit, she’s going down. tool in the toolbox of life that he had SMITH, for yielding. accumulated in public service to give Today, I honor a great man, a great She ejects, drinks the bottle of whis- him the tools to win the battle. Texan, a great American, RALPH HALL. key real quickly, and then sees all Here are a couple of those tools: Neil As he makes history today for being these enemy soldiers coming at her, Armstrong; General Tom Stafford, who the most experienced Member—in life- wipes out a couple dozen of them with was here earlier today; and Gene long years—of this Chamber to cast a the Uzi, takes the 9mm, wipes out 12 Cernan. RALPH built a bipartisan coali- vote, I am proud, as a member of the more, and then hits the ground. Three tion and saved the Orion crew capsule Texas delegation, to call him a friend more come at her, and she takes them and put the United States on a path to and a colleague. out too. go beyond low Earth orbit. RALPH HALL embodies so many of the The teacher said: Good grief, that’s a As a boy who grew up a mile and a virtues we celebrate as Americans. He family story and you say it has a half from the Johnson Space Center, I is a man who is forever devoted to his moral? He said, Well, I don’t know if have seen RALPH HALL make history family. He is a patriot who served his you’d call it a moral, but it’s what ev- and put our country on a course where country during World War II. He is a erybody in our family knows, and that my kids, your kids, our grandkids can public servant who has dedicated his is, when Aunt Katie’s been drinking, see an American walking on another life to serving the people of Texas and you don’t mess with her. celestial body. the United States. He is an example to So, anyway, I was impressed that he RALPH, thank you for the impact all Americans not just for his service shared that, but more than anything you’ve had on my life and my family’s to family and country but in the grace- I’m proud to have shared time here and life. ful manner in which he goes about his seen a true Representative at work. We’ve all talked about the chairman tasks and the joy that he inspires in all It’s been my honor. Thank you, RALPH, going parachute jumping earlier this of us. for all you’ve done. year. I thank you for that, Mr. Chair- This Chamber will always be grateful Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I man. Because you did that, my 15-year- for the service that RALPH HALL has yield to the gentleman from Texas, old daughter came up to me and said, given to the House of Representatives . Dad, let’s jump out of a plane when I and to the Nation. Mr. OLSON. I thank my colleague turn 18. Thank you. Thank you for We all enjoy his good humor, his and fellow Texan for giving me a cou- that, Mr. Chairman. You’ve made a dif- dedication, and his love of country that ple of minutes to talk about RALPH ference in my life. You’ve made a dif- he brings to his job each and every day. HALL, a man we all know, a man we all ference in the world. We love you. We Tonight, as we pay tribute to RALPH love. thank you. HALL and wish him many more years of My comments are going to focus on Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I service to the people of Texas and the some of the amazing events that have yield to the gentleman from Florida, United States, I thank him for the occurred during RALPH HALL’s life and BILL POSEY. privilege of serving by his side as a brought him to this record-setting vote Mr. POSEY. I thank the gentleman friend and a colleague in the House of he cast earlier this evening. for yielding. Representatives of the United States God had a plan for RALPH, some I appreciate the opportunity to join Congress. might call it fate—fate, which is appro- with my colleagues in recognizing Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I priate, because RALPH’s journey to get Chairman RALPH HALL for his tenure yield to the gentleman from Texas, here started in Fate, Texas, population and as chairman of the House Science . 299. RALPH was born there on , Committee. Mr. FLORES. I thank Chairman 1923. Fate ensured that RALPH would During his service, Congressman SMITH for yielding. have amazing brushes with history. HALL has been one to reach across the Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor One amazing brush with history aisle and forge bipartisan coalitions to one of my Texas colleagues who has RALPH had occurred as a young teen- support important legislation. And no just become the oldest known Member ager pumping gas in Rockwall, Texas. program, in my view, has benefited of the House of Representatives to cast RALPH filled up a car of a young couple, more from his bipartisan commitment a recorded vote on the House floor. And a man and a woman, very well dressed, than the United States space program. I applaud Congressman RALPH HALL for heading east. RALPH got a great tip—a Representative HALL has been an es- passing this historic milestone. quarter. In those days that was a lot of pecially strong voice for our Nation’s RALPH was first elected to represent money. human space flight program, which has the Fourth District of Texas back in benefited not only Texas and Florida, 1980 and is preparing to enter his 17th b 2000 but has propelled our Nation on a path term when the 113th Congress convenes He went into the service station to of unprecedented scientific and techno- next year. tell the boss what had happened, about logical advancements. Congressman HALL currently serves the tip. He glanced at the newspaper, We can all learn a lot from our col- as chairman of the Science, Space, and and he froze. league. Congressman HALL leads by ex- Technology Committee. He is the long- He had just filled up a car, the two ample, and he is well known for calling est-serving Member of the committee occupants of which were the pictures of a spade a spade. His word truly is his and is the first Member to serve as two people on the newspaper, the front bond, and you can always take that to ranking member as both a Republican page. These two people were Bonnie the bank. and as a Democrat.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:34 Nov 28, 2012 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K27NO7.039 H27NOPT1 tjames on DSK6SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H6450 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 27, 2012 Now, everybody knows what a come- in 1980, but started long before. He an- living embodiment of southern hospi- dian RALPH is, and I want to share a swered the country’s call to serve in tality and good heartedness. funny story with you about him. At his the service in World War II, serving in Mr. Chairman, thank you for your birthday party in May of 2011, I was the Navy as an aircraft carrier pilot service, and congratulations on this asked to say a few words about him. So from 1942 to 1945. Later in his life, wonderful milestone. I know we’re I talked for a few minutes about him RALPH served in the Texas Legislature going to see you continue to set and about what it was like to serve from 1962 to 1972. records for years to come. with him. And I ended by saying that I RALPH, I did not have the oppor- Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, hoped to wrap up my time in Congress tunity to serve with you in the Texas the time has come to recognize the in just three to four terms and that I Legislature. We were there at different man we have been honoring here to- would never aspire to serve as long as times. But you served with honor, and night. he has, to which RALPH dryly replied, you served as the Senate pro tempore Earlier this evening, Congressman Well, Bill, we’re going to miss you. So for 2 years. HALL broke the record for the eldest Member of Congress to have ever cast a that’s just the way RALPH is. He adds Though RALPH’S time in the Texas levity to every situation. Legislature predated me, he has always vote in the United States House of Rep- Mr. Speaker, it’s an honor to work been and always will be a legend in resentatives. Actually, Mr. Speaker, every day RALPH HALL sets a record for alongside RALPH. I look forward to Austin, Texas. Today, my friend con- serving with him in the future in ad- tinues to distinguish himself in Con- his service to our country. Mr. Speaker, the time of the Special dressing the many pressing needs of gress serving as the chairman of the Order is going to appear to expire in the American people. Science, Space, and Technology Com- about 5 minutes, and I hope the Speak- Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I mittee. er might consider wielding a gentle yield to the gentleman from Texas, There never has been anyone quite gavel. like RALPH before. He is a true Texan, . With that, I look forward to hearing a true Texan hero, and I am proud to Mr. FARENTHOLD. I am honored to from the gentleman from Texas, the call him my friend. Though he quali- be here today, as well, to pay my re- gentleman from Rockwall, Texas, him- spect in tribute to Congressman RALPH fied for retirement a couple of decades self, RALPH HALL. HALL. ago, he still serves his country and Mr. HALL. Well, I don’t really want As a freshman in Congress, there’s a constituents with honor and distinc- to make a speech. I’ve enjoyed these whole lot to learn. When I came in, tion. speeches I’ve listened to here. A lot of RALPH HALL was one of those people Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I it was true. Good people, great guys that was larger than life. And he re- yield to the gentleman from Illinois, and gals that I work with. I’m honored mains larger than life after I’ve been RANDY HULTGREN. to be a part of it. here for 2 years. Mr. HULTGREN. Thank you, Chair- For the past 32 years, I’ve been here. He is the kind of guy that you aspire man SMITH. I really came up here to stay 4 years, to be like in Congress—able to solve I rise today to honor my colleague and that’s what my wife and I agreed problems, able to get things done from Texas, Congressman RALPH HALL, on. I just didn’t say which 4 I was talk- across party lines, friends with every- whom I have come to know over the ing about. But she was always one to body, always a smile on his face, al- last few years, not only as the chair- encourage me to run, because I had a ways a joke on his lips. He is a prob- man of our Science Committee, but son who was a district judge, and I lem-solver, and that’s what we need also as a personal friend and leader. think she felt that me being in Con- here in Washington is people who solve As Science Committee chairman, gress helped that son. Mommas always problems. RALPH HALL has been a strong advo- love their little cubs. I think he was A perfect example that you’ve heard cate for our Nation’s leadership and really helping me, because he was run- some of my colleagues allude to earlier preeminence in space exploration and ning on the Republican ticket then and today, there were some folks saying, launch capabilities. It is self-evident I was running on the Democratic tick- RALPH HALL is too old to serve in Con- that his personal experience and exper- et. I soon saw the light, and I came gress. Well, he solved that problem by tise has carried over into a passion for over. But I left good friends over here, jumping out of an airplane. And I’m American preeminence and flight in and there’s good people on both sides of going to tell you something. For a aviation. the docket. Navy pilot—I represent two naval Today, as you have heard, RALPH There’s a lot of talk about the para- training facilities—I guarantee you HALL will become the oldest known chute. There are things you have to do naval pilots do not like to jump out of House Member to cast a recorded floor in politics sometimes. I had a race that a perfectly good airplane. Getting out vote, and this is a great opportunity to started this last time with 78 percent of an airplane is a bad sign for a Navy reflect on his record of service to our of the votes it looked like. A gen- pilot before it’s landed. Nation. We recognize not only his serv- tleman from Houston spent $450,000 RALPH HALL epitomizes and is the ice here in Washington as a Member of against me. He didn’t know me, didn’t perfect example of what it is to be a the House of Representatives, but also know the two people running against Congressman. He could make friends his home State of Texas as a member me, but spent that amount of money to with a fence post. And as I’ve told my of their legislature and as a veteran of defeat me for some reason because he wife Debbie, When I grow up, I want to the Second World War. thought I was too old to be here. He be RALPH HALL. While Congressman HALL’s wit, picked five of us, and the other four Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I humor, and bipartisanship are rare didn’t take him on. I tried to take him yield to the gentleman from Texas, today, they’re attributes sorely needed on some, but in taking him on I had to . now more than ever. I feel privileged to assure my people that I wasn’t the old Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, today have served with him during my first goof that he was saying I was, that I we honor our dear friend and colleague term of Congress, to follow his leader- was capable of the work. RALPH HALL for becoming the oldest ship on NASA and human spaceflight The only way I could think of doing Member to cast a vote in the history of policy, to hear his stories and knowl- it—I run a couple of miles every morn- the House of Representatives. edge spanning nine decades, and to ing, and when I was running, I looked I have had the privilege of knowing count him as friend. up and there was an airplane up there. RALPH for decades. He is a dear friend I realize more than ever that some- I thought, If I could jump up and touch and a tireless advocate for the people one who is 91 years old can say a lot of that airplane, they’d think I was agile of the Fourth Congressional District of things that someone 46 years old would enough maybe to keep on being their our home State. get in a lot of trouble saying. So I’m Congressman. If running 2 miles every grateful hearing you speak all the morning, voting 99-plus percent of the b 2010 time, and I enjoy your jokes so much. time, if that wasn’t enough, I had to do RALPH’S service to the country did Congressman HALL is not only a fight- something else. So I decided if I jump 2 not start with his election to Congress ing ace and a military hero, but the miles, maybe that would be it.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:34 Nov 28, 2012 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K27NO7.041 H27NOPT1 tjames on DSK6SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE November 27, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6451 We got in an airplane. I got this guy, Mr. Rayburn, was called by my moth- Texas, a small town east of Dallas. This is a and he really was great. He trained me er, who had known him back in the proud moment for Mr. HALL’s family, constitu- and showed me how to get in and out. earlier days and was at Mayo College ents, and all of us who have the privilege to Of course, I had flown probably a cou- with him, to give me some kind of a serve with him. ple or 300 hours or 400 hours during the recommendation to be an officer in the Today, the House of Representatives is also war, and I had made one jump during Army or the Navy or the Marine Corps accepting a portrait of Mr. HALL in recognition the war, but it wasn’t a forced jump. I or something. He didn’t call her back. of his tenure as chairman of the Committee on knew what it was, and I knew that it He didn’t write her a letter back. He Science, Space, and Technology. RALPH’s was okay. I also knew that it would came to the breakfast table to tell her, record of service to the committee, and to our tell people I had not had a stroke, and ‘‘Maude, I can’t appoint that boy to country, has been a thing of beauty, and John that’s what they were putting out. I anything. There’s four reasons.’’ She Boyd Martin’s work certainly matches that de- wanted them to know I was able and said, ‘‘What on Earth can that be?’’ He scription. capable of representing them. They had said, ‘‘All four of his grades.’’ That was The portrait contains a view of the Capitol to know that, and they were entitled to kind of true, because I always thought and a picture of RALPH and his wife Mary know that, so I decided to jump out of everything over 70 was wasted. Ellen, who spurred him to get involved and run that airplane. for his mentor Sam Rayburn’s old seat. The b 2020 We got right over the opening there, House is accepting the portrait in honor of her and I looked down. I had maybe a cou- Not a good student. Not a good foot- memory. ple of hundred people on the ground ball player. We lost our car early in the Also worth noting in the portrait is the space waiting there. He said, As you jump Depression. One guy in the Depression shuttle on Mr. HALL’s lapel. It’s a fitting symbol out, reach with your heel and kick me said he’d eaten so many rabbits he was of his long-standing commitment to the space in the rear. I was glad to do that. Right afraid of his own dog. We didn’t have program and America’s leadership in dis- at the last, I almost decided not to that kind of a problem, but we knew covery and innovation. It also signifies how jump, but I was too close and I knew I what the Depression was. Chairman HALL has focused on exploring all of had to. I might have been pushed a lit- I fear for this country right today in our next frontiers—starting with our own en- tle. I don’t even know. I did jump, and that, if we don’t get together and ergy resources. Chairman HALL not only keeps he held on to me so tight—there were maybe forget that we’re more Repub- the shuttle—and all the promise it embodies— two of us there. He was holding tight, lican than we are Democrat or more on his lapel. He keeps it in his heart too. and that kind of struck me. I turned Democrat than we are Republican, our Like the casting of a vote, the presentation around and asked him, ‘‘Do you mean children are going to suffer. We need to of portrait is a personal act, but its acceptance it?’’ He said, ‘‘What do you mean?’’ I make a move and think of them. We is a shared commitment. It is for us, Mr. said, ‘‘You’re holding me so tight. Do owe our children an opportunity, and HALL’s peers and admirers, to continue the la- you care for me? What’s the deal? they owe us the effort. It’s just that bors the portrait honors, to sustain the curi- There’s a preacher down there, and the simple. I think, in this next session, osity it celebrates. The House’s efforts to com- President said men can marry men. we’re going to all have some give, that memorate Mr. HALL’s voting milestone is a Maybe he’ll just marry us when we get we’re all going to get together and try good start. There is much more to do, and we there.’’ He said, ‘‘Shut up. The ground to work something out. can rest assured that Mr. HALL himself will is going to be here in just a few min- In our leader, we have a good Speak- make a robust contribution to this work. utes.’’ er. He’s a guy I admire and respect, a Mr. BRADY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in It was a pretty thing to see the Earth kind Speaker, a guy who means the honor of Congressman RALPH HALL, rep- coming up to us there and seeing good things that he says. He is a Speaker resenting Texans in the 4th District of Texas. friends down there that waited in hope who cares about us. I don’t agree with A patriotic American, U.S. Navy Veteran of for me. Even my undertaker was there. everything he says, but we need to for- World War II, Texan, and more personally a My undertaker meets me every time I get any little pettiness that we have, true friend and mentor. First elected to Con- go home with a tape measure and tells get behind the leadership here, and try gress in 1980, Congressman HALL has com- me he has one in store for me. He also to write some legislation. It’s for our mitted over thirty years of his adult life ensur- tells me not to worry about flyers; if children and for our children’s chil- ing his constituents are heard throughout the you don’t like them, they’ll finally dren. That’s the most important thing halls of Congress, all the way from the Lone grow on you. It’s kind of a smart aleck I think we can do. Star State. way to do it, but he’s my close friend. I know my time is about up. Congressman HALL’s public service didn’t He was an intern when I was in the The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. just start when he arrived in Washington— and one of the fine lead- WEST). The time of the gentleman has RALPH was first elected as County Judge of ers of Rockwall. expired. Rockwall County, served as President of the For the past 32 years, I’ve had the Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, State Judges and Commissioners Association honor and the privilege of representing would it be appropriate to ask unani- and devoted ten years serving in the Texas the Fourth District of Texas here in mous consent that the gentleman from Senate, where he rose to President Pro Tem- Congress, and I think it’s just an honor Texas have an additional 5 minutes, or pore. to know that there have been 10,747 more? It is an honor to serve the great State of men and women elected to serve and The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Texas side-by-side with Congressman RALPH that I may be the oldest to ever serve Chair cannot entertain that request. HALL and his track record of success is ad- or to ever vote on the floor. There are Mr. HALL. I say to the Chair, thank mired far and wide; pretty good—for a boy others that have been here but didn’t you very much. I appreciate and under- born and raised in Fate, Texas. vote. I think that date comes up some- stand what the rules are, and I thank I commend the family of Congressman time around the 21st day of December. my folks for being quiet up there when HALL, the late Mary Ellen Murphy, and their My first impression of the House of I know they wanted to be heard. three sons, Hampton, Brett, and Blakeley Representatives when I got here began God bless this Speaker. God bless along with their five grandchildren for the with Speaker Sam Rayburn, whose dis- you, LAMAR SMITH. You’ll make a good countless hours they have sacrificed while trict I represent. Speaker Rayburn and chairman of Science, Space, and Tech- RALPH represented Texas on the national my wife were good friends at Mayo Col- nology. stage. lege. That’s what the college name was Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, over the Mr. Speaker, I look forward to tackling the before it was East Texas State Teach- course of our history, nearly 10,750 individuals pressing issues of our current time and getting ers College. When I was in the senate, have served in the House of Representatives. our country back on a track to fiscal sanity I changed it to East Texas State Uni- According to congressional historians, the alongside with Representative HALL and as he versity. My wife graduated from there, gentleman from Texas, Mr. HALL, has just be- puts it quite frankly and I agree, ‘‘I’d rather be and I had the privilege of handing her come the oldest known House Member to cast respected at home than liked in Washington.’’ her diploma. Those are good things, a recorded floor vote. Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, and that’s a great institution over It is yet another extraordinarily milestone for I rise to recognize and honor the extraordinary there. this World War II veteran from Rockwall, public service commitment of Congressman

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RALPH HALL, the Science, Space, and Tech- I stand proudly before this body of Congress as a County Judge of Rockwall County, nology Committee chairman, the dean of the to honor Congressman RALPH HALL. He has Texas, and he went onto serve in the Texas Texas Congressional Delegation, and my long contributed so many great things to our coun- Senate. serving colleague. try, and he is the epitome of a great leader. I have served with RALPH on the Science, Today, Congressman HALL reigns as both I pray that you serve as the oldest Member of Space, and Technology Committee and have the oldest Member of Congress and the oldest Congress for years to come. appreciated his careful attention to the prior- House Member known to cast a vote on the Mr. BENISHEK. Mr. Speaker, while today ities of the Committee members and the House Floor. I am pleased to say that Con- we commemorate Chairman HALL becoming science community. As an example, RALPH gressman HALL will also become the oldest the oldest Member to vote in the House of and I have worked closely to educate Com- person ever elected to a new House term, Representatives, we truly honor him, not for mittee members on the benefits of clean coal during the 113th Congress. his age, but for the leadership, dedication, and technologies. Like Illinois, Texas relies on coal Congressman HALL, a lifelong native of the commitment he has displayed since he was for energy production, and our districts and great State of Texas, has been a faithful pub- first elected to Congress in 1980. When I was the nation will benefit from technologies that lic servant and has dedicated 32 years of first elected to the House two years ago, can cleanly and efficiently utilize our most service to representing the constituents of the Chairman HALL asked me to join the Science abundant source of energy. I am thankful to 4th Congressional District of Texas. Committee to bring my experience as a prac- RALPH for his commitment to ensuring coal re- In 1942, Congressman HALL became an air- ticing surgeon to the Committee. In this way, mains a part of a diverse energy portfolio. craft pilot for the United States Navy and Chairman HALL has recognized the experience Further, I was proud to work with RALPH on served our country during World War II. Con- and backgrounds of our colleagues on both important Committee measures, such as reau- gressman HALL soared to the top of military sides of the aisle, newcomers and seasoned thorization of the America COMPETES Act, rankings, becoming a senior grade lieutenant. politicians alike. which is critical to ensuring America remains a Congressman Hall, thank you for your serv- Although Chairman HALL has made many leader in science, technology, engineering, ice in the Armed Forces in efforts to protect friends here in Washington, what I admire and math (STEM) education. our freedoms and to ensure America is the most about him is his genuine commitment to Finally, proving time and time again that age greatest country on the Earth. the residents of the 4th district of Texas. As has no bounds, I believe RALPH’S most daring Congressman HALL also served the great he often says he’d rather be respected at feat was his 10,000 foot drop from an airplane State of Texas in both State and local govern- home than liked in Washington. With his last August, skydiving at the age of 89. I ad- ment. gentle disposition and strong leadership, I be- mire RALPH’s courage for taking that leap and In 1950–1962, he served as County Judge lieve he has found a way to do both. see regularly how his bravery and nerve ben- of Rockwall County, Texas. On behalf of the 1st District of Michigan, efit those he serves. He fights daily for the in- In 1958–1959, he served as President of and my colleagues on the Science Committee, terests of his constituents and they have con- the State Judges and Commissioners Associa- Chairman HALL I thank you for your service to tinued to affirm his contributions to their com- tion. our country and for your leadership on the munity for the last 16 terms of Congress. He served in the Texas Senate from 1962 Committee, and I commend you on this mo- Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me to 1972, where he served as President pro mentous occasion. I look forward to serving in an expression of appreciation to Congress- tempore for a year. with you for many years to come. man RALPH HALL for his years of dedicated In addition to a successful early political ca- Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise service to the U.S. House and Texas, and to reer, Congressman HALL is an accomplished today to recognize Chairman RALPH HALL for wish him and his family the very best in the fu- businessman. He served as: his leadership on the Committee on Science, ture. The President and CEO of Texas Aluminum Space, and Technology; for his decades of f Corporation, selfless service to our country; and for his THE UNITED STATES ECONOMY The General Counsel of Texas Extrusion dedication to this esteemed body. AND JOBS Company, and Today, Chairman HALL became the oldest He was a founding member of Lakeside Na- Member to ever cast a vote in the House of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under tional Bank in Rockwall County. Representatives. He has served in the House the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- After his service in State government and for 32 years, occupying the same seat that uary 5, 2011, the gentleman from Cali- achievements in the private sector, Congress- was once occupied by Speaker Sam Rayburn. fornia (Mr. GARAMENDI) is recognized man HALL decided to run for U.S. Congress. RALPH’s energy is legendary, second only to for 60 minutes as the designee of the In 1980, he was elected to serve the Fourth his sharp wit, and I hope to have half as much minority leader. Congressional District of Texas and has been energy as he has when I reach his age. Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, if re-elected each succeeding Congress. His service to America started when, as a the gentleman from Texas would like Some say that his long tenure in Congress 19-year-old from Texas, he joined the United to finish his statement, I would be is related to his love for the Fourth Congres- States Navy in 1942. Lieutenant HALL served happy to yield him 5 minutes. sional District of Texas. I can attest that Con- as a pilot for the duration of World War II, and Mr. HALL. I thank the gentleman— gressman HALL loves his District, and he cer- he has never stopped vigorously fighting for and you are a gentleman. You are my tainly loves the United States of America. our nation. friend and I appreciate you. Congressman HALL is often quoted, saying, I look forward to continuing to work with him I just think we need to get together ‘‘I’d rather be respected at home than liked in in the future, and God-willing, he’ll be here for and remember the most important part Washington.’’ 32 more years, continuing to cast every vote of all of us is our children and our chil- Congressman Hall, we need more politi- the right way. dren’s futures. That’s why we all get cians like you who value the demands of the Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and all of the together, and that’s the reason for us American people and recognize, we as elect- Members of the House join me in honoring to change some of the positions we’ve ed officials, are accountable to those who Chairman RALPH HALL for his leadership, his taken in the past—to try to work elect us to office. service, and his dedication. something out that the American peo- While in Congress, Congressman HALL has Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ple expect us to. been the recipient of numerous awards. recognize the esteemed career of my friend You’re a gentleman to offer me that. Among Congressman Hall’s many achieve- and colleague RALPH HALL. Maybe I’ve used part of that 5 minutes. ments: Today, RALPH became the oldest known Thank you very much. He has been credited for helping to advance House Member to cast a recorded floor vote. Mr. GARAMENDI. You had a lot of research and development for new tech- Also the oldest serving member of the U.S. people speaking to your extraordinary nologies to keep America competitive. House of Representatives and dean of the career here, and I didn’t want to cut it Congressman HALL has worked to utilize Texas delegation, RALPH has charmed friend short. Your advice is sound and, hope- abundant domestic energy resources and and foe alike with his good humor and de- fully, taken by all of us. helped explore alternative energy sources that meanor. Mr. HALL. My mother always told would lower costs. A man of incredible integrity and energy, me to be silent and be thought a fool He has also played an integral role in ensur- RALPH has served his district with distinction in rather than to open my mouth and re- ing America’s preeminence in human space Congress for over three decades. A lawyer by move all doubt. So I don’t want to get exploration. trade, RALPH’s career in public service began to talking too much. It’s been too good

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