On the recordJanuary 25, 1994
I want to commend the gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. Moakley] for giving us an opportunity to reflect on the public service of a great man, a great Speaker, Thomas ``Tip'' O'Neill. Speaker Tip O'Neill left his mark not only on our Nation, but virtually on all of us, on both sides of the aisle, who served with him in the Congress. I had the privilege of serving in the House with Tip during the last 14 years of his public service. Tip always had a good word and sound advice for all of us as he helped to enhance the reputation of this great body. I among with many of our colleagues will long remember Tip's good humor, his warmth for his colleagues, his touching renditions of ``Danny Boy,'' his bear hugs for our spouses, and his Solomon-like leadership in conducting the business and judiciously moderating the rancorous debates of this House. Some observers have called him the last of the old time politicians and, at the same time, the first of the new political leaders. His colorful style and his strong convictions made him an admired effective leader. ``Tip'' O'Neill had a framed saying on the wall of his office which proclaimed that the main responsibilities of Government were to take care of people at the dawn of life--our children, at the twilight of life--our senior citizens, and in the shadows of life--the ill, the needy, and the handicapped. We will long remember and long miss this giant of a man.
