On the recordDecember 9, 2014
Today I rise to pay tribute to a dear friend and colleague, the Dean of the Texas Congressional Delegation: Congressman Ralph Hall of the Fourth District of Texas. Ralph has served the Fourth District with unqualified distinction since his first election in 1980. Throughout his service to the Fourth District and the United States Congress, he always focused on his constituents and at the end of the day, what is best for America and her future. Twenty years ago when I arrived as a young Congressman, Ralph, being a kind and generous man, reached out and helped me. While he may have forgotten, I remember his kindness to this day. Many are asking him to write a book, and I hope he does. Readers would enjoy his great sense of humor and deep understanding of Texas history. Mr. Speaker, December 7, 2014 marked the forty-third anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. I want to recognize two departing members who were veterans of World War Two (WW II). First, Ralph Hall joined the United States Navy in December 1942 and served as an aircraft carrier pilot from 1942 to 1945 rising to the rank of Lieutenant (Senior Grade). Secondly, John Dingell, joined the United States Army in 1944, rose to the rank of Second Lieutenant. And, Mr. Speaker, I should point out that John is the not only the Dean of the Michigan Delegation but also, the Dean of the House of Representatives. Unfortunately, Ralph and John are departing at the end of this session of Congress.…
