Steny Hoyer: “Unfortunately, during the course of the consideration of the energy and water bill, I was not able to be on the floor…”

“Unfortunately, during the course of the consideration of the energy and water bill, I was not able to be on the floor because I was doing other business on another committee. Therefore, I did not get an opportunity to rise to pay tribute to my colleague and one of the closest friends I have, not just in this institution but in my life, and that is Vic Fazio our colleague. He is about to, I think, have a colloquy about the schedule, acting in his leadership capacity. Very frankly, Mr. Speaker, Vic Fazio has been a leader of this House since I arrived here in 1981. He is an extraordinarily capable Member. He is a Member whose integrity and intellect will match anybody, not only in this institution but in our country. He has chosen to leave this body and this body will be a lesser place for that decision. I wanted to take, Mr. Speaker, this short, brief minute to stand and say to him, thank you.”