H.R. No. 925 R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, Throughout the rigors of the 74th legislative 1-2 session, the members of this chamber have greatly benefitted from 1-3 the patience of friends and family, but those deserving of highest 1-4 recognition are our spouses who have taken upon themselves the many 1-5 duties and responsibilities that are usually shared by both 1-6 partners in a marriage; and 1-7 WHEREAS, While many of us have worked late nights, weekends, 1-8 and holidays tending to the business of this state, our spouses 1-9 have shouldered the full burdens of home, family, and community in 1-10 our absences; and 1-11 WHEREAS, Although they are granted no official title and draw 1-12 no state salary, these devoted men and women play an integral part 1-13 in the legislative process, for without their faithful support, the 1-14 members of this chamber would find it difficult to manage the 1-15 competing demands of work and family; and 1-16 WHEREAS, Unlike many professions where late night work is 1-17 common, most of us are not able to return home each night, as our 1-18 homes are spread out across this great state; instead, our spouses 1-19 have had to endure a prolonged separation that must surely increase 1-20 the stress that they bear while attending to our many obligations 1-21 back home; and 1-22 WHEREAS, In addition, these dedicated men and women must 1-23 manage the special responsibilities assigned to the spouses of 1-24 elected officials, and they are expected to artfully handle the 2-1 publicity and scrutiny that accompany our positions; and 2-2 WHEREAS, Recognition is especially due to Nelda Laney, wife 2-3 of House Speaker Pete Laney, for the charm and poise that she has 2-4 displayed in executing the duties of the speaker's spouse; she is 2-5 an inspiration to the spouses of all elected officials, and she has 2-6 exemplified the ideal of grace under pressure; and 2-7 WHEREAS, It takes a truly special person to suffer these many 2-8 sacrifices with aplomb and good humor, and in the midst of the 2-9 tremendous pressure under which we work, some of us may have failed 2-10 to acknowledge the tremendous debt that we owe to our partners in 2-11 life; now, therefore, be it 2-12 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas 2-13 Legislature hereby honor the spouses of all members of the Texas 2-14 House of Representatives and extend to them deepest thanks and 2-15 appreciation for their understanding and continued support.