[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 178 Engrossed in House (EH)]
In the House of Representatives, U.S.,
May 13, 2003.
Whereas Matthew J. Ryan, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, led a distinguished
career of public service devoted to the United States and the State of
Pennsylvania;
Whereas Matthew J. Ryan served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Marine
Corps from 1954 to 1956;
Whereas Matthew J. Ryan began his service to the 168th District of Pennsylvania
in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1962;
Whereas Matthew J. Ryan was elected Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of
Representatives in 1981, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, and 2003;
Whereas Matthew J. Ryan was the second longest serving Member and the third
longest serving Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in
its 321 year history;
Whereas Speaker Ryan's ability to negotiate with and unite Members possessing
differing viewpoints in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
contributed to the betterment of Pennsylvania throughout his six terms
as Speaker;
Whereas Speaker Ryan will be remembered for his quick wit and gracious demeanor,
attributes which endeared him to colleagues and citizens alike;
Whereas Speaker Ryan received hundreds of awards and commendations during his
four decades of service, including the National Conference of State
Legislators' ``Legislator of the Year Award'' and the Delaware County
Chamber of Commerce's ``Citizen of the Year Award''; and
Whereas the ``Speaker Matthew J. Ryan Building'' of the Pennsylvania Capitol
complex will forever serve as a testament to Speaker Ryan's faithful
service to the State and as a reminder of his unwavering leadership in
the Pennsylvania House of Representatives: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the United States House of Representatives honors the
outstanding life and work of former Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of
Representatives Matthew J. Ryan and offers its deepest condolences to his wife
and family on his death.
Attest:
Clerk.