On the recordJuly 19, 2012
As we begin to wind down the debate on this defense bill, I wanted to take just a moment to pay tribute to this dynamic duo that we have--Bill Young and Norm Dicks. The collective experience, wisdom, and knowledge of this defense bill and the actions of our military is almost unprecedented in this House. {time} 1740 They have put forward a great bill in the highest bipartisan traditions of the House, and all of us in this body say ``thank you'' for the great service of these two stalwarts in this body. They have conducted themselves during this debate in the highest traditions of this House. They have collaborated together in a bipartisan way to help defend this country. I think I speak for all Members of the House of Representatives in saying ``thank you'' to these two great stalwarts of this body. This will be the last defense bill that Norm Dicks will take part in. He is departing this body in retirement, and we will miss his wisdom and his camaraderie and his knowledge of the needs of our country and its defense. I think I speak for all of the House when I say ``thank you'' to Norm Dicks for great service to his country, to this body, and to the defense of our country especially. We will miss his presence. We will miss his expertise. We will miss the fact that he is a jolly good fellow, among other things.
