IN MEMORIAM OF FORMER TEXAS CONGRESSMAN AND HOUSE COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY CHAIRMAN RALPH HALL; Congressional Record Vol. 165, No. 45
(Extensions of Remarks - March 13, 2019)
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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN MEMORIAM OF FORMER TEXAS CONGRESSMAN AND HOUSE COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE,
SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY CHAIRMAN RALPH HALL
______
HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON
of texas
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the entire Texas
Congressional Delegation, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to
the life and legacy of former Congressman, Chairman of the House
Science, Space, and Technology Committee, fellow Texan, and my friend
Ralph Moody Hall for a life dedicated to his family, his country, and
his constituents.
Congressman Hall first served his country as a Navy pilot during
World War II. After the war ended, he served the people of the great
state of Texas for nearly half a century; 10 years as a Texas State
Senator from the 9th district and 34 years as a Member of the U.S.
House of Representatives from Texas's 4th district. He genuinely
enjoyed public service, and he was good at it.
Congressman Hall and I first met and became friends in the Texas
State legislature. When I was elected to the House of Representatives,
he was the first to reach out and offer his assistance. He helped me
learn the ins and outs of Washington. No matter the party affiliation
or political leaning, Congressman Hall was a man that could always be
counted on--and one who enjoyed a good joke.
Congressman Hall made the difficult decision to switch party
affiliation in 2004, a move that irritated many Democrats. I fondly
recall reaching out to him to let him know he was still loved despite
his decision. He admitted to being so happy to hear my message because
his wife was mad at him.
Congressman Hall was known throughout the halls of Congress as an
effective legislator. He made strides in science and technology policy
and was a reliable advocate for the country's space program during his
time as both Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Science, Space,
and Technology Committee.
Congressman Hall's service on the Science Committee was a significant
milestone in his service to our nation. In many ways, he was able to
transcend the extreme partisan climate which exists in Washington
today. From the first time we met to that last time I visited him at
his home in Rockwall, he remained the same caring, thoughtful,
humorous, and hardworking man.
Congressman Hall was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ellen Murphy
Hall, sister Rosemary Hall Scott, and brother Hugh Hall. He is survived
by his three sons; Hamp, Brett, and Blakeley Hall, and many wonderful
grandchildren.
Madam Speaker, I would like to extend my sympathy to his family, many
friends across the country, and the people of his district. The Texas
community will miss him dearly.
____________________
