Connie Morella: “Thank you all for joining us today. Our association, as you know, was chartered by Congress, and one requirement of that…”

“Thank you all for joining us today. Our association, as you know, was chartered by Congress, and one requirement of that charter is for us to report once a year to Congress about our activities. Today, therefore, is our opportunity to demonstrate to Congress that creating us over 40 years ago wasn't such a bad idea. Before my colleagues and I describe our activities of the past 12 months, I want to focus on the second purpose of our meeting here this morning, and that is to bestow our association's highest honor on a former Member of Congress whose public service inspires us and who deserves our recognition. When you look at Ray LaHood's public service, you understand quickly why he was a unanimous choice and an easy choice for our board to make. Ray LaHood has spent his entire professional life in service to either his community or to the country, or to both. He was a junior high school teacher, he was a member of the Illinois State Legislature, a congressional chief of staff, a Member of Congress, and now a member of President Obama's Cabinet. In Congress, he served on the Transportation Committee and on the Appropriations Committee. During his many years in Congress, Ray LaHood's approach to legislating was characterized by decency, reason, civility, and respect. He was a Member more interested in solutions and debate than politicking and scoring wins.…”