Hal Rogers: “Mr. Speaker, I rise also to pay tribute to our friend, a true patriot, a true statesman, a man we are all proud to call…”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise also to pay tribute to our friend, a true patriot, a true statesman, a man we are all proud to call our friend, the gentleman from Pennsylvania, Mr. Joe McDade. In his service for his district for 18 terms, a remarkable span of over 35 years, he has provided a source of inspiration for many of us, including this Member, in the initiatives and policies he has pursued and the way in which he has done so. Whether it was his focus to create new and better opportunities to the small businesses in his area, or his efforts to protect and restore the environment, or his pursuit to secure funds for hospitals, highways and schools, Joe McDade has led by example. Of particular interest to this member and the constituents I represent has been Joe's dogged determination to fund environmental infrastructure, providing millions of dollars for water and sewer improvements, flood control, abandoned mine stabilization and the like. Many of us take for granted these commonalities of clean water and modern wastewater treatment facilities, but I can tell you firsthand what a difference these initiatives make in people's lives. An effort such as these can literally turn the tide against unemployment, with good paying jobs, local citizens working better, and creating the environment that people are proud to call home. We could go on and on about Joe's accomplishments, but I believe his record speaks for itself.”