[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 8] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 10749-10750] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]RETIREMENT OF TOM DeLAY ______ HON. JOHN ABNEY CULBERSON of texas in the house of representatives Friday, June 9, 2006 Mr. CULBERSON. Mr. Speaker, today marks the final day in Congress for one of the greatest leaders the House of Representatives has ever seen. In his 22 years of public service to the residents of the 22nd District of Texas, Tom DeLay has always been a tireless and indispensable warrior for the Republican party and the causes of individual freedom, family values, and limited government. Tom's years of service have been marked by devoted adherence to core conservative principles. His effectiveness can be measured in the countless advances made under his leadership strengthening our national security, restoring individual freedoms, and reigning in a runaway federal government. Tom never backed down from his beliefs and principles, and ultimately his tremendous success made him a target. There is no doubt that the Republican Party, the conservative movement, the state of Texas, and especially the Houston [[Page 10750]] area have lost the services of a great friend and leader. I will miss having Tom DeLay serving with me in the House, but I am grateful that he has chosen to remain active in the fight to restore the American Republic. I look forward to continuing to benefit from his invaluable counsel and wisdom. On behalf of the Houston area and on behalf of my fellow Republican House members, congratulations to a fine leader, a great friend, and a devoted husband and father on a job well done. ____________________