Rodney Frelinghuysen: “I am pleased to rise to honor the memory of my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Missouri, the late Bill Emerson.…”

“I am pleased to rise to honor the memory of my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Missouri, the late Bill Emerson. For the past 18 months, he has been a friend and periodic advisor. He has generously shared his love of Congress as an institution with me and his deep knowledge and interest in American history, most especially the role of Abraham Lincoln and his family. Bill Emerson touched the lives of two generations of Frelinghuysen's in Congress. He was a congressional page in 1954 when my father, Peter H.B. Frelinghuysen was a Member of this body. He was on the floor, as my father was, on the fateful day when Puerto Rican nationalists shot and wounded several Members of Congress from the spectators gallery. He was a special person and one who had an immediate impact on those he met. Perhaps the greatest indication of his impact on this House and those who work in it is the testament that we've heard today--from Republicans and Democrats, liberals and conservatives, men and women, old friends and new who all respected this honorable man. At a time when it is fashionable to criticize government and Congress, Bill Emerson was always unabashed in his defense of this institution. He served as an example to us all that quiet leadership, an open mind, and a strong commitment to constituent service is the best way to earn the public trust and the respect of our colleagues. We can honor his service by practicing these virtues.”