Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today and thank the leadership of my good friend and colleague from California (Mr. Hunter) on his recognition that we need to go forward with this Coast Guard reauthorization. Not only does it put in good reforms and continues to work in a real way to support our men and women who serve in the Coast Guard, but it does so in--quite frankly, in a very streamlined way, so I thank the leadership of Congressman Hunter. I want to go on further and recognize a gentleman from North Carolina, the dean of the delegation, Congressman Howard Coble. Not only is Howard a good friend, but he has served with distinction for more than 30 years here in this House. Being an active member of the Coast Guard, it was his leadership and truly his work with Congressman Hunter that really set this in motion. Having, at the age of 83, decided that it is time for him to retire from representing the people of the great State of North Carolina, I just want to acknowledge this particular day, Mr. Speaker, on a great statesman, truly a gentleman. When you look up ``gentleman'' in the dictionary, it should have Howard Coble's picture right beside it. He is the epitome of what it is to not only represent the people of North Carolina in such a fine fashion, but he works across party aisles. He works with his colleagues, both Democrats and Republicans, to make sure that our country is served in the best way possible.…”