Remembering Henry
As the 109th Congress comes to a close, so too does the historic career of Rep. Henry Hyde (R-IL). As a leader whose achievements span several decades, he will be missed--not simply for representing Illinois-- but for championing liberty around the globe and the best interest of unborn children and families everywhere. Last year, Henry Hyde said he would like to be remembered "for being an honest and fair person who accomplished a lot of good for people." But his success as a man of character, integrity, and civility will stretch far beyond those humble words.
In the 1970s, in the heat of the abortion debate, Rep. Hyde became the voice of the pro-life cause. Every House debate waited, and many of them hinged, upon his unequaled eloquence. For five years, Rep. Hyde has chaired the Committee on International Relations--and, should the legislation to commemorate his service succeed (and it should), that same room will soon bear his name. As Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) said, "Henry Hyde has been a lion of the right to life, and this chamber will miss his roar." We add our voice to the countless others who are grateful not only for the opportunity to work with a man of such wisdom, but for the passionate legacy that he leaves behind.
(Family Research Council; Tony Perkins' Washington Update; Dec. 5, 2006)
