Congressman Andy Barr Recognizes Henry Clay's Birthday on House Floor

Calls on Colleagues to Remember Legacy of "The Great Compromiser"

April 12, 2013

WASHINGTON - Friday, April 12, 2013, Congressman Andy Barr recognized Henry Clay's 236th birthday on the Floor of the United States House of Representatives. 

"Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of what would be the 236th birthday of Henry Clay, who once represented the same district which I am honored to serve today.  As one of Kentucky’s most celebrated statesmen, Henry Clay proved that an unwavering dedication to principle and a practical commitment to compromise are not incompatible values.  As the “Great Compromiser” himself demonstrated, they are instead the tools of statesmanship.

"Henry Clay was focused on saving the country and resolved to enact substantial solutions, not short-term fixes that merely pushed the problem onto the backs of future generations.

"As we consider how to deal with the almost 17 Trillion dollar national debt, I call on my colleagues in Congress to remember Henry Clay’s resolve because now is a time to come together in the spirit of statesmanship to cut spending and balance our budget for the sake of future generations.

"Mr. Speaker, as a proud graduate of Henry Clay High School, I yield back the balance of my time."