Floor SpeechNeutral2026-01-20

HONORING THE LIFE OF THOMAS O. HICKS

Crime & JusticeInfrastructure

Context

On 2026-01-20, Representative Pat Fallon (R-TX-4) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE OF THOMAS O. HICKS" in the House. The speech addressed crime and justice and also covered infrastructure.

Full Text

HONORING THE LIFE OF THOMAS O. HICKS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 13 (Tuesday, January 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 13 (Tuesday, January 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E55-E56] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF THOMAS O. HICKS _____ HON. PAT FALLON of texas in the house of representatives Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Thomas O. Hicks of Dallas, Texas, who passed away on December 6, 2025. Thomas O. Hicks was born in Houston, Texas, and raised between Dallas and Port [[Page E56]] Arthur. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and earned a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Texas, followed by an MBA from the University of Southern California. A proud Texan, Mr. Hicks lived a life defined by service, leadership, and commitment to his community. He served his country as a paratrooper in the Army Reserves and later as a presidentially appointed Commissioner of the American Battle Monuments Commission. Mr. Hicks began his professional career in banking with JPMorgan before returning to Texas, where he became a pioneer in private equity. In 1984, he co-founded Hicks & Haas and helped advance the leveraged buyout model through his ``buy and build'' strategy, most notably with the merger of Dr Pepper and 7UP. He later co-founded Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst and served as chairman until 2004. Under his leadership, the firm became one of the most influential private equity organizations in the world, raising more than $12 billion and completing over $50 billion in acquisitions. In recognition of his contributions to business, Mr. Hicks was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame in 2022. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Mr. Hicks purchased the Dallas Stars in 1996, leading the franchise to its 1999 Stanley Cup championship. He later acquired the Texas Rangers, who won consecutive American League West titles, and held ownership in Liverpool Football Club. Mr. Hicks was deeply committed to the Dallas-Fort Worth region. He played a key role in the development of the American Airlines Center, contributed to the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, and supported education initiatives across North Texas, including the land donation that became Thomas O. Hicks Elementary School. His dedication to the University of Texas included service on the Board of Regents and helping establish UTIMCO, now the largest public university endowment in the Nation. I am honored to recognize Thomas O. Hicks for a life of service, leadership, and lasting impact on the State of Texas and our Nation. ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE OF THOMAS O. HICKS Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 13 (Tuesday, January 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 13 (Tuesday, January 20, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E55-E56] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF THOMAS O. HICKS _____ HON. PAT FALLON of texas in the house of representatives Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Thomas O. Hicks of Dallas, Texas, who passed away on December 6, 2025. Thomas O. Hicks was born in Houston, Texas, and raised between Dallas and Port [[Page E56]] Arthur. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and earned a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Texas, followed by an MBA from the University of Southern California. A proud Texan, Mr. Hicks lived a life defined by service, leadership, and commitment to his community. He served his country as a paratrooper in the Army Reserves and later as a presidentially appointed Commissioner of the American Battle Monuments Commission. Mr. Hicks began his professional career in banking with JPMorgan before returning to Texas, where he became a pioneer in private equity. In 1984, he co-founded Hicks & Haas and helped advance the leveraged buyout model through his ``buy and build'' strategy, most notably with the merger of Dr Pepper and 7UP. He later co-founded Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst and served as chairman until 2004. Under his leadership, the firm became one of the most influential private equity organizations in the world, raising more than $12 billion and completing over $50 billion in acquisitions. In recognition of his contributions to business, Mr. Hicks was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame in 2022. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Mr. Hicks purchased the Dallas Stars in 1996, leading the franchise to its 1999 Stanley Cup championship. He later acquired the Texas Rangers, who won consecutive American League West titles, and held ownership in Liverpool Football Club. Mr. Hicks was deeply committed to the Dallas-Fort Worth region. He played a key role in the development of the American Airlines Center, contributed to the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, and supported education initiatives across North Texas, including the land donation that became Thomas O. Hicks Elementary School. His dedication to the University of Texas included service on the Board of Regents and helping establish UTIMCO, now the largest public university endowment in the Nation. I am honored to recognize Thomas O. Hicks for a life of service, leadership, and lasting impact on the State of Texas and our Nation. ____________________