Thomas E. Petri: “the bill would designate the bridge to be constructed to replace the Cape Girardeau Bridge in Missouri in honor of our…”

“the bill would designate the bridge to be constructed to replace the Cape Girardeau Bridge in Missouri in honor of our late colleague, Bill Emerson, who passed away last weekend. Bill truly was a man of the House. He first came to Washington at the age of 15 when he was appointed to serve as a House page. He returned in 1961 and worked on the staff of several Members. After working in the private sector, Bill was elected to the House in 1980 and has won each election since, serving on both the Agriculture and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees. I had the honor of serving with Bill on the Transportation Committee and always found him to be hardworking, and dedicated to his beliefs and serving his constituents in Missouri. He was never afraid to state his views or take on an issue, and it was one of many traits that we admired about Bill. I remember well his good humor and straightforward manner, even when the committee was considering controversial or difficult matters. But make no mistake, you always knew exactly how he felt about an issue. In the end, Bill demonstrated extraordinary courage in the face of his illness this year, and he would not, and did not, let it interfere with his daily responsibilities here and in his district. We extend our condolences to his wife, Jo Ann, to his children, Elizabeth, Abigail, Victoria, and Katharine, and to his staff who worked with him over the years.”