Floor SpeechNeutral2026-04-21

REMEMBERING AMBASSADOR ARTHUR SCHECHTER

TaxesIsraelInfrastructure

Context

On 2026-04-21, Representative Christian D. Menefee (D-TX-18) delivered a floor speech titled "REMEMBERING AMBASSADOR ARTHUR SCHECHTER" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered Israel, infrastructure.

Full Text

REMEMBERING AMBASSADOR ARTHUR SCHECHTER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 70 (Tuesday, April 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 70 (Tuesday, April 21, 2026)] [House] [Page H3028] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REMEMBERING AMBASSADOR ARTHUR SCHECHTER (Mr. MENEFEE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. MENEFEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of Houston's and this Nation's great public servants. Ambassador Arthur Schechter ended his journey in life on April 13, at the wise age of 86. He was an attorney, a diplomat, a philanthropist, and one of Houston's most committed civic leaders. Ambassador Schechter was a Houston man through and through. He built his legal career there, fought for maritime workers and working people and poured himself into this community for decades. His impact didn't just stop in the city. President Clinton appointed him U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas in 1998, and he served our country with dignity and honor. The Governor General of the Bahamas called him the finest ambassador ever posted to that country. That says everything you need to know about the ambassador. When Ambassador Schechter finished his post abroad, he continued the work back home. He chaired Houston's Public Transit Authority and helped open Houston's first light rail on our Main Street. He rode in that very first car with his grandchildren. That image captures who Arthur Schechter was. He didn't just build things. He made sure that the people he loved and everyone else in our communities got to experience them. To Joyce, to Jennifer, to Leslie, and to the grandchildren and other family members that Ambassador Schechter loved so deeply, an entire Nation is grieving with you. God bless Ambassador Schechter in his service. May we carry his legacy forward. ____________________

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REMEMBERING AMBASSADOR ARTHUR SCHECHTER Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 70 (Tuesday, April 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 70 (Tuesday, April 21, 2026)] [House] [Page H3028] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REMEMBERING AMBASSADOR ARTHUR SCHECHTER (Mr. MENEFEE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. MENEFEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of Houston's and this Nation's great public servants. Ambassador Arthur Schechter ended his journey in life on April 13, at the wise age of 86. He was an attorney, a diplomat, a philanthropist, and one of Houston's most committed civic leaders. Ambassador Schechter was a Houston man through and through. He built his legal career there, fought for maritime workers and working people and poured himself into this community for decades. His impact didn't just stop in the city. President Clinton appointed him U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas in 1998, and he served our country with dignity and honor. The Governor General of the Bahamas called him the finest ambassador ever posted to that country. That says everything you need to know about the ambassador. When Ambassador Schechter finished his post abroad, he continued the work back home. He chaired Houston's Public Transit Authority and helped open Houston's first light rail on our Main Street. He rode in that very first car with his grandchildren. That image captures who Arthur Schechter was. He didn't just build things. He made sure that the people he loved and everyone else in our communities got to experience them. To Joyce, to Jennifer, to Leslie, and to the grandchildren and other family members that Ambassador Schechter loved so deeply, an entire Nation is grieving with you. God bless Ambassador Schechter in his service. May we carry his legacy forward. ____________________