Volume 152, No. 133 covering the 2nd Session of the 109th Congress (2005 - 2006) was published by the Congressional Record.
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“GOODBYE TO COLLEAGUES” mentioning the Environmental Protection Agency was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H8872-H8874 on Dec. 6, 2006.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
GOODBYE TO COLLEAGUES
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel) is recognized for 5 minutes.
Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, my colleagues, I just would like to begin, I guess, where Dan Burton has left off in saying so long to so many Members of Congress that we have worked with. Because there are so few people here, I think it is an indication of how we have legislated in terms of waiting so late and Members having to leave, but I guess the most important thing that I wanted to say is that this legislative body has been very good to me, and I have been here for well over three decades.
Not only did I have, do I have, an opportunity to serve my district and my country in this Congress, but it allowed me to meet and work with some of the most exciting, intelligent and interesting people that I never would have met had I not had the great honor of serving here.
This has been especially true in the last decade where friendships have been very difficult to maintain, one, because of the legislative schedules that have been so different with the small amount of time that we spent here; two, because we don't travel abroad as a Congressional team; but, lastly, and I guess the thing that hurts the most, is that the group became not just friends, what committee, what part of the country you came from, but it was whether you were Republican or Democrat, and that made the difference.
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I do hope that the new Congress will have just as much partisanship as relates to the issues that they believe in, but that we will have the Congress that I came to enjoy; that the partisanship would include friendship and would allow people to differ in the ideologies and their political beliefs, but at the end of the day we can say that we still were able to be friends. I really think that we all have to agree that in part, and perhaps a large part, the American people said that in the last election.
I say that because tonight the epitome of how that works is with my friend of long years, Congressman Sherry Boehlert, a gentleman, a scholar, an American, a Member of Congress; a person who loves his district, his constituents, but loves Congress and his country; a person that stood up to Republicans and Democrats for what he believed in; a person who soared in popularity among those people that were concerned with our country, with our environment; and a person that, no matter how strongly he believed or other people disagreed with him, never lost a friend in that process.
We will miss Sherwood. He has fought the good fight. He set an example for all of us. But I think that the best tribute that we can pay to him is that maybe all of us, Republicans and Democrats, would try to find out, how did he do this? How was he able to maintain his convictions, keep his head high, be eloquent in the debate, disagree with so many people, Democrats and even those within his party, and, at the end of the day, everyone is able to say what a true gentleman Sherwood Boehlert is, what a great gentleman he is, and, I am pleased to say, what a great friend he has been.
So I know that because of the depth of his commitment, that he could never walk away from us in terms of commitment. And so as he follows through in an extension of his life and terminates that legislative part, I just want you to know that the entire delegation felt a sense of friendship for him. We will miss him, and we in the New York delegation, and I hope the Congress, will try desperately hard when we are tempted to do what we think our party label would want us to do, that we can remember that some have come here as friends; they can do their job, they can work hard, they can disagree, and, God willing, we can leave as friends.
Mr. Speaker, my failing eyes allowed me not to see my buddy on the floor when I started this talk, and I just want to say personally, Sherwood, you have been a model for me, a model for the New York delegation, and if people had known our delegation, as diverse as it is, perhaps they could go to their delegation and be able to say that, hell, anybody, if we try hard, can be like Sherwood Boehlert.
We will miss you, but I am so glad that I am in the same State, and I know I will be seeing more of you.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit Mr. Boehlert's biography for the Record.
Biography of Representative Sherwood Boehlert
Utica native Sherwood Boehlert (R-New Hartford), Chairman of the House Science Committee, was first elected to the House of Representatives in November 1982. He is currently serving in his 12th consecutive term representing Upstate New York.
Boehlert has served on the Science Committee since 1983, and was elected Chairman in January 2001. The Committee has jurisdiction over all federal, nonmilitary scientific and technology research and development programs, on which the federal government spends more than $30 billion a year. The Committee has jurisdiction over NASA, the National Science Foundation, and research and development initiatives within the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Commerce. In addition, the Committee has jurisdiction over civil aviation research and development and marine research.
Boehlert is a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, serving as Chairman of its subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment from 1995 to 2000. He remains an active member of that Subcommittee.
Boehlert was a founding member of the House Homeland Security Committee, by appointment of Speaker J. Dennis Hastert. Boehlert was also an eight year member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (term limited).
Born on September 28, 1936 in Utica, New York, Boehlert is a graduate of Whitesboro Central High School and Utica College Bachelor of Science, 1961). Before serving as Oneida County Executive (1979-83), he was manager of public relations at Wyandotte Chemical (1961-83), he was manager of public relations at Wyandotte Chemical (1961-64) and served two years in the U.S. Army (1956-58).
Boehlert served as chief of staff for two area Congressmen, Alexander Pirnie (1964-72) and Donald Mitchell (1973-79), where he became intimately familiar with the people, places and issues of Upstate New York.
An avid New York Yankees fan and movie buff, Boehlert and his wife, Marianne (Willey) Boehlert, make their home in New Hartford, New York. They have four grown children and five grandchildren. When Congress is not in session, he returns to Central New York each weekend to stay in touch with the people who elected him to represent them in Washington.
The 24th Congressional District includes all or parts of Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Herkimer, Oneida, Ontario, Otsego, Tioga, Tompkins, and Seneca counties.
Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, the upstate city of Utica, New York, calls itself the ``City of Possibilities;'' and I rise today to pay tribute to one of its sons, who saw his service in government not only as that of great possibilities, but of responsibility and achievement.
My friend, my colleague, Sherwood ``Sherry'' Boehlert will retire at the end of this Congress after 12 terms of proud service to his community, his state and our nation.
Whether it was as a Congressional staff member, U.S. Army veteran, Oneida County Executive, or Member of Congress, Sherry Boehlert saw government as a proud and noble profession, serving others to achieve for them a better quality of life.
His service on the House Science Committee, which began in 1983 and culminated with his election as chairman in 2001, earned Sherry high marks for his intellect and independence, his ability and his vision.
As a fellow New Yorker, I have been honored to be Sherry's friend and colleague for so many years.
I know how committed he has been to the responsibilities of his office and those he serves, and the tremendous devotion he feels to this institution.
Second only to this House is Sherry's devotion to another great institution, the New York Yankees.
And it was the Yankee Clipper himself, Joe DiMaggio, who once said
``there is always some kid who may be seeing me for the first time. I owe him my best.''
Mr. Speaker, for more than two decades, Sherry Boehlert has always given us his best.
So I ask that this Body join me in thanking Representative Sherry Boehlert for his service, and that you join me in wishing him, his wife Marianne, and their family our sincerest best wishes for great health and happiness in the year's ahead.
Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Speaker, Sherry Boehlert was my good friend. He was a wonderful chairman and a great environmental champion. Sherry was a consistent bulwark in the Republican Party against drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska and his outstanding leadership is one of the main reasons why the Refuge remains a pristine wilderness today. In defending this magnificent wilderness, he more than filled the shoes of a Republican General--President Dwight David Eisenhower--who had the foresight to protect the refuge for its unique environmental values and the backbone to resist a storm of pressure to let the drillers destroy this untrammeled corner of America forever. Sherry was also the leading Republican voice for higher fuel economy standards for our nation's cars, trucks and SUVs. In doing so, he stood tall for our soldiers who fight on the oil fields of the Middle East and for the children of our children who are facing a climate change catastrophe that we are only beginning to fathom. I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to work with him often in these fights and his leadership and passion were an inspiration to me and to everyone who knew him.
Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to my good friend and colleague, Sherry Boehlert.
It has been my honor to serve on the Science Committee with Sherry for more than a decade. As the Committee Chairman, his inspired leadership earned the respect of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Sherry's thoughtful approach to policy and commitment to pragmatic, non-partisan solutions to our nation's problems have led to policies that are both sensible and effective. Under his leadership, the Committee has elevated the importance of the federal science and technology portfolio, promoted sound environmental and energy policies, and strengthened math and science education. He also reinforced the scientific expertise of the Committee by adding a number of seasoned scientists to its staff.
Sherry's unflagging optimism allowed him to plow through adversity and what most of us would consider insurmountable challenges. Through even the most discouraging times, his generosity of spirit and his endless good humor has been contagious to his colleagues--even when they don't share his point of view. I am certain that his endless enthusiasm and constant optimism will be remembered by all who have worked with Sherry. He has served the public in a manner that is rarely seen today: thoughtfully, carefully, and with great humility. In all, Sherry will leave this Congress considerably better than he found it, and he will be sorely missed.
It lessens the blow slightly to know that Sherry will not be going too far away. He will be continuing his service to his fellow citizens in Washington at the Wilson Center on a scholarly appointment. Undoubtedly, science policy will continue to feel the influence of his thoughtful and dynamic approach to problem-solving.
Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, the New York delegation is a strong and unified delegation. At the end of the 109th Congress, four of our colleagues and friends will be exiting Congress. Tonight, we honor them.
SHERWOOD BOEHLERT
I first commend my dear friend and colleague Sherry Boehlert on his service to the people of New York and the people of this country. He has developed the reputation as one of the most well-respected Members of this body, and it is well-deserved. Since he came to Washington in 1983, Sherry has helped make good policy for our nation, and he has made countless friends along the way.
From the minute I set foot in the halls of Congress, it became clear to me that Sherry was a colleague to whom I could look for honest opinions, respectful dialog and sound advice. It never mattered that he was on the other side of the aisle.
Sherry's legislative skill is reflected in his record, which includes a rise through the ranks of the Science Committee to the Chairmanship in 2001. On that committee as well as the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, he has a long list of accomplishments. Clearly, anyone who says ``Nice guys finish last'' never met Sherry Boehlert.
I am glad that I have had the honor to serve with Sherry and to be able to call him my friend. I wish my colleague a long, happy and healthy life away from the Congress, and I thank him for his friendship.
SUE KELLY
I want to speak about my friend and colleague Sue Kelly, who has worked with me for many years in the Financial Services Committee, the Women's Caucus, and the Terrorist Financing Task Force, among other things.
Congresswoman Kelly has worked hard for New York. One of the issues on which she has been a strong voice is the renewal of TRIA. I know she shares my view that TRIA is essential for New York's economy and growth and she has advocated vigorously for its renewal.
Like the rest of us who lived through 9/11 in New York she understands the need to provide continuing support as the city continues to recover, and to provide economic security against the possibility of future terrorism.
She has also worked hard for women. As a member of the Women's Caucus she and I have worked together to advance the rights of women in many areas, and I consider this a very important part of her service.
Perhaps my favorite memory of something that Sue and I did together was our visit to Qatar in 1999 to observe and celebrate its first democratic elections, and the first time that women of any of the countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council had the right to vote and run for office.
Allowing women to vote and giving them the opportunity to run for office was a major step forward in the democratic transformation of Qatar and I know we both felt that it was a truly momentous occasion.
I thank Congresswoman Kelly for her service to New York and for her support for these issues that are dear to me as well.
Major Owens
I would like to wish a very fond farewell to my good friend and colleague Major Owens. The residents of our city, our state and our nation are better off for his service, and on a personal level, I am better off for his friendship.
Major has done a tremendous job for the working men and women of this country, most recently serving as ranking member of the Subcommittee for Workforce Protections and helping lead on such important issues as raising the minimum wage and protecting OSHA. His work on civil rights has been vital, and his work on behalf of New Yorkers has been tireless. We have worked closely together to ensure that the recovery from 9/11 is followed through, and he has shown himself to be an insightful and hard working legislator.
I will certainly miss my colleague from Brooklyn. We have served together for my entire time in Congress, and I cannot imagine this place without him. I wish Major nothing but the best, I thank him for his dedicated work for the people of New York, and I will always treasure our friendship.
John Sweeney
I honor my colleague and fellow New Yorker John Sweeney for his service. Together, we have collaborated on a number of issues vital to our state, including the recovery from 9/11 to the fight for fairer homeland security funding for high-threat areas.
John has always been an impassioned advocate for his beliefs, and I have very much enjoyed and appreciated our work together.
I wish John nothing but the best, and I am proud to have served with him and to call him my friend.
Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to respectfully acknowledge and pay tribute to the distinguished careers of the four retiring Members of the New York delegation, Sherwood Boehlert, Major Owens, John Sweeney, and Sue Kelly.
Representative Boehlert has served the people of his upstate New York district with pride for 12 consecutive terms and leaves us now as the Republican dean of our delegation. His tenure in the House will be reflected upon with admiration and he will be remembered in particular for his successful efforts at bipartisan compromise. Reaching across the aisle numerous times, Sherry has delivered results which have benefited not only the people of his native New York but which have also enhanced the welfare of the entire nation. As long-time Chair of the House Science Committee, he has worked on a number of issues ranging from fuel efficiency and researching environmentally-friendly energies to improving the quality of math and science education programs for our nation's youth.
Congressman Owens leaves behind a distinguished record as a legislator who has devoted special attention to labor and education. His commitment to social issues as a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus has also led to a number of far-reaching improvements for the American people. Since his election in 1982, Major has fought for school modernization and, most recently, has been an advocate for increased No Child Left Behind funding. Additionally, he has promoted initiatives to increase the minimum wage and create a system of universal health care.
Congressman Sweeney is someone whom I had the fortune to know in Albany and deserves recognition for his tireless service to the citizens of New York State. His accomplishments are felt from his northern upstate district down to the five boroughs of New York City. As Vice-Chairman of the Transportation, Treasury, and HUD Appropriations Subcommittee, John has always been a reliable source of support for the state's small business owners and has championed projects facilitating growth and job development. As a Member representing Queens and the Bronx, I am also personally indebted to John for his successful fight to secure over $21 billion in recovery aid for the people of New York City in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks on our city.
I also wish to highlight the achievements of Representative Kelly, and in particular, her work as a colleague of mine on the House Financial Services Committee. She has made large contributions to significant pieces of legislation such as the Sarbanes-Oxley bill that ensures greater corporate accountability and has led the battle to enforce corporate diligence by heading initial hearings into fraud cases involving Enron and WorldCom. Mrs. Kelly also merits appreciation for her efforts to achieve justice for Holocaust survivors by leading hearings regarding WWII restitution. I wish Representative Kelly well in future endeavors.
Mr. Speaker, I thank these Members for their distinguished service to this Congress and I wish them the sincerest of luck on their upcoming projects. New York State and this Congress are richer as a result of their contributions.
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