Gerry Studds: “I rise today to honor a great American, a great leader and a great friend, former Speaker Thomas P. O'Neill. Tip was…”

“I rise today to honor a great American, a great leader and a great friend, former Speaker Thomas P. O'Neill. Tip was famous for his phrase, ``all politics is local,'' but his impact was much more than local. His work on behalf of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is legendary, but as one of the most distinguished Speakers of this century, his contributions to the country loom just as large. He restored honor to politics. To him, the phrase ``public servant,'' meant just that: serving the public. He never forgot where he came from, or that he was in politics to help people who needed it. And the people did not forget him. There has been an incredible outpouring of genuine affection for Tip since his death last month. Everyone, it seems, has a story about Tip, of how he touched them. People in my own congressional district are no exception. In December, just before his death, he helped arrange for food, clothing, and toys to be given to a food pantry in the town of Harwich on his adopted home of Cape Cod so needy families could have a nicer Christmas. After he died, his family asked that memorial contributions be sent to the pantry. In a little more than 2 weeks, more than $11,000 was donated to the pantry in his memory. The checks came from all over the country: from his beloved hometown of North Cambridge, from here in Washington, and from Wyoming, Wisconsin, Virginia, and every place in between. Tip, we salute you.”