Tom Lantos: “before saying a word about my friend, Lee Hamilton, let me say something about Nancy Hamilton, who, throughout a…”

“before saying a word about my friend, Lee Hamilton, let me say something about Nancy Hamilton, who, throughout a remarkable and distinguished public career, has given Lee the support, the encouragement, the inspiration which is so exemplary and so rare these days. Lee Hamilton symbolizes the quintessential public servant. His integrity was unquestioned. His character was an inspiration to all of us. He was the most hardworking Member of this body. I had the pleasure and the privilege of sitting next to him in countless committee hearings; and every single time Lee was fully prepared, thoroughly briefed, widely read on any subject that came before the Committee on International Relations. His bipartisanship was legendary. He could not care whether it was a Democratic proposal or a Republican proposal. He was looking for the merits and for the flaws of the proposal and then made up his mind and voted. When Lee left this House, he left an enormous void. We are very fortunate that his work on behalf of our Nation continues in his present distinguished position. But this House will long remember and cherish and value the incredible contributions of this great son of Indiana who made this body a proud, productive, distinguished group through his presence. Lee Hamilton will be a tower of strength for all young people from Indiana who aspire for public service, and it is an honor to join my colleagues in recommending an affirmative vote on this important legislation.”