WASHINGTON – Top House Appropriations Republican Kay Granger (R-TX) released the following statement on the passing of Representative Sam Johnson (R-TX).
"Our country and the state of Texas has lost one of her greatest patriots and statesmen, and I have lost a close colleague and wonderful friend. For years I have been honored to know Sam Johnson, whose life embodied the meaning of service and sacrifice.
“A veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars, Sam was imprisoned for nearly 7 years—mostly in solitary confinement—in the ‘Hanoi Hilton,’ Vietnam’s most infamous prison for American POWs. After his release, Sam’s defense of freedom and commitment to service never faltered, and he went on to serve a remarkable 28 years in Congress, including a long and distinguished tenure on the Ways and Means Committee. His life and loyalty to America’s highest ideals earned him respect from both sides of the aisle.
“He was never embittered by the challenges he overcame. He and I once traveled together on a Congressional visit to Vietnam, during which he even visited the cell he had once been imprisoned in. After his wife’s passing, he joined me and other Republican women of the House each Valentine’s Day for breakfast. I will deeply miss Sam Johnson. Let’s all remember the remarkable life and legacy he leaves behind and his steadfast belief that each of us has a responsibility to do something of service with the freedoms provided by our country."