Arlen Specter: “I have sought recognition regarding the renaming of the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in memory…”

“I have sought recognition regarding the renaming of the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in memory of the former Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Matthew J. Ryan. Matt Ryan, whom I knew for many years, cared deeply for the people of Pennsylvania. He loved the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and made service his calling. Elected in 1962, he was one of its longest serving members and one of its longest serving Speakers, presiding for six terms. As much as Speaker Ryan loved Pennsylvania, the people of Pennsylvania and his colleagues from both parties loved him. Known on both sides of the aisle for the fair manner in which he presided over the House, Matt was a committed leader, tough debater, parliamentary tactician, and Pennsylvania booster. He spoke with great passion, and often was praised for his statesmanship, compassion, openness, Irish wit, and intelligence. Upon his death earlier this year, he became the first person whose body lay in state in the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg since Abraham Lincoln.”