Jeb Hensarling: “I rise on this occasion to salute the tremendous courage and profound sacrifices that American POWs made for our country…”

“I rise on this occasion to salute the tremendous courage and profound sacrifices that American POWs made for our country during the Vietnam conflict. One of those courageous POWs is my friend and our distinguished colleague, Congressman Sam Johnson of Texas. Forced to endure severe torture, solitary confinement, malnutrition and attempts by their captors to force confessions for propaganda, Sam Johnson and countless other American POWs conducted themselves with uncommon courage and heroic strength of character. I recall a veterans breakfast that Congressman Johnson attended in my District with our distinguished colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Cunningham), a fellow Vietnam veteran. While trying to convey the ideals that kept him going as he once thought capture by the North Vietnamese was imminent, the gentleman from California (Mr. Cunningham) was choked by emotion. Putting his arm around him, Sam Johnson finished his sentence, stating those ideals simply and eloquently, 'God and country, God and country.' Every veteran in the room rose to their feet in standing ovation. I am proud to rise and salute patriot Sam Johnson.”