Date: 2012-11-27
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I rise to recognize and honor the extraordinary public service commitment of Congressman RALPH HALL. the Science. Space. and Technology Committee chairman. the dean of the Texas Congressional Delegation. and my long serving colleague. Today. Congressman HALL reigns as both the oldest Member of Congress and the oldest House Member known to cast a vote on the House Floor. I am pleased to say that Congressman HALL will also become the oldest person ever elected to a new House term. during the 113th Congress. Congressman HALL. a lifelong native of the great State of Texas. has been a faithful public servant and has dedicated 32 years of service to representing the constituents of the 4th Congressional District of Texas. In 1942. Congressman HALL became an aircraft pilot for the United States Navy and served our country during World War II. Congressman HALL soared to the top of military rankings. becoming a senior grade lieutenant. Congressman Hall. thank you for your service in the Armed Forces in efforts to protect our freedoms and to ensure America is the greatest country on the Earth. Congressman HALL also served the great State of Texas in both State and local government. In 19501962. he served as County Judge of Rockwall County. Texas. In 19581959. he served as President of the State Judges and Commissioners Association. He served in the Texas Senate from 1962 to 1972. where he served as President pro tempore for a year. In addition to a successful early political career. Congressman HALL is an accomplished businessman. He served as: The President and CEO of Texas Aluminum Corporation. The General Counsel of Texas Extrusion Company. and He was a founding member of Lakeside National Bank in Rockwall County. After his service in State government and achievements in the private sector. Congressman HALL decided to run for U.S. Congress. In 1980. he was elected to serve the Fourth Congressional District of Texas and has been reelected each succeeding Congress. Some say that his long tenure in Congress is related to his love for the Fourth Congressional District of Texas. I can attest that Congressman HALL loves his District. and he certainly loves the United States of America. Congressman HALL is often quoted. saying. "Id rather be respected at home than liked in Washington." Congressman Hall. we need more politicians like you who value the demands of the American people and recognize. we as elected officials. are accountable to those who elect us to office. While in Congress. Congressman HALL has been the recipient of numerous awards. Among Congressman Halls many achievements: He has been credited for helping to advance research and development for new technologies to keep America competitive. Congressman HALL has worked to utilize abundant domestic energy resources and helped explore alternative energy sources that would lower costs. He has also played an integral role in ensuring Americas preeminence in human space exploration. I stand proudly before this body of Congress to honor Congressman RALPH HALL. He has contributed so many great things to our country. and he is the epitome of a great leader. I pray that you serve as the oldest Member of Congress for years to come.