On the recordJanuary 25, 1994
I want to join Speaker Foley, my colleague, the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Michel], in actually commending our colleague, Mr. Moakley, on the fabulous dissertation. Actually, Tip O'Neill was a jovial host and a great individual. As a matter of fact, having attended the ceremony when we put Tip to rest, it would have been, in my opinion, the kind of a gathering that Tip O'Neill would have wanted to have had. It was a sorrowful occasion, yet it was a celebration. Tip, I know, more than any one of us, loved good times. As our colleague, Bob Michel, has pointed out, there were bitter fights here on the floor of the House of Representatives, but at 5 p.m., as he mentioned, as he told Ronald Reagan, 'You know, we are all Americans and we are all here to try to run a country.' There were tough times then. So I think it is appropriate, I suppose, that we take this time in the House from the schedule to remember a man who led us so long and so well. But it also leaves me both uncomfortable and sad because this House feels so different now that Tip O'Neill is gone. He added a human and personal touch that has been in short supply after his retirement. Analysts talked about his politics, his legislative leadership, but I remember best and value most his friendship.
