John Culberson: “I thank the gentleman for yielding. In 18 years, it has been my extraordinary privilege to represent the people of…”

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. In 18 years, it has been my extraordinary privilege to represent the people of District 7. I have had the world's best role model as a Congressman. My predecessor, George H.W. Bush, was the first Congressman to represent District 7. He, just as he was to Roger Williams and as he was to Kevin Brady, has been not only a role model to me, but an adviser who helped to guide me when I first decided to run for office. He has always been there for me to offer advice every step of the way. He is an extraordinary role model. Everyone who knew him understood immediately that they were in the presence of someone extraordinary. As Mark McKinnon remembers: ``George H.W. Bush will be remembered by history as a deeply accomplished public servant. But the many of us who were lucky enough to pass through his orbit will remember him for his uncommon grace and love toward family and friends.'' The editor-in-chief of Texas Monthly once said of George H.W. Bush that it is clear there is a narrative that runs through the Bush family: ``be polite, treat people decently.'' This came from his father and from his mother. They passed it on to their children. He remembers: ``Every encounter I ever had with George W. Bush, whether it was Governor Bush or President Bush 43 or ex-President Bush, he was the same guy.…”