Hastert's Farewell Address

And I would also like to thank you, Madam Speaker, for the many courtesies that you have shown me as a former speaker of this House during the past year, including the opportunity to formally say good- bye to all of my colleagues here today.

I will get myself into trouble if I start singling out members in these remarks. I owe so much to so many of you for your friendship, for the many things that you've taught me and for your support during some very difficult days, such as the aftermath of 9/11 when I became a wartime speaker that I would be remiss if I did not extend a heartfelt thank you to my colleagues and former colleagues in the Illinois congressional delegation and my freshman class of 1986. We've accomplished much, working together.

And I also want to thank my leader, the gentleman from Ohio, Mr. Boehner, and his fellow Republican leaders, who head a vibrant minority, the largest Republican minority since 1955, a minority that is demonstrating to the country that it should, and I think will, lead this House again yet someday.

(APPLAUSE)

HASTERT: I also want to thank the chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, the dean of this House, the gentleman from Michigan, Mr. Dingell, who for four times administered to me the oath of other as speaker.

You, Chairman Dingell, and our Republican leader on the committee, Mr. Barton, welcomed me home to the committee, and I've enjoyed working this past year, and we've tried to tackle some of the most important issues that face our nation, such as energy security and health care and telecommunications. And for that I thank both of you gentlemen.