Mike Conaway: “I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I will certainly not attempt the eloquence of all the previous speakers. I just…”

“I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I will certainly not attempt the eloquence of all the previous speakers. I just simply want to say thanks to John Sullivan. He is the only Parliamentarian that I've served under. His service as Parliamentarian began just before I got here in January of '05. So it's been my privilege to serve with John. He has been even-handed throughout, from my perspective, serving both 4 years in the minority and now back in the majority. You can't tell from John's conduct which side you belong to because he really does call them even-handedly. When you love the institution the way I do and the way other Members do, it's easy to recognize that love of institution. There is no one that I know of whose love for this institution is evidenced greater than what is demonstrated by John Sullivan. The precedents of the House, all of the things that are a part of this institution that make it one of the most valuable legacies of our Founding Fathers, John has upheld those traditions and those precedents in a very admirable way. So, John, thank you for the many chapters of your life that you have spent in service to the House of Representatives. Thank you for that. And Godspeed in the many chapters of your life to follow this one. This institution is better for your long service. I'm a better Member of Congress for your service. Thank you, John.”