Deborah Pryce: “I rise now to honor one of our colleagues who will be sorely missed next year in the United States House of…”

“I rise now to honor one of our colleagues who will be sorely missed next year in the United States House of Representatives, my good friend, the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Tillie Fowler). Tillie and I were both elected to Congress in 1992. As Members of the Class of 1992, we quickly became close friends. I consider her one of my best friends and confidants here in the House. She was a true friend through some of the toughest times of my personal life and professional career. She was a tremendous source of strength for me, and I will never ever forget her for that. I have a great amount of admiration for Tillie Fowler. She has served the people of the Fourth District of Florida and our Nation with distinction, and I am so proud of her. I have been privileged to serve in the Republican leadership with her. After her 1998 election, she was elected Vice Chair of the Republican Conference, making her the highest ranking woman in all of Congress. I feel it so appropriate that Tillie holds this position because I know for me and for many of my colleagues that she has been a true leader among leaders. She is a tough negotiator, a strong voice, and she never wavered from her heartfelt convictions.”