Date: 2003-03-26
Speaker: JEFF MILLER (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Florida

Mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of H.R. 917. to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1830 South Lake Drive in Lexington. Soul. Carolina. as the "Floyd Spence Post Office Building." Floyd Spence began his political career as a Democrat in the South Carolina House of Representatives In 1956. but he is remembered for having the foresight and the courago to switch parties. In 1962. he became the first member of the General Assembly to switch to the Republican Party. which helped pioneer the development of the twoparty system in South Carolina. In 1966. he was elected as a Republican to the South Carolina Senate where he served as the Senaite Minority Leader. In 1971. Congressman Spence was elected to the Ninetysecond Congress. and represented South Carolinas Second Congressional district for thirty years. During his tenure. he served In a numerous positions of leadership: For thirteen years. he wa3 the Ranking Member of the Ethics Committee. In the 104th Congress. he waselected to represent the Tidewater Region on the Republican Policy Committee. He also served as Chairman of the Commi!..ee on National Security and after serving as Ranking Member. became Chairman of the Armed Services Committee following the 19.95 Republican takeover of the House. One of the longestserving Republicans in the House of Representatives. Floyd Spence maintained one of the highest voting attendance records. while consistently supporting a strong national defense and fiscal integrity. Spence once said. "I make no bones about the fact my Number One priority is defending this country." He drew his passion for the military from his own experiences. After graduating from the University of South Carolina in 1952. Spence was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Carter Hall (LSD3) and the LSM397. He was the Group Commander of all Naval Reserve Units in Columbia. South Carolina. and was the Commanding Officer of a Naval Reserve Surface Division. After more than 40 years in the United States Naval Reserve. the Congressman retired as a Captain in 1988. Spence was a member of the American Legion. Sons of Confederate Veterans. and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Congressman Spence was a longtime Pentagon booster from a state that. like my home state of Florida. benefited greatly from his advocacy. He supported the Reagan administration military buildup and opposed the size of postCold Ware defense cuts made during the Clinton administration. Congressman Spence was known for his amiable ways. Although opponents often criticized the lack of his own legislation. Spence was a proud voice against big Washington government and he resisted Introducing federal legislation. Mr. Speaker. Floyd Spence was recognized around the world as an authority on defense issues and Communism. His tireless efforts on behalf of our national defense are a testimony to his enduring will to serve and to triumph In the face of adversity. Here is Washington and at home. he was recognized as a man of fiscal integrity ard true legislative restraint. As President Bush stated upon his death in 2001. Floyd Spence will be remembered as a true friend of the men and women in our armed services and as a servant of his fellow South Carolinians. He was a leader of great courage and determination. Mr. Speaker. although I did not have the opportunity to serve with Congressman Spence. I learned a great deal from his example. It is with great admirat.nn that I today support the dedication of the Fioyd Spence Post Office Building to a true American patriot.