On Tuesday November 27, Rep. Ralph Hall (R-Rockwall) became the oldest member of the U.S House of Representatives ever to cast a vote. In a special ceremony following the vote, members of Congress and a sizeable contingent of Rockwall residents who travelled to the nations capital gathered to honor his seventeen terms of service to the people. There was an unveiling of his portrait that joins other former Chairmen of the Science and Technology Committee on the walls of the hearing room.
“Congratulations are due to Chairman Ralph Hall, who just cast his vote as the oldest member in the history of the House,” House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) tweeted just after the last votes of the day.
“Today, we recognize Chairman Halls 22 years of service to the American people and the 4th district of Texas, and wish him many more.”
Hall, who chairs the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, was born on May 3, 1923, and on Tuesday was a bit more than 89 and a half years old.
Congressman Hall poses with his son Brett Hall and Bretts daughters
After several speeches, Hall took the floor and encouraged both parties to work together to overcome the various challenges Congress is facing.
“I fear for this country today, that if we dont get together, and maybe forget that were more Republican than we are Democrat, and more Democrat than we are Republican, that our children are going to suffer,” he said.
Mayor Pro Tem David White and Mayor David Sweet join Rep. Hall for a photo in his office
Hall predicted that compromise would be reached on big issues in the next Congress, and said the House has a “good Speaker” and a “kind Speaker” in John Boehner (R-Ohio).
Hall started by thanking others for honoring him during the hour-long tribute to his life and career. “Ive enjoyed the speeches Ive listened to here,” Hall said. “A lot of it was true.”
Photos by John White ~ more pictures here
