Congressman Jimmy Patronis Delivered Remarks on the U.S. House Floor Honoring John Thrasher
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Jimmy Patronis delivered remarks on the floor of the United States House of Representatives honoring the memory and the lifetime achievements of former Florida Speaker of the House, Florida Senator, and Florida State University President John Thrasher. Video of Congressman Patronis’s official remarks can also be found on X HERE.
Congressman Patronis’ Remarks
“Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to honor a true statesman, a patriot, and a proud son of the State of Florida, Speaker John Thrasher.
Speaker Thrasher’s story is a kind that people don’t see anymore. He was a U.S. Army veteran who served in Vietnam, a lawyer, a leader, and someone who never forgot where he came from. He rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential public servants the State of Florida has ever known. As speaker of the Florida House, he got our state through challenging times with courage and principle. As a state senator, he fought for Florida’s families, stood up for what was right, even when it wasn’t easy.
As president of Florida State University, he poured his heart into shaping the lives of young people, lifting up the next generation with the same integrity and drive that defined his own life. To those who knew Speaker Thrasher, he was more than a resume. When he walked into a room, he had room presence. He was respected. He was loyal, tough as nails when he had to be, but always with a servant’s heart. I was proud to call him a friend, a mentor. I admired the way he led with grace under pressure and with an unshakeable love for Florida and our country.
This Congress and the State of Florida mourns with his wife, Jean; their children; their grandchildren; and we thank them for sharing their John with us. He made our State stronger, and Florida will carry forward the values that he lived by.”
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About Congressman Jimmy Patronis
Congressman Jimmy Patronis represents the citizens of Florida’s First Congressional District in Northwest Florida and serves as a member of the House Committee on Small Business and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Congressman Patronis works every day to support small businesses, strengthen America’s military, advocate for our nation’s veterans, and fight for every citizen’s opportunity to live the American dream. Follow the activities of Congressman Patronis on Instagram and X.