Chabot, Boehner react to Hyde death

Former Illinois Rep. Henry Hyde, the Republican who steered the impeachment proceedings against President Clinton and was a hero of the anti-abortion movement, died today. Hyde had retired from Congress at the end of the last session.

The office of House Republican Leader John Boehner made the announcement.

Here is how Boehner, of West Chester, and Rep. Steve Chabot, a Westwood Republican, reacted to the news:

Boehner:

“I have long included Henry Hyde among my heroes, and for the 16 years I served with him in the House, I was honored to call him a mentor, a colleague, and a friend. Henry was a student of American history, a constitutional scholar, a thoughtful legislator, and a passionate orator. But above all, he will be remembered as a gentleman who stood as a beacon for the bedrock principles of liberty, justice, and, above all, respect for life. His work in crafting the Mexico City policy, for example, remains among his most significant accomplishments in Congress, and it will forever be remembered as a defining moment for the pro-life cause.

“What often struck me most about Henry was his keen sense of our nation’s history and of the gifts bestowed on our Republic by the Founding Fathers, whose actions and deeds were never far from his mind. In his respect for the institutional integrity of the House of Representatives, Henry took second place to no one. He was a forceful advocate for maintaining the dignity of the House and for recognizing the sacrifices and struggles Members make while in its service. Indeed, when Henry spoke in Committee or on the House floor, Members on both sides of aisle listened intently – and they learned. And while he had unquestionably strong views on domestic and foreign policy, Henry never allowed political differences to cloud personal relationships.

“Henry served his country with great honor and distinction, and it is only fitting that President Bush awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom just three weeks ago. Hard as it is to let go, we can be comforted knowing that God gave us a man of Henry Hyde’s character who did his patriotic duty to the fullest. I send my thoughts and prayers to the entire Hyde family in their time of loss.”

Chabot:

“The nation has lost one of the finest individuals ever to have served in the United States Congress. Henry Hyde was an American hero.

“Henry was the epitome of the wise and thoughtful legislator who won the undying respect of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. He was fair and respectful and a man of the utmost integrity. I was honored to serve under him for 12 years on both the Judiciary and International Relations Committee and watched him wield the gavel with grace and humor.

“Henry was probably best known and admired for his role as the conscience of the Congress on pro-life issues. Nobody was more committed or more eloquent in the defense of the unborn than my friend and leader, Henry Hyde. He will be greatly missed.”