Gregory Meeks: “Mr. Speaker, let me also thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Chairman Shuster) and the ranking member, the gentleman…”

“Mr. Speaker, let me also thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Chairman Shuster) and the ranking member, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar) from the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for bringing this bill to the floor. The consideration of this legislation is most timely, as Reverend Flake and I recently cut the ribbon to open the newly constructed Food and Drug Administration facility on the campus of York College in Jamaica, New York. What can I say about my friend and predecessor, the Reverend Dr. Floyd H. Flake? His name has become synonymous with economic development in the Sixth Congressional District and throughout this country. Congressman Flake ran for Congress in 1986 during a special election to replace the recently deceased, and a strong member of this body, Joseph P. Addabbo. Though he narrowly lost the special election in June, he continued campaigning with the exuberance and charisma that is his trademark and won an overwhelming victory in the fall.”