Jodey Arrington: “Today, I rise to pay tribute to a living legend: my friend and colleague, Congressman Sam Johnson. Recently, we had the…”

“Today, I rise to pay tribute to a living legend: my friend and colleague, Congressman Sam Johnson. Recently, we had the opportunity to honor him by renaming the Texas Tech University Vietnam Archive as the Sam Johnson Vietnam Archive. Nobody in the United States Congress enjoys more esteem from his colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, than Sam Johnson. His legacy of service is awe-inspiring. Twenty-nine years in the United States Air Force, combat missions in Korea and Vietnam. Nearly 7 years as a POW, roughly 3 of those years in solitary confinement. There are many forces in politics that pull us from pillar to post, and many interests that compete for our time and attention. There is one force that drives this man--it is his desire to fight for the future of this country. And there is only one interest, and that is only what is in the best interest of all Americans. I am grateful to Texas Tech for honoring Congressman Johnson's service and sacrifice, and I am proud of the example Sam has set for all of us who serve in the people's House. ____________________”