Ileana Ros-Lehtinen: “I am so proud to have this opportunity to praise an intellectual giant, a true public servant, to honor my friend, my…”

“I am so proud to have this opportunity to praise an intellectual giant, a true public servant, to honor my friend, my colleague, my chairman, Henry Hyde. He has had unparalleled leadership skills and that is the way that he steers the House International Relations Committee, of which I am a proud member. The committee has truly flourished under the chairman's direction in ways that it had not previously known. We have turned out significant pieces of legislation on a range of issues. Henry Hyde's vision perhaps is best summarized by the words of Sir Winston Churchill, who said, ``All great things are simple, and many can be expressed in single words: Freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope.'' This sentiment captures the essence of Henry Hyde and of his style. Serving as a subcommittee chair under Chairman Hyde, I have been privileged to witness firsthand the insight that has led him to be the skilled politician and public servant that he is. Pundits have referred to the chairman as a statesman; as a Washington icon; as a doer; as a wit; as one of the sharpest legal minds of Capitol Hill; an outspoken and articulate debater; a standard bearer for conservative principles, causes and beliefs; a Gibraltar of conviction; and an avatar of grace. I would like to add a few of my own, Mr. Speaker. From what I have seen, Henry's character and in turn his leadership is shaped by his multiple roles. He is a man of faith, a Patriot, a humanitarian, a friend and a mentor.…”