On the recordDecember 9, 2014
I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton), my colleague, for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, today, we honor the distinguished service of our friend and colleague, Ralph Hall of Texas. If there were a congressional hall of fame, Representative Hall would be a first-ballot inductee. His many years of service were highlighted at the end of 2012 when he became the most senior Member of Congress to ever cast a vote in the House. His career has spanned 34 years. Since he was 19 years old, he has made his contributions to our country. As a lieutenant in the Navy during World War II, he served as a pilot. Since then, he has never hesitated to accomplish a mission. That mentality has made him a distinguished Member of Congress and a very effective chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee. Throughout his time in Congress, Ralph Hall has served this institution with style and humor. Ralph always said, ``I'd rather be respected at home than liked in Washington.'' Ralph has actually achieved that rare combination of both. We thank him for his service to Congress, to the great State of Texas, and to our country. Ralph has asked me to pass along his comment, ``I am especially partial to my friends from the Texas delegation who represent their district so well and whose integrity and hard work have benefited not only our State, but also our Nation. I thank you for your friendship and countless acts of Congress.''
