Expressing the condolences of the House of Representatives on the death of the Honorable Paul E. Gillmor, a Representative of the State of Ohio.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I would very much like to thank the dean of the Republican delegation from Ohio, Congressman Ralph Regula, a dear friend, for helping to organize this very special moment tonight in honor of our friend and colleague from Ohio, Representative Paul Gillmor, who last evening succumbed to a call that will greet us all. We never know the time nor the hour.

I understand that Paul flew back to Washington yesterday with several of his colleagues. And sometimes we wonder why things happen the way they do, but he was able to speak with several of them upon his return to Washington after having spent most of August with his family in Ohio. That itself is a gift.

It is with shock and sadness that we on this side of the aisle extend heartfelt sympathy to the Gillmor family. To his wife, Karen, I can't tell you how many White House Christmas parties I recall sharing with her, our travels to Mexico long before the passage of NAFTA as we evaluated the situation on the ground. Those are memories that I will hold forever.

To the five Gillmor children, Paul was a very, very dedicated father. I recall one time I was going into Channel 11, our CBS affiliate, I'll probably get in trouble for saying this, the other affiliates won't be mentioned, even though it didn't happen in their stations, and Paul had one of his sons with him that day, and he was so polite. And we were talking about where he was going to school. Paul tried to be with his family, especially with his younger children, as much as he could.

He suffered great tragedy in his own life, serving in Vietnam as a Captain in the Air Force in that very troubled conflict. I'm sure that he carried memories and wounds from that. And then having lost his first wife in a tragic automobile accident, having to survive that and continue to serve.

He dedicated his life to public service. Many people I don't think realize what a wealthy man he was. He didn't have to be here in the Congress. He could have checked out long ago. But in the tradition of service that his family represented and very deep, deep roots in Buckeye land in Ohio, he served his country not just in the Air Force, but in the Ohio Senate where he was the majority leader, and finally, the people of the Fifth Congressional District in this House since 1989, a decade and a half.

There are many pieces of legislation for which he exhibited leadership. One of those dealt with brownfields, a problem well known in a State like Ohio, and trying to move legislation in order to convert those over for reuse. As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and Subcommittee Chair during a portion of his career, he made a real national contribution there.

Together, we worked on saving the 180th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the Army Air National Guard in our districts. When gerrymandering occurred a few years ago and the districts were redrawn, literally, he ended up with one half of the airport and I ended up with the other half. And I thought, oh, this is interesting. So we were very successful in our efforts there. And without question, that particular unit, which will be returning to Ohio this week, is returning to a facility that he helped to save. One of my memories is that before their departure about four months ago, Paul and I were there together wishing every single one of the members of that unit Godspeed and a quick return to our country.

There were many times that we spent together in our region of the State. Just last week, Paul and I appeared in Findlay, Ohio as a result of the tragic 1,000-year flooding that occurred up in our area. Congressman Jim Jordan was there as well from Urbana, Ohio. And then Paul and I met with Secretary Chertoff. We were planning meetings here upon our return here this week. And we talked about the need for FEMA to be more responsive to the needs of this region. And we then took an Apache helicopter with General Wayt from the Ohio National Guard and we flew over to Bucyrus, just the two of us together in that helicopter. And we were pointing out different reservoirs and different dams and different things that had to be done in order to prevent this type of tragedy again. And we met with the mayor of Bucyrus and with the county commissioners there and the emergency management officials. We had quite a visit. And then Paul and I got back on the Apache helicopter and we flew back to Findlay, Ohio where his sister was waiting for him at the airport. And they were on to the next stop. I think he was headed over to Ottawa, Ohio in his district, which had also been very, very badly flooded.

I see Congressman Jordan over there. I never knew that when we were in Findlay, Ohio together, we kind of grabbed hands and tried to deal with the flooding in your district as well, that that would be the last time that we would do that together.

So we had many memories that we share of Paul's service. And I offer the consolation and the condolences of the people from the Ninth Congressional District, which literally wraps its arms around the northern part of Paul's district, to his family, to his friends, to his colleagues, and to say we are there in dutiful service to do what is necessary to transition in these very difficult days and months ahead.

I want to say personally to Karen, his wife, that I value our friendship. And many of us who have reached the age we are know what a loss this is, and we are praying for you, we are praying for your children, we are praying for your family.

I wanted to extend the opportunity for our dear colleague from Tennessee, Congressman John Tanner, who is down here on the floor, who wanted to offer words on behalf of Paul Gillmor whatever time he wishes to consume. I yield him such time.

Mr. Speaker, I offer a privileged resolution (H. Res. 632) and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 minutes to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur), my colleague, who is the senior member of the Democrat delegation, pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my friend and colleague Paul Gillmor of Tiffin, Ohio. Paul Gillmor was a leader in Ohio. He was elected five times by his colleagues in the Ohio Senate as a leader and was President of the Ohio Senate three times.

He was a leader here in this House on financial issues, focusing effectively on legislation to protect the general public. Additionally, Paul's leadership extended beyond Ohio and Congress to his position as Vice President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

His awards from grateful constituents and community groups he represented were powerful evidence of Paul's diligent efforts on behalf of those who depended on his caring representation on their behalf. Five Ohio colleges and universities honored his outstanding leadership with honorary degrees.

In addition, he served his country as a captain in the Air Force with active duty during the Vietnam conflict from 1965 to 1966. Ohio Wesleyan University and the University of Michigan Law School are proud to claim him as an alumnus.

Our sympathy goes out to Paul's wife, Karen, and his five children.

To those of us who cherished him not only as a colleague, but as a friend, we will long remember Paul and will always be grateful that he was part of our life.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton), chairman of the committee on which Paul served.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Pryce).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Tiberi).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the leader, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Bachus).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to our colleague from Ohio (Mr. Jordan).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Aderholt).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Ohio, Mrs. Schmidt.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Turner).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Stearns).

(Mr. STEARNS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, how much time is remaining?

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that both sides have 5 additional minutes.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Price).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt), the minority whip.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that both sides have an additional 5 minutes each.

Mr. Speaker, I yield so much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Hobson), a good friend of Paul, a good friend of our Ohio delegation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 1 minute. I just want to say, too, that Paul cared a lot about his staff. He was always a person that cared for others, and particularly his staff, and I want the members of his staff to know that we understand the great loss that they feel.

And I guess particularly when I left the Ohio senate, my staff person was inherited by Paul, and we used to often talk about Celia Foraker, about Celia did this and Celia did that, because we both shared a great fondness for her. I know that Paul felt that way about his staff here. It's a great loss to his staff to have a Member that had the caring concern that he did.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of our time.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would yield time to Mr. Obey, the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, such time as he may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, my first comments are to Karen Gillmor. Karen, I stand in your stead. Only 4 years ago, I lost my husband suddenly. All I can say to you is hold on to God's unchanging hand. He will help you through all of this. And as you think about all the wonderful memories and the wonderful opportunities and the blessing that you had to have Paul Gillmor in your life. To your sons and daughters, I say the same thing. I always talk to my son, and I say, ``Merv, just remember all the good times. Remember all the fun you had, all the things you learned, and cherish each and every one of them.''

As a Member of Congress, I rise to speak to honor the life of my colleague and friend, Paul Gillmor. Paul and I served on the Committee on Financial Services together. When I first came to Congress, Paul reminded me of the big

bear, kind of a gentle bear. You don't even know he is really in the room until he kind of humbles into the room. I remember him saying on occasion, Stephanie, Congresswoman Jones, so forth and so on.

I was pleased to have had the opportunity to cosponsor some legislation with him with regard to historic preservation. He and I both understood the importance of preserving historic buildings in this Nation and offered legislation that would have provided tax incentives for people to be able to shore up that legislation.

Unlike Paul, I was not in the legislature when I first came to Congress. The advantage of having a colleague and a friend who has had some experience in the legislature works greatly. I can remember one time at a Financial Services hearing, as usual, I was going at a witness. Later Paul said, ``Now, Stephanie, just calm down a little bit. It ain't like you're in a courtroom anymore.''

We're all going to miss Paul Gillmor. The beauty of the United States Congress is that it is a bipartisan body where you have Democrats and Republicans who are there and who are able to argue or debate their particular issue. But the beauty also of a bipartisan body is that you have Democrats and Republicans who can get along, who understand the importance of raising the issues on behalf of their constituents, but also understand the importance of working together.

I know everyone has already placed into the Record all of Paul's background, experience and things that he did to represent the great State of Ohio. Again, I stand here as a colleague and a friend to talk about my experiences with Paul Gillmor, to record them in my memory, and to smile, because at these times it is often hard to smile and lift up a time of laughter. But I call upon all of our friends and colleagues and his family to look to the good times, to look to all the great memories, and, over time, time will heal some of the wounds.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio, Tim Ryan.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Space).

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests and join with my colleagues issuing condolences to the Gillmor family, and I yield back the balance of my time as well.

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding on this very sad occasion. I am sad to join my colleagues as we face the very sad news regarding the loss of our colleague, Paul Gillmor.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all Members of Congress, I rise to pay tribute to Paul Gillmor, who passed away suddenly today. I offer my deepest condolences to his wife, Karen, to his two daughters, Linda and Julie, and his three sons, Paul Michael, Connor, and Adam. How proud he was of his children. That was one thing that we used to chat about quite regularly. I would hear about the progress of the twins and how everybody was doing.

Congressman Paul Gillmor was an experienced and talented legislator who spent much of his life serving his country. His service began in the Air Force where he rose to the rank of captain as an Air Force Judge Advocate. As a true Ohioan, Congressman Gillmor then served his State in public office for more than four decades, first in the Ohio State senate where he was elected President of that body, and later here in the House where he also served ably and was held in highest esteem by his colleagues.

More interested in policy than in seeking the limelight, Paul Gillmor focused his time here in the House squarely on the needs of his constituents. On the Energy and Commerce Committee, he was deeply involved in consumer issues, including protecting consumers from unfair credit report practices. He also worked to preserve our history by supporting and improving sites honoring our Nation's Presidents. As vice president of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Congressman Gillmor was the highest ranking American in this highly esteemed international organization of parliamentary members from the 26 NATO states.

Congressman Gillmor's passing is a loss for this House and for our Nation. It is, of course, a greater loss for his family. I hope it is a comfort to them, to Paul's family and friends, that so many people mourn their loss and are praying for them at this sad time.

Mr. Speaker, this is a sad day for us because we also learned of the sudden passing of our former colleague, Jennifer Dunn. She was a distinguished former Member of Congress from the State of Washington and I know we will acknowledge her service and leadership in the Congress on another occasion. But getting hit from all sides on this in one day is a great loss for the Congress.

As I yield back to the distinguished gentlewoman, I also want to thank her for bringing to the attention of so many Members of Congress the passing of Congressman Vanik who served so ably in this body who passed away last week. Anyone who knows about international human rights knows that Congressman Vanik as part of the Jackson-Vanik amendment did so much to free people in the Soviet Union. He made a very big difference for Soviet Jewry.

Ohio has been generous to the country. We mourn the loss of Paul Gillmor and Jennifer Dunn and Charles Vanik, who lived until his 90s, so God blessed him with that long life.

God did not give Paul Gillmor a long life, but he gave him a life of great quality with a beautiful family and the opportunity to serve a State he loved and a country that he was very patriotic about.

On behalf of all of our colleagues, I extend my deepest sympathy to his family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember our good friend Paul Gillmor. Just yesterday, the three of us rode together in from Columbus.

I saw him in the airport, and I said, Hi, Gillmo. He said, Hi, Honorable Dave, and we started to talk, as we did often, because we've known each other a long time.

And I said, What'd you do, and he told me about going to the floods. And

then we got into boats and he told us about his boat and the times he was having on the lake with his children and Karen, and he was happy.

Then we started to talk business, because Paul wasn't just a legislator. He was a businessman, too, and he was starting a bank in Florida. He says, You want to invest? I said, Well, we've been talking about that. So we talked about that for a while, and he was happy, and we were all happy. We were colleagues, friends.

I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for Paul Gillmor. When Paul Gillmor was president of the senate, I lost an election and got appointed to the State senate that Paul Gillmor was president then for a few more weeks before we went in the minority, and he helped pick me. He picked me, and the newspaper read ``Loser Wins.'' But Paul Gillmor set me on the way.

I've never lost another election, thanks to Paul Gillmor. Paul Gillmor was always there, and I think his staff knows that.

I met a young man then in the State senate named Mark Wellman who was working for Paul then. He works with Paul to this day. That's the kind of loyalty people had to Paul Gillmor.

I know of no politician in Ohio today who doesn't have respect for Paul Gillmor and wasn't his friend. He transcended partisanship. He had his way about the things he had to get done, but it never became personal.

When we were in the legislature, both sides had great respect for Paul Gillmor, and we used to meet together and talk about things together. Paul Gillmor was a unique person in that respect because there's always somebody out there that's got it in for somebody, but they didn't have it in for Paul Gillmor because he was what I would call a true gentleman.

We're SAEs and Ralph's an SAE, too, and Paul went to Ohio Wesleyan, and I went to Ohio Wesleyan. We went there at the same time. But I would meet people when I got in the State senate, and they said, Do you know Skip, Skip Gillmor? I said, No, I don't know Skip Gillmor. I know Senator Gillmor, but he was Skip Gillmor to all the people at Ohio Wesleyan. And they loved him at Ohio Wesleyan, and they still do. One of the first calls I got today was from people at Ohio Wesleyan saying what do we do. I said I don't know.

We've lost a good friend. I hope Karen and the children can review the statements that have been made about Paul today. It's something that is not said about a lot of people. He was a good man, he was a great man, and he was a great father to his children, which is the most important thing, and we're going to miss him.