[House Hearing, 113 Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
C.W. Bill Young
LATE A REPRESENTATIVE FROM
FLORIDA
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES
AND OTHER TRIBUTES
HON. C.W. BILL YOUNG
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
1930-2013
Memorial Addresses and
Other Tributes
HELD IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
OF THE UNITED STATES
TOGETHER WITH A MEMORIAL SERVICE
IN HONOR OF
C.W. BILL YOUNG
Late a Representative from Florida
One Hundred Thirteenth Congress
First Session
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Compiled under the direction
of the
Joint Committee on Printing
CONTENTS
Biography.............................................
v
Proceedings in the House of Representatives:
Tributes by Representatives:
Bilirakis, Gus M., of Florida..................
11, 33
Bishop, Sanford D., Jr., of Georgia............
10
Brown, Corrine, of Florida.....................
6, 16
Buchanan, Vern, of Florida.....................
28
Calvert, Ken, of California....................
40
Carter, John R., of Texas......................
38
Castor, Kathy, of Florida......................
11
Cohen, Steve, of Tennessee.....................
20
Cole, Tom, of Oklahoma.........................
41
Crenshaw, Ander, of Florida....................
36, 44
Dent, Charles W., of Pennsylvania..............
42
Diaz-Balart, Mario, of Florida.................
13, 30
Farr, Sam, of California.......................
31
Frelinghuysen, Rodney P., of New Jersey........
45
Garamendi, John, of California.................
18
Gohmert, Louie, of Texas.......................
20, 21
Granger, Kay, of Texas.........................
37
Hastings, Alcee L., of Florida.................
26
Hoyer, Steny H., of Maryland
...............................................
.
8, 17, 47
Jackson Lee, Sheila, of Texas
..............................................
13, 18, 22
Kaptur, Marcy, of Ohio.........................
29
Lowey, Nita M., of New York....................
15
Marchant, Kenny, of Texas......................
21
McCollum, Betty, of Minnesota..................
47
Mica, John L., of Florida
...............................................
.........
9, 24, 35
Miller, Jeff, of Florida
...............................................
.......
4, 10, 16, 46
Nugent, Richard B., of Florida.................
43
Posey, Bill, of Florida........................
43
Rogers, Harold, of Kentucky....................
24
Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana, of Florida
..............................................
3, 7, 25
Wasserman Schultz, Debbie, of Florida..........
45
Womack, Steve, of Arkansas.....................
15
Yoho, Ted S., of Florida.......................
17
Memorial Service......................................
49
BIOGRAPHY
Congressman Bill Young served 22 terms in Congress as a
Representative of the 13th Congressional District of
Florida. He was the senior member of the Florida
congressional delegation and was the senior Republican in
the entire Congress, House and Senate. He served over 50
years in public office (10 in the Florida State senate and
42 in the U.S. Congress) and worked with eight Presidents
of the United States.
A 9-year veteran of the Army National Guard, and 6 more
as a reservist, Bill Young was nationally known for his
expertise on defense and security issues. He served as
chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on
Defense and was also a member of the Appropriations
Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs
and the Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative
Branch.
From 1999 to 2005 Congressman Young served as chairman
of the House Appropriations Committee, overseeing the
entire Federal discretionary budget. In fact, the last
time the United States had a balanced Federal budget was
under his chairmanship.
Throughout his service on the Appropriations Committee,
Congressman Young was dedicated to improving the quality
of life of the men and women who serve and who have served
in the military. He regularly met with enlisted personnel
and officers to assess their needs, and as a result,
Congress has invested in improved base housing, better
medical care, increased pay, and more modern equipment for
the military.
Congressman Young was also a leading advocate for
increased biomedical research. During his chairmanship of
the Appropriations Committee, he successfully led the
effort in Congress to double Federal medical research
funding over 5 years through the National Institutes of
Health. In addition, he led the fight for Federal funding
for a variety of medical issues, including an increased
immunization rate for preschoolers, improved public health
programs nationwide, and cures for Parkinson's and
Alzheimer's diseases.
In 1986 Congressman Young was instrumental in creating a
national registry for bone marrow donors. Now named the
C.W. Bill Young Marrow Donor Recruitment and Research
Program in his honor, the registry lists more than 11
million volunteer donors for patients with leukemia and
other life-threatening diseases and has served as a model
for similar programs throughout the world. It has provided
the gift of life to more than 60,000 individuals and
facilitates an average of 20 bone marrow transplants every
day of the year.
Throughout his career of public service, Bill Young was
a strong advocate for the needs of Pinellas County. Among
other issues, he worked to ease congestion along U.S.
Highway 19; attracted high-tech jobs to St. Petersburg;
improved health care for low-income children and families;
protected the neighboring MacDill Air Force Base from
closure; built a state-of-the-art medical center for
veterans at Bay Pines; ensured a steady supply of water
for the Tampa Bay area; and offset the effects of erosion
on the area's beaches.
Congressman Young was born in Harmarville, PA, and moved
to Pinellas County at the age of 15. He is survived by his
wife Beverly, and three adult sons, Rob, Billy, and
Patrick.
?
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES
AND
OTHER TRIBUTES
FOR
C.W. BILL YOUNG
Proceedings in the House of Representatives
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
PRAYER
The Chaplain, the Reverend Patrick J. Conroy, offered
the following prayer:
Almighty God, we give You thanks for giving us another
day.
As the People's House returns, we give You thanks for
those most responsible for the resolutions reached this
past week and for the reopening of government, which has
meant so much to the families of those who have chosen to
serve their Nation by their work in government.
As all return, the Capitol is in mourning for the loss
of two men of the House, former Speaker Tom Foley and
Representative Bill Young. Both men, a Democrat and a
Republican, were known to be giants in the People's House,
and their passing has deprived our Nation of experience
and wisdom in Congress at a time when it is needed.
Bless all the Members with wisdom in good measure--
pressed down, shaken together, and running over--that the
legacy of these great legislators might be carried on for
the benefit of all.
May all that is done here in the People's House be for
Your greater honor and glory.
Amen.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I offer a privileged
resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:
H. Res. 384
In the House of Representatives, U.S., October 22, 2013:
Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow
of the death of the Honorable C.W. Bill Young, a
Representative from the State of Florida.
Resolved, That a committee of such Members of the House
as the Speaker may designate, together with such Members
of the Senate as may be joined, be appointed to attend the
funeral.
Resolved, That the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House be
authorized and directed to take such steps as may be
necessary for carrying out the provisions of these
resolutions and that the necessary expenses in connection
therewith be paid out of applicable accounts of the House.
Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions
to the Senate and transmit a copy thereof to the family of
the deceased.
Resolved, That when the House adjourns today, it adjourn
as a further mark of respect to the memory of the
deceased.
The resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend
the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3302) to name the
Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Bay
Pines, FL, as the ``C.W. Bill Young Department of Veterans
Affairs Medical Center''.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 3302
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. NAME OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL
CENTER, BAY PINES, FLORIDA.
The Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in
Bay Pines, Florida, shall after the date of the enactment
of this Act be known and designated as the ``C.W. Bill
Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center''. Any
reference to such medical center in any law, regulation,
map, document, record, or other paper of the United States
shall be considered to be a reference to the C.W. Bill
Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Miller) and the gentlewoman
from Florida (Ms. Brown) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida.
Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such
time as I may consume.
Today is bittersweet as we mark both the passing of a
congressional stalwart, Chairman C.W. Bill Young, and pay
a fitting tribute by naming the Bay Pines Veterans Medical
Center in his honor.
Mr. Speaker, while the raw numbers themselves may speak
volumes for his dedication to America, it is his personal
qualities that I admire the most. When I came to Congress
in 2001, Bill Young was one of the first Members who
welcomed me here. It was on this floor, in this Chamber,
that Bill Young introduced me to the Members of this House
the night I was sworn in. Since then, I came to regard him
not only as a mentor or a colleague but, more important, a
personal friend.
Chairman Young served the 13th District of Florida and
the people of the United States for over 42 years. He was
the senior member of the Florida congressional delegation
and was the senior Republican in both the House and in the
Senate. Counting his years in the Florida Legislature,
Bill Young served over 50 years in public service and
worked with eight Presidents.
Bill will be most remembered for his devotion to
America's defense and especially to the men and women in
the Armed Forces. Having served in uniform for 15 years as
a member of the National Guard and Reserves, Bill was the
go-to guy on defense issues here in the House. He
dedicated his legislative and personal energies to improve
the quality of life for the men and women who serve; and,
as a result, those who wear the uniform and face our foes
have improved base housing, better medical care, increased
pay, and the best equipment.
Members know Bill best for his work as chairman of the
House Appropriations Committee from 1999 to 2005, and he
continued to serve as chairman of the Subcommittee on
Defense until the time of his passing. But Bill Young was
much more than a defense expert. He had also been a
leading advocate for increased medical research.
Bill worked to double Federal medical research funding
and funding to increase immunization rates for
preschoolers, to improve public health programs, and to
find cures for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Just
one example, the C.W. Bill Young Marrow Donor Recruitment
and Research Program registry lists more than 9 million
volunteer donors for patients with leukemia and other
life-threatening diseases. That simple list has provided
the gift of life to more than 50,000 individuals.
To completely describe the contributions of a man who
served in this body for over 42 years would take hours. So
with that, Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the entire Florida
delegation and all those who knew and served with him in
this House and in the other body, I offer our most sincere
condolences to his wife, Beverly, and his sons Rob, Billy,
and Patrick. He was your husband and father. To us, Bill
was a friend we will miss dearly.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such
time as I may consume.
One of my favorite songs is ``May the Work I've Done
Speak for Me.''
I rise today to pay tribute to Chairman Bill Young,
whose passing we mourn and whose dedication to American
servicemembers is well known to his fellow Floridians, as
well as to all who serve in this House.
Taking care of our Nation's men and women in uniform was
his passion. He often called them ``kids'' because he
cared for them as deeply as if they were his family.
Chairman Young was an officer and a gentleman. He served
for 9 years in the Army National Guard. During his decades
in Congress, he and his wife, Beverly, regularly visited
the hospitalized combat troops in Florida and here at
Bethesda. They helped arrange travel for military family
members, or those who were having trouble paying the
bills. Here in the House, at the Appropriations Committee,
and in any other ways he could find, he was tireless in
his work on behalf of servicemembers, veterans, and their
families.
I worked with him when we were trying to finish the new
courthouse in Orlando. This was just after the Oklahoma
City bombing and all the new security requirements that
were added to protect the buildings and the people in
them.
The project was $19 million over budget, and the
Chairman came to what must have been the longest townhall
meeting held here in the Capitol. Everyone had something
to say. The Chairman was a gentleman as always and wanted
what was best for the people of Florida, regardless of
party. This was the case also when it came to funding for
research. Chairman Young knew how important cutting-edge
research is and made it a priority to find the funding to
help future generations of Americans.
Madam Speaker, as we say goodbye to our friend and
colleague, Chairman Bill Young, I want to thank him for
being a reasonable person to work with. All of our
encounters were pleasant and I will miss working with him.
Every year, Bill Young was a keynote speaker at the
Memorial Day Program in Bay Pines. He initially worked
with President Gerald Ford and the Appropriations
Committee in 1976 to replace the original hospital
building. At one point, he went so far as to personally
show the President where the building was and how badly it
was leaking. He was very proud of the new hospital, which
opened in 1983. He was thrilled when they named the road
encircling it Bill Young Road.
The VA Medical Center at Bay Pines has many services to
completely serve today's veterans. There are all the
health services that any hospital would provide; but, in
addition, there are services for caregivers, dental
services, extended care and services for seniors, along
with programs that help homeless veterans.
In addition, the women veterans health care program at
Bay Pines focuses on wellness education, preventive health
care, disease management, and care for the emotional well-
being of women veterans.
Today, we will go one step further in honoring the man
who made the VA Medical Center at Bay Pines a reality.
Today, we take the step of naming the whole facility after
Bill Young. It is a most appropriate tribute--to name the
center whose mission it is to coordinate the care for
wounded men and women who serve.
Mr. Speaker, as we say goodbye to our friend and
colleague, Chairman Bill Young, with this bill we can
honor his service in the way I know he would appreciate
most deeply--having his name associated daily and directly
with the highest level of care for our military veterans.
I want to thank Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman
Miller for bringing it before us today, and I urge all of
my colleagues to join me in supporting it.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I
yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-
Lehtinen), the dean of our delegation.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am so pleased that the
gentleman from Florida, Chairman Miller, has given me some
time; and I am so pleased to support his bill that he has
gotten the entire Florida delegation, working in a
bipartisan manner, to honor this good man and warm friend,
Congressman Bill Young.
Bill was a true patriot and a tenacious public servant,
dedicating his life to his constituents in Pinellas
County.
As you heard from some of our previous speakers, his
accomplishments are varied and many: creating a national
bone marrow registry; improving the quality of life for
active duty personnel, our National Guard, our Reserves,
our veterans; protecting thousands of jobs in his area;
preserving MacDill Air Force Base; improving Florida's
environment. These are just some of Bill's many
accomplishments.
Bill was always willing to lend a helping hand to
members of our entire State delegation with projects that
were important in our local community. For example, he
helped me to find the funds to dredge the Miami River, to
protect Homestead Air Reserve Base after it was devastated
by Hurricane Andrew.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentlewoman has
expired.
Mr. MILLER of Florida. I yield the gentlewoman an
additional 30 seconds.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. But, more important, he was the
consummate gentleman. He was principled. He was honest,
maintaining civility with his colleagues, a trait that we
no longer honor as we should. Bill was an example for all
of us here in Congress. It was my privilege and my high
honor to serve with him. What a great privilege.
I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time.
Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to
the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the minority
whip.
Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlelady for
yielding.
Bill Young was my friend. Bill Young was a gentleman in
every sense of the word. Bill Young was an example for us
all. I will have the privilege of speaking on Thursday, at
his request, at his funeral. Bill and I served on the
Appropriations Committee for 23 years together; then I
left when I became majority leader.
Bill Young was, as I said, a gentleman who cared about
each and every individual in this House. More than that,
he cared for each and every person who served in uniform
in our Armed Forces; and he and Beverly displayed that, as
Congressman Miller has said, on a weekly, daily basis.
I am a Democrat; Bill was a Republican. It didn't make
any difference. He was an American, I was an American, and
we served our country together. No one served it better
than Bill Young. He chose to see our differences as slight
and our common purpose as great. He always chose civility
over partisanship.
He was a skilled legislator on behalf of the people of
Pinellas County, FL, on behalf of Florida, on behalf of
his country, on behalf of the members of the Armed Forces
and the defense of this country. He was a champion of our
men and women in uniform, veterans and their families, all
of whom, wherever they lived, he viewed as his
constituents. This bill to rename the VA Hospital in Bay
Pines, FL, which I am proud to cosponsor, is a fitting
tribute to his devotion to our veterans and our troops.
Though he represented Florida longer than any Member of
this House in history, Bill was originally from a hard-
scrabble coal mining town in Pennsylvania. It was there he
learned many lessons about the hardships facing working
families and the need to ensure that opportunities would
be within their reach, and he never forgot that.
He was a great Member of this body, a very powerful
Member of this body, an extraordinary, influential
American. But to all of us, he was Bill; to all those he
came in contact with, he was Bill. He was a person who
understood the needs, the fears, the aspirations, the
hopes of his people and the people of our country.
My thoughts are with Beverly, with Bill Young's family,
and with the people of Florida's 13th District. This House
has lost a great Member.
Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I
yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica).
Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker and my colleagues, it is
absolutely fitting that we take this step and name our
veterans hospital on the west coast of Florida after a
great American, a patriot, a hero for our veterans--Bill
Young.
Probably more than anyone in the House of
Representatives or Congress, I have known Bill Young, I
think, longer. He and I were both aides to the first
Republican Congressman since the Civil War, Bill Kramer.
He was an aide before I was, but we met and worked
together more than 40 years ago.
So I rise tonight not only as a colleague, but as a
personal friend and political ally of a great human being,
someone who put his heart and soul into his position, who
loved our service men and women, and his great legacy will
be all he has done to honor their memory.
Tonight, we honor his memory with renaming Bay Pines
Veterans Hospital for Bill Young, my friend.
Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to
the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Bishop).
Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. I thank the gentlelady for
yielding.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in full support of the legislation
before us this evening to rename the Bay Pines Veterans
Affairs Medical Center in Florida the C.W. Bill Young
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. I am
honored to join over 200 of my House colleagues as an
original cosponsor of this bipartisan legislation, a great
tribute to one of our dearest colleagues.
Indeed, Bill Young will be forever known as one of the
strongest supporters of our military and veterans in the
history of this Congress. His staunch and unyielding
support of our military and our veterans is legendary.
Likewise, he was a true champion for his district, and a
fount of knowledge about the chronicles of the U.S. House
of Representatives.
Bill Young will be missed in Washington, as well as in
Florida. He, along with the late Congressman Jack Murtha,
were not only great friends and mentors to me, but their
wives, Beverly and Joyce, were also friends and mentors to
my wife, Vivian.
Chairman Murtha and Chairman Young were neither Democrat
nor Republican when it came to our national defense.
Regardless of which was the chairman or ranking member of
the Defense Subcommittee, the men and women of America's
military would be taken care of. I am proud to have served
as a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on
Defense under both of these great leaders.
With Bill Young's death, the Nation has truly lost one
of the few remaining statesmen. Our thoughts and prayers
are with Beverly and the entire family. Congress and our
Nation have lost one of its greatest statesmen. I have
lost a dear friend and a mentor.
While we could use every word in every language spoken
by mankind, we would not have enough words combined to
adequately thank Bill Young for his service. I am pleased
to join my colleagues in passing this resolution to rename
the Bay Pines Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Florida
the C.W. Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical
Center.
It has been said that you make your living by what you
get; you make your life by what you give. Bill Young gave
so much to so many for so long. He will be greatly missed.
Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from
Georgia alluded to over 200 cosponsors. I would announce
to the House tonight that we had 379 original cosponsors
of this piece of legislation.
I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr.
Bilirakis), the vice chairman of the Veterans' Affairs
Committee, whose district abutted Mr. Young's.
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Thank you, Mr. Chairman--379 cosponsors,
what a testament. What a wonderful man. What a great man.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to strongly support this
legislation. Over the past five decades, Chairman Young
selflessly served Florida and the Tampa Bay area, leading
many initiatives to promote economic growth, create jobs,
of which his contributions to the military and veterans in
particular are immeasurable.
In the 1970s, the chairman played a significant role in
winning critical funding for the Bay Pines Veterans
Affairs Medical Center, which allows the facilities to
support almost 100,000 of our heroes in our area today.
With this funding, Bay Pines was able to increase the size
of its campus, replace the hospital, and now offers a wide
variety of services to these veterans in their backyard
because of Chairman Young.
Chairman Young has left behind a rich legacy in support
of our heroes, especially those in the Tampa Bay area. By
renaming this important facility in his honor, we will
provide a lasting monument to remember a great friend,
Chairman Bill Young.
Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to
the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Castor), whose district
butts up to Congressman Bill Young's district.
Ms. CASTOR of Florida. I thank my colleague from Florida
for yielding the time and for her dedication to the
Nation's veterans as well.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of designating the
Bay Pines VA Medical Center in Pinellas County, FL, the
Congressman C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center. I am very
proud to cosponsor this bill, and I would like to thank
Chairman Miller of Florida, Congresswoman Brown, and all
of our colleagues for honoring Bill Young with such a
designation.
I have been fortunate to serve alongside Bill Young for
the 7 years that I have been here. Seven out of the 43
years that Mr. Young served in the Congress, we
represented St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay area
together. I know I speak for my predecessors, Jim Davis
and Sam Gibbons, who also passed last year, when I say
that Congressman Bill Young was a gentleman and an
outstanding partner for the interests of the Tampa Bay
area and the State of Florida.
It is very appropriate that we honor Bill Young by
naming the Bay Pines VA Medical Center after him. He was a
fixture at the Bay Pines Veterans Day and Memorial Day
ceremonies every year. But more important, he was a
fixture when there was no ceremony, when he would visit
wounded soldiers in the hospital or at their homes, when
there was no fanfare, and he determined that it was just
his desire to ensure that the servicemembers and their
families received the care that they deserved and that
they had earned.
Many facilities at the MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa
are state of the art due to Mr. Young's extra attention. I
am very grateful for the help he provided to me when
MacDill and the soldiers and civilians who worked there
were in need. For example, in the past year, he boosted
our efforts in ``MacDill Means Mobility'' when we tried to
expand the mission at the base. When I brought to his
attention that the Department of Defense was not assisting
former servicemembers and their families who qualified for
Medicaid health services, he helped cut through the red
tape.
Many also will point to his expansive earmarks and great
legacy in the Tampa Bay area in a variety of ways: our
drinking water reservoir is the Bill Young Reservoir;
medical research initiatives at the University of South
Florida; programs at St. Petersburg College; programs at
Eckerd College. We are so proud that Mr. Young initiated
the national bone marrow donor program at All Children's
Hospital in St. Petersburg.
It was decades ago, through Congressman Young's
leadership, that the Bay Pines VA Medical Center in St.
Petersburg was created. Bay Pines is now the fourth-
largest veterans hospital in the country. It serves
veterans all across west central Florida and employs many
talented caregivers.
So it is a fitting tribute to this remarkable American
to name the Bay Pines VA Medical Center in his honor, and
I am proud to cosponsor the resolution. Congressman Young
was a model statesman. His kindness, sincerity, and dogged
advocacy for our Nation's men and women in uniform and
veterans will be missed.
Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to yield
1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart).
Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, let me first thank
Chairman Miller for bringing this important piece of
legislation forward. We literally could be here days
speaking about the many accomplishments of Chairman Young,
and those days would not suffice.
I got a chance to work with him on the Appropriations
Committee. I will tell you that so many times I went to
him for advice, for help. Bill Young was one of those
people who you always went to when you needed help, when
you needed advice. He was such a wise man.
As I just said, since we would never have enough time to
talk about all of his great accomplishments--and you have
heard not only about his accomplishments but just the fact
that he was an incredibly honorable, caring, wise--
``statesman'' is the word that comes to mind.
Since my time is limited, I just want to echo something
that I heard. I am not quite sure, Mr. Speaker, who said
it. Somewhere I once read that ``to be a great man, you
first have to be a good man.'' If there is anybody that
phrase reminds me of, it is Bill Young.
Ms. BROWN of Florida. I yield 2 minutes to the
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Brown), and I would like to
thank Chairman Miller--we have worked together. I thank
the gentleman so very much. I want to acknowledge as well
the ranking member of the Appropriations Committee, Mrs.
Lowey. Thank you for allowing me to share with you this
evening my comments, appreciation, and respect that I have
for Bill Young.
First of all, I would like to say what everyone else has
said. What a great American. What a great patriot. What a
great public servant.
Bill, may you rest in peace.
Congressman Young, Chairman Young was on the floor of
the House just a few weeks before he passed. I think that
is important to note, that he was working every single day
to make America better. He loved soldiers and veterans. He
loved their families. It is highly appropriate for him to
have his name so honored as a named veterans hospital.
I want to say that it is particularly important to note
that Congressman Young was able to speak to kings and
queens and generals and people in high places. But he was
best when he was talking to everyday people, to the
soldiers whom he loved.
He came from humble beginnings. Starting with his
mother, a single parent, losing his home early in life,
living in a hunting camp. You would think that he would
not be the generous-hearted person that he is today. But
he was really what America is all about, the American
dream.
I remember his commitment to our soldiers and his easy
ability to work across the aisle as someone who advocated
for soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress
disorder. I want to let his family know how dedicated he
was to providing extra resources to the thousands upon
thousands of soldiers who returned from Iraq and
Afghanistan who needed extra help with post-traumatic
stress disorder.
He was very kind to those of us who were concerned about
breast cancer and women in the U.S. military who may have
experienced breast cancer.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentlewoman has
expired.
Ms. BROWN of Florida. I yield an additional 1 minute to
the gentlewoman from Texas.
Ms. JACKSON LEE. I thank the distinguished gentlelady
from Florida.
He worked with me over the last two sessions, Mr.
Speaker, in providing extra funding for post-traumatic
stress disorder to a center that is in Houston, TX, but
also dealing with additional research on triple-negative
breast cancer that might have an impact not only on the
military population of women but also with women around
the Nation. Bill was like that. Congressman Bill Young,
Chairman Bill Young was like that, always extending,
always sharing.
He has a special place in my heart because my late
mother is from St. Petersburg, FL. I would say that he
should have a special place in the hearts of all Americans
because if you ever want to see exemplified a grand and
stately gentleman who had nothing in his heart but the
love and respect and admiration for this Nation, it was
our dear friend, the Honorable Bill Young.
To his family, I say to them, we love him, and we extend
our deepest sympathies. Thank you, my dear friend. You
have served well. I hope that you will rest well.
May God bless him, and God bless his family.
Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I now yield 1 minute
to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Womack).
Mr. WOMACK. I thank Chairman Miller for this time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the chorus of people
remembering our friend from Florida, Bill Young, the
chairman of the Defense Subcommittee of Appropriations.
Chairman Young, as you know, spent five decades of his
life in this Chamber fighting for a better America for
both his constituents and our country. As the dean of the
Republican Conference, he was a leader and of counsel to
colleagues young or old, Republican or Democrat.
Mr. Speaker, I am the newest member of the Defense
Subcommittee of Appropriations. I was fortunate to receive
his mentorship. I learned from his fearless, unparalleled
support of our troops and our veterans, and I admired his
outspoken and unwavering commitment to what was in their
best interest. Mr. Speaker, as a veteran myself of over 30
years, I was also a beneficiary of his incredible support
of those who wear the uniform.
While his presence will be forever missed, the Bill
Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center will
serve as a small and fitting reminder that this
institution, our men and women in uniform, and America,
are undoubtedly better off because of Bill Young. I am
proud to support it.
Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, could you please tell
me how much time remains on each side.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman has 4\1/2\
minutes remaining. The gentleman has 10\1/2\ minutes
remaining.
Ms. BROWN of Florida. I thank the Speaker.
At this time, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from
New York (Mrs. Lowey).
Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this
bill.
For more than 40 years, Bill Young served his district
and this institution with integrity and honor after having
served our country in the Army National Guard for nearly a
decade.
As chairman of the Appropriations Committee, his
leadership and advocacy for our men and women in uniform
and our veterans was unsurpassed. In a time when political
culture too often devolves into hostility, and compromise
is a dirty word, Bill Young was always a gentleman who
consistently reached across the aisle.
He would share with me his visits with his dear wife,
Beverly, to wounded warriors to bring them comfort. How
happy those visits made him.
It was such a pleasure to serve with him, and he will be
truly missed. Renaming this VA facility in his memory is a
tribute to his legacy.
You will be missed, my dear friend. Rest in peace, God
bless you, and God bless America.
Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I have no further
requests for time and am prepared to close.
Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, first of all, let me
thank Chairman Miller for organizing this tribute to
Chairman Young.
In closing, I often say when you are born, you get a
birth certificate; and when you die, you are going to get
a death certificate; and that little dash in between is
what you have done to make this a better place.
I don't know anyone who has done more than Chairman Bill
Young. It has just been my honor having had the
opportunity to serve with him. His leadership for the
Florida delegation--I mean, we have gone through some
tough times. But I can tell you, he has always been a
gentleman.
When I first began, I said that one of my favorite
sayings is to let the work I have done speak for me.
Clearly he has done his work, and as Paul said, he has
fought a good fight, and he has kept the faith. He has
done his job. It has been left up to us to continue his
great work.
I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, tonight I want to
thank all the Members on both sides of the aisle for their
kind words they have said of our friend from Florida, Bill
Young. I sincerely hope that the words give Beverly, Rob,
Billy, and Patrick some measure of consolation.
While we will no longer have Bill's personal and wise
counsel to go to, that beautiful veterans medical center
will bear his name. It will give witness to his many years
of service to America and her defenders.
I want to thank my good friend from Florida (Ms. Brown)
for her help in bringing this bill to the floor and the
over 375 cosponsors that we have brought on this piece of
legislation.
I respectfully ask all Members to join us in supporting
this piece of legislation, H.R. 3302, and I yield back the
balance of my time.
Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I heard from my friend, former
Congressman Norm Dicks, today, and he asked me to submit
this statement on his behalf. He had the privilege of
serving with Chairman Bill Young for over 30 years on the
Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, and said this about
him:
Chairman Young did more for the men and women in the
Armed Forces than anyone in Congress. Bill and Beverly
made weekly trips to Bethesda and Walter Reed to see our
wounded warriors and offered personal help to their
families. Bill Young believed in bipartisanship; the
Defense Subcommittee almost always reported the Defense
Appropriations bill with all Members, Democrats and
Republicans, in full support. Bill was a great American, a
great leader, and a great friend and he will be truly
missed.
Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker I rise today in honor of Charles
William Young, better known to his colleagues and
constituents as Bill. I am deeply saddened Congressman
Young, a man who put all others before himself, has
passed--he will be sorely missed.
Although I only had the pleasure of working with Bill
for a short time, I benefited greatly from his leadership
and the strong example of service to the United States and
Florida that he set. Congressman Young leaves behind a
long history of dedicated service to his constituents and
the veterans of America.
Bill saw the Nation through some of her most tumultuous
times, and throughout all of it he worked tirelessly to
make sure our Nation's veterans were taken care of. He was
a constant fixture at VA medical centers in Florida and in
the Washington, DC, area always making sure the veterans
were receiving the best possible care.
I proudly join my colleagues in renaming the Bay Pines
VA Medical Center the C.W. Bill Young Department of
Veterans Affairs Medical Center as a small token of the
Nation's gratitude for his dedicated service.
I urge my colleagues to pass this small gesture of our
gratitude without objection.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Miller) that
the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3302.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the
affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was
passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate this
presentation. We had one of those very important moments
to recognize the long service of one of our colleagues.
As we listen to those eulogies, I think all of us should
be reminded of the awesome responsibilities that we share
here in the House of Representatives. Bill Young,
obviously, felt those responsibilities deeply. He carried
them out for an extraordinary length of time--almost 43
years. We are thankful for his service, for his memory;
for what he has taught us about perseverance and
steadfastness; and also, as you can tell from the various
eulogies, about working across the aisle. . . .
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in proud support,
and as an original cosponsor of H.R. 3302, naming the
Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Bay Pines, FL, as the
``C.W. Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical
Center.''
I thank the Chair and ranking member of the Veterans
Affairs Committee, Mr. Miller of Florida and Mr. Michaud
of Maine, for working together to expedite the
consideration of this fitting tribute to one of the most
beloved Members to serve in this body.
Mr. Speaker, this is a fitting tribute to one of the
greatest champions of the men and women who don the
uniform in defense of our Nation, the late C.W. Bill Young
of Florida, who died last Friday, October 18, 2013, at the
age of 82.
Mr. Speaker, Bill Young was more than a great
legislator. He was a good man. Virtually every Member who
served with Bill has a story about how the gentleman from
Florida lent his ear or a helping hand to help advance a
critical project or further a legislative priority. I am
no exception.
Earlier this year, Chairman Young worked with me to win
inclusion in H.R. 1960, the National Defense Authorization
Act, of my amendment providing increased funding and
support for medical research related to triple negative
breast cancer. Chairman Young also helped me to $10
million in increased funding to support work to assist
servicemembers suffering from post-traumatic stress
disorders (PTSD). This act of kindness on the part of Bill
Young is changing lives in my congressional district,
which is home to one of the Nation's largest
concentrations of veterans suffering from PTSD. Bill's
compassion for our veterans and his colleagues knew no
limits.
Bill Young was born December 16, 1930, in Harmarville,
PA. A flood washed away his home at age 6 where he lived
with his single mother. An uncle had a hunting camp in
Florida, so the family moved there when he was 16. Bill
Young dropped out of St. Petersburg High School to support
his ill mother, Wilma M. Hulings. He joined the Army
National Guard and served from 1948 to 1957.
In 1960 Bill Young was elected to the Florida Senate,
where he served from 1961 to 1970, and was minority leader
in that chamber from 1966 to 1970. Until 1963 Bill Young
was the only Republican Senator in Florida.
From 1999 to 2005 Congressman Young served as chairman
of the House Appropriations Committee, overseeing the
entire Federal discretionary budget. In fact, the last
time the United States had a balanced Federal budget was
under his chairmanship.
Throughout his service on the Appropriations Committee,
Bill Young has been dedicated to improving the quality of
life of the men and women who serve and who have served in
the military. He regularly met with enlisted personnel and
officers to assess their needs, and as a result, Congress
has invested in improved base housing, better medical
care, increased pay, and more modern equipment for the
military.
Congressman Young has also been a leading advocate for
increased biomedical research. During his chairmanship of
the Appropriations Committee, he successfully led the
effort in Congress to double Federal medical research
funding over 5 years. He has likewise led the fight for
Federal funding for a variety of medical issues, including
an increased immunization rate for preschoolers, improved
public health programs nationwide, and cures for
Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.
Throughout his career of public service, Congressman
Young has been a strong advocate for the needs of Pinellas
County. Among other issues, he has worked to ease
congestion along U.S. Highway 19; attract high-tech jobs
to St. Petersburg; improve health care for low-income
children and families; protect the neighboring MacDill Air
Force Base; build a state-of-the-art medical center for
veterans at Bay Pines; ensure a steady supply of water for
the Tampa Bay area; and offset the effects of erosion on
the area's beaches.
For nearly 2 weeks, Congressman Young had been
hospitalized with back problems that stemmed from a 1970
small plane crash. Despite the circumstances, Congressman
Young vowed to beat his illness and battled valiantly
until the very last day, when he finished his journey on
Earth and ascended to the heavens.
Congressman Young was the longest serving Republican
Member of the House and was respected by all who knew him.
He served over 50 years in public office and worked with
eight Presidents of the United States. His presence will
be forever missed and we all mourn his loss and extend our
deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
But Bill Young's good work lives on. In renaming the
Veterans Affairs Medical Center at Bay Pines as the C.W.
Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center,
we consecrate a monument to a remarkable public servant
that exists to carry on the work to which Bill Young
dedicated his life: serving those who risked their lives
to keep us free.
Mr. Speaker, none of us who knew and admired Bill Young
will ever forget him or the way he brightened the lives of
all the people he served. He was one in a million and he
will be deeply missed. He will never be replaced. He was
an American original. He was my friend.
Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now
adjourn.
The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 9 o'clock and
31 minutes p.m.), under its previous order and pursuant to
House Resolution 383 and House Resolution 384, the House
adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday, October 23, 2013, at
10 a.m., for morning-hour debate, as a further mark of
respect to the memory of the late Honorable Thomas S.
Foley and the late Honorable C.W. Bill Young.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, last Friday I became aware of
the death of a great U.S. Congressman, Bill Young, from
Florida.
Mr. Young was the senior Republican Member, who served
in this House since 1970. He was a gentle soul, congenial,
friendly--always nice to me. I asked him to join with me
in the Tourette Syndrome Caucus, and he did. He was one of
the founding members. He was a leader in seeking funds for
biomedical research, which doubled during the time in
which he was the chairman of the Appropriations Committee.
He understood earmarks were the responsibility of this
Congress, and he fought for them and supported them.
He was close friends with John Murtha, and I was proud
to serve and to know both of them. Both men were in the
military reserve, and both men toward the end of their
careers recognized that war was wrong in places where they
had previously been for it--John Murtha in Iraq, and, in
2012, Mr. Young said that it was time to get out of
Afghanistan.
A great leader has passed. His funeral will be tomorrow
in the State of Florida. I was proud to know him. This
country was fortunate to have him serve in this body.
Mr. GOHMERT. . . . Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay a
brief tribute to a patriotic man who was devoted to the
military, devoted to seeing that the military had what it
needed, devoted to America. C.W. Bill Young will have his
funeral tomorrow in Florida. He was 82 years old. There
have been plenty of tributes written about Bill Young.
There will be many more written and many more spoken
tomorrow, and I will look forward to hearing those at his
funeral, but there is nothing that could be said that
could surpass the witness he was to who he was.
I talked to him numerous times. Sometimes I had
questions. Sometimes I had points to make. When I had
questions, he always had time. He was always honest--
completely honest, very sincerely honest. He was a kind,
decent, honest man. We miss when we lose a kind, decent,
honest man.
Bill Young, you will be missed.
Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, it is with a sense of
solemnity that I wish to honor the passing and memory of
our colleague, Congressman C.W. Bill Young, who passed
away on October 18, 2013, at the age of 82.
Congressman Young was the most senior Republican in both
Houses of Congress and represented the best of public
service. He served in the Florida State senate for 10
years before being elected to the U.S. House of
Representatives from the Tampa Bay area in 1970. In his
nearly 43 years in Congress, Congressman Young worked hard
for the people of his district and was especially tireless
in supporting military personnel and their families--both
legislatively and personally. He and his wife, Beverly,
were known for their countless visits to wounded soldiers.
Himself a veteran of the Army National Guard and Reserves,
Bill Young was the current chairman of the Defense
Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee, and he had
previously chaired that full committee from 1999 to 2005.
With decades of experience, Bill Young naturally became
a source of guidance for many of his colleagues. He had a
balanced and well-regarded approach to the issues and
affairs of Congress, and his personal kindness was known
to many. While this moment is significant for the people
of the 13th District of Florida and for the House itself,
my prayers today are especially with Congressman Young's
wife, Beverly, their three sons, and all of his loved
ones.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th District of Texas, I
ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring
and remembering Congressman Young.
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in proud support,
and as an original cosponsor of H. Res. 384, which
expresses the condolences of the House on the death and
recognizes the extraordinary contributions to our Nation
of Congressman C.W. Bill Young of Florida, who died last
Friday, October 18, 2013.
I thank the bipartisan leadership of the House and the
Chair and ranking member of the Veterans Affairs Committee
for working together to expedite the consideration of this
fitting tribute to one of the most beloved Members to
serve in this body.
Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 384 recognizes the extraordinary
contributions of Bill Young to public life in Florida and
the United States. It is both fitting and proper that the
People's House pay this tribute to a pioneering and path-
breaking man who devoted his life to serving the people.
Mr. Speaker, this happy moment stands in stark contrast
to the sorrowful evening of October 18, 2013, when we
learned that our dear friend and colleague, the great Bill
Young, had lost his life.
Monday, October 28, 2013
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution
384, and the order of the House January 3, 2013, the
Speaker on October 24, 2013, appointed the following
Members of the House to the committee to attend the
funeral of the late Honorable C.W. Bill Young:
The gentlewoman from Florida, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen
The gentleman from Ohio, Mr. Boehner
The members of the Florida delegation:
Ms. Corrine Brown
Mr. Hastings
Mr. Mica
Mr. Crenshaw
Mr. Miller
Mr. Diaz-Balart
Ms. Wasserman Schultz
Mr. Bilirakis
Mr. Buchanan
Ms. Castor
Mr. Posey
Mr. Rooney
Mr. Deutch
Mr. Nugent
Mr. Ross
Mr. Southerland
Mr. Webster
Ms. Wilson
Mr. Grayson
Mr. DeSantis
Ms. Frankel
Mr. Garcia
Mr. Murphy
Mr. Radel
Mr. Yoho
Other Members in attendance:
Mr. Cantor
Ms. Pelosi
Mr. Hoyer
Mr. McCarthy, California
Mr. Young, Alaska
Mr. Sensenbrenner
Mr. Rogers, Kentucky
Mr. Wolf
Mr. Visclosky
Mr. Bishop, Georgia
Mr. Calvert
Mr. McKeon
Mr. Frelinghuysen
Ms. Jackson Lee, Texas
Mr. Latham
Mr. Price, North Carolina
Mr. Aderholt
Ms. Granger
Mr. Sessions
Mr. Carter
Mr. Cole
Mr. King, Iowa
Mr. Gohmert
Mr. Roe, Tennessee
Mr. Nunnelee
Mr. Womack
Mr. MICA. Madam Speaker, I am very pleased tonight to
lead a Special Order in memory of the life and service of
our dear friend, our colleague from Florida, Mr. Bill
Young. We will hear from members of the Florida delegation
and also from leaders from the committee on which he was a
leader, himself.
To lead off tonight in our Special Order in that vein, I
am very pleased to yield first to the chair of the
Appropriations Committee of the House of Representatives,
on which Mr. Young served so distinguishably, the
gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers).
Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Let me thank my colleague from
Florida for yielding me this time.
Madam Speaker, I rise today with a very heavy heart to
honor the memory and service of our dear friend and
colleague, Bill Young.
Bill served in this House and he served this country for
decades with compassion and distinction. I have not known
this institution without him--most of us are in that same
situation--and I believe it will take a long time to fill
the hole that his absence has left. As an appropriator, he
was a role model for all of us. When I became chairman of
the committee, I knew I had some very large shoes to fill
in following in the footsteps of Chairman Young, among
others. He fought with determination and enthusiasm to
make this country a better place.
Bill was a champion for our troops and veterans
especially, both in the Halls of Congress and outside. His
fierce determination and dedication to our troops and
veterans never wavered. As we all know, he and his dear
wife, Beverly, were to be found very frequently at
Bethesda or at Walter Reed in the city or at a hospital
overseas where troops were sick, and they spent hours and
hours helping those who were injured.
He was the chairman of the Defense Subcommittee on the
Appropriations Committee for many years. He also served on
the Military Construction and Veterans' Affairs
Subcommittee, and his thumbprint is very visible in the
improved medical care and in the quality of life of our
troops, among the many other issues that he held dear to
his heart.
Bill was a leader in this House who was able to make his
mark with grace and fortitude. He was a lion about the
things that he cared about; but he was a gentle lion, and
he did things with grace and with a quiet voice until you
crossed him on the betterment of our troops. Then Bill
Young would let you know where to get off.
I will miss Bill Young greatly as I know all of us will.
My prayers are with his family, with Beverly, with his
many friends, and with all of those who had the privilege
of knowing and working with Bill Young. He will be greatly
missed.
Mr. MICA. I thank the gentleman.
We are also pleased to have with us tonight a
distinguished leader of the Florida delegation and now the
dean of the Florida delegation--our senior member--to pay
tribute to Bill Young. I yield to the gentlelady from
Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen).
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Chairman, thank you for the time.
A good man, a warm friend, and a true patriot, Bill
Young was an example for all of us here in Congress, and
it was an honor and a privilege to serve with him. Madam
Speaker, the loss of Bill's experience and knowledge will
be felt by everyone in this Chamber.
The consummate gentleman from Florida, Bill was always
ready to listen to his colleagues on both sides of the
aisle, greeting everyone with a smile. Both principled and
honest while maintaining civility with his colleagues,
Bill never allowed differences of opinion to devolve into
partisan bickering, and he worked with Republicans and
Democrats to balance our budget as chairman of the House
Appropriations Committee.
A tenacious public servant, Bill dedicated his life to
his constituents. His number one priority was ensuring
those who serve our country get the help and the services
they need to be successful. Improving the quality of life
for veterans and for all active duty personnel, including
those in the Reserve and the National Guard, was Bill's
mission. Bill was always there for those returning from
combat, visiting and helping our wounded warriors with his
wife, Beverly, and providing for our veterans at the
medical facility in Bay Pines, which now bears his name.
As chairman of the Appropriations National Defense
Subcommittee, Bill oversaw spending by the Pentagon and
worked to ensure the readiness of our military in combat.
His efforts helped not just those in his district but
Americans across the Nation. His legacy will be seen
around every corner, from the beaches of Pinellas County
to our fighting forces around the world.
A genuine statesman, Bill's accomplishments are as
varied as they are numerous. He fought to protect
Florida's environment by blocking drilling close to our
gulf coast and in helping to restore eroding beaches. With
Beverly, Bill helped create a national bone marrow
registry with almost 10 million donors registered thus
far. Just as he fought for his own district, he could
always be counted upon to help us with our constituent
needs.
In 1991 in his district, he saved MacDill Air Force Base
from closure; and a year later, he helped rebuild and
protect Homestead Air Reserve Base in my congressional
district after the devastation of Hurricane Andrew.
Through his vital efforts in my district, the Miami River
dredging project was completed--a project that continues
to generate billions for the shipping industry, to create
jobs and to spur economic growth in south Florida. It
couldn't have happened without Bill Young. Bill was
instrumental in assisting Tampa Bay residents and those in
my south Florida community and, indeed, across our
country.
A true gentleman, a public servant, and a friend, Bill
Young deserves all of our thanks, Madam Speaker. He will
be forever remembered as a champion not just for Florida
but, indeed, for our entire great Nation.
I thank the gentleman for arranging this Special Order.
Mr. MICA. I thank the gentlelady.
Mr. Young was respected not only by his Republican peers
and colleagues but by peers on both sides of the aisle. So
I am pleased now to yield to a senior member of the
Florida delegation on the other side of the aisle, the
cochair, Mr. Hastings.
Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Thank you very much. I
appreciate you, Mr. Mica, my colleague, for arranging this
Special Order, and it is special that we come here to
speak about a gentleman who was special to us all.
Madam Speaker, obviously, we are here with heavy hearts
and with great sadness tonight in our honoring of a friend
and a colleague, Congressman Bill Young.
Bill was an assiduous public servant and a tireless
advocate for all Floridians; but above all, he was a man
of integrity and a true statesman. The House of
Representatives will not be the same without him. He
served in Congress for 42 years; and I, as well as others,
am deeply honored to have had the opportunity to serve
alongside him for the past two decades. He dedicated
himself to providing for our Nation's service men and
women and was a powerful voice for America's best
interests at home and abroad. His distinguished career has
left its mark on the lives of countless Americans.
When I first came to Congress in 1992, I met with Bill
Young and Sam Gibbons. They were on opposite sides of the
aisle, but were dear friends, dedicated to Florida and to
making the Florida delegation strong. I remember vividly
learning from both of them through the years. In addition,
throughout all of the travails of hurricanes and
disasters, Bill Young stood with all of us who suffered
during those periods, and he did everything he could to
bring resources to Florida and to this Nation during
disasters.
My first experience with an earmark was when Bill became
chairman of the Appropriations Committee. I didn't know
much about the process, but I knew that I wanted to get
money in the budget to contribute to the African American
Research Center in Fort Lauderdale in my congressional
district. When I went to him, I was nervous because I
wasn't sure how it would be handled, and he calmed me very
easily by saying, ``It is done.'' For sure, he had had a
hand in the development of that particular research
center, which stands, and I honor him for having assisted
in bringing resources there.
Last week, Speaker Boehner said:
It has only been a week since we began trying to imagine
the House without Bill Young--an impossible task in its
own right--and now he is gone. In our sorrow, we recall
how not a day went by without a colleague seeking Bill's
counsel as he sat on his perch in the corner of the House
floor.
I certainly had the distinction of going to that corner
and consulting with him.
President Obama said in his statement:
Congressman Young will be remembered for his advocacy
and support for the armed services, servicemembers and
their families, as well as for his statesmanship and his
long history of working across the aisle to keep our
country moving forward.
Defense Secretary Hagel said:
He will be remembered as a passionate advocate for the
welfare of America's servicemembers and military veterans.
Though his loss will be felt by many, his legacy and
commitment to a strong national defense will always
inspire us.
It is the height of irony that our friend would pass at
Walter Reed Hospital. No one in this body spent as much
time with our military at Walter Reed and around this
country as did Bill Young. He, of course, has a legacy
that is far excellent in that arena and also in bringing
resources to the area that he served as well as to other
areas around this Nation.
Tonight, I join with the people of Florida in keeping
Beverly, Bill's sons, grandchildren, family, friends, and
staff in my thoughts and prayers during this time of
enormous sadness and loss.
Once again, I thank you, Chairman Mica, for arranging
for us to have the privilege of honoring this great
American.
Mr. MICA. Thank you.
Now, in continuing hearing from the leadership of our
delegation, I am pleased to yield to the chairman of the
Florida delegation, the gentleman whose district is
adjacent to Mr. Young's, to the south, Mr. Vern Buchanan.
Mr. BUCHANAN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the memory of my
dear friend, colleague and mentor, Congressman Bill Young.
For over four decades there has not been a stronger
voice in this Chamber for our brave men and women in
uniform other than Bill Young. My district was just south
of Bill Young's district, and we have almost 90,000
veterans. There is nobody who has benefited, I think, in
terms of a district more than our veterans have in terms
of Bill Young's leadership and in what he has brought to
Pinellas County and to the State of Florida. He was an
inspiration to so many because he personified the most
important virtue of public service--he did it for others.
As dean of the Florida delegation, Bill provided wisdom
and counsel to Members on both sides of the aisle. He
served this great institution with devotion, civility, and
distinction. I am honored personally to have served with
this extraordinary man. With his passing, the State of
Florida and the Nation have lost an outstanding lawmaker,
statesman, and public servant. My thoughts and prayers are
with his family during this difficult time.
Mr. MICA. I am pleased now to recognize another
colleague across the aisle. Again, Bill Young's
friendships and his service included everyone in the House
of Representatives and in the Congress, so I am pleased to
yield 3 minutes to the gentlelady from Ohio, Marcy Kaptur.
Ms. KAPTUR. I want to thank Chairman Mica so very much
for the privilege of extending the deepest condolences of
the people of Ohio to the Young family, to the
constituents of Congressman Bill Young's district in
Florida.
It was such a privilege to know him. Truly, he was not
just a vigilant patriot, though that surely would have
been enough, but he really was a man of the House. He
belonged here, and his people knew that for over four
decades.
When I think of Bill Young, I think of words like
courage, perseverance, insight, and fair play. He had a
gentlemanly demeanor every time that I encountered him. He
had a respect for regular order, for the gavel, and for
seniority, which I share. He had a fortitude about him
that people in my part of the country call real spunk, and
he had a sparkle in his eye and an easy smile and an
understanding. He was such a real human being.
Part of that is the fact that he grew up very poor in
Pennsylvania in a coal town in an old shack. He really
knew what poverty was. He didn't have an easy childhood
and he never forgot that. Yet he rose to be a master
appropriator. In that capacity, he was not imperious but
collegial, and he handled the gavel with fair play.
He loved his wife, Beverly, so much. I can still see her
sitting in the gallery or coming unannounced into a
committee meeting. He loved his family and he loved
Florida.
He worked so hard for the men and women in our armed
services and our veterans, certainly in his own State
where right near him is the Bay Pines Veterans Medical
Center, the fourth largest veterans facility in the
country, but also all the operations of SOUTHCOM, as in
his last decade of service dealing with all that we have
to on the Defense Subcommittee in terms of the wars being
conducted in Afghanistan and, of course, Iraq. He was
engaged in all the intelligence at the highest levels and
kept his good measure. His endurance and his heroic
battles in these years that all of us witnessed showed the
true measure of the man.
In closing, Madam Speaker, I would just like to say I
will be seeing Bill Young in all the old familiar places,
not just here on the floor, but as we travel in codels to
some of the most godforsaken places on Earth, as we visit
some of the highest level research facilities in our
country and our men and women in uniform. I shall always
remember Bill Young and be grateful for having been able
to serve with him.
Mr. MICA. I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the
gentleman from Miami, Mr. Mario Diaz-Balart, another
Florida colleague, who is also a gentleman who served with
Mr. Young distinguishably on the Appropriations Committee.
Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Chairman Mica, thank you for bringing
us together today.
Madam Speaker, you have heard of Bill Young, the
statesman, and that he was. We all know how he was,
perhaps, the best friend and strongest ally of our troops,
men and women in uniform, those in battle, those currently
in uniform, and those who are veterans.
But those of us who worked with him and got to know him
here know him, frankly, almost as like a godfather to all
of us. There is not one time that we didn't go to him that
he would not be helpful.
I remember after those storms in Florida, when we had a
bunch of hurricanes, going to see Bill Young about getting
help for the folks who had been hurt by the storms. His
wisdom and his desire to help was always so present. He
was always helpful, whether it was Everglades restoration,
because he was also such a champion for the environment.
Again, always with a smile.
Then I got to know him better when I, again, served with
him in Appropriations and was able to see how he mastered
that appropriations process like, frankly, nobody before
him and I think potentially nobody after him will again.
I will tell you, Madam Speaker, the part that to me was
a real privilege was that he was one of the people that I
whipped. He was on my whip card. So I would go on
different issues and talk to him about the issue and find
out if he was leaning one way or another. Every time I
went there, what I got from Bill Young was, frankly, a
lesson. He instructed. I was never able to inform him
about what the issues were; he informed me. He instructed
me like he always instructed all of us. And always, Madam
Speaker, with that incredible, warm smile, with that warm,
firm handshake, which he had until the very end.
He never complained. We all know that for a long time he
was in pain and yet never complained. He always wanted to
make sure that you were feeling good, and he always wanted
to know what he could do for you, never asking for
himself.
I said recently--and I have got to find out who said
this--but I heard or read someplace that ``to be a great
man you first have to be a good man.'' Madam Speaker, Bill
Young was a great man for so many reasons: for all that he
did for this country, for all that he did for the State of
Florida, for all that he did for our troops and the
environment, the way he helped his colleagues, or how
generous and how humble and how caring and loving he was.
He was an incredibly good man. If there is anybody that
applies to, that before you can become a great man you
have to be a good man, if there is anybody that that
describes, it is our chairman, Bill Young.
To his family, to his constituents, to the troops, and
the veterans who are, in essence, his family as well, our
deepest condolences. Bill Young is irreplaceable. There
will never be somebody like him again.
What a privilege and what an honor. One of the
privileges and honors, the greatest privileges and honors
of my life, was to be able to work with him, to get to
know him, to be his friend.
So again, to his constituents and to his family, our
condolences. We will miss him, and he will never be
forgotten.
Mr. MICA. Madam Speaker, I am now pleased to yield 3
minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Farr),
again, reaching across the aisle with the respect and
esteem in which Mr. Young was held.
Mr. FARR. Thank you, Congressman Mica, for yielding.
Madam Speaker, I feel it is a very special privilege to
be able to pay honor to our colleagues here. I think of
Bill Young as being one of the lions, one of the giants of
this institution, because he really used the institution
for what we all get elected to do.
First of all, he loved public service. He was in an
elective office for 52 years between State and Federal
Government. He also served in the National Guard Active
Duty and Reservist for 15 years. His life was about
service. He used his service here in Congress to be what I
think this institution is all about: it is about
leadership; it is about friendship; and it is also about
accomplishment. I don't think anybody has had a better
record of accomplishment in so many different fields.
I came here in 1993, and I had the largest military base
in the United States close--Fort Ord, CA. I got to know
the people on the Defense Appropriations Committee. On my
side of the aisle was Jack Murtha. It seems like Jack's
best friend was a Republican on the other side of the
aisle, Bill Young. Jack said, ``You better go tell Bill
everything you have told me about needing some help.''
We were trying to convert swords to plowshares by
building a brand-new university to serve the underserved
population in Fort Ord, and we needed appropriations for
it. Bill just jumped on it. He knew the purpose. Even
though he was a strong warrior, he really realized that
this was the future after a base was closed.
I invited him out to the district. He came to Monterey,
CA, where we still had the Defense Language Institute.
Bill went in there and saw that all the languages we were
teaching were the old tape recorders where you had to wind
and rewind. He said, ``My God, you need some modern
equipment,'' and put in appropriations to get that
equipment. He visited the Naval postgraduate school and
got a lot of really interesting feedback from soldiers who
had just come out of theater.
His and Jack's friendship--Jack Murtha, who predeceased
him--was just remarkable in this House. If there is a
legacy here, it is their legacy. It is how two people
being on the Appropriations Committee should--and we all
need to go back to what we have been calling regular
order, where we come here to accomplish things, to fix
things that are broken. Bill Young was probably the first,
if any, who would talk about needing to bring back the
ability to help areas that just don't get formula money--
earmarks. If you disclose them and go through a process so
that you don't have the client-assigned stuff, these
things are good, particularly for rural Americans, and
particularly for areas where people are really poor.
I think my favorite story is that when he came out to
the Defense Language Institute, came on military air,
Beverly, his wife, insisted, since I represent Carmel,
that I get our former mayor, Clint Eastwood, to have lunch
with them. So we arranged that at Clint's Mission Ranch.
On the way from Monterey over to Carmel, we passed by
the beach, and there was a stranded sea lion there.
Beverly got out and said, ``We've got to take care of the
sea lion before anything else,'' and had the entire crew
of the airplane--because she insisted they had to come to
lunch with her, they had to help get the sea lion. Well,
we had marine mammal rescue, and they eventually showed
up.
When we got to the restaurant, I don't think anybody
thought that the whole crew was going to come. Bill was
insistent, ``No, everybody is equal here.'' It didn't
matter whether you were a Congress Member or just a crew
member; you were going to get a chance to have lunch with
Clint Eastwood.
We had a lot of laughs, a lot of discussion about
things. Then that led to--and I hadn't realized it. Bill
was a big animal rights supporter. He and I authored a
bill with his friend, Bob Barker, who was here. I met Bob
Barker through him. Bob Barker, ``The Price is Right,''
had dedicated a lot of his life to banning elephants in
circuses. Bill said, ``I am going to author that bill.''
So we did a bipartisan author, and Bob Barker came. In
fact, we linked up with Kim Basinger, the movie star, who
was very interested in that issue. We went on, and we
didn't win that bill, but we won the puppy mill bill, and
we won some other humane treatment of animals. He was
really interested in that.
Best of all, I think he left a legacy that we need to
get back to: a legacy of production, a legacy of
comraderie where we really like each other, and a legacy
that takes care of not only all the soldiers--because they
didn't care what rank you had; if you were a person in
uniform, you were all equal and being treated in the most
respectful way--but he also did that for people of less
fortune and for animals who need a voice in Congress as
well. What a wonderful man.
Beverly and your sons, I really am going to miss going
to Appropriations Committee meetings and seeing Bill
there. So Beverly and your three adult sons, Rob, Billy,
and Patrick, we all share your grief, and Congress will
certainly miss Bill Young, a great man in this
institution.
Mr. MICA. I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the
gentleman from Florida, the Honorable Gus Bilirakis,
another Florida colleague, and he also has a district that
is adjacent to Mr. Young's.
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember
the life and service of someone I admire greatly for his
wisdom and humility, my dear friend and mentor, Chairman
Bill Young.
While I always referred to him as ``Chairman'' because
of the respect he commanded, he used to beg me not to use
that term, insisting, in his typical humble fashion, as
Mr. Farr alluded to, that we were all equal in this
Chamber.
Over the past five decades, the Chairman graciously
served Florida and the Tampa Bay area, leading many
projects and initiatives to promote economic growth and
create jobs back at home. His contributions to his
district, the entire Tampa Bay area, and to the military
in particular, are immeasurable.
He was instrumental in saving MacDill Air Force Base and
helped grow Tampa Bay into a hub for our defense industry.
In addition, he played a significant role in winning
critical funding for Bay Pines Veterans Administration
Medical Center, which supports a large number of veterans
in our area. For his efforts, my colleague and I have
joined together in support of renaming this valuable
medical facility in his honor.
His contributions also extend to higher education with
his role in developing centers of excellence in technology
and marine science at the University of South Florida.
Finally, we will all remember his work on behalf of sick
children in creating a national registry for bone marrow
donors.
While the Chairman came from humble beginnings, he has
left behind a rich legacy that we, as Members of Congress
and Americans, must all aspire to achieve. The Chairman
was never afraid to reach across the aisle and always
worked for the greater good.
I am extremely thankful that I was able to express my
gratitude and admiration to him last week when I visited
him at his bedside. I told him how much his colleagues and
constituents loved him and appreciated all he did for
them.
In closing, I wanted to share a few words from a final
letter my father, former Congressman Mike Bilirakis, sent
to his former colleague:
Dear Bill: Since we are roughly the same age (remember,
I am 5 months older so we've joked about ``respecting your
elders''), we have expected that this day would come for
both of us but first for me and not so soon. We grew up in
the same Pittsburgh area at the same time--tough
depression poverty, which made us tough. We didn't know
each other then, but I guess our Lord decreed we would
meet in Pinellas County, Florida, years later. We worked
hard, climbed out of poverty and became successful--the
good old American way.
Bill, you have earned eternal rest, but our world will
certainly miss you. The Florida corner in the House
Chambers will miss you as well. Thanks for being my friend
and, in many ways, a younger mentor. Thanks for being a
great American patriot. Thanks for the good you have done
for all of us. Yours has been a life well lived. May your
memory be eternal.
We will certainly miss you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. MICA. Madam Speaker, I join my colleagues in paying
tribute to my good friend and fellow Member of Congress,
C.W. Bill Young.
More than four decades ago, I first met Bill when I
served as a campaign aide to the late Congressman Bill
Cramer. Bill Young was a Florida State senator at the time
who was seeking the St. Petersburg, West Florida Coast
congressional seat being vacated by my boss who was
running in 1970 for the U.S. Senate.
Bill Young had already served as a congressional aide to
Bill Cramer and then was elected as Florida's first
Republican State senator since the Civil War. Bill Cramer
when elected was the first GOP U.S. House Member since
that era.
As fate would unfold, Bill Cramer lost and Bill Young
took his seat in Congress.
I had aligned myself with Florida's West Coast GOP
political operatives called the ICY Machine. Those were
initials for Jack Insco, a top Cramer aide and political
strategist, Bill Cramer, and Bill Young, a Florida
political powerhouse at that time.
While my boss lost his election, I gained great
experience and wonderful friends. Among them, Bill Young,
rising GOP star, and his two young aides, George Cretekos
and Doug Gregory. Both George and Doug served with Bill
Young for over three decades, during which I was
privileged to count all among my friends and political
allies.
As an aide to U.S. Senator Paula Hawkins from 1980 to
1985, I had the honor of working with two GOP leaders who
worked tirelessly for Florida and our Nation.
I must say, two legends with two very different styles.
Paula had a flair for the media and attention and Bill
quietly pursued his legislative agenda. Both were highly
effective in their own way. Paula championed missing
children and Bill rose as a champion of our military. Now
both have joined the ages and are part of the history of
Congress and the State of Florida.
Having worked with Bill Young on military issues
important to our State and Nation as recently as the past
few weeks, I can tell you no one could be more effective.
No one could be more respected or trusted.
While fond memories of Bill Young continue, his real
legacy will transcend generations for our military and
long benefit our national defense.
For his tireless work on behalf of all Americans and all
citizens of the Sunshine State, I join my colleagues in
this special tribute to C.W. Bill Young.
What a great privilege it has been to share part of my
life and grow memories with Bill Young. I extend my
deepest sympathies to his wife, Beverly, to the Young
family, and to his devoted staff and constituents.
Madam Speaker, at this time I will yield back my time
with the intent of relinquishing the balance of the time
to one of the leaders from Florida and also a member of
the Appropriations Committee, Mr. Crenshaw.
I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced
policy of January 3, 2013, the gentleman from Florida (Mr.
Crenshaw) will control the remainder of the hour.
Mr. CRENSHAW. Madam Speaker, before I introduce and call
on a couple of my colleagues, I would like to say a brief
word about my longtime friend and mentor, C.W. Bill Young.
I first met Bill when he was in the Florida Senate. He was
the Republican leader in the Florida Senate. He was the
minority leader. I think my colleagues might be interested
to know that he was the Republican leader, minority
leader, not because he gathered all the votes of the other
minority members, the Republicans; he was the Republican
leader because he was the only Republican in the Florida
Senate.
You might say maybe that diminishes that leadership
role, and I would say just the reverse is true because
Bill Young was such a great leader, such a man of courage
and conviction that he would stand up for whatever he
believed, even if there was no one there to stand up with.
I think it is because of that conviction, because of that
commitment, that we are here tonight to honor his legacy.
I found it interesting that about 25 years later I found
myself in the Florida Senate, and I became the first
Republican to be elected president of that body, and I got
a note from Bill Young. He said, ``We've come a long
way.''
Of course when I came to Congress, he was there to help
me become a member of the Armed Services Committee because
he knew that I cared about the military. He was there to
help me become a member of the Appropriations Committee
and the Defense Subcommittee which he loved so very much.
He taught me and he taught all of us that everyone has
value. Everyone has worth, whether it is a private first
class or four star general, and he lived and died by the
belief that if we are to be the land of the free, it is
because we take care of our brave.
So that is the way he lived his life, and we will hear
tributes tonight--we heard tributes last Thursday in Largo
at his funeral, but I believe that the lasting legacy that
Bill Young leaves will be seen for generations to come in
the greatness of our military, and in the compassion that
we have for those who serve and those who are wounded.
So, Madam Speaker, I simply want to say tonight that
America lost a great leader, and I lost a great friend.
Godspeed, Bill Young.
Now I would like to yield to one of my colleagues on the
Appropriations Committee, the chairman of the State,
Foreign Operations Subcommittee and a member of the
Defense Subcommittee which Bill Young chaired, the
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger).
Ms. GRANGER. I thank the gentleman from Florida for
yielding me time.
Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to and
celebrate the life of an outstanding public servant, Bill
Young. It is a true honor to have been able to know a man
like Chairman Young and to be able to call him both a
friend and a role model for all of us. There is no one who
was more respected, decent, gracious, dedicated, and
humble. Everyone who crossed his path is richer for the
experience. That is evident through the hundreds of people
who attended his memorial service last week. His service
was attended by over 30 Members of Congress. During a time
of such partisanship, the respect for Chairman Young was
illustrated through the attendance from both sides of the
aisle, including leadership.
The respect the military has for his lifelong advocacy
for our national security and for our servicemembers was
evident through the attendance and heartfelt eulogies of
former Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England and the
Commandant of the Marine Corps, General James Amos.
It was clear that the Department of Defense depended on
him. Immediately before the service began, General Amos
bestowed a very rare and appropriate honor by naming
Chairman Young an honorary Marine.
I will never forget when I was first appointed to the
Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. As one of the first
women ever to serve on the subcommittee, I wasn't sure how
I would be treated, but Bill immediately brought me in and
treated me with respect and kindness, as he did to
everyone. Gender didn't matter to him; he only cared about
my commitment to the military and to our Nation.
When John Wooden wrote ``the true test of a man's
character is what he does when no one is watching,'' he
clearly was talking about Chairman Young. Over the years,
we have all heard many stories about the personal interest
and assistance that he and Beverly provided for our
wounded soldiers, but we never heard these stories from
him. He never talked about what he did. He was motivated
by doing what was right for someone else's health and
well-being.
When Marine Lance Corporal Josh Callihan spoke at the
memorial service, it was the first time that most of us
had ever heard about the extraordinary efforts the
Chairman and Beverly took to help this wounded warrior.
Lance Corporal Callihan had been shot in the back and
sustained significant damage to his spinal cord. With no
family support system, he was in Bethesda injured both
physically and emotionally. Then he met Bill and Beverly
Young, and his life changed forever. They stepped in and
became his family, helping him to recover. Today, Josh
calls the Chairman and Beverly ``mom'' and ``dad.'' After
many years of hard work, he is now married and expecting
his first child. According to Josh, none of this would be
possible without Bill Young.
As I was thinking about what I wanted to say about
Chairman Young, I realized it was impossible to do justice
to such an extraordinary man merely through words. He was
truly one of a kind. The best way we can honor this man is
to redouble our efforts to our national security and to
the treatment of our servicemembers and their families. I
ask that all of my colleagues join me to make sure that we
carry on his legacy.
In closing, I want to let Beverly, their children, his
friends and his staff, who were part of his family, know
that you all remain in our thoughts and our prayers.
Mr. CRENSHAW. Madam Speaker, I would like to yield to
the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Carter), another member of
the Homeland Security Subcommittee.
Mr. CARTER. I thank the gentleman from Florida for
yielding.
We can talk about Bill Young all night, a man who came
from nothing and grew to be head and shoulders above,
champion for America's military. But I think the thing
that struck everybody who ever met Bill Young was his
humanity. He was just such a kind, gentle, fine man. He
cared about every soul he met. He took the time when I was
a freshman to meet me and talk to me. I told him I had
some interest in appropriations and learning how it
worked, and he sat down and talked to me about it.
Whenever I had any questions I needed to ask him, he was
always very informative and very kind in explaining things
to people, to me and others.
Bill Young was a very special man because he came from
very meager means and he rose up to a position of power,
but you would have never known by his interaction with
humanity that he was a man of power in this government
because everybody who draws a breath was important to Bill
Young. But the most important people were those who served
in our armed services.
I wanted to share something which I think is a perfect
description of the kind of man Bill Young was. I had the
privilege to go on a trip with him to Normandy for an
anniversary of that landing on D-day, and on the way we
landed in Shannon, Ireland. When we arrived, it just so
happened that at least one or two brigades from Fort Hood,
TX, which is in my district, were there, ordinary soldiers
and their officers in transit to Afghanistan.
When Bill Young came into the room, ordinary soldiers,
as if he were some kind of star that you would see in a
rock concert, started moving over to have their picture
taken with Chairman Young. Chairman Young at that time was
in a wheelchair most of the time. But as he did when he
presented his bill on this floor, he stood with every
soldier and took a picture. I stood on the periphery of
that and listened. He asked about their parents and where
they were from and about their deployments and their
needs. Just a gentle, kind, friendly man with hundreds of
soldiers gathered around him.
I heard one soldier ask another soldier: ``Who is that
guy? It looks like everybody here wants to have their
picture taken.''
The other guy said: ``I don't know for sure, but the way
I understand it, he is the guy who makes sure when we go
to battle, we have everything that we need to be
victorious.''
That is a great statement about a human being and a
great statement about the man. He cared about all who
serve our Nation, but in particular those who risk their
lives on our behalf. In honor of Bill Young, I will always
remember that day where soldiers flocked to him just to be
seen with Mr. Young.
Mr. CRENSHAW. I now yield to the gentleman from
California (Mr. Calvert), another member of the Defense
Appropriations Subcommittee that Bill Young chaired.
Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, tonight I join my colleagues
in honoring the life and legacy of a great man and an
American patriot, Bill Young.
I keep looking to my right and expect to see him with
that great smile, but I am sure tonight he is sitting at
the right hand of God.
The death of Congressman Bill Young was a great loss for
this Chamber, for our country, and for the millions of men
and women in uniform who were Bill Young's priority for
more than 40 years. Anyone who has served with Bill knew
of his unwavering dedication to our active duty military,
our veterans, and their families.
As chairman of both the Defense Appropriations
Subcommittee and the full Appropriations Committee, he was
both firm and fair. When it came to our troops, he was
uncompromising and insisted on nothing but the best for
the U.S. servicemembers.
Chairman Young was motivated by his genuine and deep
concern for the well-being of the individual soldier,
sailor, airman, marine, and guardsman. His concern went
far beyond politics and policies. As many of you know,
Bill and his wonderful wife, Beverly, took special
interest in our wounded veterans, visiting the wounded
regularly at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Whether in a committee hearing or in the military
hospitals around the world, he was tireless in visiting,
speaking with, and listening to these incredible
servicemembers.
While we can't hope to replace Bill Young, perhaps we
can follow his example and let his integrity, his gracious
manner, his firm commitment to the men and women who
protect this country serve as an inspiration to this
Chamber as we continue to wrestle with the same issues to
which he devoted his life.
On a personal note, I was honored to work with Chairman
Young on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. I was
continually impressed by his depth of knowledge. I think
it is safe to say that no one understood the Department of
Defense quite like Bill Young. His knowledge, expertise,
and compassion will be sorely missed on the subcommittee.
On my own behalf and on behalf of so many former Members
who served with Bill, like our mutual friend and former
chairman, Jerry Lewis, I extend my condolences to his
wife, Beverly, his sons, and his entire family.
Mr. CRENSHAW. Thank you.
I now yield to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole),
another member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.
Mr. COLE. I thank my friend for yielding.
Madam Speaker, like every Republican in this Chamber,
until 10 days ago, every day I served in the House of
Representatives I served with Bill Young.
It has been noted here that he was a lion and a legend.
At the time I was fortunate enough to come to this Chamber
in 2003, he was probably at the zenith of his influence.
He was chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, and
he was the confidant of the President, our military
leaders, and leaders around the world at a time when the
United States was at war.
No one cared more about the defense of the United States
of America than Bill Young, and no one cared and did more
for the people who actually bear the burden, the men and
women that wear the uniform of this country--past,
present, and future--than Chairman Young.
He was also a role model for many of us, a mentor, and a
friend. He was somebody who would reach out and help you,
take care of you, look after you, and give you the wisdom
and advice that only he, with all his years of experience,
can give. I remember on one occasion, not too long ago,
when the chairman was obviously ill in the last several
years of his life and still very active chairing our
committee, a pretty busy man, a man dealing with his own
problems; and I had tornadoes that hit my town in Moore,
OK. Two days after those tornadoes hit, Bill Young was on
the phone to tell me that I would be getting a telephone
call from representatives of a New York investment bank
called Cantor Fitzgerald, which had suffered grievous
damage during 9/11, where they had lost 650 of their 950
employees at the World Trade Center. That company made a
commitment that it would look after all of its people and
all of their families and would reconstitute itself, and
it did. Then they built on that commitment and said, ``We
are going to help other people that are in tragedy by
devoting all of our revenues earned on 9/11 of every
year--not just profits, everything we earn--to help people
in need.'' They have kept that commitment.
Bill Young had forged a relationship with them because
of all they had done to help men and women in uniform and
the victims of disaster. He said, ``They will be calling
you and they want to help.'' They did. They helped
literally hundreds of families with millions of dollars'
worth of personal and directed relief. That probably never
would have happened if Bill and Beverly Young had not
reached out to me at that point, and I and the people in
my community will be forever grateful to them.
So we have lost arguably, I think, the greatest
Republican Member of this body in the last two
generations. We have not seen his like before, and it will
be a long time again before we see anyone that rivals his
compassion, his character, his civility, his decency, and
his absolute devotion and commitment to our country and to
the men and women who defend it.
Mr. CRENSHAW. I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania
(Mr. Dent), another member of the Appropriations
Committee.
Mr. DENT. I too want to the take a moment to reflect
upon the life and service and dedication of Bill Young.
Much has been said about him already this evening, and I
too, like many, look back at that corner and want to see
Bill Young there, but obviously he is not with us.
Before calling Florida his home, Chairman Young was
actually born in Harmarville, PA, in Allegheny County in
western Pennsylvania, that area best known for steel and
coal. A lot of tough people came out of that area, and
certainly Bill Young, I think, really had a lot of the
character traits I associate with people there. He could
be very tough when he needed to be, very firm. He was just
like steel.
Also, we should not forget about his compassion. He was
a kind man, a gentle man, a patient man. I would often ask
him questions or make a request of him from time to time,
and he always listened to me very patiently. He had served
here for 22 terms. He didn't have to spend a whole lot of
time with me, but he did, and I always appreciated that.
He was a great mentor to me and to many other Members
here. It was a pleasure to serve with him.
There are so many other things about Chairman Young,
too. It has been mentioned about his support of our
troops, particularly our wounded warriors, and the impact
they had on him and the impact he had on those wounded
warriors.
When you get beyond the defense and veterans policy,
though, Chairman Young played an integral role in creating
a national registry for bone marrow donors back in 1986,
and that registry helped save more than 50,000 lives over
the years.
Again, not having known Bill Young as long as some of my
colleagues, I just wanted to say what an extraordinary
privilege it was for me to serve with him, to know him, to
call him a friend, and really to be one of my mentors here
in the House.
My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to Beverly and
the entire Young family during a difficult time.
Mr. CRENSHAW. I now yield to the gentleman from Florida
(Mr. Posey), one of Mr. Young's colleagues.
Mr. POSEY. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
Madam Speaker, I first met the man, the legend, really,
known as Bill Young, in 1974; but it wasn't until I got
elected to Congress in 2008 that I realized what a larger-
than-life true leader this man was and what a wonderful
and great mentor he was not just to me and everybody in my
freshman class, but we find out everybody that has ever
served in this place. He was wise, gentle, kind, honest,
thoughtful, and helpful to anyone just for the asking.
I called him a hero; and until his last days, he would
blush, as he was so humble, that anybody would address him
like that. What a wonderful man. Never, ever before and
probably never again will every man and woman serving us
in uniform have as great an advocate as they had in
Congressman Young.
My thoughts and prayers remain with Beverly, his family,
and his staff.
Rest in peace, Bill.
Mr. CRENSHAW. Thank you.
Now I yield time to the gentleman from Florida (Mr.
Nugent), another colleague and a member of the Rules
Committee.
Mr. NUGENT. Madam Speaker, it is with great humility
that I stand here tonight, and I think you have heard a
lot of Members tonight talk about Bill Young.
I think he has made the same impression on so many
Members on this side of the aisle and on the other side
about his humility, about his true caring about people,
about the caring that he has for the members of the
military.
As a father and a parent of three sons who serve in the
U.S. Army, what struck me so much about Bill and his wife,
Beverly, was their true compassion, particularly his
compassion as it relates to those who serve us. Beverly
was really the fire behind Bill with regards to a lot of
these issues as it relates to our veterans. Bill led the
way, but Beverly was right there carrying the flag
alongside Bill.
Madam Speaker, they were a team together. They worked
together for the betterment of all, and that is why Bill
is such a great American. While you have heard tonight in
this House talk about his legacy, you can't replace Bill
Young.
When I first met Bill Young here in this Chamber 3 years
ago, he was on that side sitting over there, and he had
had a fall and he was injured and he had been at Walter
Reed Army Medical Center, and his health continued to
decline over the last few years. I came in every day in
these Chambers to go see Bill Young because Bill was such
a good, kindhearted person. He had a great grip when he
shook your hand, and he always had a smile. When you asked
him, ``Mr. Chairman, how are you feeling today?,'' it was
never about him. You heard that from other Members today.
It was always about, ``How are your sons? How are your
boys?'' He knew that they were serving in harm's way in
Iraq and had been in Afghanistan. He was more worried
about them than himself.
I saw him and his wife, Beverly, on the airplane ride
back to Tampa almost every week, and without fail they
would offer their better seats to a service man or woman
who was in uniform walking down the aisle. They would get
up and say, ``Would you sit here?''
That is just the way they were built.
Bill and Beverly were a perfect match, and Bill has gone
on to a place that we can only aspire to go. I truly
believe that Bill is at the right hand of God. Maybe he is
talking about appropriations, talking about what is right
with America.
Mr. Chairman, I do appreciate the time you have given
all of us to be down here to talk about our good friend,
C.W. Bill Young, who will be missed by all.
God bless America.
Mr. CRENSHAW. Thank you, Mr. Nugent.
Our hour is just about over. We could go on for hours,
but I think you have all heard tonight that Bill Young was
a man that loved his Lord, he loved his wife, he loved his
family, he loved his country. You might say it just seems
like they don't make them like that any more, but the
truth is that they never did.
Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Madam Speaker, I was honored to be
asked by the Young family to be among those who delivered
eulogies for my departed friend and mentor last week in
Largo, FL. I ask unanimous consent that my statement be
included in the Record:
[The text of Mr. Frelinghuysen's eulogy may be found on
page 58.]
Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to
pay tribute to our late colleague, Congressman Bill Young.
Congressman Young was an extraordinary public servant
whose legacy of caring for his constituents and veterans
will not soon be forgotten. I am truly honored to have
served alongside him in Congress.
For more than four decades, Congressman Young championed
legislation to improve the lives of Floridians and all
Americans and never hesitated to reach across the aisle to
find common ground.
A veteran of the Army National Guard, Congressman Young
used his expertise on defense and security issues to
advocate for our men and women in uniform. Throughout his
legislative career, Congressman Young worked diligently to
ensure that our military had access to the training and
equipment necessary to be successful in their missions. He
also stood by our brave soldiers and their families at
home--making sure military retirees had access to health
care, defending benefits for military spouses, supporting
our wounded veterans, and honoring our fallen heroes who
made the ultimate sacrifice.
Congressman Young was a tireless advocate for Florida.
In the 1980s he established the first moratorium on
drilling off the west coast of Florida, and fought
subsequent efforts to repeal this moratorium. Mr. Young
also championed landmark legislation to protect the
Everglades, raising his voice to break a deadlock among
his colleagues.
His work to establish the National Marrow Donor Program
and support for biomedical research is another example of
how Congressman Young's efforts will touch lives many
years after his public service.
I remember shortly after I was first elected to
Congress, Mr. Young made it a point to reach out and share
his insights with me. During our time together on the
Appropriations Committee, I was so fortunate to learn from
this experienced Floridian and great statesman.
Congressman Young's leadership and service to all
Floridians will be truly cherished and forever missed. He
never stopped working for a better Nation and a better
Florida, and for that we should all be thankful. Our
Nation has lost a true champion whose legacy will continue
to inspire generations to come.
Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, C.W. Bill Young
was a truly great American who served the people of the
State of Florida with the utmost degree of
professionalism, excellence, and dedication for more than
50 years in both the Florida State senate and the U.S.
House of Representatives.
It was truly an honor and a privilege for me to serve
with Bill, and it would be impossible to list all the
things that I have learned from him in the few short
minutes that I have today. Anyone who was fortunate enough
to get to know Bill can tell you that there was perhaps no
greater advocate for our Nation's veterans and no greater
friend to our military than Bill Young.
Last week I was here on this floor to offer legislation
to rename the Bay Pines VA Medical Center after Bill. The
enormous outpouring of support, with 379 original
cosponsors, was a testament to Bill's tireless work on
behalf of veterans and the boundless respect that his
colleagues had for him. But, what many may not know is
that the current medical center in Bay Pines may not have
existed at all if not for Bill's work back in 1976. As
President Ford traveled through Florida, Bill joined him
aboard Air Force One. Despite opposition from high ranking
senior officials in the administration, Bill convinced
President Ford that the veterans of Central Florida needed
a new facility to make sure that our Nation upheld our
solemn promise ``to care for him who shall have borne the
battle and for his widow, and his orphan.'' Thanks to Bill
that facility was built.
Madam Speaker, Bill's distinguished service to our
Nation, as a veteran and a lawmaker, stands as a shining
example for every public servant, and indeed every
American, of what can be achieved through hard work,
patriotism, and an abiding faith in God. My wife Vicki and
I extend our deepest condolences to Bill's wife, Beverly,
children, Rob, Billy, and Patrick, and the entire Young
family. We will all miss Bill dearly, but we know that his
legacy will never be forgotten and that our Nation is that
much stronger thanks to his service.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, we have just observed a moment
of silence for Isaac Skelton. My good friend, Emanuel
Cleaver, Ike's good friend, Senator McCaskill, Lacy Clay,
and others who are here from the Missouri delegation, I
want to rise with them, not in a moment of silence, but in
a moment of tribute. We will perhaps have an opportunity
to speak for a longer time.
Yesterday, many of us had the opportunity to participate
in a memorial service for Tom Foley. Tom Foley was the
Speaker of this House.
A gentleman spoke who is, I think, one of the most
revered Members that has served in this body, Robert
Michel. Bob Michel was Tom Foley's friend. Bob Michel was
the leader of the Republican side of the aisle. They were
friends, colleagues, and cooperated with one another to
the benefit of this institution and its Members, and the
dean of the House adds, correctly, to the benefit of our
country and all its citizens.
Bob Michel observed the civility that each one of them
displayed and the willingness to reach out across the
aisle and to make things happen positively for our country
and for our citizens.
We lost another individual within the last weeks, Bill
Young, who was a similar personality, and added luster to
this Congress by his service and his civility.
Major Owens was another whom we lost. Four people who
made this institution a better place. . . .
How sad it is that these giants, Tom Foley, Bill Young,
Ike Skelton, and, yes, Major Owens, passed from this body,
passed from this life, but how joyful it is the
extraordinary contributions each of them made to this
House, which we should revere and love, the People's
House. . . .
Friday, November 15, 2013
Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, it is with tremendous sadness
that I mourn the passing of Chairman C.W. Bill Young--an
inspiring colleague and an outspoken champion for the U.S.
military. His passing will leave an enormous void in the
U.S. House of Representatives where he served for 43 years
and was admired and respected for his strength,
leadership, and unwavering commitment to military strength
and freedom around the world.
It was my honor to serve with him as a member of the
House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. As the
longest serving Republican in the House and former
chairman of the full Appropriations Committee, he was a
true inspiration to me and every Member who had the
privilege to serve our country alongside him. I will miss
Chairman Young as a colleague and a friend.
I extend my heartfelt prayers and condolences to
Chairman Young's family, especially his wife Beverly, who
was his constant companion, champion of military families,
and a true inspiration in her own right. The U.S. House of
Representatives and the United States of America has lost
a hero, and he will be sadly missed.
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
In Loving Memory
C.W. Bill Young
December 16, 1930-October 18, 2013
Processional
``God Bless the USA,'' John and Mary Wilson
Memorial Tribute
Welcome
Dr. Charlie W. Martin, Pastor Emeritus
First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks
Words of Tribute
The Hon. John Boehner (OH), Speaker of the House
Reading
``I'm Free,'' Paul K. Steele, MD
Words of Tribute
GEN James F. Amos,
Commandant, United States Marine Corps
Song
``My Way,'' Ryan Julian
Words of Tribute
The Hon. Steny Hoyer (MD), Member of Congress
Remarks and Prayer
Rev. Robert Wagenseil, Calvary Episcopal Church
Words of Tribute
The Hon. Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ), Member of Congress
Reading
``Live a Life that Matters,'' Mrs. Amy Epstein
Words of Tribute
The Hon. Gordon England,
Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense
Song
``Softly & Tenderly,'' Julie Pigsley
Pastoral Moment
Dr. Charlie W. Martin, Pastor Emeritus
Song
``Grandpa,'' David and Susie McMillan
Family Introduction
David Jolly
Family Moment
Robert Young, Billy Young, Patrick Young,
CPL Josh Callihan
Song
``How Can I Live Without You,'' David and Susie McMillan
Closing Remarks
Dr. Charlie W. Martin, Pastor Emeritus
Recessional
``Going Home,'' Susie McMillan
Private Interment to Follow
When Tomorrow Starts Without Me
When tomorrow starts without me,
and I'm not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes,
all filled with tears for me.
I wish so much you wouldn't cry,
the way you do each day,
while thinking of the many things,
we didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me,
as much as I love you;
And each time that you think of me,
please know I miss you, too.
But when tomorrow starts without me,
please try to understand,
that an Angel came and called my name,
and took me by the hand.
The Angel said a place was ready,
in heaven up above;
And that I'd have to leave behind,
all those I truly love.
I had so much to live for,
so much yet to do.
It seemed almost impossible,
that I was leaving you.
When tomorrow starts without me,
don't think we're far apart;
for every time you think of me,
I'm right here in your heart.
Hon. John Boehner, Speaker of the House. The passing of
our friend and comrade Bill Young brings us here to
celebrate his life, and to offer our comfort to Beverly.
Beverly, on behalf of all my colleagues, and all the
officers and staff of the House, thank you for letting us
share this moment with you and your family.
Your loss is ours, it's just that simple. Here was a man
who loved, in this order, God, his family, his country,
and the House Appropriations Committee.
Yes, it was greedy of us to gripe when Bill gave word
that he wouldn't run again. We did it anyway.
After all, we owed the man everything, and we had the
chance to tell him that--to give our thanks, to let him
know the privilege was all ours.
A former President of the United States--a Commander in
Chief--called him last week to say the same.
Why? I'll tell you why: Because Bill Young wasn't just a
leading man of the House--he was the House. How many times
did his grace preserve decorum, his word save an important
measure, or his mere presence make the common into the
exceptional?
Especially when it concerned the well-being of the men
and women who wore our uniform, and the defense of this
Nation. And the defense of the House itself.
Bill did so much for the institution. Perhaps his
greatest gift to the body was the simplest one, and that
was his fundamental sense of decency.
When you think about all the tall orders he fulfilled--
all the people he had to wrangle--and yet somehow, he
never uttered a cross word. Never acted in bad faith. I
always really admired him for it.
Too often, we are quick to condemn and slow to be
humble. As if kindness is a weakness in these tough,
bottom-line times.
We know that just isn't so. We can say that because
generations of Americans saw Bill Young come from
nothing--a shack--to become a legend in the House of the
People. They watched him do so much good after being given
so little.
There is an old saying: Service is the rent we pay for
the space we occupy here on Earth. Well if that's true,
then the gentleman from Florida had paid in full a long
time ago.
We were able to tell him these things. Nothing was left
unsaid. Except, of course, farewell.
The night Bill left us, I said it would be impossible to
imagine the House without him. What now? Who among us will
carry on this man's work?
Having thought about it, I would just suggest you look
at the person next to you. Because no one man or woman can
fill such shoes. It will take all of us.
So, Mr. Chairman: no need to call the roll on this one.
The vote is unanimous. We will see it done.
For now, goodbye and God bless you, my friend.
General James F. Amos, Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps.
Beverly, family, ladies and gentlemen, over the past week,
I've been approached by many senior leaders and colleagues
in the military who admired Chairman Young. To a person,
they speak of his passing as a tragedy of national
proportions.
They expressed an appreciation for the quiet, reserved
way he'd get business done, of how he never sought credit
for himself. Rather, he just wanted to make sure that
America had the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines
that it needed to defend our freedom, both at home and
around the world.
Bill Young knew what it meant to persevere. He survived
a hunting accident, a plane crash, and more than 50 years
as a leader in American politics, and he did it all while
maintaining integrity, a strong sense of dignity and
honor, and a compassion for his fellow man, especially
those less fortunate.
Chairman Bill Young did more to serve our Nation and its
people than just about anybody I know. While representing
the people of Florida for more than a half century, he
gave more than just years, he gave of himself to touch the
lives of the people he served.
What mattered most in his life was not the accumulation
of riches and fame. Chairman Young turned his back on
that. What mattered most to him was to live honestly, live
selflessly, and to live meaningfully. That we are
remembered for what we did and who we have helped along
the way is what mattered to him.
Bill Young wore our Nation's cloth himself when he
served as a soldier in the Army National Guard and later
in the Reserve. From this experience, and from his many
visits to troops around the world as a Member of Congress.
he knew that a military life was full of challenges,
hardships, and personal sacrifice.
He made a point of stepping in and helping our young men
and women in the military and their families whenever and
wherever he could.
I'm reminded of a story of one of my marines, Major
Brandon Graham, who was having a great deal of difficulty
getting a surgery authorized for his daughter Kaelyn who
had a congenital heart defect that was threatening her
life.
You can imagine the weight of helplessness her parents
felt grinding down on their souls. They had a precious
little girl with a serious problem that they could not fix
themselves. Brandon was fighting with Tricare to get
authorization for a heart transplant but the appeals
continued to build, ever delaying the process. There was
no end in sight.
The Grahams were stationed at our Special Operations
Command at the time, and somehow Chairman Young, as only
he could, caught wind of the plight of the parents. Before
the sun set that day, Kaelyn's procedure was approved and
she was fast tracked for her heart surgery.
Thanks to Chairman Young, today she is a healthy little
girl attending elementary school, all because the Chairman
cared enough to help.
This is just one of the thousands of acts of kindness he
performed that touched the lives of servicemembers and
their families. Quite frankly, he did them so often they
became routine business for his staff.
Chairman Young, along with his soulmate Beverly, were
champions for our wounded warriors. He and Beverly
frequently visited our wounded servicemembers at Walter
Reed and Bethesda, and once flew an injured marine
corporal back from Kuwait on his own plane.
The young corporal had been shot in the back by a light
machine gun during a training accident in Kuwait, and it
was questionable whether he would survive the wounding.
Chairman Young was with the young man during his initial
surgery in Kuwait and then on into Germany where he
received subsequent treatment, and finally at Bethesda.
Our young marine had no real family or home, so Chairman
Young took him in, treated him like a son, and the entire
Young family encouraged the corporal during his recovery.
Eventually he did get better, and Bill Young helped him
get a job with the Idaho Veterans Administration. The
corporal is now fully recovered and just recently married.
Chairman Young got involved with the lives of our troops
because he never took freedom for granted.
He knew that if America was to remain the land of the
free, that Americans must take care of their brave, both
while they are deployed, and after the sounds of battle
have long echoed from the headlines.
General Chuck Krulak, our former commandant, told me
just the other day that Chairman Young personified our
core values of honor, courage, and commitment, and that
what he appreciated most in Chairman Young was his
fidelity--his faithfulness. Chuck said that he knew that
when he was heading into a fight on the Hill, he could
always count on Chairman Young to be right there by his
side, covering his flank.
Earlier today, I was privileged to make Chairman Young
an honorary marine. While he was physically absent during
my remarks to Beverly and their family, he was most
assuredly there in spirit. To the men and women who wear
my cloth, this is the very highest honor that we could
bestow upon this great warrior. While his heart was always
with his marines, he is now officially one of us.
You may be wondering about the afterlife and where
precisely in Heaven Bill Young's soul might be found
resting today--well, let me allay any anxiousness once and
for all.
As marines, we know that the answer to that question can
be found in the last stanza of our beloved Marine's Hymn.
``If the Army and the Navy ever look on Heaven's scenes,
they will find the gates are guarded by United States
Marines!'' Bill Young is on duty ladies and gentlemen. He
has the watch.
To Beverly and the entire Young family, there are no
words sufficient to ease your loss. Our hope is that
you'll find comfort from the love and admiration of all
who have gathered here this afternoon. America has lost a
great public servant, liberty has lost a great patriot,
and we who are left behind have lost a great friend.
Hon. Steny Hoyer, Minority Whip, Member of Congress. We
have come here today to bid farewell to our friend and
colleague, C.W. Bill Young. Over the past several days, we
have all heard about his accomplishments, of which there
were a great many, both as a legislator and as a family
man. But Bill was more than the sum of his achievements.
He was a man of character, of decency, of compassion, of
integrity, and of great patriotism. He was a gentleman and
a dear friend. He was a skilled legislator and a respected
leader in the House and for our country.
We will remember him not only for his extraordinary
qualities but for how he used them to enhance and enrich
his country and all of us. We remember him for the depth
and goodness of his character. For the generosity of his
spirit. And for the patience he displayed and the
compassion he practiced.
The hardness of his experiences as a child in a
Pennsylvania coal mining town, where he was the victim of
a shooting accident and where his family's house was
destroyed in a flood, contributed to the tenderness of
Bill's warm and open heart. He lived his life according to
the words of Romans 12:15-16, which read: ``Rejoice with
those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Live in
harmony with one another.''
Bill found joy in his life of service, promoting harmony
among those who served alongside him and feeling the pain
of those who were in need of help. We remember Bill for
his humility that was so genuine. For the wisdom he
possessed and the common sense he exercised. For the
legislative skill he displayed and the life of integrity
he lived. And we remember him for his commitment to
Beverly and his family that was his constant guide.
We will remember him for his smile that was so welcoming
and kind. For his eagerness to listen attentively to
constituents and colleagues alike. All of these set Bill
Young apart.
We will never forget his love and care for those who
protect and defend our Nation, and for his partnership
with Beverly, who was his only peer in caring for our
wounded warriors. We will remember Bill for his politeness
and consideration of his colleagues in committee and on
the floor, even at times of conflict and confrontation.
All these traits and more made Bill Young beloved by me
and by all who knew him. They made him a very special man
who lived Lincoln's admonition of ``charity for all and
malice toward none.'' It was in his service in office that
Bill put all of his traits to work for the benefit of
others.
None of us ever questioned for a moment the depth and
sincerity of Bill's love for the people he was honored to
represent--not just the people of this district but all
Floridians and all Americans.
Former Speaker of the House, James ``Champ'' Clark, once
said: ``The best plan for a constituency to pursue is to
select a man of good sense, good habits, and perfect
integrity, young enough to learn, and reelect him so long
as he retains his faculties and is faithful to his
trust.''
The people of Pinellas County took that advice to heart
when they sent Bill Young to Congress 42 years ago and had
the good sense to keep sending him back ever since. I
thank them for sending Bill to all of us who came to know
him and cherish his friendship and his example.
Here, in the community he loved with such devotion,
surrounded by his family and the people he represented in
office for half a century, we pay him a heartfelt tribute.
It will not be--nor should it be--our last.
May God give comfort and solace to Beverly and the Young
family, and may God bless and keep alive the legacy and
spirit of our friend, Bill.
Hon. Rodney Frelinghuysen, Vice Chairman of the Defense
Appropriations Subcommittee, Member of Congress. From the
back row of the House Chamber, Congressman C.W. ``Bill''
Young was able to see across the House floor. For over 40
years, through the terms of 8 Presidents and 16
Secretaries of Defense, he watched Members of both parties
meet and greet each other as both Democratic and
Republican Speakers presided.
From that prized vantage point, he could also keep tabs
on his longtime Defense Appropriations Committee
counterpart and partner, Jack Murtha, sitting opposite him
in the back row of the Democratic side of the aisle known
as the Pennsylvania section.
Jack Murtha left us a few years ago, but Bill soldiered
on. In recent months he used a walker or sat in a
wheelchair taking greetings from colleagues from both
sides of the aisle. He was beloved--engaging everyone with
a smile and handshake, however he might have felt on that
particular day. He was always gracious, well-humored, and
accommodating to freshmen and old-timers alike.
It is well known that Bill Young chaired the House
Appropriations Committee, and twice, its Defense
Subcommittee. He also served as ranking member when the
majority changed hands. He loved our committee, constantly
saluted our members for their dedication and fully
expected each one to support the process, limit debate,
support open rules, and with a minimum of partisanship do
the Nation's business.
A copy of the Constitution was ever-present in his
pocket, to remind all of Article 1, Section 9, Clause 7.
For those of you unfamiliar with this provision, I suggest
you look it up!
On the Defense Subcommittee, he always spoke of the
dedication of members of our Armed Forces and the
sacrifice of their families and our committee's obligation
to serve them.
He would say at every meeting: our soldiers, sailors,
marines and air men and women are the ones doing the work
of freedom--the ones who work every day to make the world
safer for Americans and our friends and more dangerous for
those who would do us harm.
That's why Bill Young would often state on the House
floor, ``there is no room for politics in our bill''--we
must always be there for all those who serve and
sacrifice.
As you know, Bill and Beverly visited the old Walter
Reed Army Medical Center, the old Bethesda Naval, and the
newly expanded Bethesda National Military Medical Center
just about every week.
They were quiet visits, executed without fanfare or
press release.
Each time, they met with our wounded warriors and their
families, adopting their hardships and often underwriting
their expenses--helping them meet every type of crisis:
food, travel, rent, inattention from medical personnel or
hospital administrators.
The Youngs confronted military brass whenever necessary
in order to get those with physical and mental wounds the
best care and support possible. They were fierce in their
determination.
Wherever they were with the troops, the Youngs took
names, called their families, and carried grievances to
the top to be resolved. This was their SOP, their passion,
and woe to those who underestimated their dedication and
resolve.
You might say from time to time they rang a few chimes
to get a tough situation resolved. In fact, I am confident
that there are many officers with us here today who would
vouch for that. I won't ask for a show of hands, but you
know who you are.
Typical was the story Bill told us once--about a
Saturday lunch at a small restaurant in Alexandria, VA--an
area teeming with military personnel, both on and off
duty. As Beverly left the table to greet another soldier
or marine, Bill was presented with the meal check and was
stunned--$171 for a tuna fish sandwich and a burger and
two Cokes?! The waitress calmly replied that ``It's not
just a sandwich and a burger, sir. Your wife volunteered
you to pay for that soldier at that table and that marine
family over there and the sailor in the corner and a
couple that have already left.''
I also know that, over the years, many military families
were pleasantly surprised when their grocery tab was
covered by Bill or Beverly Young standing behind them in
the supermarket checkout line.
Bill and my late father served together for a few years
before my father retired from Congress in 1974. With that
early tie, he has been a friend and mentor to me since my
arrival.
I know these personal connections may not count for much
these days, but were it not for Bill, it is likely that I
would not be serving on the Defense Appropriations
Committee or honored to be speaking here today.
Nor would I have had the opportunity to occupy the back
row of the House Chamber--from which Bill Young had an
expansive view of American history as few others ever did
or as few others ever will.
He personally made much of that history, directing an
appropriations process that actually worked, despite its
procedural flaws and partisan challenges.
It is well documented that his strong support for our
national security made America the envy of the world and
improved the lives of our servicemembers and their
families in more ways than they will ever know and assured
that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
A reverent hush has now fallen over that back row of the
House Chamber.
The Congress has lost a leader.
The Nation has lost an experienced authority on national
security.
Our Armed Forces have lost a valuable partner.
And whether they know it or not, the troops and their
families have lost one of the best friends they ever had.
We all have lost a great, principled man who lived a
life from which we all could learn.
May the tributes and prayers that have flowed in recent
days be a source of comfort and strength to you, Beverly,
and to Billy, Patrick, and Rob, and the rest of the Young
family and his loyal, long-serving staff--past and
present--both in his personal offices in Washington and
Florida and the Defense Committee's staff--the unsung
majority and minority professionals who make the committee
work.
Ladies and gentlemen, the sun is setting on an American
life of service. Bill Young, now an honorary Marine, may
be gone, but he will never be forgotten.
From the back row of the House Chamber, Bill Young had a
front row seat to history--a history he helped shape. For
that, our Nation is a stronger and better place.
Hon. Gordon England, Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of
Defense. Bill Young was my friend. Actually, he was more
than my friend. Life is interesting in that people come
and go through our lives, hundreds, thousands, maybe tens
of thousands of people we know that pass through, and
sometimes we see them again, and sometimes we don't. But
there are certain people that you hold onto, and Bill and
I held onto each other. Bill and I would see each other,
we could be at the other end of the hall, and if we saw
each other, we would raise our hands, and we would laugh
and smile and when we got closer we would embrace, and we
just had a special relationship and even on the phone when
we spoke it was a joyful moment.
Bill and I became very close after the events of 9/11
and after our military was deployed to Afghanistan and
later to Iraq, and you've heard how Bill with Beverly went
to Bethesda and Walter Reed many times. It's hard to
remember those times because, early on, we didn't have the
USO we have today and the Armed Forces foundation or the
Fisher Houses. Families came to the hospitals with
spouses, or sons, sometimes shot, perhaps in the head or
they lost their legs and the families were alone in a
strange city, sometimes with no money and no support.
But Bill and Beverly were there. And they were not just
there, they became part of their journey. They became part
of those families and they helped their families on their
journey. By the way, they maintain a lot of those
relationships today. Bill became part of the journeys of
hundreds of families of the fallen. He eased their pain,
and he made their lives better. It was his sacred
pilgrimage and also Beverly's.
This is how Bill lived his life: helping others. This is
why Bill's death is so painful. Because he is no longer
part of our journey. We now have a void in our journey to
life everlasting. Now the good news for me is that I know
that one day I will see Bill again when I pass through
this life into the next life, and I will see Bill in the
distance, and he will be waving and smiling and I'll be
smiling back, and we will embrace, and we will spend our
time together in life everlasting. I know that Bill would
want me to say to the military that he loves so much, he
would want me to say God bless to all those that serve,
especially the wounded and their families and the fallen
and their families, and all who stand on watch today.
Robert Young. For 2 of the first 4 years of my life, I
did not have a father. Bill adopted me. I came along with
my mom. I'm a marriage counselor right now, a clinical
psychologist, and I don't see very many men who are
willing to take on a 4-year-old kid. It meant a lot to me.
If it were not for him, I wouldn't have a father at all.
He taught me a lot of stuff. He didn't talk as much as a
lot of people do. He was kind of a quiet guy. The most
important thing that he taught me, I think, is balance.
Everybody knows he's a Republican. He taught me that you
should always listen. He always said, ``You only have one
mouth and two ears.'' He said even when somebody is wrong,
you should at least hear their point of view.
He was a pretty balanced guy. I don't think a lot of
people necessarily know that or see that. He taught me to
understand that there are different ways of seeing things,
and I apply that now in my work as a marriage counselor,
and every day that I go to work, people benefit from the
way that I was raised. You know, in marriage counseling,
pretty much everyone wants to kill each other, and I have
to spend a lot of time helping people understand that
there's two sides to a story.
If it weren't for my dad, I wouldn't realize that, I
wouldn't know that. He always taught me that extremism is
not a good thing. It helps me, and I think it helps my
son, and one day it will help my daughter. His work will
carry on, strangely in a completely different arena than
he was ever involved in. He touches people's lives every
day in that way. I don't think he ever really knew that. I
don't know if he'll ever know that. But I want you to know
that.
Bill Young II. My dad was for 30 years my best friend,
my mentor, my hero, someone I could rely on. We had phone
calls almost every day. If nothing else, to talk about
sports scores or to ask what was going on in the world. I
don't know if he knew that I was calling for advice. I
think he thought I was just calling to check in on him and
make sure he was okay. But every conversation I had with
him, I was taking advice from him. Because he was one of
the best men this world will ever know. He had the
composure and knowledge to be levelheaded and not to make
harsh decisions, and to use your brain and your heart when
making decisions. I am just blessed that my father had so
many years to get to know my son, who is sleeping over
there, who is grandpa's namesake, he's C.W. III and my
newest son Easton . . .
Mothers and sons can always have their issues. Any kids
can have their issues. But at the end of the day, my
father loved my mother more than anything in this world
aside from his grandkids. For several years, 24/7, around
the clock, every day, my mom took care of him. If she had
not been there to take care of him in the way that she
did, not only would he not have been able to go to
Washington and do his job, he would not have been able to
be with his kids and grandkids. He would regularly tell my
brothers and I, nobody but Beverly and God will ever know
how much she's done for me. So for what we do know of what
you did for him, Mom, thank you, thank you for giving him
to us and for allowing our kids to have more time with him
. . . Anyone who knew him respected him, and anyone he
met, he respected . . . I know my dad is listening. I want
him to know that the meaning of respect is you, Dad. You
are respect.