By: Montford S.C.R. No. 9
73R3072 SRD-D
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
1-1 WHEREAS, The Honorable Lloyd Bentsen has dedicated much of
1-2 his life to serving the people of Texas and has long been regarded
1-3 as an experienced and knowledgeable leader among the residents of
1-4 his home state; and
1-5 WHEREAS, This distinguished former United States senator now
1-6 has been nationally recognized for his expertise and leadership
1-7 ability by President Bill Clinton, who has selected Mr. Bentsen to
1-8 serve in his cabinet as secretary of the treasury, thus bringing
1-9 additional acclaim to this outstanding public servant and great
1-10 pride to the citizens of the Lone Star State; and
1-11 WHEREAS, A native of Mission, Mr. Bentsen received his law
1-12 degree from The University of Texas School of Law in 1942 before
1-13 enlisting in the United States Army; and
1-14 WHEREAS, In answering his country's call to arms, this
1-15 patriotic soldier undertook the difficult and dangerous duty of
1-16 piloting a B-24 Liberator in World War II; after distinguishing
1-17 himself in many combat missions over Europe, he was promoted to the
1-18 rank of major and served as a squadron commander, earning the
1-19 prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with three
1-20 oak leaf clusters; and
1-21 WHEREAS, Following his tour of active duty, Mr. Bentsen
1-22 continued to serve his nation in the Air Force Reserve and
1-23 eventually was promoted to the rank of colonel; after the war, he
1-24 returned to the Rio Grande Valley and served his neighbors for the
2-1 next eight years, first as Hidalgo County judge and then as their
2-2 elected representative in the United States Congress; and
2-3 WHEREAS, This respected legislator retired from the United
2-4 States House of Representatives in 1954 after serving three
2-5 consecutive terms and entered into a successful business career in
2-6 Houston, but in 1970, he again responded to the will of the voters,
2-7 successfully running for office and returning to Washington, D.C.,
2-8 as a United States senator; and
2-9 WHEREAS, He quickly gained the respect and admiration of his
2-10 peers in the Capitol for his legislative insight and experience, as
2-11 well as for his keen understanding of finance and economics; his
2-12 leadership and negotiation skills made him a valued member of both
2-13 the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and the
2-14 Joint Economic Committee, and he also served as chairman of the
2-15 powerful Senate Finance Committee and as vice-chairman of the Joint
2-16 Committee on Taxation; and
2-17 WHEREAS, This esteemed statesman gained further national
2-18 recognition in 1988, when he ran as the Democratic Party nominee
2-19 for vice-president of the United States, and many knowledgeable
2-20 political observers then realized that it would be only a matter of
2-21 time before this brilliant public servant would be called away from
2-22 Texas to serve the greater needs of the country; and
2-23 WHEREAS, Throughout Mr. Bentsen's distinguished career, he
2-24 has been fortunate to enjoy the love and support of his charming
2-25 and gracious wife, Beryl Ann, known affectionately as B. A., who
2-26 has remained by his side throughout the many years of change the
2-27 couple has experienced; and
3-1 WHEREAS, While the people of this state and the members of
3-2 these chambers are proud to see such a noble Texan advance to a
3-3 position where he can greatly serve our nation, we also note
3-4 Mr. Bentsen's ascendance to the president's cabinet with a
3-5 corresponding measure of sadness; a man of his integrity, wisdom,
3-6 and commitment to public service is rare indeed, and while
3-7 President Clinton has gained an exceptional advisor, the people of
3-8 Texas will miss their trusted and loyal friend; now, therefore, be
3-9 it
3-10 RESOLVED, That the 73rd Legislature of the State of Texas
3-11 hereby commend the Honorable Lloyd Bentsen for his many years of
3-12 outstanding service to the people of his home state and extend
3-13 heartfelt congratulations to him on his unanimous confirmation as
3-14 secretary of the United States Treasury; and, be it further
3-15 RESOLVED, That an invitation be extended to Mr. Bentsen to
3-16 address a joint session of the 73rd Legislature of the State of
3-17 Texas on a date in February or another date that is agreeable to
3-18 him; and, be it further
3-19 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
3-20 prepared for Mr. Bentsen as an official invitation from the 73rd
3-21 Legislature of the State of Texas.