Dean Gallo: “we have gathered today to honor the memory of an individual who touched us all in very personal ways--our friend and…”

“we have gathered today to honor the memory of an individual who touched us all in very personal ways--our friend and colleague Bill Natcher, the gentleman from Kentucky. It is a measure of our times that Bill Natcher became well known across the country for his amazing voting record in this body, with more than 18,000 consecutive votes cast--a record that will most probably never be equalled. Inside the beltway, of course, he was best known for the important role which he played on the House Appropriations Committee, ending his career as chairman of that committee. But to many of us, he was known simply as a gentleman and as a friend. In fact, Bill Natcher's many kind words and his dedication to service defined for many of us the word gentleman during his many years in the U.S. House of Representatives. He had a smile and a kind word for everyone he met in the Halls of Congress. He treated Presidents and pages with the same gentle consideration, courtesy, and respect. And, anyone who knew him knew that his kindness was genuine and that it was a part of his nature.”