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February 9, 2010

Area politicians praise Murtha’s efforts

By Andrew M. Seder aseder@timesleader.com
Times Leader Staff Writer
Andrew M. Seder on Facebook | @TLAndrewSeder on Twitter

On Saturday, U.S. Rep. John “Jack” Murtha surpassed Joseph McDade as the longest serving congressman in Pennsylvania history. On Monday, he died following complications from gallbladder surgery.

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U.S. Rep. John Murtha, 77, dies

Among the remarks entered in to the Congressional Record by Pennsylvania’s Democratic delegation in the U.S. House is a list of Murtha’s accomplishments.

The passage reads: “When Pennsylvania’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) was slated to be eliminated by federal regulations, Jack convinced the Clinton Administration to be more flexible and ultimately saved the program. When our steel industry was in crisis, he convinced the Reagan Administration to impose higher tariffs on foreign steel, giving domestic producers an edge. When the Philadelphia Shipyard was threatened with closure, he secured funding to keep ship production going. When the U.S. Army was forming Stryker Brigades, Jack helped convince Army leaders to field one within the Pennsylvania National Guard, creating the first and only brigade of its kind in the reserve component. When the National Park Service wanted to construct a new museum and visitor center at Gettysburg, he secured funding to make the project possible. When a decades-long mine fire threatened the residents of Centralia, Jack worked to secure funding to buy the town and relocate the residents. When the healthcare benefits of retired miners were in trouble, he twice secured funding to help save their benefits from termination. When Flight 93 crashed in Stonycreek Township, Jack was there the next day to survey the scene and later introduced legislation, which was enacted, establishing a national memorial to honor the passengers and crew. When he found out that diabetes was becoming an epidemic in the military and throughout Pennsylvania, Jack secured over $150 million for research, prevention, education and outreach programs.”

Reaction to Murtha’s death came quickly from elected officials representing Northeastern Pennsylvania.

U.S. Rep. Paul E. Kanjorski, D-Nanticoke, served with Murtha in Washington since 1985.

On Friday, Kanjorski made remarks to be entered into the Congressional Record on Murtha’s approaching achievement.

Among the remarks, made on behalf of the 15 House Democrats representing Pennsylvania in Washington:

“When he arrived here in 1974, he quickly attracted the attention of then-Majority Leader and future Speaker “Tip” O’Neill, who became Jack’s mentor. Tip taught him that ‘all politics is local,’ which has enabled him to become an effective advocate for his own Congressional district and for initiatives throughout our state.”

On Monday, Kanjorski addressed his late colleague’s political record.

“While prone to criticism in Washington for his knack for securing federal funding for his congressional district, that federal funding helped create thousands of jobs for Pennsylvanians and aided with needed economic development in his district. He was elected to help his district, which is exactly why we, as members of Congress, are all elected. Jack was able to effectively balance the needs of his constituents with the needs of the country,” Kanjorski said.

“As the leader of the Pennsylvania congressional delegation, and as a close friend, he will be sorely missed.”

In 1974, Murtha, then an officer in the Marine Reserves, became the first Vietnam War combat veteran elected to Congress.

His tireless efforts for veterans and working-class Pennsylvanians were cited by state Sen. Bob Mellow, D-Peckville, who served in the state legislature with Murtha for two years in the early 1970s.

“John Murtha may have represented Western Pennsylvania, but he was the voice of hard-working Democrats across the Commonwealth. Rep. Murtha’s service to his country and the strength of his convictions made him a powerful force to be reckoned with on Capitol Hill. His career took him from Parris Island to Vietnam, from Harrisburg to Washington, D.C. He was a leader until the end, fighting for American values and middle class ideals.

U.S. Rep. Chris Carney, D-Dimock Township, a member of the Navy Reserves, also cited Murtha’s contributions to men and women in uniform.

“As a steadfast guardian of our Armed Forces, the troops came first for Jack, as he was always willing to stand up and fight for them, no matter the political cost or prevailing opinion. Because of his tenacious advocacy for better armor and equipment, generations of our fighting men and women owe him an enormous debt of gratitude,” Carney said. “As a fellow veteran, I am honored to have called Mr. Murtha my colleague, my mentor, and my friend. The Pennsylvania corner of the House chamber will never be the same.”

Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta, a Republican, said: “Congressman Jack Murtha was a hero for his nation on the battlefield and a tenacious advocate for his constituents in the halls of Congress. Pennsylvania has lost one of her sons but his legacy will live on for generations to come.”

Gov. Ed Rendell ordered all Pennsylvania and U.S. flags to be flown at half staff.

“This is fitting because Jack Murtha was not just a wonderful congressman for his district, but for all of Pennsylvania,” Rendell said.