Ken Calvert: “I thank you for your service. Mr. Speaker, we have a number of people coming shortly, but first I'd like to say some…”

“I thank you for your service. Mr. Speaker, we have a number of people coming shortly, but first I'd like to say some words about the dean of our California delegation, Jerry Lewis. Jerry was first elected in 1978 to the United States House of Representatives. We're losing a great man with the retirement of a good friend to all of us, and certainly a mentor to me, Jerry Lewis. {time} 1530 From his early days in Congress, Jerry Lewis has worked tirelessly for the good of the Nation and for the well-being of his constituents. Whether it was securing water supplies for southern California, rebuilding our defense programs, supporting the nascent unmanned aerial vehicle, eliminating wasteful spending, or improving the quality of life for thousands of Inland Empire residents, Jerry Lewis has been the definition of a leader and a patriot. His great depth of knowledge will be sorely missed by the entire House and especially the House Appropriations Committee, where he served as the chairman and ranking member. I know all of us are grateful for Jerry's years of service to our country, and we'll miss his vision, his leadership, his sense of humor, and certainly his intellect. I congratulate Jerry on his retirement. And while he will be deeply missed in Washington, D.C., he has much to look forward to as he enjoys retired life with his wonderful wife, Arlene, his children, and his grandchildren.…”