May 23, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 87 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E660]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN REMEMBRANCE OF ROBERT PEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 2019

  Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the life and 
service of Robert Pear, a longtime reporter for the New York Times, and 
someone who has been critical to the conversation around health care 
for more 40 years. Robert Pear was a fixture in the Halls of Congress 
with his unassuming style, quiet voice and insightful questions. Robert 
spent countless hours in the Ways and Means Committee room reporting on 
health care debates of our generation--the Clinton Health Care 
legislation, Medicare Part D and the Affordable Care Act. Robert's 
knowledge and expertise were unrivaled. His ability to take complex 
issues and present them in a clear and concise manner was a testament 
to his understanding of the policy but also what the American people 
needed to know.
   Robert was born in our nation's capital on June 12, 1949 to Philip 
and Marion Pear. Growing up in our nation's capital, Robert was 
immediately fascinated with policy and politics--even leading him to 
produce ``The Pear Press'' while in high school. He later went on to 
Harvard University, where he worked on the literary magazine ``The 
Advocate'' and eventually graduated magna cum laude in 1971. He would 
then go on to earn his Master of Philosophy from Balliol College in 
Oxford, and a Master's in Journalism from Columbia University Graduate 
School of Journalism.
   Robert joined The New York Times in 1981. It was here that he was 
able to communicate the complexity of issues such as health care with 
remarkable clarity. It was his meticulous, exacting reporting that most 
recently helped keep the American public informed and engaged on the 
failed Republican ``repeal-and-replace'' efforts in 2017. Robert made 
it his life's duty to ensure the American people fully understood the 
intricacies of Washington. Over his 40 years with the New York Times, 
he helped produce or support more than 6,700 New York Times articles.
   Many a member or press secretary can recount stories of picking up 
the phone and hearing Robert's distinctive voice on the other end of 
the line late at night or early in the morning, working to glean one 
more insight or critical piece of information for his next article. His 
follow up questions on both the politics and substance showed he keenly 
understood the currents swirling well below the surface. While Robert 
Pear will be missed by all who had the pleasure to get to know him, he 
will be remembered for his critical work, his persistence, and his 
lifelong commitment to public service and the American people.

                          ____________________