Date: 2012-11-27
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I thank the gentleman very much. I rise today to honor Congressman RALPH HALL. who is the dean of our Texas congressional delegation. and a lifelong public servant from the State of Texas. I dont know that I have a better friend in this body than RALPH HALL. and our relationship goes all the way back to the Texas Legislature. When I first went to the Texas House back in 1972. he was a part of the senate. And I still have a little penny that is encircled in a little silver band that says. RALPH HALL of Rockwall. And Ive always kept it as something special because he is a very special person to me. When he switched parties in 2004. and Ive said this before. I tried to call him several times and I didnt get a response. So I finally said. just. I want to leave this message. tell him I still love him. In 30 seconds. he called me back. And I really meant that. I meant it then. I mean it now. because party has never been anything that separated friendship. and hes a perfect example of that. His sense of humor has been so useful on the committee that often its used to make witnesses more comfortable or to break some of the partisan bickering. But whatever. hes unique in this body. If we had more RALPH HALLS. we wouldnt have the rating that we have today. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor Congressman RALPH HALL. Dean of the Texas Congressional delegation and a lifelong public servant from my State of Texas. RALPH HALL is often quoted. saying "Id rather be respected at home than liked in Washington." I do both. I have tremendous respect for him as my Chairman of the House Committee on Science. Space and Technology and he is a true friend back home in North Texas. RALPH HALL in many ways has been able to transcend the extreme partisan climate which exists in Washington today with his keen political acumen and candid sense of humor. Through our shared experiences in the Texas legislature and on the Science Committee. I have learned that RALPH enjoys a good joke and that I should not try to match him in storytelling. RALPH uses humor to diffuse tensions in a room. I have seen him use it to do everything from stopping partisan bickering to easing a witnesss nerves. Its a real skill and I have truly appreciated it over the years. You may recall back in January of 2004 after serving 12 terms as a Democrat. RALPH HALL decided to run as a Republican. I was the first Democrat to call RALPH when he switched parties. As soon as I heard this news I attempted to call him at his office. however I was unable to get in touch. After a few more attempts. I left a message saying. "just tell him that I still love him." He called me right back. and said he was so happy to hear my message because his wife was mad at him. Some said she actually had him sleeping on the couch. He knew several of his Democratic friends would be upset with him. Our districts are practically right next to each other and we had been friends for years. I wanted him to know that I certainly didnt agree with the switch. but that we would always be friends. and I meant it. It has been an honor to be his friend and colleague all of these years. RALPH HALL continues to inspire and encourage us all through his milestone of service to our Nation. Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize RALPH HALL for his many accomplishments as an exceptional politician. civic leader. businessman and shining example of the American dream.