Jasper Packard: “I rise today to convey my deepest gratitude to two of my colleagues. Both the Chairman and Ranking Minority of the…”

“I rise today to convey my deepest gratitude to two of my colleagues. Both the Chairman and Ranking Minority of the Energy and Water Appropriations Committee, Joe McDade and Vic Fazio, will soon leave this body and both will be deeply missed. I've known both of these men for the entirety of my time here in Congress and I have been fortunate enough to work with them both on many occasions. As a Californian, I feel especially grateful to Mr. Fazio for his unwavering commitment to our state. He has been one of the most dedicated Members of this House and has consistently supported the interests of not only his constituents, but of all Californians. As a fellow Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman, I have a deep appreciation for the remarkable job Joe McDade does in bringing a fair, responsible bill to this floor each year. His hard work and dedication consistently results in legislation capable of stretching federal dollars to respond to the many needs across the nation under the jurisdiction of his Subcommittee. Mr. Chairman, this year is no exception. The legislation both Mr. McDade and Mr. Fazio have brought before this House is nothing short of exceptional. I fully support it and urge my colleagues to vote in its favor. Mr. Chairman, both of these men have been true leaders of this House and true American champions. Their presence here will be missed, but their legacies will not be soon forgotten.”