Tribute To The Honorable Michael G. Oxley Upon His Retirement From The U.S. House Of Representatives

TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE MICHAEL G. OXLEY UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES -- (Extensions of Remarks - December 08, 2006)

* Mrs. SCHMIDT. Madam Speaker, I rise to add my voice in tribute to retiring Chairman Mike Oxley.

* Today is a sad day for me. Though I haven't known him nearly as long as my fellow colleagues from Ohio, I, too, will miss our Coach.

* I use that word not just as a tribute to his years of Congressional baseball and basketball dominance. I call Chairman Oxley my Coach because that is what he has been to so many of us. Chairman Oxley has been a model of public service since graduating from the Ohio State University School of Law in 1969. Coach Oxley has been legislating for over 30 years and he has always been kind enough to help others learn the ropes. He has taken me and literally hundreds like me by the hand and guided us through the legislative process.

* A kindness that I will never be able to repay.

* Coach Oxley, we will miss you in the halls of this great institution. I will miss your counsel and will be forever disappointed that you retired before the long hotly debated issue over which Member from Ohio has the lowest handicap was completely resolved. However, I trust that future coaching sessions will be available by phone.

* Congratulations, Mr. Chairman, to you and your family.

http://thomas.loc.gov/