David Obey: “I simply, Mr. Chairman, wanted to say that I think that the gentleman from California (Mr. Packard) is one of the people…”

“I simply, Mr. Chairman, wanted to say that I think that the gentleman from California (Mr. Packard) is one of the people who have added to the decency of this institution. In the years that he has been on the committee, I think he has been an extremely genial Member. I think he has been extremely fair-minded as chairman. I think he has worked very hard to try to produce a rational set of priorities in an irrational situation. I for one want to say that it has been a distinct pleasure for me to share our service in this institution. What I admire about the gentleman from California most of all is that he does not, he is not one of those Members who is prone to cheapshot the institution. He recognizes that this institution is a precious asset to the American people and tries to remind others of that fact in virtually everything he does. I simply want to congratulate him for the service he has provided to his district, to the country, to his State, to his party, and to this institution, and wish him good luck in whatever he does after he leaves this place.”