HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI OF ILLINOIS
Honoring Congressman Henry Hyde
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2007

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my deepest condolences on the loss of Congressman Henry Hyde. It is a great honor to have known him and served with Henry, a dedicated public servant whose devotion to his constituency, values, and country was rivaled by few.

Though I only shared a single term in the House of Representatives with Congressman Hyde, I felt privileged to serve with him in the Illinois congressional delegation. A man well-known for his eloquent speeches, Henry Hyde was a legend throughout Illinois and the entire country.

Throughout his 32-year tenure in the House of Representatives, Congressman Hyde proved to be an intellectual powerhouse, commanding respect for the strong arguments and stimulating debate that he brought to the House. A true statesman, Henry was known for his ability to bring opposing sides of a debate together to find a consensus for the good of the country.

In the House, Congressman Hyde was influential on matters of international importance, having chaired both the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on International Relations. I have particularly great respect for his eloquent voice on American foreign policy during the Cold War.

For his public service and great contributions to America throughout his career, not the least of which was his brave service in the Navy during World War II, Congressman Hyde was recently recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Awarded by the President and given only to those individuals who have made an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, this is the Nation's highest civilian honor.

A man who always stayed true to his faith, Henry Hyde was unwavering in defending his values and beliefs with every word he spoke.

In the end, I will always admire Henry for his basic belief that the law exists to protect the weak from the strong, and his willingness to fight for this principle.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today not only to honor Henry Hyde, a great man, but to recognize the impact he has made on our country. America no doubt will feel the loss of this man who so deeply committed himself to his country. I count myself lucky that I had the opportunity to serve with him. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family.