C.W. Bill Young 

LATE A REPRESENTATIVE FROM 

FLORIDA 

÷ 

MEMORIAL ADDRESSES 

AND OTHER TRIBUTES 

[ ii ] 

HON. C.W. BILL YOUNG ÷ z 1930–2013 

HON. C.W. BILL YOUNG ÷ z 1930–2013 

C.W. Bill Young 


85200_young.eps
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

WASHINGTON : 2014

Memorial Addresses and 

Other Tributes 

HELD IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

OF THE UNITED STATES 

TOGETHER WITH A MEMORIAL SERVICE 

IN HONOR OF 

C.W. BILL YOUNG 

Late a Representative from Florida 

One Hundred Thirteenth Congress 

First Session 

÷ 

Compiled under the direction 

of the 

Joint Committee on Printing 

[ iii ] 

CONTENTS 

Page 

Biography .................................................................................................. v 

Proceedings in the House of Representatives: 

Tributes by Representatives: 

Bilirakis, Gus M., of Florida ..................................................... 11, 33 

Bishop, Sanford D., Jr., of Georgia ........................................... 10 

Brown, Corrine, of Florida ........................................................ 6, 16 

Buchanan, Vern, of Florida ....................................................... 28 

Calvert, Ken, of California ........................................................ 40 

Carter, John R., of Texas ........................................................... 38 

Castor, Kathy, of Florida ........................................................... 11 

Cohen, Steve, of Tennessee ....................................................... 20 

Cole, Tom, of Oklahoma ............................................................ 41 

Crenshaw, Ander, of Florida ..................................................... 36, 44 

Dent, Charles W., of Pennsylvania ........................................... 42 

Diaz-Balart, Mario, of Florida ................................................... 13, 30 

Farr, Sam, of California ............................................................ 31 

Frelinghuysen, Rodney P., of New Jersey ................................ 45 

Garamendi, John, of California ................................................. 18 

Gohmert, Louie, of Texas .......................................................... 20, 21 

Granger, Kay, of Texas .............................................................. 37 

Hastings, Alcee L., of Florida .................................................... 26 

Hoyer, Steny H., of Maryland ................................................ 8, 17, 47 

Jackson Lee, Sheila, of Texas .............................................. 13, 18, 22 

Kaptur, Marcy, of Ohio .............................................................. 29 

Lowey, Nita M., of New York .................................................... 15 

Marchant, Kenny, of Texas ....................................................... 21 

McCollum, Betty, of Minnesota ................................................. 47 

Mica, John L., of Florida ........................................................ 9, 24, 35 

Miller, Jeff, of Florida ...................................................... 4, 10, 16, 46 

Nugent, Richard B., of Florida .................................................. 43 

Posey, Bill, of Florida ................................................................. 43 

Rogers, Harold, of Kentucky ..................................................... 24 

Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana, of Florida .............................................. 3, 7, 25 

Wasserman Schultz, Debbie, of Florida ................................... 45 

Womack, Steve, of Arkansas ..................................................... 15 

Yoho, Ted S., of Florida ............................................................. 17 

Memorial Service ...................................................................................... 49 

[ v ] 

BIOGRAPHY 

Congressman BILL YOUNG served 22 terms in Congress as 

a Representative of the 13th Congressional District of Florida. He was the senior member of the Florida congressional 

delegation and was the senior Republican in the entire Congress, House and Senate. He served over 50 years in public 

office (10 in the Florida State senate and 42 in the U.S. Congress) and worked with eight Presidents of the United 

States. 

A 9-year veteran of the Army National Guard, and 6 more 

as a reservist, BILL YOUNG was nationally known for his expertise on defense and security issues. He served as chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense 

and was also a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee 

on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and the Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch. 

From 1999 to 2005 Congressman YOUNG served as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, overseeing the 

entire Federal discretionary budget. In fact, the last time the 

United States had a balanced Federal budget was under his 

chairmanship. 

Throughout his service on the Appropriations Committee, 

Congressman YOUNG was dedicated to improving the quality 

of life of the men and women who serve and who have served 

in the military. He regularly met with enlisted personnel 

and officers to assess their needs, and as a result, Congress 

has invested in improved base housing, better medical care, 

increased pay, and more modern equipment for the military. 

Congressman YOUNG was also a leading advocate for increased biomedical research. During his chairmanship of the 

Appropriations Committee, he successfully led the effort in 

Congress to double Federal medical research funding over 5 

years through the National Institutes of Health. In addition, 

he led the fight for Federal funding for a variety of medical 

issues, including an increased immunization rate for preschoolers, improved public health programs nationwide, and 

cures for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. 

In 1986 Congressman YOUNG was instrumental in creating 

a national registry for bone marrow donors. Now named the 

[ vi ] 

C.W. Bill Young Marrow Donor Recruitment and Research 

Program in his honor, the registry lists more than 11 million 

volunteer donors for patients with leukemia and other lifethreatening diseases and has served as a model for similar 

programs throughout the world. It has provided the gift of 

life to more than 60,000 individuals and facilitates an average of 20 bone marrow transplants every day of the year. 

Throughout his career of public service, BILL YOUNG was 

a strong advocate for the needs of Pinellas County. Among 

other issues, he worked to ease congestion along U.S. Highway 19; attracted high-tech jobs to St. Petersburg; improved 

health care for low-income children and families; protected 

the neighboring MacDill Air Force Base from closure; built 

a state-of-the-art medical center for veterans at Bay Pines; 

ensured a steady supply of water for the Tampa Bay area; 

and offset the effects of erosion on the area’s beaches. 

Congressman YOUNG was born in Harmarville, PA, and 

moved to Pinellas County at the age of 15. He is survived by 

his wife Beverly, and three adult sons, Rob, Billy, and Patrick. 

MEMORIAL ADDRESSES 

AND 

OTHER TRIBUTES 

FOR 

C.W. BILL YOUNG 

[ 3 ] 

Proceedings in the House of 

Representatives 

TUESDAY, October 22, 2013 

PRAYER 

The Chaplain, the Reverend Patrick J. Conroy, offered the 

following prayer: 

Almighty God, we give You thanks for giving us another 

day. 

As the People’s House returns, we give You thanks for 

those most responsible for the resolutions reached this past 

week and for the reopening of government, which has meant 

so much to the families of those who have chosen to serve 

their Nation by their work in government. 

As all return, the Capitol is in mourning for the loss of two 

men of the House, former Speaker Tom Foley and Representative BILL YOUNG. Both men, a Democrat and a Republican, 

were known to be giants in the People’s House, and their 

passing has deprived our Nation of experience and wisdom 

in Congress at a time when it is needed. 

Bless all the Members with wisdom in good measure— 

pressed down, shaken together, and running over—that the 

legacy of these great legislators might be carried on for the 

benefit of all. 

May all that is done here in the People’s House be for Your 

greater honor and glory. 

Amen. 

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I offer a privileged 

resolution and ask for its immediate consideration. 

The Clerk read the resolution, as follows: 

H. RES. 384 

In the House of Representatives, U.S., October 22, 2013: 

Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of the death 

of the Honorable C.W. BILL YOUNG, a Representative from the State of Florida. 

[ 4 ] 

Resolved, That a committee of such Members of the House as the Speaker 

may designate, together with such Members of the Senate as may be joined, 

be appointed to attend the funeral. 

Resolved, That the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House be authorized and directed to take such steps as may be necessary for carrying out the provisions of these resolutions and that the necessary expenses in connection 

therewith be paid out of applicable accounts of the House. 

Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to the Senate and 

transmit a copy thereof to the family of the deceased. 

Resolved, That when the House adjourns today, it adjourn as a further 

mark of respect to the memory of the deceased. 

The resolution was agreed to. 

A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. 

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend 

the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3302) to name the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Bay Pines, FL, as 

the ‘‘C.W. Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center’’. 

The Clerk read the title of the bill. 

The text of the bill is as follows: 

H.R. 3302 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 

States of America in Congress assembled, 

SECTION 1. NAME OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 

MEDICAL CENTER, BAY PINES, FLORIDA. 

The Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Bay Pines, Florida, 

shall after the date of the enactment of this Act be known and designated 

as the ‘‘C.W. Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center’’. 

Any reference to such medical center in any law, regulation, map, document, 

record, or other paper of the United States shall be considered to be a reference to the C.W. Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. 

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Miller) and the gentlewoman from 

Florida (Ms. Brown) each will control 20 minutes. 

The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida. 

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such 

time as I may consume. 

Today is bittersweet as we mark both the passing of a congressional stalwart, Chairman C.W. BILL YOUNG, and pay a 

fitting tribute by naming the Bay Pines Veterans Medical 

Center in his honor. 

Mr. Speaker, while the raw numbers themselves may 

speak volumes for his dedication to America, it is his personal qualities that I admire the most. When I came to Congress in 2001, BILL YOUNG was one of the first Members who 

[ 5 ] 

welcomed me here. It was on this floor, in this Chamber, 

that BILL YOUNG introduced me to the Members of this 

House the night I was sworn in. Since then, I came to regard 

him not only as a mentor or a colleague but, more important, 

a personal friend. 

Chairman YOUNG served the 13th District of Florida and 

the people of the United States for over 42 years. He was the 

senior member of the Florida congressional delegation and 

was the senior Republican in both the House and in the Senate. Counting his years in the Florida Legislature, BILL

YOUNG served over 50 years in public service and worked 

with eight Presidents. 

BILL will be most remembered for his devotion to America’s defense and especially to the men and women in the 

Armed Forces. Having served in uniform for 15 years as a 

member of the National Guard and Reserves, BILL was the 

go-to guy on defense issues here in the House. He dedicated 

his legislative and personal energies to improve the quality 

of life for the men and women who serve; and, as a result, 

those who wear the uniform and face our foes have improved 

base housing, better medical care, increased pay, and the 

best equipment. 

Members know BILL best for his work as chairman of the 

House Appropriations Committee from 1999 to 2005, and he 

continued to serve as chairman of the Subcommittee on Defense until the time of his passing. But BILL YOUNG was 

much more than a defense expert. He had also been a leading advocate for increased medical research. 

BILL worked to double Federal medical research funding 

and funding to increase immunization rates for preschoolers, 

to improve public health programs, and to find cures for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Just one example, the 

C.W. Bill Young Marrow Donor Recruitment and Research 

Program registry lists more than 9 million volunteer donors 

for patients with leukemia and other life-threatening diseases. That simple list has provided the gift of life to more 

than 50,000 individuals. 

To completely describe the contributions of a man who 

served in this body for over 42 years would take hours. So 

with that, Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the entire Florida delegation and all those who knew and served with him in this 

House and in the other body, I offer our most sincere condolences to his wife, Beverly, and his sons Rob, Billy, and Patrick. He was your husband and father. To us, BILL was a 

friend we will miss dearly. 

[ 6 ] 

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. 

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such 

time as I may consume. 

One of my favorite songs is ‘‘May the Work I’ve Done 

Speak for Me.’’ 

I rise today to pay tribute to Chairman BILL YOUNG, 

whose passing we mourn and whose dedication to American 

servicemembers is well known to his fellow Floridians, as 

well as to all who serve in this House. 

Taking care of our Nation’s men and women in uniform 

was his passion. He often called them ‘‘kids’’ because he 

cared for them as deeply as if they were his family. 

Chairman YOUNG was an officer and a gentleman. He 

served for 9 years in the Army National Guard. During his 

decades in Congress, he and his wife, Beverly, regularly visited the hospitalized combat troops in Florida and here at 

Bethesda. They helped arrange travel for military family 

members, or those who were having trouble paying the bills. 

Here in the House, at the Appropriations Committee, and in 

any other ways he could find, he was tireless in his work on 

behalf of servicemembers, veterans, and their families. 

I worked with him when we were trying to finish the new 

courthouse in Orlando. This was just after the Oklahoma 

City bombing and all the new security requirements that 

were added to protect the buildings and the people in them. 

The project was $19 million over budget, and the Chairman came to what must have been the longest townhall 

meeting held here in the Capitol. Everyone had something to 

say. The Chairman was a gentleman as always and wanted 

what was best for the people of Florida, regardless of party. 

This was the case also when it came to funding for research. 

Chairman YOUNG knew how important cutting-edge research 

is and made it a priority to find the funding to help future 

generations of Americans. 

Madam Speaker, as we say goodbye to our friend and colleague, Chairman BILL YOUNG, I want to thank him for 

being a reasonable person to work with. All of our encounters were pleasant and I will miss working with him. 

Every year, BILL YOUNG was a keynote speaker at the Memorial Day Program in Bay Pines. He initially worked with 

President Gerald Ford and the Appropriations Committee in 

1976 to replace the original hospital building. At one point, 

he went so far as to personally show the President where the 

building was and how badly it was leaking. He was very 

proud of the new hospital, which opened in 1983. He was 

[ 7 ] 

thrilled when they named the road encircling it Bill Young 

Road. 

The VA Medical Center at Bay Pines has many services to 

completely serve today’s veterans. There are all the health 

services that any hospital would provide; but, in addition, 

there are services for caregivers, dental services, extended 

care and services for seniors, along with programs that help 

homeless veterans. 

In addition, the women veterans health care program at 

Bay Pines focuses on wellness education, preventive health 

care, disease management, and care for the emotional wellbeing of women veterans. 

Today, we will go one step further in honoring the man 

who made the VA Medical Center at Bay Pines a reality. 

Today, we take the step of naming the whole facility after 

BILL YOUNG. It is a most appropriate tribute—to name the 

center whose mission it is to coordinate the care for wounded 

men and women who serve. 

Mr. Speaker, as we say goodbye to our friend and colleague, Chairman BILL YOUNG, with this bill we can honor 

his service in the way I know he would appreciate most 

deeply—having his name associated daily and directly with 

the highest level of care for our military veterans. 

I want to thank Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman 

Miller for bringing it before us today, and I urge all of my 

colleagues to join me in supporting it. 

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. 

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 

1 minute to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. RosLehtinen), the dean of our delegation. 

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am so pleased that 

the gentleman from Florida, Chairman Miller, has given me 

some time; and I am so pleased to support his bill that he 

has gotten the entire Florida delegation, working in a bipartisan manner, to honor this good man and warm friend, Congressman BILL YOUNG. 

BILL was a true patriot and a tenacious public servant, 

dedicating his life to his constituents in Pinellas County. 

As you heard from some of our previous speakers, his accomplishments are varied and many: creating a national 

bone marrow registry; improving the quality of life for active 

duty personnel, our National Guard, our Reserves, our veterans; protecting thousands of jobs in his area; preserving 

[ 8 ] 

MacDill Air Force Base; improving Florida’s environment. 

These are just some of BILL’s many accomplishments. 

BILL was always willing to lend a helping hand to members of our entire State delegation with projects that were 

important in our local community. For example, he helped 

me to find the funds to dredge the Miami River, to protect 

Homestead Air Reserve Base after it was devastated by Hurricane Andrew. 

The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentlewoman 

has expired. 

Mr. MILLER of Florida. I yield the gentlewoman an additional 30 seconds. 

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. But, more important, he was the 

consummate gentleman. He was principled. He was honest, 

maintaining civility with his colleagues, a trait that we no 

longer honor as we should. BILL was an example for all of 

us here in Congress. It was my privilege and my high honor 

to serve with him. What a great privilege. 

I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. 

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to 

the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the minority 

whip. 

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlelady for yielding. 

BILL YOUNG was my friend. BILL YOUNG was a gentleman 

in every sense of the word. BILL YOUNG was an example for 

us all. I will have the privilege of speaking on Thursday, at 

his request, at his funeral. BILL and I served on the Appropriations Committee for 23 years together; then I left when 

I became majority leader. 

BILL YOUNG was, as I said, a gentleman who cared about 

each and every individual in this House. More than that, he 

cared for each and every person who served in uniform in 

our Armed Forces; and he and Beverly displayed that, as 

Congressman Miller has said, on a weekly, daily basis. 

I am a Democrat; BILL was a Republican. It didn’t make 

any difference. He was an American, I was an American, and 

we served our country together. No one served it better than 

BILL YOUNG. He chose to see our differences as slight and 

our common purpose as great. He always chose civility over 

partisanship. 

He was a skilled legislator on behalf of the people of 

Pinellas County, FL, on behalf of Florida, on behalf of his 

[ 9 ] 

country, on behalf of the members of the Armed Forces and 

the defense of this country. He was a champion of our men 

and women in uniform, veterans and their families, all of 

whom, wherever they lived, he viewed as his constituents. 

This bill to rename the VA Hospital in Bay Pines, FL, which 

I am proud to cosponsor, is a fitting tribute to his devotion 

to our veterans and our troops. 

Though he represented Florida longer than any Member of 

this House in history, BILL was originally from a hardscrabble coal mining town in Pennsylvania. It was there he 

learned many lessons about the hardships facing working 

families and the need to ensure that opportunities would be 

within their reach, and he never forgot that. 

He was a great Member of this body, a very powerful 

Member of this body, an extraordinary, influential American. 

But to all of us, he was BILL; to all those he came in contact 

with, he was BILL. He was a person who understood the 

needs, the fears, the aspirations, the hopes of his people and 

the people of our country. 

My thoughts are with Beverly, with BILL YOUNG’s family, 

and with the people of Florida’s 13th District. This House 

has lost a great Member. 

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 

1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica). 

Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker and my colleagues, it is absolutely 

fitting that we take this step and name our veterans hospital 

on the west coast of Florida after a great American, a patriot, a hero for our veterans—BILL YOUNG. 

Probably more than anyone in the House of Representatives or Congress, I have known BILL YOUNG, I think, longer. 

He and I were both aides to the first Republican Congressman since the Civil War, Bill Kramer. He was an aide before 

I was, but we met and worked together more than 40 years 

ago. 

So I rise tonight not only as a colleague, but as a personal 

friend and political ally of a great human being, someone 

who put his heart and soul into his position, who loved our 

service men and women, and his great legacy will be all he 

has done to honor their memory. 

Tonight, we honor his memory with renaming Bay Pines 

Veterans Hospital for BILL YOUNG, my friend. 

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to 

the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Bishop). 

[ 10 ] 

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. I thank the gentlelady for yielding. 

Mr. Speaker, I rise in full support of the legislation before 

us this evening to rename the Bay Pines Veterans Affairs 

Medical Center in Florida the C.W. Bill Young Department 

of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. I am honored to join over 

200 of my House colleagues as an original cosponsor of this 

bipartisan legislation, a great tribute to one of our dearest 

colleagues. 

Indeed, BILL YOUNG will be forever known as one of the 

strongest supporters of our military and veterans in the history of this Congress. His staunch and unyielding support of 

our military and our veterans is legendary. 

Likewise, he was a true champion for his district, and a 

fount of knowledge about the chronicles of the U.S. House of 

Representatives. 

BILL YOUNG will be missed in Washington, as well as in 

Florida. He, along with the late Congressman Jack Murtha, 

were not only great friends and mentors to me, but their 

wives, Beverly and Joyce, were also friends and mentors to 

my wife, Vivian. 

Chairman Murtha and Chairman YOUNG were neither 

Democrat nor Republican when it came to our national defense. Regardless of which was the chairman or ranking 

member of the Defense Subcommittee, the men and women 

of America’s military would be taken care of. I am proud to 

have served as a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense under both of these great leaders. 

With BILL YOUNG’s death, the Nation has truly lost one of 

the few remaining statesmen. Our thoughts and prayers are 

with Beverly and the entire family. Congress and our Nation 

have lost one of its greatest statesmen. I have lost a dear 

friend and a mentor. 

While we could use every word in every language spoken 

by mankind, we would not have enough words combined to 

adequately thank BILL YOUNG for his service. I am pleased 

to join my colleagues in passing this resolution to rename 

the Bay Pines Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Florida the 

C.W. Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical 

Center. 

It has been said that you make your living by what you 

get; you make your life by what you give. BILL YOUNG gave 

so much to so many for so long. He will be greatly missed. 

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from 

Georgia alluded to over 200 cosponsors. I would announce to 

[ 11 ] 

the House tonight that we had 379 original cosponsors of 

this piece of legislation. 

I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), the vice chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, 

whose district abutted Mr. YOUNG’s. 

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Thank you, Mr. Chairman—379 cosponsors, what a testament. What a wonderful man. What a 

great man. 

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to strongly support this legislation. Over the past five decades, Chairman YOUNG selflessly 

served Florida and the Tampa Bay area, leading many initiatives to promote economic growth, create jobs, of which his 

contributions to the military and veterans in particular are 

immeasurable. 

In the 1970s, the chairman played a significant role in 

winning critical funding for the Bay Pines Veterans Affairs 

Medical Center, which allows the facilities to support almost 

100,000 of our heroes in our area today. With this funding, 

Bay Pines was able to increase the size of its campus, replace the hospital, and now offers a wide variety of services 

to these veterans in their backyard because of Chairman 

YOUNG. 

Chairman YOUNG has left behind a rich legacy in support 

of our heroes, especially those in the Tampa Bay area. By renaming this important facility in his honor, we will provide 

a lasting monument to remember a great friend, Chairman 

BILL YOUNG. 

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to 

the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Castor), whose district 

butts up to Congressman BILL YOUNG’s district. 

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. I thank my colleague from Florida 

for yielding the time and for her dedication to the Nation’s 

veterans as well. 

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of designating the 

Bay Pines VA Medical Center in Pinellas County, FL, the 

Congressman C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center. I am very 

proud to cosponsor this bill, and I would like to thank Chairman Miller of Florida, Congresswoman Brown, and all of our 

colleagues for honoring BILL YOUNG with such a designation. 

I have been fortunate to serve alongside BILL YOUNG for 

the 7 years that I have been here. Seven out of the 43 years 

that Mr. YOUNG served in the Congress, we represented St. 

Petersburg and the Tampa Bay area together. I know I 

speak for my predecessors, Jim Davis and Sam Gibbons, who 

[ 12 ] 

also passed last year, when I say that Congressman BILL

YOUNG was a gentleman and an outstanding partner for the 

interests of the Tampa Bay area and the State of Florida. 

It is very appropriate that we honor BILL YOUNG by naming the Bay Pines VA Medical Center after him. He was a 

fixture at the Bay Pines Veterans Day and Memorial Day 

ceremonies every year. But more important, he was a fixture 

when there was no ceremony, when he would visit wounded 

soldiers in the hospital or at their homes, when there was no 

fanfare, and he determined that it was just his desire to ensure that the servicemembers and their families received the 

care that they deserved and that they had earned. 

Many facilities at the MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa 

are state of the art due to Mr. YOUNG’s extra attention. I am 

very grateful for the help he provided to me when MacDill 

and the soldiers and civilians who worked there were in 

need. For example, in the past year, he boosted our efforts 

in ‘‘MacDill Means Mobility’’ when we tried to expand the 

mission at the base. When I brought to his attention that the 

Department of Defense was not assisting former 

servicemembers and their families who qualified for Medicaid health services, he helped cut through the red tape. 

Many also will point to his expansive earmarks and great 

legacy in the Tampa Bay area in a variety of ways: our 

drinking water reservoir is the Bill Young Reservoir; medical 

research initiatives at the University of South Florida; programs at St. Petersburg College; programs at Eckerd College. We are so proud that Mr. YOUNG initiated the national 

bone marrow donor program at All Children’s Hospital in St. 

Petersburg. 

It was decades ago, through Congressman YOUNG’s leadership, that the Bay Pines VA Medical Center in St. Petersburg was created. Bay Pines is now the fourth-largest veterans hospital in the country. It serves veterans all across 

west central Florida and employs many talented caregivers. 

So it is a fitting tribute to this remarkable American to 

name the Bay Pines VA Medical Center in his honor, and I 

am proud to cosponsor the resolution. Congressman YOUNG

was a model statesman. His kindness, sincerity, and dogged 

advocacy for our Nation’s men and women in uniform and 

veterans will be missed. 

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to yield 

1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart). 

[ 13 ] 

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, let me first thank Chairman Miller for bringing this important piece of legislation 

forward. We literally could be here days speaking about the 

many accomplishments of Chairman YOUNG, and those days 

would not suffice. 

I got a chance to work with him on the Appropriations 

Committee. I will tell you that so many times I went to him 

for advice, for help. BILL YOUNG was one of those people who 

you always went to when you needed help, when you needed 

advice. He was such a wise man. 

As I just said, since we would never have enough time to 

talk about all of his great accomplishments—and you have 

heard not only about his accomplishments but just the fact 

that he was an incredibly honorable, caring, wise—‘‘statesman’’ is the word that comes to mind. 

Since my time is limited, I just want to echo something 

that I heard. I am not quite sure, Mr. Speaker, who said it. 

Somewhere I once read that ‘‘to be a great man, you first 

have to be a good man.’’ If there is anybody that phrase reminds me of, it is BILL YOUNG. 

Ms. BROWN of Florida. I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee). 

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank 

the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Brown), and I would like 

to thank Chairman Miller—we have worked together. I 

thank the gentleman so very much. I want to acknowledge 

as well the ranking member of the Appropriations Committee, Mrs. Lowey. Thank you for allowing me to share with 

you this evening my comments, appreciation, and respect 

that I have for BILL YOUNG. 

First of all, I would like to say what everyone else has 

said. What a great American. What a great patriot. What a 

great public servant. 

BILL, may you rest in peace. 

Congressman YOUNG, Chairman YOUNG was on the floor of 

the House just a few weeks before he passed. I think that 

is important to note, that he was working every single day 

to make America better. He loved soldiers and veterans. He 

loved their families. It is highly appropriate for him to have 

his name so honored as a named veterans hospital. 

I want to say that it is particularly important to note that 

Congressman YOUNG was able to speak to kings and queens 

and generals and people in high places. But he was best 

[ 14 ] 

when he was talking to everyday people, to the soldiers 

whom he loved. 

He came from humble beginnings. Starting with his mother, a single parent, losing his home early in life, living in a 

hunting camp. You would think that he would not be the 

generous-hearted person that he is today. But he was really 

what America is all about, the American dream. 

I remember his commitment to our soldiers and his easy 

ability to work across the aisle as someone who advocated for 

soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. I want 

to let his family know how dedicated he was to providing 

extra resources to the thousands upon thousands of soldiers 

who returned from Iraq and Afghanistan who needed extra 

help with post-traumatic stress disorder. 

He was very kind to those of us who were concerned about 

breast cancer and women in the U.S. military who may have 

experienced breast cancer. 

The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentlewoman 

has expired. 

Ms. BROWN of Florida. I yield an additional 1 minute to 

the gentlewoman from Texas. 

Ms. JACKSON LEE. I thank the distinguished gentlelady 

from Florida. 

He worked with me over the last two sessions, Mr. Speaker, in providing extra funding for post-traumatic stress disorder to a center that is in Houston, TX, but also dealing 

with additional research on triple-negative breast cancer 

that might have an impact not only on the military population of women but also with women around the Nation. 

BILL was like that. Congressman BILL YOUNG, Chairman 

BILL YOUNG was like that, always extending, always sharing. 

He has a special place in my heart because my late mother 

is from St. Petersburg, FL. I would say that he should have 

a special place in the hearts of all Americans because if you 

ever want to see exemplified a grand and stately gentleman 

who had nothing in his heart but the love and respect and 

admiration for this Nation, it was our dear friend, the Honorable BILL YOUNG. 

To his family, I say to them, we love him, and we extend 

our deepest sympathies. Thank you, my dear friend. You 

have served well. I hope that you will rest well. 

May God bless him, and God bless his family. 

[ 15 ] 

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I now yield 1 minute 

to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Womack). 

Mr. WOMACK. I thank Chairman Miller for this time. 

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the chorus of people remembering our friend from Florida, BILL YOUNG, the chairman of the Defense Subcommittee of Appropriations. 

Chairman YOUNG, as you know, spent five decades of his 

life in this Chamber fighting for a better America for both 

his constituents and our country. As the dean of the Republican Conference, he was a leader and of counsel to colleagues young or old, Republican or Democrat. 

Mr. Speaker, I am the newest member of the Defense Subcommittee of Appropriations. I was fortunate to receive his 

mentorship. I learned from his fearless, unparalleled support 

of our troops and our veterans, and I admired his outspoken 

and unwavering commitment to what was in their best interest. Mr. Speaker, as a veteran myself of over 30 years, I was 

also a beneficiary of his incredible support of those who wear 

the uniform. 

While his presence will be forever missed, the Bill Young 

Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center will serve as 

a small and fitting reminder that this institution, our men 

and women in uniform, and America, are undoubtedly better 

off because of BILL YOUNG. I am proud to support it. 

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, could you please tell 

me how much time remains on each side. 

The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman has 41⁄2

minutes remaining. The gentleman has 101⁄2 minutes remaining. 

Ms. BROWN of Florida. I thank the Speaker. 

At this time, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from 

New York (Mrs. Lowey). 

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this 

bill. 

For more than 40 years, BILL YOUNG served his district 

and this institution with integrity and honor after having 

served our country in the Army National Guard for nearly 

a decade. 

As chairman of the Appropriations Committee, his leadership and advocacy for our men and women in uniform and 

our veterans was unsurpassed. In a time when political culture too often devolves into hostility, and compromise is a 

[ 16 ] 

dirty word, BILL YOUNG was always a gentleman who consistently reached across the aisle. 

He would share with me his visits with his dear wife, Beverly, to wounded warriors to bring them comfort. How happy 

those visits made him. 

It was such a pleasure to serve with him, and he will be 

truly missed. Renaming this VA facility in his memory is a 

tribute to his legacy. 

You will be missed, my dear friend. Rest in peace, God 

bless you, and God bless America. 

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time and am prepared to close. 

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, first of all, let me 

thank Chairman Miller for organizing this tribute to Chairman YOUNG. 

In closing, I often say when you are born, you get a birth 

certificate; and when you die, you are going to get a death 

certificate; and that little dash in between is what you have 

done to make this a better place. 

I don’t know anyone who has done more than Chairman 

BILL YOUNG. It has just been my honor having had the opportunity to serve with him. His leadership for the Florida 

delegation—I mean, we have gone through some tough 

times. But I can tell you, he has always been a gentleman. 

When I first began, I said that one of my favorite sayings 

is to let the work I have done speak for me. Clearly he has 

done his work, and as Paul said, he has fought a good fight, 

and he has kept the faith. He has done his job. It has been 

left up to us to continue his great work. 

I yield back the balance of my time. 

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, tonight I want to 

thank all the Members on both sides of the aisle for their 

kind words they have said of our friend from Florida, BILL

YOUNG. I sincerely hope that the words give Beverly, Rob, 

Billy, and Patrick some measure of consolation. 

While we will no longer have BILL’s personal and wise 

counsel to go to, that beautiful veterans medical center will 

bear his name. It will give witness to his many years of service to America and her defenders. 

I want to thank my good friend from Florida (Ms. Brown) 

for her help in bringing this bill to the floor and the over 375 

cosponsors that we have brought on this piece of legislation. 

[ 17 ] 

I respectfully ask all Members to join us in supporting this 

piece of legislation, H.R. 3302, and I yield back the balance 

of my time. 

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I heard from my friend, former 

Congressman Norm Dicks, today, and he asked me to submit 

this statement on his behalf. He had the privilege of serving 

with Chairman BILL YOUNG for over 30 years on the Defense 

Appropriations Subcommittee, and said this about him: 

Chairman YOUNG did more for the men and women in the Armed Forces 

than anyone in Congress. BILL and Beverly made weekly trips to Bethesda 

and Walter Reed to see our wounded warriors and offered personal help to 

their families. BILL YOUNG believed in bipartisanship; the Defense Subcommittee almost always reported the Defense Appropriations bill with all 

Members, Democrats and Republicans, in full support. BILL was a great 

American, a great leader, and a great friend and he will be truly missed. 

Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker I rise today in honor of CHARLES

WILLIAM YOUNG, better known to his colleagues and constituents as BILL. I am deeply saddened Congressman 

YOUNG, a man who put all others before himself, has 

passed—he will be sorely missed. 

Although I only had the pleasure of working with BILL for 

a short time, I benefited greatly from his leadership and the 

strong example of service to the United States and Florida 

that he set. Congressman YOUNG leaves behind a long history of dedicated service to his constituents and the veterans 

of America. 

BILL saw the Nation through some of her most tumultuous 

times, and throughout all of it he worked tirelessly to make 

sure our Nation’s veterans were taken care of. He was a constant fixture at VA medical centers in Florida and in the 

Washington, DC, area always making sure the veterans were 

receiving the best possible care. 

I proudly join my colleagues in renaming the Bay Pines 

VA Medical Center the C.W. Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center as a small token of the Nation’s 

gratitude for his dedicated service. 

I urge my colleagues to pass this small gesture of our gratitude without objection. 

The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion 

offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Miller) that the 

House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3302. 

The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed. 

A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. 

[ 18 ] 

Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate this presentation. We had one of those very important moments to recognize the long service of one of our colleagues. 

As we listen to those eulogies, I think all of us should be 

reminded of the awesome responsibilities that we share here 

in the House of Representatives. BILL YOUNG, obviously, felt 

those responsibilities deeply. He carried them out for an extraordinary length of time—almost 43 years. We are thankful for his service, for his memory; for what he has taught 

us about perseverance and steadfastness; and also, as you 

can tell from the various eulogies, about working across the 

aisle. . . . 

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in proud support, 

and as an original cosponsor of H.R. 3302, naming the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Bay Pines, FL, as the ‘‘C.W. 

Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.’’ 

I thank the Chair and ranking member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, Mr. Miller of Florida and Mr. Michaud of 

Maine, for working together to expedite the consideration of 

this fitting tribute to one of the most beloved Members to 

serve in this body. 

Mr. Speaker, this is a fitting tribute to one of the greatest 

champions of the men and women who don the uniform in 

defense of our Nation, the late C.W. BILL YOUNG of Florida, 

who died last Friday, October 18, 2013, at the age of 82. 

Mr. Speaker, BILL YOUNG was more than a great legislator. He was a good man. Virtually every Member who 

served with BILL has a story about how the gentleman from 

Florida lent his ear or a helping hand to help advance a critical project or further a legislative priority. I am no exception. 

Earlier this year, Chairman YOUNG worked with me to win 

inclusion in H.R. 1960, the National Defense Authorization 

Act, of my amendment providing increased funding and support for medical research related to triple negative breast 

cancer. Chairman YOUNG also helped me to $10 million in 

increased funding to support work to assist servicemembers 

suffering from post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). This 

act of kindness on the part of BILL YOUNG is changing lives 

in my congressional district, which is home to one of the Nation’s largest concentrations of veterans suffering from 

PTSD. BILL’s compassion for our veterans and his colleagues 

knew no limits. 

BILL YOUNG was born December 16, 1930, in Harmarville, 

PA. A flood washed away his home at age 6 where he lived 

[ 19 ] 

with his single mother. An uncle had a hunting camp in 

Florida, so the family moved there when he was 16. BILL

YOUNG dropped out of St. Petersburg High School to support 

his ill mother, Wilma M. Hulings. He joined the Army National Guard and served from 1948 to 1957. 

In 1960 BILL YOUNG was elected to the Florida Senate, 

where he served from 1961 to 1970, and was minority leader 

in that chamber from 1966 to 1970. Until 1963 BILL YOUNG

was the only Republican Senator in Florida. 

From 1999 to 2005 Congressman YOUNG served as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, overseeing the 

entire Federal discretionary budget. In fact, the last time the 

United States had a balanced Federal budget was under his 

chairmanship. 

Throughout his service on the Appropriations Committee, 

BILL YOUNG has been dedicated to improving the quality of 

life of the men and women who serve and who have served 

in the military. He regularly met with enlisted personnel 

and officers to assess their needs, and as a result, Congress 

has invested in improved base housing, better medical care, 

increased pay, and more modern equipment for the military. 

Congressman YOUNG has also been a leading advocate for 

increased biomedical research. During his chairmanship of 

the Appropriations Committee, he successfully led the effort 

in Congress to double Federal medical research funding over 

5 years. He has likewise led the fight for Federal funding for 

a variety of medical issues, including an increased immunization rate for preschoolers, improved public health programs nationwide, and cures for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s 

diseases. 

Throughout his career of public service, Congressman 

YOUNG has been a strong advocate for the needs of Pinellas 

County. Among other issues, he has worked to ease congestion along U.S. Highway 19; attract high-tech jobs to St. Petersburg; improve health care for low-income children and 

families; protect the neighboring MacDill Air Force Base; 

build a state-of-the-art medical center for veterans at Bay 

Pines; ensure a steady supply of water for the Tampa Bay 

area; and offset the effects of erosion on the area’s beaches. 

For nearly 2 weeks, Congressman YOUNG had been hospitalized with back problems that stemmed from a 1970 

small plane crash. Despite the circumstances, Congressman 

YOUNG vowed to beat his illness and battled valiantly until 

the very last day, when he finished his journey on Earth and 

ascended to the heavens. 

[ 20 ] 

Congressman YOUNG was the longest serving Republican 

Member of the House and was respected by all who knew 

him. He served over 50 years in public office and worked 

with eight Presidents of the United States. His presence will 

be forever missed and we all mourn his loss and extend our 

deepest sympathies to his family and friends. 

But BILL YOUNG’s good work lives on. In renaming the 

Veterans Affairs Medical Center at Bay Pines as the C.W. 

Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 

we consecrate a monument to a remarkable public servant 

that exists to carry on the work to which BILL YOUNG dedicated his life: serving those who risked their lives to keep us 

free. 

Mr. Speaker, none of us who knew and admired BILL

YOUNG will ever forget him or the way he brightened the 

lives of all the people he served. He was one in a million and 

he will be deeply missed. He will never be replaced. He was 

an American original. He was my friend. 

Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do 

now adjourn. 

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 9 o’clock and 31 

minutes p.m.), under its previous order and pursuant to 

House Resolution 383 and House Resolution 384, the House 

adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday, October 23, 2013, at 

10 a.m., for morning-hour debate, as a further mark of respect to the memory of the late Honorable Thomas S. Foley 

and the late Honorable C.W. BILL YOUNG. 

WEDNESDAY, October 23, 2013 

Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, last Friday I became aware of 

the death of a great U.S. Congressman, BILL YOUNG, from 

Florida. 

Mr. YOUNG was the senior Republican Member, who 

served in this House since 1970. He was a gentle soul, congenial, friendly—always nice to me. I asked him to join with 

me in the Tourette Syndrome Caucus, and he did. He was 

one of the founding members. He was a leader in seeking 

funds for biomedical research, which doubled during the time 

in which he was the chairman of the Appropriations Committee. He understood earmarks were the responsibility of 

this Congress, and he fought for them and supported them. 

[ 21 ] 

He was close friends with John Murtha, and I was proud 

to serve and to know both of them. Both men were in the 

military reserve, and both men toward the end of their careers recognized that war was wrong in places where they 

had previously been for it—John Murtha in Iraq, and, in 

2012, Mr. YOUNG said that it was time to get out of Afghanistan. 

A great leader has passed. His funeral will be tomorrow in 

the State of Florida. I was proud to know him. This country 

was fortunate to have him serve in this body. 

Mr. GOHMERT. . . . Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay a 

brief tribute to a patriotic man who was devoted to the military, devoted to seeing that the military had what it needed, 

devoted to America. C.W. BILL YOUNG will have his funeral 

tomorrow in Florida. He was 82 years old. There have been 

plenty of tributes written about BILL YOUNG. There will be 

many more written and many more spoken tomorrow, and I 

will look forward to hearing those at his funeral, but there 

is nothing that could be said that could surpass the witness 

he was to who he was. 

I talked to him numerous times. Sometimes I had questions. Sometimes I had points to make. When I had questions, he always had time. He was always honest—completely honest, very sincerely honest. He was a kind, decent, 

honest man. We miss when we lose a kind, decent, honest 

man. 

BILL YOUNG, you will be missed. 

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, it is with a sense of solemnity that I wish to honor the passing and memory of our colleague, Congressman C.W. BILL YOUNG, who passed away on 

October 18, 2013, at the age of 82. 

Congressman YOUNG was the most senior Republican in 

both Houses of Congress and represented the best of public 

service. He served in the Florida State senate for 10 years 

before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives 

from the Tampa Bay area in 1970. In his nearly 43 years in 

Congress, Congressman YOUNG worked hard for the people 

of his district and was especially tireless in supporting military personnel and their families—both legislatively and personally. He and his wife, Beverly, were known for their 

countless visits to wounded soldiers. Himself a veteran of the 

Army National Guard and Reserves, BILL YOUNG was the 

current chairman of the Defense Subcommittee of the ApproVerDate Aug 31 2005 12:28 Jan 31, 2014 Jkt 081106 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 6688 Sfmt 6688 H:\DOCS\CW\85200.TXT KAYNE
[ 22 ] 

priations Committee, and he had previously chaired that full 

committee from 1999 to 2005. 

With decades of experience, BILL YOUNG naturally became 

a source of guidance for many of his colleagues. He had a 

balanced and well-regarded approach to the issues and affairs of Congress, and his personal kindness was known to 

many. While this moment is significant for the people of the 

13th District of Florida and for the House itself, my prayers 

today are especially with Congressman YOUNG’s wife, Beverly, their three sons, and all of his loved ones. 

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th District of Texas, I ask 

all my distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring and 

remembering Congressman YOUNG. 

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in proud support, 

and as an original cosponsor of H. Res. 384, which expresses 

the condolences of the House on the death and recognizes the 

extraordinary contributions to our Nation of Congressman 

C.W. BILL YOUNG of Florida, who died last Friday, October 

18, 2013. 

I thank the bipartisan leadership of the House and the 

Chair and ranking member of the Veterans Affairs Committee for working together to expedite the consideration of 

this fitting tribute to one of the most beloved Members to 

serve in this body. 

Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 384 recognizes the extraordinary contributions of BILL YOUNG to public life in Florida and the 

United States. It is both fitting and proper that the People’s 

House pay this tribute to a pioneering and path-breaking 

man who devoted his life to serving the people. 

Mr. Speaker, this happy moment stands in stark contrast 

to the sorrowful evening of October 18, 2013, when we 

learned that our dear friend and colleague, the great BILL

YOUNG, had lost his life. 

MONDAY, October 28, 2013 

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 

384, and the order of the House January 3, 2013, the Speaker on October 24, 2013, appointed the following Members of 

the House to the committee to attend the funeral of the late 

Honorable C.W. BILL YOUNG: 

The gentlewoman from Florida, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen 

The gentleman from Ohio, Mr. Boehner 

[ 23 ] 

The members of the Florida delegation: 

Ms. Corrine Brown 

Mr. Hastings 

Mr. Mica 

Mr. Crenshaw 

Mr. Miller 

Mr. Diaz-Balart 

Ms. Wasserman Schultz 

Mr. Bilirakis 

Mr. Buchanan 

Ms. Castor 

Mr. Posey 

Mr. Rooney 

Mr. Deutch 

Mr. Nugent 

Mr. Ross 

Mr. Southerland 

Mr. Webster 

Ms. Wilson 

Mr. Grayson 

Mr. DeSantis 

Ms. Frankel 

Mr. Garcia 

Mr. Murphy 

Mr. Radel 

Mr. Yoho 

Other Members in attendance: 

Mr. Cantor 

Ms. Pelosi 

Mr. Hoyer 

Mr. McCarthy, California 

Mr. Young, Alaska 

Mr. Sensenbrenner 

Mr. Rogers, Kentucky 

Mr. Wolf 

Mr. Visclosky 

Mr. Bishop, Georgia 

Mr. Calvert 

Mr. McKeon 

Mr. Frelinghuysen 

Ms. Jackson Lee, Texas 

Mr. Latham 

Mr. Price, North Carolina 

Mr. Aderholt 

Ms. Granger 

[ 24 ] 

Mr. Sessions 

Mr. Carter 

Mr. Cole 

Mr. King, Iowa 

Mr. Gohmert 

Mr. Roe, Tennessee 

Mr. Nunnelee 

Mr. Womack 

Mr. MICA. Madam Speaker, I am very pleased tonight to 

lead a Special Order in memory of the life and service of our 

dear friend, our colleague from Florida, Mr. BILL YOUNG. We 

will hear from members of the Florida delegation and also 

from leaders from the committee on which he was a leader, 

himself. 

To lead off tonight in our Special Order in that vein, I am 

very pleased to yield first to the chair of the Appropriations 

Committee of the House of Representatives, on which Mr. 

YOUNG served so distinguishably, the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers). 

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Let me thank my colleague 

from Florida for yielding me this time. 

Madam Speaker, I rise today with a very heavy heart to 

honor the memory and service of our dear friend and colleague, BILL YOUNG. 

BILL served in this House and he served this country for 

decades with compassion and distinction. I have not known 

this institution without him—most of us are in that same 

situation—and I believe it will take a long time to fill the 

hole that his absence has left. As an appropriator, he was a 

role model for all of us. When I became chairman of the committee, I knew I had some very large shoes to fill in following in the footsteps of Chairman YOUNG, among others. 

He fought with determination and enthusiasm to make this 

country a better place. 

BILL was a champion for our troops and veterans especially, both in the Halls of Congress and outside. His fierce 

determination and dedication to our troops and veterans 

never wavered. As we all know, he and his dear wife, Beverly, were to be found very frequently at Bethesda or at Walter Reed in the city or at a hospital overseas where troops 

were sick, and they spent hours and hours helping those who 

were injured. 

He was the chairman of the Defense Subcommittee on the 

Appropriations Committee for many years. He also served on 

[ 25 ] 

the Military Construction and Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee, and his thumbprint is very visible in the improved medical care and in the quality of life of our troops, 

among the many other issues that he held dear to his heart. 

BILL was a leader in this House who was able to make his 

mark with grace and fortitude. He was a lion about the 

things that he cared about; but he was a gentle lion, and he 

did things with grace and with a quiet voice until you 

crossed him on the betterment of our troops. Then BILL

YOUNG would let you know where to get off. 

I will miss BILL YOUNG greatly as I know all of us will. 

My prayers are with his family, with Beverly, with his many 

friends, and with all of those who had the privilege of knowing and working with BILL YOUNG. He will be greatly 

missed. 

Mr. MICA. I thank the gentleman. 

We are also pleased to have with us tonight a distinguished leader of the Florida delegation and now the dean 

of the Florida delegation—our senior member—to pay tribute 

to BILL YOUNG. I yield to the gentlelady from Florida (Ms. 

Ros-Lehtinen). 

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Chairman, thank you for the 

time. 

A good man, a warm friend, and a true patriot, BILL

YOUNG was an example for all of us here in Congress, and 

it was an honor and a privilege to serve with him. Madam 

Speaker, the loss of BILL’s experience and knowledge will be 

felt by everyone in this Chamber. 

The consummate gentleman from Florida, BILL was always 

ready to listen to his colleagues on both sides of the aisle, 

greeting everyone with a smile. Both principled and honest 

while maintaining civility with his colleagues, BILL never allowed differences of opinion to devolve into partisan bickering, and he worked with Republicans and Democrats to 

balance our budget as chairman of the House Appropriations 

Committee. 

A tenacious public servant, BILL dedicated his life to his 

constituents. His number one priority was ensuring those 

who serve our country get the help and the services they 

need to be successful. Improving the quality of life for veterans and for all active duty personnel, including those in 

the Reserve and the National Guard, was BILL’s mission. 

BILL was always there for those returning from combat, visiting and helping our wounded warriors with his wife, BevVerDate Aug 31 2005 12:28 Jan 31, 2014 Jkt 081106 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 6688 Sfmt 6688 H:\DOCS\CW\85200.TXT KAYNE
[ 26 ] 

erly, and providing for our veterans at the medical facility in 

Bay Pines, which now bears his name. 

As chairman of the Appropriations National Defense Subcommittee, BILL oversaw spending by the Pentagon and 

worked to ensure the readiness of our military in combat. 

His efforts helped not just those in his district but Americans across the Nation. His legacy will be seen around every 

corner, from the beaches of Pinellas County to our fighting 

forces around the world. 

A genuine statesman, BILL’s accomplishments are as varied as they are numerous. He fought to protect Florida’s environment by blocking drilling close to our gulf coast and in 

helping to restore eroding beaches. With Beverly, BILL

helped create a national bone marrow registry with almost 

10 million donors registered thus far. Just as he fought for 

his own district, he could always be counted upon to help us 

with our constituent needs. 

In 1991 in his district, he saved MacDill Air Force Base 

from closure; and a year later, he helped rebuild and protect 

Homestead Air Reserve Base in my congressional district 

after the devastation of Hurricane Andrew. Through his vital 

efforts in my district, the Miami River dredging project was 

completed—a project that continues to generate billions for 

the shipping industry, to create jobs and to spur economic 

growth in south Florida. It couldn’t have happened without 

BILL YOUNG. BILL was instrumental in assisting Tampa Bay 

residents and those in my south Florida community and, indeed, across our country. 

A true gentleman, a public servant, and a friend, BILL

YOUNG deserves all of our thanks, Madam Speaker. He will 

be forever remembered as a champion not just for Florida 

but, indeed, for our entire great Nation. 

I thank the gentleman for arranging this Special Order. 

Mr. MICA. I thank the gentlelady. 

Mr. YOUNG was respected not only by his Republican peers 

and colleagues but by peers on both sides of the aisle. So I 

am pleased now to yield to a senior member of the Florida 

delegation on the other side of the aisle, the cochair, Mr. 

Hastings. 

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Thank you very much. I appreciate you, Mr. Mica, my colleague, for arranging this Special 

Order, and it is special that we come here to speak about a 

gentleman who was special to us all. 

[ 27 ] 

Madam Speaker, obviously, we are here with heavy hearts 

and with great sadness tonight in our honoring of a friend 

and a colleague, Congressman BILL YOUNG. 

BILL was an assiduous public servant and a tireless advocate for all Floridians; but above all, he was a man of integrity and a true statesman. The House of Representatives will 

not be the same without him. He served in Congress for 42 

years; and I, as well as others, am deeply honored to have 

had the opportunity to serve alongside him for the past two 

decades. He dedicated himself to providing for our Nation’s 

service men and women and was a powerful voice for America’s best interests at home and abroad. His distinguished 

career has left its mark on the lives of countless Americans. 

When I first came to Congress in 1992, I met with BILL

YOUNG and Sam Gibbons. They were on opposite sides of the 

aisle, but were dear friends, dedicated to Florida and to making the Florida delegation strong. I remember vividly learning from both of them through the years. In addition, 

throughout all of the travails of hurricanes and disasters, 

BILL YOUNG stood with all of us who suffered during those 

periods, and he did everything he could to bring resources to 

Florida and to this Nation during disasters. 

My first experience with an earmark was when BILL became chairman of the Appropriations Committee. I didn’t 

know much about the process, but I knew that I wanted to 

get money in the budget to contribute to the African American Research Center in Fort Lauderdale in my congressional district. When I went to him, I was nervous because 

I wasn’t sure how it would be handled, and he calmed me 

very easily by saying, ‘‘It is done.’’ For sure, he had had a 

hand in the development of that particular research center, 

which stands, and I honor him for having assisted in bringing resources there. 

Last week, Speaker Boehner said: 

It has only been a week since we began trying to imagine the House without BILL YOUNG—an impossible task in its own right—and now he is gone. 

In our sorrow, we recall how not a day went by without a colleague seeking 

BILL’s counsel as he sat on his perch in the corner of the House floor. 

I certainly had the distinction of going to that corner and 

consulting with him. 

President Obama said in his statement: 

Congressman YOUNG will be remembered for his advocacy and support for 

the armed services, servicemembers and their families, as well as for his 

statesmanship and his long history of working across the aisle to keep our 

country moving forward. 

[ 28 ] 

Defense Secretary Hagel said: 

He will be remembered as a passionate advocate for the welfare of America’s servicemembers and military veterans. Though his loss will be felt by 

many, his legacy and commitment to a strong national defense will always 

inspire us. 

It is the height of irony that our friend would pass at Walter Reed Hospital. No one in this body spent as much time 

with our military at Walter Reed and around this country as 

did BILL YOUNG. He, of course, has a legacy that is far excellent in that arena and also in bringing resources to the area 

that he served as well as to other areas around this Nation. 

Tonight, I join with the people of Florida in keeping Beverly, BILL’s sons, grandchildren, family, friends, and staff in 

my thoughts and prayers during this time of enormous sadness and loss. 

Once again, I thank you, Chairman Mica, for arranging for 

us to have the privilege of honoring this great American. 

Mr. MICA. Thank you. 

Now, in continuing hearing from the leadership of our delegation, I am pleased to yield to the chairman of the Florida 

delegation, the gentleman whose district is adjacent to Mr. 

YOUNG’s, to the south, Mr. Vern Buchanan. 

Mr. BUCHANAN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the memory of 

my dear friend, colleague and mentor, Congressman BILL

YOUNG. 

For over four decades there has not been a stronger voice 

in this Chamber for our brave men and women in uniform 

other than BILL YOUNG. My district was just south of BILL

YOUNG’s district, and we have almost 90,000 veterans. There 

is nobody who has benefited, I think, in terms of a district 

more than our veterans have in terms of BILL YOUNG’s leadership and in what he has brought to Pinellas County and 

to the State of Florida. He was an inspiration to so many because he personified the most important virtue of public 

service—he did it for others. 

As dean of the Florida delegation, BILL provided wisdom 

and counsel to Members on both sides of the aisle. He served 

this great institution with devotion, civility, and distinction. 

I am honored personally to have served with this extraordinary man. With his passing, the State of Florida and the 

Nation have lost an outstanding lawmaker, statesman, and 

public servant. My thoughts and prayers are with his family 

during this difficult time. 

[ 29 ] 

Mr. MICA. I am pleased now to recognize another colleague across the aisle. Again, BILL YOUNG’s friendships and 

his service included everyone in the House of Representatives and in the Congress, so I am pleased to yield 3 minutes 

to the gentlelady from Ohio, Marcy Kaptur. 

Ms. KAPTUR. I want to thank Chairman Mica so very 

much for the privilege of extending the deepest condolences 

of the people of Ohio to the Young family, to the constituents 

of Congressman BILL YOUNG’s district in Florida. 

It was such a privilege to know him. Truly, he was not just 

a vigilant patriot, though that surely would have been 

enough, but he really was a man of the House. He belonged 

here, and his people knew that for over four decades. 

When I think of BILL YOUNG, I think of words like courage, perseverance, insight, and fair play. He had a gentlemanly demeanor every time that I encountered him. He had 

a respect for regular order, for the gavel, and for seniority, 

which I share. He had a fortitude about him that people in 

my part of the country call real spunk, and he had a sparkle 

in his eye and an easy smile and an understanding. He was 

such a real human being. 

Part of that is the fact that he grew up very poor in Pennsylvania in a coal town in an old shack. He really knew what 

poverty was. He didn’t have an easy childhood and he never 

forgot that. Yet he rose to be a master appropriator. In that 

capacity, he was not imperious but collegial, and he handled 

the gavel with fair play. 

He loved his wife, Beverly, so much. I can still see her sitting in the gallery or coming unannounced into a committee 

meeting. He loved his family and he loved Florida. 

He worked so hard for the men and women in our armed 

services and our veterans, certainly in his own State where 

right near him is the Bay Pines Veterans Medical Center, 

the fourth largest veterans facility in the country, but also 

all the operations of SOUTHCOM, as in his last decade of 

service dealing with all that we have to on the Defense Subcommittee in terms of the wars being conducted in Afghanistan and, of course, Iraq. He was engaged in all the intelligence at the highest levels and kept his good measure. His 

endurance and his heroic battles in these years that all of us 

witnessed showed the true measure of the man. 

In closing, Madam Speaker, I would just like to say I will 

be seeing BILL YOUNG in all the old familiar places, not just 

here on the floor, but as we travel in codels to some of the 

most godforsaken places on Earth, as we visit some of the 

[ 30 ] 

highest level research facilities in our country and our men 

and women in uniform. I shall always remember BILL

YOUNG and be grateful for having been able to serve with 

him. 

Mr. MICA. I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Miami, Mr. Mario Diaz-Balart, another Florida 

colleague, who is also a gentleman who served with Mr. 

YOUNG distinguishably on the Appropriations Committee. 

Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Chairman Mica, thank you for bringing us together today. 

Madam Speaker, you have heard of BILL YOUNG, the 

statesman, and that he was. We all know how he was, perhaps, the best friend and strongest ally of our troops, men 

and women in uniform, those in battle, those currently in 

uniform, and those who are veterans. 

But those of us who worked with him and got to know him 

here know him, frankly, almost as like a godfather to all of 

us. There is not one time that we didn’t go to him that he 

would not be helpful. 

I remember after those storms in Florida, when we had a 

bunch of hurricanes, going to see BILL YOUNG about getting 

help for the folks who had been hurt by the storms. His wisdom and his desire to help was always so present. He was 

always helpful, whether it was Everglades restoration, because he was also such a champion for the environment. 

Again, always with a smile. 

Then I got to know him better when I, again, served with 

him in Appropriations and was able to see how he mastered 

that appropriations process like, frankly, nobody before him 

and I think potentially nobody after him will again. 

I will tell you, Madam Speaker, the part that to me was 

a real privilege was that he was one of the people that I 

whipped. He was on my whip card. So I would go on different issues and talk to him about the issue and find out 

if he was leaning one way or another. Every time I went 

there, what I got from BILL YOUNG was, frankly, a lesson. 

He instructed. I was never able to inform him about what 

the issues were; he informed me. He instructed me like he 

always instructed all of us. And always, Madam Speaker, 

with that incredible, warm smile, with that warm, firm 

handshake, which he had until the very end. 

He never complained. We all know that for a long time he 

was in pain and yet never complained. He always wanted to 

[ 31 ] 

make sure that you were feeling good, and he always wanted 

to know what he could do for you, never asking for himself. 

I said recently—and I have got to find out who said this— 

but I heard or read someplace that ‘‘to be a great man you 

first have to be a good man.’’ Madam Speaker, BILL YOUNG

was a great man for so many reasons: for all that he did for 

this country, for all that he did for the State of Florida, for 

all that he did for our troops and the environment, the way 

he helped his colleagues, or how generous and how humble 

and how caring and loving he was. He was an incredibly 

good man. If there is anybody that applies to, that before you 

can become a great man you have to be a good man, if there 

is anybody that that describes, it is our chairman, BILL

YOUNG. 

To his family, to his constituents, to the troops, and the 

veterans who are, in essence, his family as well, our deepest 

condolences. BILL YOUNG is irreplaceable. There will never 

be somebody like him again. 

What a privilege and what an honor. One of the privileges 

and honors, the greatest privileges and honors of my life, 

was to be able to work with him, to get to know him, to be 

his friend. 

So again, to his constituents and to his family, our condolences. We will miss him, and he will never be forgotten. 

Mr. MICA. Madam Speaker, I am now pleased to yield 3 

minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Farr), again, 

reaching across the aisle with the respect and esteem in 

which Mr. YOUNG was held. 

Mr. FARR. Thank you, Congressman Mica, for yielding. 

Madam Speaker, I feel it is a very special privilege to be 

able to pay honor to our colleagues here. I think of BILL

YOUNG as being one of the lions, one of the giants of this institution, because he really used the institution for what we 

all get elected to do. 

First of all, he loved public service. He was in an elective 

office for 52 years between State and Federal Government. 

He also served in the National Guard Active Duty and Reservist for 15 years. His life was about service. He used his 

service here in Congress to be what I think this institution 

is all about: it is about leadership; it is about friendship; and 

it is also about accomplishment. I don’t think anybody has 

had a better record of accomplishment in so many different 

fields. 

[ 32 ] 

I came here in 1993, and I had the largest military base 

in the United States close—Fort Ord, CA. I got to know the 

people on the Defense Appropriations Committee. On my 

side of the aisle was Jack Murtha. It seems like Jack’s best 

friend was a Republican on the other side of the aisle, BILL

YOUNG. Jack said, ‘‘You better go tell BILL everything you 

have told me about needing some help.’’ 

We were trying to convert swords to plowshares by building a brand-new university to serve the underserved population in Fort Ord, and we needed appropriations for it. BILL

just jumped on it. He knew the purpose. Even though he was 

a strong warrior, he really realized that this was the future 

after a base was closed. 

I invited him out to the district. He came to Monterey, CA, 

where we still had the Defense Language Institute. BILL

went in there and saw that all the languages we were teaching were the old tape recorders where you had to wind and 

rewind. He said, ‘‘My God, you need some modern equipment,’’ and put in appropriations to get that equipment. He 

visited the Naval postgraduate school and got a lot of really 

interesting feedback from soldiers who had just come out of 

theater. 

His and Jack’s friendship—Jack Murtha, who predeceased 

him—was just remarkable in this House. If there is a legacy 

here, it is their legacy. It is how two people being on the Appropriations Committee should—and we all need to go back 

to what we have been calling regular order, where we come 

here to accomplish things, to fix things that are broken. BILL

YOUNG was probably the first, if any, who would talk about 

needing to bring back the ability to help areas that just don’t 

get formula money—earmarks. If you disclose them and go 

through a process so that you don’t have the client-assigned 

stuff, these things are good, particularly for rural Americans, 

and particularly for areas where people are really poor. 

I think my favorite story is that when he came out to the 

Defense Language Institute, came on military air, Beverly, 

his wife, insisted, since I represent Carmel, that I get our 

former mayor, Clint Eastwood, to have lunch with them. So 

we arranged that at Clint’s Mission Ranch. 

On the way from Monterey over to Carmel, we passed by 

the beach, and there was a stranded sea lion there. Beverly 

got out and said, ‘‘We’ve got to take care of the sea lion before anything else,’’ and had the entire crew of the airplane—because she insisted they had to come to lunch with 

[ 33 ] 

her, they had to help get the sea lion. Well, we had marine 

mammal rescue, and they eventually showed up. 

When we got to the restaurant, I don’t think anybody 

thought that the whole crew was going to come. BILL was insistent, ‘‘No, everybody is equal here.’’ It didn’t matter 

whether you were a Congress Member or just a crew member; you were going to get a chance to have lunch with Clint 

Eastwood. 

We had a lot of laughs, a lot of discussion about things. 

Then that led to—and I hadn’t realized it. BILL was a big 

animal rights supporter. He and I authored a bill with his 

friend, Bob Barker, who was here. I met Bob Barker through 

him. Bob Barker, ‘‘The Price is Right,’’ had dedicated a lot 

of his life to banning elephants in circuses. BILL said, ‘‘I am 

going to author that bill.’’ So we did a bipartisan author, and 

Bob Barker came. In fact, we linked up with Kim Basinger, 

the movie star, who was very interested in that issue. We 

went on, and we didn’t win that bill, but we won the puppy 

mill bill, and we won some other humane treatment of animals. He was really interested in that. 

Best of all, I think he left a legacy that we need to get 

back to: a legacy of production, a legacy of comraderie where 

we really like each other, and a legacy that takes care of not 

only all the soldiers—because they didn’t care what rank you 

had; if you were a person in uniform, you were all equal and 

being treated in the most respectful way—but he also did 

that for people of less fortune and for animals who need a 

voice in Congress as well. What a wonderful man. 

Beverly and your sons, I really am going to miss going to 

Appropriations Committee meetings and seeing BILL there. 

So Beverly and your three adult sons, Rob, Billy, and Patrick, we all share your grief, and Congress will certainly 

miss BILL YOUNG, a great man in this institution. 

Mr. MICA. I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida, the Honorable Gus Bilirakis, another 

Florida colleague, and he also has a district that is adjacent 

to Mr. YOUNG’s. 

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the life and service of someone I admire greatly for his 

wisdom and humility, my dear friend and mentor, Chairman 

BILL YOUNG. 

While I always referred to him as ‘‘Chairman’’ because of 

the respect he commanded, he used to beg me not to use that 

[ 34 ] 

term, insisting, in his typical humble fashion, as Mr. Farr alluded to, that we were all equal in this Chamber. 

Over the past five decades, the Chairman graciously 

served Florida and the Tampa Bay area, leading many 

projects and initiatives to promote economic growth and create jobs back at home. His contributions to his district, the 

entire Tampa Bay area, and to the military in particular, are 

immeasurable. 

He was instrumental in saving MacDill Air Force Base 

and helped grow Tampa Bay into a hub for our defense industry. In addition, he played a significant role in winning 

critical funding for Bay Pines Veterans Administration Medical Center, which supports a large number of veterans in 

our area. For his efforts, my colleague and I have joined together in support of renaming this valuable medical facility 

in his honor. 

His contributions also extend to higher education with his 

role in developing centers of excellence in technology and 

marine science at the University of South Florida. 

Finally, we will all remember his work on behalf of sick 

children in creating a national registry for bone marrow donors. 

While the Chairman came from humble beginnings, he has 

left behind a rich legacy that we, as Members of Congress 

and Americans, must all aspire to achieve. The Chairman 

was never afraid to reach across the aisle and always worked 

for the greater good. 

I am extremely thankful that I was able to express my 

gratitude and admiration to him last week when I visited 

him at his bedside. I told him how much his colleagues and 

constituents loved him and appreciated all he did for them. 

In closing, I wanted to share a few words from a final letter my father, former Congressman Mike Bilirakis, sent to 

his former colleague: 

Dear BILL: Since we are roughly the same age (remember, I am 5 months 

older so we’ve joked about ‘‘respecting your elders’’), we have expected that 

this day would come for both of us but first for me and not so soon. We grew 

up in the same Pittsburgh area at the same time—tough depression poverty, 

which made us tough. We didn’t know each other then, but I guess our Lord 

decreed we would meet in Pinellas County, Florida, years later. We worked 

hard, climbed out of poverty and became successful—the good old American 

way. 

BILL, you have earned eternal rest, but our world will certainly miss you. 

The Florida corner in the House Chambers will miss you as well. Thanks 

for being my friend and, in many ways, a younger mentor. Thanks for being 

a great American patriot. Thanks for the good you have done for all of us. 

Yours has been a life well lived. May your memory be eternal. 

[ 35 ] 

We will certainly miss you, Mr. Chairman. 

Mr. MICA. Madam Speaker, I join my colleagues in paying 

tribute to my good friend and fellow Member of Congress, 

C.W. BILL YOUNG. 

More than four decades ago, I first met BILL when I served 

as a campaign aide to the late Congressman Bill Cramer. 

BILL YOUNG was a Florida State senator at the time who 

was seeking the St. Petersburg, West Florida Coast congressional seat being vacated by my boss who was running in 

1970 for the U.S. Senate. 

BILL YOUNG had already served as a congressional aide to 

Bill Cramer and then was elected as Florida’s first Republican State senator since the Civil War. Bill Cramer when 

elected was the first GOP U.S. House Member since that era. 

As fate would unfold, Bill Cramer lost and BILL YOUNG

took his seat in Congress. 

I had aligned myself with Florida’s West Coast GOP political operatives called the ICY Machine. Those were initials 

for Jack Insco, a top Cramer aide and political strategist, Bill 

Cramer, and BILL YOUNG, a Florida political powerhouse at 

that time. 

While my boss lost his election, I gained great experience 

and wonderful friends. Among them, BILL YOUNG, rising 

GOP star, and his two young aides, George Cretekos and 

Doug Gregory. Both George and Doug served with BILL

YOUNG for over three decades, during which I was privileged 

to count all among my friends and political allies. 

As an aide to U.S. Senator Paula Hawkins from 1980 to 

1985, I had the honor of working with two GOP leaders who 

worked tirelessly for Florida and our Nation. 

I must say, two legends with two very different styles. 

Paula had a flair for the media and attention and BILL quietly pursued his legislative agenda. Both were highly effective 

in their own way. Paula championed missing children and 

BILL rose as a champion of our military. Now both have 

joined the ages and are part of the history of Congress and 

the State of Florida. 

Having worked with BILL YOUNG on military issues important to our State and Nation as recently as the past few 

weeks, I can tell you no one could be more effective. No one 

could be more respected or trusted. 

While fond memories of BILL YOUNG continue, his real legacy will transcend generations for our military and long benefit our national defense. 

[ 36 ] 

For his tireless work on behalf of all Americans and all 

citizens of the Sunshine State, I join my colleagues in this 

special tribute to C.W. BILL YOUNG. 

What a great privilege it has been to share part of my life 

and grow memories with BILL YOUNG. I extend my deepest 

sympathies to his wife, Beverly, to the Young family, and to 

his devoted staff and constituents. 

Madam Speaker, at this time I will yield back my time 

with the intent of relinquishing the balance of the time to 

one of the leaders from Florida and also a member of the Appropriations Committee, Mr. Crenshaw. 

I yield back the balance of my time. 

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker’s announced policy of January 3, 2013, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Crenshaw) will control the remainder of the hour. 

Mr. CRENSHAW. Madam Speaker, before I introduce and 

call on a couple of my colleagues, I would like to say a brief 

word about my longtime friend and mentor, C.W. BILL

YOUNG. I first met BILL when he was in the Florida Senate. 

He was the Republican leader in the Florida Senate. He was 

the minority leader. I think my colleagues might be interested to know that he was the Republican leader, minority 

leader, not because he gathered all the votes of the other minority members, the Republicans; he was the Republican 

leader because he was the only Republican in the Florida 

Senate. 

You might say maybe that diminishes that leadership role, 

and I would say just the reverse is true because BILL YOUNG

was such a great leader, such a man of courage and conviction that he would stand up for whatever he believed, even 

if there was no one there to stand up with. I think it is because of that conviction, because of that commitment, that 

we are here tonight to honor his legacy. 

I found it interesting that about 25 years later I found myself in the Florida Senate, and I became the first Republican 

to be elected president of that body, and I got a note from 

BILL YOUNG. He said, ‘‘We’ve come a long way.’’ 

Of course when I came to Congress, he was there to help 

me become a member of the Armed Services Committee because he knew that I cared about the military. He was there 

to help me become a member of the Appropriations Committee and the Defense Subcommittee which he loved so very 

much. He taught me and he taught all of us that everyone 

has value. Everyone has worth, whether it is a private first 

[ 37 ] 

class or four star general, and he lived and died by the belief 

that if we are to be the land of the free, it is because we take 

care of our brave. 

So that is the way he lived his life, and we will hear tributes tonight—we heard tributes last Thursday in Largo at 

his funeral, but I believe that the lasting legacy that BILL

YOUNG leaves will be seen for generations to come in the 

greatness of our military, and in the compassion that we 

have for those who serve and those who are wounded. 

So, Madam Speaker, I simply want to say tonight that 

America lost a great leader, and I lost a great friend. 

Godspeed, BILL YOUNG. 

Now I would like to yield to one of my colleagues on the 

Appropriations Committee, the chairman of the State, Foreign Operations Subcommittee and a member of the Defense 

Subcommittee which BILL YOUNG chaired, the gentlewoman 

from Texas (Ms. Granger). 

Ms. GRANGER. I thank the gentleman from Florida for 

yielding me time. 

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of an outstanding public servant, BILL YOUNG. 

It is a true honor to have been able to know a man like 

Chairman YOUNG and to be able to call him both a friend 

and a role model for all of us. There is no one who was more 

respected, decent, gracious, dedicated, and humble. Everyone 

who crossed his path is richer for the experience. That is evident through the hundreds of people who attended his memorial service last week. His service was attended by over 

30 Members of Congress. During a time of such partisanship, 

the respect for Chairman YOUNG was illustrated through the 

attendance from both sides of the aisle, including leadership. 

The respect the military has for his lifelong advocacy for 

our national security and for our servicemembers was evident through the attendance and heartfelt eulogies of former 

Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England and the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General James Amos. 

It was clear that the Department of Defense depended on 

him. Immediately before the service began, General Amos 

bestowed a very rare and appropriate honor by naming 

Chairman YOUNG an honorary Marine. 

I will never forget when I was first appointed to the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. As one of the first 

women ever to serve on the subcommittee, I wasn’t sure how 

I would be treated, but BILL immediately brought me in and 

treated me with respect and kindness, as he did to everyone. 

[ 38 ] 

Gender didn’t matter to him; he only cared about my commitment to the military and to our Nation. 

When John Wooden wrote ‘‘the true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching,’’ he clearly 

was talking about Chairman YOUNG. Over the years, we 

have all heard many stories about the personal interest and 

assistance that he and Beverly provided for our wounded soldiers, but we never heard these stories from him. He never 

talked about what he did. He was motivated by doing what 

was right for someone else’s health and well-being. 

When Marine Lance Corporal Josh Callihan spoke at the 

memorial service, it was the first time that most of us had 

ever heard about the extraordinary efforts the Chairman and 

Beverly took to help this wounded warrior. 

Lance Corporal Callihan had been shot in the back and 

sustained significant damage to his spinal cord. With no 

family support system, he was in Bethesda injured both 

physically and emotionally. Then he met BILL and Beverly 

Young, and his life changed forever. They stepped in and became his family, helping him to recover. Today, Josh calls 

the Chairman and Beverly ‘‘mom’’ and ‘‘dad.’’ After many 

years of hard work, he is now married and expecting his first 

child. According to Josh, none of this would be possible without BILL YOUNG. 

As I was thinking about what I wanted to say about Chairman YOUNG, I realized it was impossible to do justice to such 

an extraordinary man merely through words. He was truly 

one of a kind. The best way we can honor this man is to redouble our efforts to our national security and to the treatment of our servicemembers and their families. I ask that all 

of my colleagues join me to make sure that we carry on his 

legacy. 

In closing, I want to let Beverly, their children, his friends 

and his staff, who were part of his family, know that you all 

remain in our thoughts and our prayers. 

Mr. CRENSHAW. Madam Speaker, I would like to yield to 

the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Carter), another member of 

the Homeland Security Subcommittee. 

Mr. CARTER. I thank the gentleman from Florida for 

yielding. 

We can talk about BILL YOUNG all night, a man who came 

from nothing and grew to be head and shoulders above, 

champion for America’s military. But I think the thing that 

struck everybody who ever met BILL YOUNG was his humanVerDate Aug 31 2005 12:28 Jan 31, 2014 Jkt 081106 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 6688 Sfmt 6688 H:\DOCS\CW\85200.TXT KAYNE
[ 39 ] 

ity. He was just such a kind, gentle, fine man. He cared 

about every soul he met. He took the time when I was a 

freshman to meet me and talk to me. I told him I had some 

interest in appropriations and learning how it worked, and 

he sat down and talked to me about it. Whenever I had any 

questions I needed to ask him, he was always very informative and very kind in explaining things to people, to me and 

others. 

BILL YOUNG was a very special man because he came from 

very meager means and he rose up to a position of power, 

but you would have never known by his interaction with humanity that he was a man of power in this government because everybody who draws a breath was important to BILL

YOUNG. But the most important people were those who 

served in our armed services. 

I wanted to share something which I think is a perfect description of the kind of man BILL YOUNG was. I had the 

privilege to go on a trip with him to Normandy for an anniversary of that landing on D-day, and on the way we landed 

in Shannon, Ireland. When we arrived, it just so happened 

that at least one or two brigades from Fort Hood, TX, which 

is in my district, were there, ordinary soldiers and their officers in transit to Afghanistan. 

When BILL YOUNG came into the room, ordinary soldiers, 

as if he were some kind of star that you would see in a rock 

concert, started moving over to have their picture taken with 

Chairman YOUNG. Chairman YOUNG at that time was in a 

wheelchair most of the time. But as he did when he presented his bill on this floor, he stood with every soldier and 

took a picture. I stood on the periphery of that and listened. 

He asked about their parents and where they were from and 

about their deployments and their needs. Just a gentle, kind, 

friendly man with hundreds of soldiers gathered around him. 

I heard one soldier ask another soldier: ‘‘Who is that guy? 

It looks like everybody here wants to have their picture 

taken.’’ 

The other guy said: ‘‘I don’t know for sure, but the way I 

understand it, he is the guy who makes sure when we go to 

battle, we have everything that we need to be victorious.’’ 

That is a great statement about a human being and a 

great statement about the man. He cared about all who 

serve our Nation, but in particular those who risk their lives 

on our behalf. In honor of BILL YOUNG, I will always remember that day where soldiers flocked to him just to be seen 

with Mr. YOUNG. 

[ 40 ] 

Mr. CRENSHAW. I now yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert), another member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee that BILL YOUNG chaired. 

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, tonight I join my colleagues in honoring the life and legacy of a great man and 

an American patriot, BILL YOUNG. 

I keep looking to my right and expect to see him with that 

great smile, but I am sure tonight he is sitting at the right 

hand of God. 

The death of Congressman BILL YOUNG was a great loss 

for this Chamber, for our country, and for the millions of 

men and women in uniform who were BILL YOUNG’s priority 

for more than 40 years. Anyone who has served with BILL

knew of his unwavering dedication to our active duty military, our veterans, and their families. 

As chairman of both the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and the full Appropriations Committee, he was 

both firm and fair. When it came to our troops, he was uncompromising and insisted on nothing but the best for the 

U.S. servicemembers. 

Chairman YOUNG was motivated by his genuine and deep 

concern for the well-being of the individual soldier, sailor, 

airman, marine, and guardsman. His concern went far beyond politics and policies. As many of you know, BILL and 

his wonderful wife, Beverly, took special interest in our 

wounded veterans, visiting the wounded regularly at Walter 

Reed National Military Medical Center. Whether in a committee hearing or in the military hospitals around the world, 

he was tireless in visiting, speaking with, and listening to 

these incredible servicemembers. 

While we can’t hope to replace BILL YOUNG, perhaps we 

can follow his example and let his integrity, his gracious 

manner, his firm commitment to the men and women who 

protect this country serve as an inspiration to this Chamber 

as we continue to wrestle with the same issues to which he 

devoted his life. 

On a personal note, I was honored to work with Chairman 

YOUNG on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. I was 

continually impressed by his depth of knowledge. I think it 

is safe to say that no one understood the Department of Defense quite like BILL YOUNG. His knowledge, expertise, and 

compassion will be sorely missed on the subcommittee. 

On my own behalf and on behalf of so many former Members who served with BILL, like our mutual friend and 

[ 41 ] 

former chairman, Jerry Lewis, I extend my condolences to 

his wife, Beverly, his sons, and his entire family. 

Mr. CRENSHAW. Thank you. 

I now yield to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole), 

another member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. 

Mr. COLE. I thank my friend for yielding. 

Madam Speaker, like every Republican in this Chamber, 

until 10 days ago, every day I served in the House of Representatives I served with BILL YOUNG. 

It has been noted here that he was a lion and a legend. 

At the time I was fortunate enough to come to this Chamber 

in 2003, he was probably at the zenith of his influence. He 

was chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, and 

he was the confidant of the President, our military leaders, 

and leaders around the world at a time when the United 

States was at war. 

No one cared more about the defense of the United States 

of America than BILL YOUNG, and no one cared and did more 

for the people who actually bear the burden, the men and 

women that wear the uniform of this country—past, present, 

and future—than Chairman YOUNG. 

He was also a role model for many of us, a mentor, and 

a friend. He was somebody who would reach out and help 

you, take care of you, look after you, and give you the wisdom and advice that only he, with all his years of experience, 

can give. I remember on one occasion, not too long ago, when 

the chairman was obviously ill in the last several years of 

his life and still very active chairing our committee, a pretty 

busy man, a man dealing with his own problems; and I had 

tornadoes that hit my town in Moore, OK. Two days after 

those tornadoes hit, BILL YOUNG was on the phone to tell me 

that I would be getting a telephone call from representatives 

of a New York investment bank called Cantor Fitzgerald, 

which had suffered grievous damage during 9/11, where they 

had lost 650 of their 950 employees at the World Trade Center. That company made a commitment that it would look 

after all of its people and all of their families and would reconstitute itself, and it did. Then they built on that commitment and said, ‘‘We are going to help other people that are 

in tragedy by devoting all of our revenues earned on 9/11 of 

every year—not just profits, everything we earn—to help 

people in need.’’ They have kept that commitment. 

[ 42 ] 

BILL YOUNG had forged a relationship with them because 

of all they had done to help men and women in uniform and 

the victims of disaster. He said, ‘‘They will be calling you and 

they want to help.’’ They did. They helped literally hundreds 

of families with millions of dollars’ worth of personal and directed relief. That probably never would have happened if 

BILL and Beverly Young had not reached out to me at that 

point, and I and the people in my community will be forever 

grateful to them. 

So we have lost arguably, I think, the greatest Republican 

Member of this body in the last two generations. We have 

not seen his like before, and it will be a long time again before we see anyone that rivals his compassion, his character, 

his civility, his decency, and his absolute devotion and commitment to our country and to the men and women who defend it. 

Mr. CRENSHAW. I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Dent), another member of the Appropriations 

Committee. 

Mr. DENT. I too want to the take a moment to reflect 

upon the life and service and dedication of BILL YOUNG. 

Much has been said about him already this evening, and I 

too, like many, look back at that corner and want to see BILL

YOUNG there, but obviously he is not with us. 

Before calling Florida his home, Chairman YOUNG was actually born in Harmarville, PA, in Allegheny County in western Pennsylvania, that area best known for steel and coal. 

A lot of tough people came out of that area, and certainly 

BILL YOUNG, I think, really had a lot of the character traits 

I associate with people there. He could be very tough when 

he needed to be, very firm. He was just like steel. 

Also, we should not forget about his compassion. He was 

a kind man, a gentle man, a patient man. I would often ask 

him questions or make a request of him from time to time, 

and he always listened to me very patiently. He had served 

here for 22 terms. He didn’t have to spend a whole lot of 

time with me, but he did, and I always appreciated that. He 

was a great mentor to me and to many other Members here. 

It was a pleasure to serve with him. 

There are so many other things about Chairman YOUNG, 

too. It has been mentioned about his support of our troops, 

particularly our wounded warriors, and the impact they had 

on him and the impact he had on those wounded warriors. 

[ 43 ] 

When you get beyond the defense and veterans policy, 

though, Chairman YOUNG played an integral role in creating 

a national registry for bone marrow donors back in 1986, and 

that registry helped save more than 50,000 lives over the 

years. 

Again, not having known BILL YOUNG as long as some of 

my colleagues, I just wanted to say what an extraordinary 

privilege it was for me to serve with him, to know him, to 

call him a friend, and really to be one of my mentors here 

in the House. 

My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to Beverly and 

the entire Young family during a difficult time. 

Mr. CRENSHAW. I now yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Posey), one of Mr. YOUNG’s colleagues. 

Mr. POSEY. I thank the gentleman for yielding. 

Madam Speaker, I first met the man, the legend, really, 

known as BILL YOUNG, in 1974; but it wasn’t until I got 

elected to Congress in 2008 that I realized what a largerthan-life true leader this man was and what a wonderful and 

great mentor he was not just to me and everybody in my 

freshman class, but we find out everybody that has ever 

served in this place. He was wise, gentle, kind, honest, 

thoughtful, and helpful to anyone just for the asking. 

I called him a hero; and until his last days, he would 

blush, as he was so humble, that anybody would address him 

like that. What a wonderful man. Never, ever before and 

probably never again will every man and woman serving us 

in uniform have as great an advocate as they had in Congressman YOUNG. 

My thoughts and prayers remain with Beverly, his family, 

and his staff. 

Rest in peace, BILL. 

Mr. CRENSHAW. Thank you. 

Now I yield time to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. 

Nugent), another colleague and a member of the Rules Committee. 

Mr. NUGENT. Madam Speaker, it is with great humility 

that I stand here tonight, and I think you have heard a lot 

of Members tonight talk about BILL YOUNG. 

I think he has made the same impression on so many 

Members on this side of the aisle and on the other side about 

his humility, about his true caring about people, about the 

caring that he has for the members of the military. 

[ 44 ] 

As a father and a parent of three sons who serve in the 

U.S. Army, what struck me so much about BILL and his wife, 

Beverly, was their true compassion, particularly his compassion as it relates to those who serve us. Beverly was really 

the fire behind BILL with regards to a lot of these issues as 

it relates to our veterans. BILL led the way, but Beverly was 

right there carrying the flag alongside BILL. 

Madam Speaker, they were a team together. They worked 

together for the betterment of all, and that is why BILL is 

such a great American. While you have heard tonight in this 

House talk about his legacy, you can’t replace BILL YOUNG. 

When I first met BILL YOUNG here in this Chamber 3 

years ago, he was on that side sitting over there, and he had 

had a fall and he was injured and he had been at Walter 

Reed Army Medical Center, and his health continued to decline over the last few years. I came in every day in these 

Chambers to go see BILL YOUNG because BILL was such a 

good, kindhearted person. He had a great grip when he 

shook your hand, and he always had a smile. When you 

asked him, ‘‘Mr. Chairman, how are you feeling today?,’’ it 

was never about him. You heard that from other Members 

today. It was always about, ‘‘How are your sons? How are 

your boys?’’ He knew that they were serving in harm’s way 

in Iraq and had been in Afghanistan. He was more worried 

about them than himself. 

I saw him and his wife, Beverly, on the airplane ride back 

to Tampa almost every week, and without fail they would 

offer their better seats to a service man or woman who was 

in uniform walking down the aisle. They would get up and 

say, ‘‘Would you sit here?’’ 

That is just the way they were built. 

BILL and Beverly were a perfect match, and BILL has gone 

on to a place that we can only aspire to go. I truly believe 

that BILL is at the right hand of God. Maybe he is talking 

about appropriations, talking about what is right with America. 

Mr. Chairman, I do appreciate the time you have given all 

of us to be down here to talk about our good friend, C.W. 

BILL YOUNG, who will be missed by all. 

God bless America. 

Mr. CRENSHAW. Thank you, Mr. Nugent. 

Our hour is just about over. We could go on for hours, but 

I think you have all heard tonight that BILL YOUNG was a 

man that loved his Lord, he loved his wife, he loved his family, he loved his country. You might say it just seems like 

[ 45 ] 

they don’t make them like that any more, but the truth is 

that they never did. 

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. 

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Madam Speaker, I was honored 

to be asked by the Young family to be among those who delivered eulogies for my departed friend and mentor last week 

in Largo, FL. I ask unanimous consent that my statement be 

included in the Record: 

[The text of Mr. Frelinghuysen’s eulogy may be found on 

page 58.] 

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise 

today to pay tribute to our late colleague, Congressman BILL

YOUNG. 

Congressman YOUNG was an extraordinary public servant 

whose legacy of caring for his constituents and veterans will 

not soon be forgotten. I am truly honored to have served 

alongside him in Congress. 

For more than four decades, Congressman YOUNG championed legislation to improve the lives of Floridians and all 

Americans and never hesitated to reach across the aisle to 

find common ground. 

A veteran of the Army National Guard, Congressman 

YOUNG used his expertise on defense and security issues to 

advocate for our men and women in uniform. Throughout his 

legislative career, Congressman YOUNG worked diligently to 

ensure that our military had access to the training and 

equipment necessary to be successful in their missions. He 

also stood by our brave soldiers and their families at home— 

making sure military retirees had access to health care, defending benefits for military spouses, supporting our wounded veterans, and honoring our fallen heroes who made the 

ultimate sacrifice. 

Congressman YOUNG was a tireless advocate for Florida. 

In the 1980s he established the first moratorium on drilling 

off the west coast of Florida, and fought subsequent efforts 

to repeal this moratorium. Mr. YOUNG also championed landmark legislation to protect the Everglades, raising his voice 

to break a deadlock among his colleagues. 

His work to establish the National Marrow Donor Program 

and support for biomedical research is another example of 

how Congressman YOUNG’s efforts will touch lives many 

years after his public service. 

I remember shortly after I was first elected to Congress, 

Mr. YOUNG made it a point to reach out and share his inVerDate Aug 31 2005 12:28 Jan 31, 2014 Jkt 081106 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 6688 Sfmt 6688 H:\DOCS\CW\85200.TXT KAYNE
[ 46 ] 

sights with me. During our time together on the Appropriations Committee, I was so fortunate to learn from this experienced Floridian and great statesman. 

Congressman YOUNG’s leadership and service to all Floridians will be truly cherished and forever missed. He never 

stopped working for a better Nation and a better Florida, 

and for that we should all be thankful. Our Nation has lost 

a true champion whose legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. 

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, C.W. BILL

YOUNG was a truly great American who served the people of 

the State of Florida with the utmost degree of professionalism, excellence, and dedication for more than 50 years 

in both the Florida State senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. 

It was truly an honor and a privilege for me to serve with 

BILL, and it would be impossible to list all the things that 

I have learned from him in the few short minutes that I 

have today. Anyone who was fortunate enough to get to 

know BILL can tell you that there was perhaps no greater 

advocate for our Nation’s veterans and no greater friend to 

our military than BILL YOUNG. 

Last week I was here on this floor to offer legislation to 

rename the Bay Pines VA Medical Center after BILL. The 

enormous outpouring of support, with 379 original cosponsors, was a testament to BILL’s tireless work on behalf of veterans and the boundless respect that his colleagues had for 

him. But, what many may not know is that the current medical center in Bay Pines may not have existed at all if not 

for BILL’s work back in 1976. As President Ford traveled 

through Florida, BILL joined him aboard Air Force One. Despite opposition from high ranking senior officials in the administration, BILL convinced President Ford that the veterans of Central Florida needed a new facility to make sure 

that our Nation upheld our solemn promise ‘‘to care for him 

who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his 

orphan.’’ Thanks to BILL that facility was built. 

Madam Speaker, BILL’s distinguished service to our Nation, as a veteran and a lawmaker, stands as a shining example for every public servant, and indeed every American, 

of what can be achieved through hard work, patriotism, and 

an abiding faith in God. My wife Vicki and I extend our 

deepest condolences to BILL’s wife, Beverly, children, Rob, 

Billy, and Patrick, and the entire Young family. We will all 

miss BILL dearly, but we know that his legacy will never be 

[ 47 ] 

forgotten and that our Nation is that much stronger thanks 

to his service. 

WEDNESDAY, October 30, 2013 

Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, we have just observed a moment of silence for Isaac Skelton. My good friend, Emanuel 

Cleaver, Ike’s good friend, Senator McCaskill, Lacy Clay, and 

others who are here from the Missouri delegation, I want to 

rise with them, not in a moment of silence, but in a moment 

of tribute. We will perhaps have an opportunity to speak for 

a longer time. 

Yesterday, many of us had the opportunity to participate 

in a memorial service for Tom Foley. Tom Foley was the 

Speaker of this House. 

A gentleman spoke who is, I think, one of the most revered 

Members that has served in this body, Robert Michel. Bob 

Michel was Tom Foley’s friend. Bob Michel was the leader of 

the Republican side of the aisle. They were friends, colleagues, and cooperated with one another to the benefit of 

this institution and its Members, and the dean of the House 

adds, correctly, to the benefit of our country and all its citizens. 

Bob Michel observed the civility that each one of them displayed and the willingness to reach out across the aisle and 

to make things happen positively for our country and for our 

citizens. 

We lost another individual within the last weeks, BILL

YOUNG, who was a similar personality, and added luster to 

this Congress by his service and his civility. 

Major Owens was another whom we lost. Four people who 

made this institution a better place. . . . 

How sad it is that these giants, Tom Foley, BILL YOUNG, 

Ike Skelton, and, yes, Major Owens, passed from this body, 

passed from this life, but how joyful it is the extraordinary 

contributions each of them made to this House, which we 

should revere and love, the People’s House. . . . 

FRIDAY, November 15, 2013 

Ms. MCCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, it is with tremendous sadness that I mourn the passing of Chairman C.W. BILL

YOUNG—an inspiring colleague and an outspoken champion 

[ 48 ] 

for the U.S. military. His passing will leave an enormous 

void in the U.S. House of Representatives where he served 

for 43 years and was admired and respected for his strength, 

leadership, and unwavering commitment to military strength 

and freedom around the world. 

It was my honor to serve with him as a member of the 

House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. As the 

longest serving Republican in the House and former chairman of the full Appropriations Committee, he was a true inspiration to me and every Member who had the privilege to 

serve our country alongside him. I will miss Chairman 

YOUNG as a colleague and a friend. 

I extend my heartfelt prayers and condolences to Chairman YOUNG’s family, especially his wife Beverly, who was 

his constant companion, champion of military families, and 

a true inspiration in her own right. The U.S. House of Representatives and the United States of America has lost a 

hero, and he will be sadly missed. 

[ 49 ] 

In Loving Memory 

C.W. Bill Young 

December 16, 1930–October 18, 2013 


85200_young.eps
[ 50 ] 

Processional 

‘‘God Bless the USA,’’ John and Mary Wilson 

Memorial Tribute 

Welcome 

Dr. Charlie W. Martin, Pastor Emeritus 

First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks 

Words of Tribute 

The Hon. John Boehner (OH), Speaker of the House 

Reading 

‘‘I’m Free,’’ Paul K. Steele, MD 

Words of Tribute 

GEN James F. Amos, 

Commandant, United States Marine Corps 

Song 

‘‘My Way,’’ Ryan Julian 

Words of Tribute 

The Hon. Steny Hoyer (MD), Member of Congress 

Remarks and Prayer 

Rev. Robert Wagenseil, Calvary Episcopal Church 

Words of Tribute 

The Hon. Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ), Member of Congress 

Reading 

‘‘Live a Life that Matters,’’ Mrs. Amy Epstein 

Words of Tribute 

The Hon. Gordon England, 

Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense 

[ 51 ] 

Song 

‘‘Softly & Tenderly,’’ Julie Pigsley 

Pastoral Moment 

Dr. Charlie W. Martin, Pastor Emeritus 

Song 

‘‘Grandpa,’’ David and Susie McMillan 

Family Introduction 

David Jolly 

Family Moment 

Robert Young, Billy Young, Patrick Young, 

CPL Josh Callihan 

Song 

‘‘How Can I Live Without You,’’ David and Susie McMillan 

Closing Remarks 

Dr. Charlie W. Martin, Pastor Emeritus 

Recessional 

‘‘Going Home,’’ Susie McMillan 

Private Interment to Follow 

[ 52 ] 

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me 

When tomorrow starts without me, 

and I’m not there to see; 

If the sun should rise and find your eyes, 

all filled with tears for me. 

I wish so much you wouldn’t cry, 

the way you do each day, 

while thinking of the many things, 

we didn’t get to say. 

I know how much you love me, 

as much as I love you; 

And each time that you think of me, 

please know I miss you, too. 

But when tomorrow starts without me, 

please try to understand, 

that an Angel came and called my name, 

and took me by the hand. 

The Angel said a place was ready, 

in heaven up above; 

And that I’d have to leave behind, 

all those I truly love. 

I had so much to live for, 

so much yet to do. 

It seemed almost impossible, 

that I was leaving you. 

When tomorrow starts without me, 

don’t think we’re far apart; 

for every time you think of me, 

I’m right here in your heart. 

[ 53 ] 

Hon. John Boehner, Speaker of the House. The passing 

of our friend and comrade BILL YOUNG brings us here to celebrate his life, and to offer our comfort to Beverly. Beverly, 

on behalf of all my colleagues, and all the officers and staff 

of the House, thank you for letting us share this moment 

with you and your family. 

Your loss is ours, it’s just that simple. Here was a man 

who loved, in this order, God, his family, his country, and 

the House Appropriations Committee. 

Yes, it was greedy of us to gripe when BILL gave word that 

he wouldn’t run again. We did it anyway. 

After all, we owed the man everything, and we had the 

chance to tell him that—to give our thanks, to let him know 

the privilege was all ours. 

A former President of the United States—a Commander in 

Chief—called him last week to say the same. 

Why? I’ll tell you why: Because BILL YOUNG wasn’t just a 

leading man of the House—he was the House. How many 

times did his grace preserve decorum, his word save an important measure, or his mere presence make the common 

into the exceptional? 

Especially when it concerned the well-being of the men 

and women who wore our uniform, and the defense of this 

Nation. And the defense of the House itself. 

BILL did so much for the institution. Perhaps his greatest 

gift to the body was the simplest one, and that was his fundamental sense of decency. 

When you think about all the tall orders he fulfilled—all 

the people he had to wrangle—and yet somehow, he never 

uttered a cross word. Never acted in bad faith. I always really admired him for it. 

Too often, we are quick to condemn and slow to be humble. 

As if kindness is a weakness in these tough, bottom-line 

times. 

We know that just isn’t so. We can say that because generations of Americans saw BILL YOUNG come from nothing— 

a shack—to become a legend in the House of the People. 

They watched him do so much good after being given so little. 

There is an old saying: Service is the rent we pay for the 

space we occupy here on Earth. Well if that’s true, then the 

gentleman from Florida had paid in full a long time ago. 

We were able to tell him these things. Nothing was left 

unsaid. Except, of course, farewell. 

[ 54 ] 

The night BILL left us, I said it would be impossible to 

imagine the House without him. What now? Who among us 

will carry on this man’s work? 

Having thought about it, I would just suggest you look at 

the person next to you. Because no one man or woman can 

fill such shoes. It will take all of us. 

So, Mr. Chairman: no need to call the roll on this one. The 

vote is unanimous. We will see it done. 

For now, goodbye and God bless you, my friend. 

General James F. Amos, Commandant, U.S. Marine 

Corps. Beverly, family, ladies and gentlemen, over the past 

week, I’ve been approached by many senior leaders and colleagues in the military who admired Chairman YOUNG. To a 

person, they speak of his passing as a tragedy of national 

proportions. 

They expressed an appreciation for the quiet, reserved way 

he’d get business done, of how he never sought credit for 

himself. Rather, he just wanted to make sure that America 

had the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines that it needed 

to defend our freedom, both at home and around the world. 

BILL YOUNG knew what it meant to persevere. He survived 

a hunting accident, a plane crash, and more than 50 years 

as a leader in American politics, and he did it all while 

maintaining integrity, a strong sense of dignity and honor, 

and a compassion for his fellow man, especially those less 

fortunate. 

Chairman BILL YOUNG did more to serve our Nation and 

its people than just about anybody I know. While representing the people of Florida for more than a half century, 

he gave more than just years, he gave of himself to touch the 

lives of the people he served. 

What mattered most in his life was not the accumulation 

of riches and fame. Chairman YOUNG turned his back on 

that. What mattered most to him was to live honestly, live 

selflessly, and to live meaningfully. That we are remembered 

for what we did and who we have helped along the way is 

what mattered to him. 

BILL YOUNG wore our Nation’s cloth himself when he 

served as a soldier in the Army National Guard and later in 

the Reserve. From this experience, and from his many visits 

to troops around the world as a Member of Congress. he 

knew that a military life was full of challenges, hardships, 

and personal sacrifice. 

[ 55 ] 

He made a point of stepping in and helping our young men 

and women in the military and their families whenever and 

wherever he could. 

I’m reminded of a story of one of my marines, Major Brandon Graham, who was having a great deal of difficulty getting a surgery authorized for his daughter Kaelyn who had 

a congenital heart defect that was threatening her life. 

You can imagine the weight of helplessness her parents 

felt grinding down on their souls. They had a precious little 

girl with a serious problem that they could not fix themselves. Brandon was fighting with Tricare to get authorization for a heart transplant but the appeals continued to 

build, ever delaying the process. There was no end in sight. 

The Grahams were stationed at our Special Operations 

Command at the time, and somehow Chairman YOUNG, as 

only he could, caught wind of the plight of the parents. Before the sun set that day, Kaelyn’s procedure was approved 

and she was fast tracked for her heart surgery. 

Thanks to Chairman YOUNG, today she is a healthy little 

girl attending elementary school, all because the Chairman 

cared enough to help. 

This is just one of the thousands of acts of kindness he 

performed that touched the lives of servicemembers and 

their families. Quite frankly, he did them so often they became routine business for his staff. 

Chairman YOUNG, along with his soulmate Beverly, were 

champions for our wounded warriors. He and Beverly frequently visited our wounded servicemembers at Walter Reed 

and Bethesda, and once flew an injured marine corporal back 

from Kuwait on his own plane. 

The young corporal had been shot in the back by a light 

machine gun during a training accident in Kuwait, and it 

was questionable whether he would survive the wounding. 

Chairman YOUNG was with the young man during his initial surgery in Kuwait and then on into Germany where he 

received subsequent treatment, and finally at Bethesda. 

Our young marine had no real family or home, so Chairman YOUNG took him in, treated him like a son, and the entire Young family encouraged the corporal during his recovery. Eventually he did get better, and BILL YOUNG helped 

him get a job with the Idaho Veterans Administration. The 

corporal is now fully recovered and just recently married. 

Chairman YOUNG got involved with the lives of our troops 

because he never took freedom for granted. 

[ 56 ] 

He knew that if America was to remain the land of the 

free, that Americans must take care of their brave, both 

while they are deployed, and after the sounds of battle have 

long echoed from the headlines. 

General Chuck Krulak, our former commandant, told me 

just the other day that Chairman YOUNG personified our 

core values of honor, courage, and commitment, and that 

what he appreciated most in Chairman YOUNG was his fidelity—his faithfulness. Chuck said that he knew that when he 

was heading into a fight on the Hill, he could always count 

on Chairman YOUNG to be right there by his side, covering 

his flank. 

Earlier today, I was privileged to make Chairman YOUNG

an honorary marine. While he was physically absent during 

my remarks to Beverly and their family, he was most assuredly there in spirit. To the men and women who wear my 

cloth, this is the very highest honor that we could bestow 

upon this great warrior. While his heart was always with his 

marines, he is now officially one of us. 

You may be wondering about the afterlife and where precisely in Heaven BILL YOUNG’s soul might be found resting 

today—well, let me allay any anxiousness once and for all. 

As marines, we know that the answer to that question can 

be found in the last stanza of our beloved Marine’s Hymn. 

‘‘If the Army and the Navy ever look on Heaven’s scenes, 

they will find the gates are guarded by United States Marines!’’ BILL YOUNG is on duty ladies and gentlemen. He has 

the watch. 

To Beverly and the entire Young family, there are no 

words sufficient to ease your loss. Our hope is that you’ll find 

comfort from the love and admiration of all who have gathered here this afternoon. America has lost a great public 

servant, liberty has lost a great patriot, and we who are left 

behind have lost a great friend. 

Hon. Steny Hoyer, Minority Whip, Member of Congress. 

We have come here today to bid farewell to our friend and 

colleague, C.W. BILL YOUNG. Over the past several days, we 

have all heard about his accomplishments, of which there 

were a great many, both as a legislator and as a family man. 

But BILL was more than the sum of his achievements. 

He was a man of character, of decency, of compassion, of 

integrity, and of great patriotism. He was a gentleman and 

a dear friend. He was a skilled legislator and a respected 

leader in the House and for our country. 

[ 57 ] 

We will remember him not only for his extraordinary 

qualities but for how he used them to enhance and enrich his 

country and all of us. We remember him for the depth and 

goodness of his character. For the generosity of his spirit. 

And for the patience he displayed and the compassion he 

practiced. 

The hardness of his experiences as a child in a Pennsylvania coal mining town, where he was the victim of a shooting accident and where his family’s house was destroyed in 

a flood, contributed to the tenderness of BILL’s warm and 

open heart. He lived his life according to the words of Romans 12:15–16, which read: ‘‘Rejoice with those who rejoice; 

weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another.’’ 

BILL found joy in his life of service, promoting harmony 

among those who served alongside him and feeling the pain 

of those who were in need of help. We remember BILL for his 

humility that was so genuine. For the wisdom he possessed 

and the common sense he exercised. For the legislative skill 

he displayed and the life of integrity he lived. And we remember him for his commitment to Beverly and his family 

that was his constant guide. 

We will remember him for his smile that was so welcoming 

and kind. For his eagerness to listen attentively to constituents and colleagues alike. All of these set BILL YOUNG apart. 

We will never forget his love and care for those who protect and defend our Nation, and for his partnership with 

Beverly, who was his only peer in caring for our wounded 

warriors. We will remember BILL for his politeness and consideration of his colleagues in committee and on the floor, 

even at times of conflict and confrontation. 

All these traits and more made BILL YOUNG beloved by me 

and by all who knew him. They made him a very special 

man who lived Lincoln’s admonition of ‘‘charity for all and 

malice toward none.’’ It was in his service in office that BILL

put all of his traits to work for the benefit of others. 

None of us ever questioned for a moment the depth and 

sincerity of BILL’s love for the people he was honored to represent—not just the people of this district but all Floridians 

and all Americans. 

Former Speaker of the House, James ‘‘Champ’’ Clark, once 

said: ‘‘The best plan for a constituency to pursue is to select 

a man of good sense, good habits, and perfect integrity, 

young enough to learn, and reelect him so long as he retains 

his faculties and is faithful to his trust.’’ 

[ 58 ] 

The people of Pinellas County took that advice to heart 

when they sent BILL YOUNG to Congress 42 years ago and 

had the good sense to keep sending him back ever since. I 

thank them for sending BILL to all of us who came to know 

him and cherish his friendship and his example. 

Here, in the community he loved with such devotion, surrounded by his family and the people he represented in office 

for half a century, we pay him a heartfelt tribute. It will not 

be—nor should it be—our last. 

May God give comfort and solace to Beverly and the Young 

family, and may God bless and keep alive the legacy and 

spirit of our friend, BILL. 

Hon. Rodney Frelinghuysen, Vice Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Member of Congress. 

From the back row of the House Chamber, Congressman 

C.W. ‘‘BILL’’ YOUNG was able to see across the House floor. 

For over 40 years, through the terms of 8 Presidents and 16 

Secretaries of Defense, he watched Members of both parties 

meet and greet each other as both Democratic and Republican Speakers presided. 

From that prized vantage point, he could also keep tabs on 

his longtime Defense Appropriations Committee counterpart 

and partner, Jack Murtha, sitting opposite him in the back 

row of the Democratic side of the aisle known as the Pennsylvania section. 

Jack Murtha left us a few years ago, but BILL soldiered on. 

In recent months he used a walker or sat in a wheelchair 

taking greetings from colleagues from both sides of the aisle. 

He was beloved—engaging everyone with a smile and handshake, however he might have felt on that particular day. He 

was always gracious, well-humored, and accommodating to 

freshmen and old-timers alike. 

It is well known that BILL YOUNG chaired the House Appropriations Committee, and twice, its Defense Subcommittee. He also served as ranking member when the majority changed hands. He loved our committee, constantly saluted our members for their dedication and fully expected 

each one to support the process, limit debate, support open 

rules, and with a minimum of partisanship do the Nation’s 

business. 

A copy of the Constitution was ever-present in his pocket, 

to remind all of Article 1, Section 9, Clause 7. For those of 

you unfamiliar with this provision, I suggest you look it up! 

On the Defense Subcommittee, he always spoke of the 

dedication of members of our Armed Forces and the sacrifice 

[ 59 ] 

of their families and our committee’s obligation to serve 

them. 

He would say at every meeting: our soldiers, sailors, marines and air men and women are the ones doing the work 

of freedom—the ones who work every day to make the world 

safer for Americans and our friends and more dangerous for 

those who would do us harm. 

That’s why BILL YOUNG would often state on the House 

floor, ‘‘there is no room for politics in our bill’’—we must always be there for all those who serve and sacrifice. 

As you know, BILL and Beverly visited the old Walter Reed 

Army Medical Center, the old Bethesda Naval, and the 

newly expanded Bethesda National Military Medical Center 

just about every week. 

They were quiet visits, executed without fanfare or press 

release. 

Each time, they met with our wounded warriors and their 

families, adopting their hardships and often underwriting 

their expenses—helping them meet every type of crisis: food, 

travel, rent, inattention from medical personnel or hospital 

administrators. 

The Youngs confronted military brass whenever necessary 

in order to get those with physical and mental wounds the 

best care and support possible. They were fierce in their determination. 

Wherever they were with the troops, the Youngs took 

names, called their families, and carried grievances to the 

top to be resolved. This was their SOP, their passion, and 

woe to those who underestimated their dedication and resolve. 

You might say from time to time they rang a few chimes 

to get a tough situation resolved. In fact, I am confident that 

there are many officers with us here today who would vouch 

for that. I won’t ask for a show of hands, but you know who 

you are. 

Typical was the story BILL told us once—about a Saturday 

lunch at a small restaurant in Alexandria, VA—an area 

teeming with military personnel, both on and off duty. As 

Beverly left the table to greet another soldier or marine, 

BILL was presented with the meal check and was stunned— 

$171 for a tuna fish sandwich and a burger and two Cokes?! 

The waitress calmly replied that ‘‘It’s not just a sandwich 

and a burger, sir. Your wife volunteered you to pay for that 

soldier at that table and that marine family over there and 

the sailor in the corner and a couple that have already left.’’ 

[ 60 ] 

I also know that, over the years, many military families 

were pleasantly surprised when their grocery tab was covered by BILL or Beverly Young standing behind them in the 

supermarket checkout line. 

BILL and my late father served together for a few years before my father retired from Congress in 1974. With that 

early tie, he has been a friend and mentor to me since my 

arrival. 

I know these personal connections may not count for much 

these days, but were it not for BILL, it is likely that I would 

not be serving on the Defense Appropriations Committee or 

honored to be speaking here today. 

Nor would I have had the opportunity to occupy the back 

row of the House Chamber—from which BILL YOUNG had an 

expansive view of American history as few others ever did or 

as few others ever will. 

He personally made much of that history, directing an appropriations process that actually worked, despite its procedural flaws and partisan challenges. 

It is well documented that his strong support for our national security made America the envy of the world and improved the lives of our servicemembers and their families in 

more ways than they will ever know and assured that their 

sacrifice will never be forgotten. 

A reverent hush has now fallen over that back row of the 

House Chamber. 

The Congress has lost a leader. 

The Nation has lost an experienced authority on national 

security. 

Our Armed Forces have lost a valuable partner. 

And whether they know it or not, the troops and their families have lost one of the best friends they ever had. 

We all have lost a great, principled man who lived a life 

from which we all could learn. 

May the tributes and prayers that have flowed in recent 

days be a source of comfort and strength to you, Beverly, and 

to Billy, Patrick, and Rob, and the rest of the Young family 

and his loyal, long-serving staff—past and present—both in 

his personal offices in Washington and Florida and the Defense Committee’s staff—the unsung majority and minority 

professionals who make the committee work. 

Ladies and gentlemen, the sun is setting on an American 

life of service. BILL YOUNG, now an honorary Marine, may be 

gone, but he will never be forgotten. 

[ 61 ] 

From the back row of the House Chamber, BILL YOUNG

had a front row seat to history—a history he helped shape. 

For that, our Nation is a stronger and better place. 

Hon. Gordon England, Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of 

Defense. BILL YOUNG was my friend. Actually, he was more 

than my friend. Life is interesting in that people come and 

go through our lives, hundreds, thousands, maybe tens of 

thousands of people we know that pass through, and sometimes we see them again, and sometimes we don’t. But there 

are certain people that you hold onto, and BILL and I held 

onto each other. BILL and I would see each other, we could 

be at the other end of the hall, and if we saw each other, we 

would raise our hands, and we would laugh and smile and 

when we got closer we would embrace, and we just had a 

special relationship and even on the phone when we spoke 

it was a joyful moment. 

BILL and I became very close after the events of 9/11 and 

after our military was deployed to Afghanistan and later to 

Iraq, and you’ve heard how BILL with Beverly went to Bethesda and Walter Reed many times. It’s hard to remember 

those times because, early on, we didn’t have the USO we 

have today and the Armed Forces foundation or the Fisher 

Houses. Families came to the hospitals with spouses, or 

sons, sometimes shot, perhaps in the head or they lost their 

legs and the families were alone in a strange city, sometimes 

with no money and no support. 

But BILL and Beverly were there. And they were not just 

there, they became part of their journey. They became part 

of those families and they helped their families on their journey. By the way, they maintain a lot of those relationships 

today. BILL became part of the journeys of hundreds of families of the fallen. He eased their pain, and he made their 

lives better. It was his sacred pilgrimage and also Beverly’s. 

This is how BILL lived his life: helping others. This is why 

BILL’s death is so painful. Because he is no longer part of our 

journey. We now have a void in our journey to life everlasting. Now the good news for me is that I know that one 

day I will see BILL again when I pass through this life into 

the next life, and I will see BILL in the distance, and he will 

be waving and smiling and I’ll be smiling back, and we will 

embrace, and we will spend our time together in life everlasting. I know that BILL would want me to say to the military that he loves so much, he would want me to say God 

bless to all those that serve, especially the wounded and 

[ 62 ] 

their families and the fallen and their families, and all who 

stand on watch today. 

Robert Young. For 2 of the first 4 years of my life, I did 

not have a father. BILL adopted me. I came along with my 

mom. I’m a marriage counselor right now, a clinical psychologist, and I don’t see very many men who are willing to take 

on a 4-year-old kid. It meant a lot to me. If it were not for 

him, I wouldn’t have a father at all. 

He taught me a lot of stuff. He didn’t talk as much as a 

lot of people do. He was kind of a quiet guy. The most important thing that he taught me, I think, is balance. Everybody 

knows he’s a Republican. He taught me that you should always listen. He always said, ‘‘You only have one mouth and 

two ears.’’ He said even when somebody is wrong, you should 

at least hear their point of view. 

He was a pretty balanced guy. I don’t think a lot of people 

necessarily know that or see that. He taught me to understand that there are different ways of seeing things, and I 

apply that now in my work as a marriage counselor, and 

every day that I go to work, people benefit from the way that 

I was raised. You know, in marriage counseling, pretty much 

everyone wants to kill each other, and I have to spend a lot 

of time helping people understand that there’s two sides to 

a story. 

If it weren’t for my dad, I wouldn’t realize that, I wouldn’t 

know that. He always taught me that extremism is not a 

good thing. It helps me, and I think it helps my son, and one 

day it will help my daughter. His work will carry on, 

strangely in a completely different arena than he was ever 

involved in. He touches people’s lives every day in that way. 

I don’t think he ever really knew that. I don’t know if he’ll 

ever know that. But I want you to know that. 

Bill Young II. My dad was for 30 years my best friend, 

my mentor, my hero, someone I could rely on. We had phone 

calls almost every day. If nothing else, to talk about sports 

scores or to ask what was going on in the world. I don’t know 

if he knew that I was calling for advice. I think he thought 

I was just calling to check in on him and make sure he was 

okay. But every conversation I had with him, I was taking 

advice from him. Because he was one of the best men this 

world will ever know. He had the composure and knowledge 

to be levelheaded and not to make harsh decisions, and to 

use your brain and your heart when making decisions. I am 

just blessed that my father had so many years to get to know 

[ 63 ] 

my son, who is sleeping over there, who is grandpa’s namesake, he’s C.W. III and my newest son Easton . . . 

Mothers and sons can always have their issues. Any kids 

can have their issues. But at the end of the day, my father 

loved my mother more than anything in this world aside 

from his grandkids. For several years, 24/7, around the clock, 

every day, my mom took care of him. If she had not been 

there to take care of him in the way that she did, not only 

would he not have been able to go to Washington and do his 

job, he would not have been able to be with his kids and 

grandkids. He would regularly tell my brothers and I, nobody but Beverly and God will ever know how much she’s 

done for me. So for what we do know of what you did for 

him, Mom, thank you, thank you for giving him to us and 

for allowing our kids to have more time with him . . . Anyone 

who knew him respected him, and anyone he met, he respected . . . I know my dad is listening. I want him to know 

that the meaning of respect is you, Dad. You are respect. 

Æ