Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Don Soderquist of Rogers, Arkansas, my neighbor and my friend and one of northwest Arkansas' most influential leaders, who died July 21 at the age of 82. Mr. Soderquist was the former chief operating officer and vice chairman of Wal-Mart Stores, Incorporated, and he teamed with Walmart founder, Sam Walton, to establish one of the world's leading companies. Aside from his many achievements in retailing, Mr. Soderquist is also remembered for his philanthropic endeavors and the standards of ethical leadership that guided his life as a businessman and became his passion after retirement. This legacy will live on at the Soderquist Leadership Center at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, which Don helped establish in 1998. It wasn't long ago, Mr. Speaker, that I had the privilege of inviting Mr. Soderquist to this Chamber to hear his longtime friend Benjamin Netanyahu address a joint session of Congress. I will always remember the warm embrace the Prime Minister gave Don when they met just off the House floor. I join Don's wife, Jo, and his children--Mark, Wendy, Sandie, and Jeff--the 11 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild in celebrating his wonderful life. ____________________”