On the recordDecember 9, 2014
I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Ralph Hall, particularly for his earlier years in the House of Representatives when he was a Democrat. He came on the Energy and Commerce Committee early. We sometimes think about Democrats and Republicans. He became a Republican. He had been a conservative Democrat. Everybody on both sides of the aisle held him in the highest respect because he was a man of integrity and honesty. When he gave you his word, you could count on it. Ralph and I became friends. I hope that friendship will continue into the future. I want to express to him, his constituents, and his family and friends my admiration for him as a person and my respect for him as a legislator. I know it is common to say that even though we didn't agree on all things, it didn't make any difference. He always tried to do what he thought was right. As a result, he earned my respect and that of everyone else.
