Recognizing the Honorable Phil English on the Occasion of His Retirement From the U.S. House of Representatives

by Jo Bonner

Recognizing the Honorable Phil English on the Occasion of His Retirement From the U.S. House of Representatives

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HON. JO BONNER

OF ALABAMA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished career of the Honorable Phil English for his service to the people of Pennsylvania and the United States House of Representatives. Congressman English has represented the Third Congressional District of the State of Pennsylvania for the past 14 years.

A lifelong resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, Phil graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1979. His interest in politics began when he was young. At just the age of 20, he served as an alternate delegate to the 1976 Republican National Convention.

Phil began his career in public service as a legislative aide in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. In 1985, he was elected as Erie City Controller, the first Republican elected to citywide office in 20 years. After his term as controller, Phil helped design the campaign for Rick Santorum's upset win to the U.S. Senate. Phil then served as chief of staff for then State Senator Melissa Hart until he ran for an open House seat in 1994.

Known for his knowledge and experience with tax issues, Phil was appointed to the powerful Ways and Means Committee in his first year in Congress, becoming the first freshman Republican appointed to the committee in almost 30 years.

Throughout his service to Pennsylvania and the United States, Phil has fought hard for measures to increase the child tax credit, accelerate the reduction of income tax rates, encourage household savings, eliminate the individual and corporate Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), cut the capital gains tax rate, increase expensing limits for businesses making capital investments, and encourage American companies operating overseas to reinvest in the United States. In the 110th Congress, Phil became the ranking member on the Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a dedicated leader and friend to many in this body. I know his family-- his wife, Chris--and his many friends and colleagues join me in honoring his accomplishments and extending thanks for his service over the years on behalf of the State of Pennsylvania and the United States of America.

Phil will surely enjoy the well deserved time he now has to spend with his family and loved ones. I wish him the best of luck in all his future endeavors.

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