Madam Speaker, one of the few regrets that I have in my life is that I never served in the Congress with Speaker Tip O'Neill. When I was first elected in 1990, he was 4 years into retirement. But, while he may have retired, he was never retiring. And, those of us who had the pleasure of knowing him will always remember his zest for life, his love of friends, and his unfailing humor. When I first ran for Congress, Tip O'Neill came and campaigned for me. It was then that I discovered that though he was gone from politics, politics was not gone from him. And, he had valuable lessons to teach an eager pupil, like myself.
John Joseph Moakley: “Madam Speaker, one of the few regrets that I have in my life is that I never served in the Congress with Speaker Tip…”
Editor's note · Context
The speaker reflects on the legacy and impact of former Speaker Tip O'Neill.
Share
More from John Joseph Moakley
I am talking about what is not in the bill, and what is not in the bill is going to help protect the lives and safety of the people in the Northeast. Two years ago, we had an elderly couple freeze to death because they did not have money…
Although his is no longer with us in person, his kindness, his spirit, and his good works will be remembered forever.
He lived every day of his life committed to improving his community, and to fostering opportunities not only for his own children and grandchildren, but for his neighbors through his tireless public service.
Paul Patrick Coughlin was an outstanding gentleman whose loyalty, warmth, and kindness touched the lives of many, many people in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.





