John Larson: “it is fitting that we note today the passing of a distinguished former Member of this House, Paul Simon of Illinois. I…”

“it is fitting that we note today the passing of a distinguished former Member of this House, Paul Simon of Illinois. I regret that I did not have the privilege of serving with Paul Simon. He retired from the Senate 2 years before I came to the House. I may not have served with Paul Simon; but like millions of Americans, I certainly knew of him and admired him greatly. Paul Simon's reputation extended far beyond the geographic borders of the Land of Lincoln. Through a distinguished career that began at age 19 as a newspaper editor and publisher and led him to seats in both houses of the Illinois general assembly, lieutenant governorship, and on to both Houses of the United States Congress, Paul Simon enjoyed a reputation of honesty, integrity, and diligence. Known for his trademark bowties, Simon championed reform and the cause of the less fortunate than himself. Mr. Speaker, Paul Simon, the statesman, was a great American who made a difference during his long career in public life.”