Washington, D.C.— U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) spoke on the House floor today to pay tribute to former U.S. Congressman Larry Hopkins (KY-06), who passed away on Tuesday. Congressman Barr also led the House in a moment of silence for the late Congressman Hopkins. The full transcript of Congressman Barr’s remarks is below:
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a true American patriot, former Congressman Larry Hopkins, who served in this body from 1979-1993 and passed away early yesterday. Throughout his extraordinary career in public service, Larry served in the Kentucky State legislature and for over a decade in Congress in the seat I now hold. Larry’s career in public service began as a U.S. Marine in 1954. It was that love for the military that Larry would bring with him to Congress, where he rose to become the top Republican on the Armed Services Committee.
“Larry’s humor was famous with both his constituents and his colleagues— always offering a disarming joke to lighten the mood or evoking a good laugh. Above all Mr. Speaker, Congressman Hopkins was proud of his work across the aisle and the relationships he had with all of his colleagues, Republicans and Democrats alike.
“In these divided times, let us be inspired by the legacy of Congressman Hopkins to come together and solve the problems of our day, not as Republicans and Democrats, but as Americans who all love our country. On behalf of a grateful nation, God bless Congressman Larry Hopkins. To my colleagues in the House, join me in praying for his wife Carolyn, and three children, Shae, Tara and Josh. Mr. Speaker, I now ask for a moment of silence on the House Floor to honor the life of Congressman Larry Hopkins.”