Floor SpeechNeutral2026-09-03

HONORING PENNSYLVANIA STATE SENATOR FRANKLIN KURY

TaxesEnvironmentForeign Policy

Context

On 2026-09-03, Representative Madeleine Dean (D-PA-4) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING PENNSYLVANIA STATE SENATOR FRANKLIN KURY" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING PENNSYLVANIA STATE SENATOR FRANKLIN KURY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 140 (Thursday, September 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 140 (Thursday, September 3, 2026)] [House] [Page H5482] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING PENNSYLVANIA STATE SENATOR FRANKLIN KURY (Ms. DEAN of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) Ms. DEAN of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to pay tribute to a champion for environmental protection, former Pennsylvania State Senator Franklin Kury, whom I had the privilege of meeting. Born and raised in central Pennsylvania, Franklin Kury passed away on August 16. He was 89. A devoted public servant, Kury was first elected as State representative in Northumberland County before serving as State senator. His lasting legacy was the writing and passing of our environmental rights amendment, Article I, Section 27 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, which guarantees Pennsylvanians the right to ``clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic values.'' It affirms that Pennsylvania's natural resources are the common property of our Commonwealth, and it makes us, Pennsylvanians and legislators, the stewards of our environment for generations yet to come. Every legislator supported it. Article I, Section 27 was the first of its kind, though several States have now followed Kury's lead. It is a testament to its creator, who understood that we each have the right to enjoy but bear a responsibility to pass along a clean, healthy, safe environment. Mr. Speaker, may his memory be a blessing, and may we continue his unwavering love of our planet. ____________________

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HONORING PENNSYLVANIA STATE SENATOR FRANKLIN KURY Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 140 (Thursday, September 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 140 (Thursday, September 3, 2026)] [House] [Page H5482] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING PENNSYLVANIA STATE SENATOR FRANKLIN KURY (Ms. DEAN of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) Ms. DEAN of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to pay tribute to a champion for environmental protection, former Pennsylvania State Senator Franklin Kury, whom I had the privilege of meeting. Born and raised in central Pennsylvania, Franklin Kury passed away on August 16. He was 89. A devoted public servant, Kury was first elected as State representative in Northumberland County before serving as State senator. His lasting legacy was the writing and passing of our environmental rights amendment, Article I, Section 27 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, which guarantees Pennsylvanians the right to ``clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic values.'' It affirms that Pennsylvania's natural resources are the common property of our Commonwealth, and it makes us, Pennsylvanians and legislators, the stewards of our environment for generations yet to come. Every legislator supported it. Article I, Section 27 was the first of its kind, though several States have now followed Kury's lead. It is a testament to its creator, who understood that we each have the right to enjoy but bear a responsibility to pass along a clean, healthy, safe environment. Mr. Speaker, may his memory be a blessing, and may we continue his unwavering love of our planet. ____________________