Earl Blumenauer: “today I reflect on the gentleman from Iowa's almost four decades of public service, 30 of them as a distinguished Member…”

“today I reflect on the gentleman from Iowa's almost four decades of public service, 30 of them as a distinguished Member of this House of Representatives. I am referring to my friend, Jim Leach. For many of the 12,000 men and women privileged to serve in the House of Representatives since the founding of the Republic, their careers are distinguished by service in this Chamber. Jim Leach is one of those rare individuals for whom Congress itself is distinguished by his service. There is no one from whom I have learned more by his words, his deeds and his friendship. He is one of the few among us who, when he speaks on the floor of the House, people who care about substance listen. He consistently chooses the right words, and invites people to be part of the process. He listens. He is never drawn into petty partisan politics that too often rear their ugly heads. For 30 years we have been privileged to watch his conscientious and thoughtful work on the Financial Services and International Relations committees. Jim predicted the savings and loan crisis, and was spot on in his observations about American diplomacy from the Middle East to North Korea. He was always dignified and principled, one of the few people who navigated the legislative halls successfully without being mired in partisan politics.”