Phil Gingrey: “I rise today in honor of the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Lewis), who celebrated his 65th birthday last week. It was…”

“I rise today in honor of the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Lewis), who celebrated his 65th birthday last week. It was appropriate that the gentleman from Georgia's (Mr. Lewis) birthday fell during Black History Month because his involvement in politics began when he was a student activist working to spread the message of nonviolence preached by the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. The gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Lewis) was later involved in some of the most important civil rights events in our Nation's history: The Freedom Rides, the Selma March, and countless other gatherings that helped this country end the era of segregation and move toward an equal and a just society. Even today, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Lewis) is known for his dedication and persistence. Although we sit on opposite sides of the aisle, I am often inspired by his passion and determination on issues of importance to his constituents. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the Members join me in congratulating the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Lewis) on the occasion of his 65th birthday.”