Rodney Frelinghuysen: “I echo the sentiments of my colleagues here today and want to add my voice in tribute to Jack Murtha--our colleague, my…”

“I echo the sentiments of my colleagues here today and want to add my voice in tribute to Jack Murtha--our colleague, my chairman, and my friend. For nearly his entire adult life, Jack Murtha selflessly served his beloved Nation--first in uniform as a decorated combat marine and later as an elected representative from my neighboring State of Pennsylvania. We all know by now that he was the first Vietnam War combat veteran elected to Congress. And while many of us followed him to Congress, he rose to become chairman of the House Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Defense. I've had the honor of serving with him on the subcommittee for over 10 years. In our dealings over the years, Jack and I did not always agree on policy decisions. But I always respected his undeniable dedication and his refreshing candor. And there is no doubt that he cared most deeply about the men and women of America's military and their families. He understood their challenges and their anxieties. And what he did not understand, he actively sought to learn in trips to Defense Department facilities, forward operating bases, and military medical centers across the world. He served our men and women in uniform diligently and daily in countless ways. He worked each week to improve their quality of life. Mr. Speaker, Jack Murtha loved Congress.”