Niki Tsongas: “I thank my colleague, Mr. Capuano, for yielding to me. I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6604, which recognizes and…”

“I thank my colleague, Mr. Capuano, for yielding to me. I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6604, which recognizes and honors the legacy of former Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill. Tip O'Neill had a long and distinguished career in public service, as we've heard. And this was clearly an O'Neill family value, as so many have carried on with such distinction. Tip, a friend and a mentor to me and my late husband, Paul, when Paul served with him in the House, is often remembered for coining the phrase ``all politics is local,'' as we in Massachusetts are so often reminded. His imprint has shaped the thriving Boston of today and protected the glories of Cape Cod for tomorrow. And we treasure his innate ability to bring together, with good humor and unwavering purpose, people from both sides of the aisle, a singular aspect to his legacy which is most embodied in his work with President Reagan to strengthen Social Security, protecting this critically important program for decades. I thank Speaker Boehner and Leader Pelosi for introducing this legislation that will name a building in the shadow of this great Capitol after a great Speaker, Tip O'Neill.”