Katie Porter: “it has been my great privilege to serve in this body for the last eighteen years with my California colleague, Ron…”

“it has been my great privilege to serve in this body for the last eighteen years with my California colleague, Ron Packard, and on the Appropriations Committee for the last eight. I also served on the Military Construction Subcommittee when he was its chairman and with him on the Foreign Operations Subcommittee. I have very much enjoyed his friendship, our common interest in the great game of golf (at which he is very proficient, and I am, unfortunately, not very), as well as the opportunity to work with him on matters of mutual interest. He has always been fair, courteous, and forthcoming in all our dealings, a man of impeccable honesty and integrity, and the kind of representative for his constituents that does this body proud. While we have our differences philosophically--for example, on voluntary family planning--I respect his commitments to his core beliefs. People of good will in our system can always hold differing convictions so long as they are mutually respected. I wish Ron and his wife, Jean, a rich and full and enjoyable life in retirement, the joys of his wonderful family, and, of course, lots of superlative rounds on his favorite courses.”