Young Oak Kim: “I rise to pay tribute to the Chairman of the Rules Committee, my friend Jerry Solomon. Jerry Solomon was one of the…”

“I rise to pay tribute to the Chairman of the Rules Committee, my friend Jerry Solomon. Jerry Solomon was one of the first members I met when I came to Congress six years ago as a freshman. I had never served in a legislature before and the challenges of Washington seemed overwhelming. He was a cool veteran with many years of experience. From his initial hello and genuine interest in making sure I got off to a good start, I knew Jerry Solomon was a colleague I could respect and trust. I'm proud to call him a friend. As a little boy growing up in Seoul, Korea during the war, my family and I were rescued by the U.S. Marines from the living hell of communist North Korean occupation. I will never forget the sacrifices these brave Americans made to save a little soul like mine far, far away from the comfort and safety of their own homes. Their caring attitude, determination and patriotism made me want to be an American right then and there. Now, I don't think Jerry Solomon was one of the Marines who came down my street, but he very well could have been. Even today, many years after his service in the Marines, Jerry still embodies those same qualities and that same Marine can-do spirit. He's what America is all about. As a faithful and effective Representative, I know that his constituents in upstate New York will miss his service in the House as much as the rest of us will.”