congressional_record: CREC-2024-12-31-pt1-PgE1335-4
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| CREC-2024-12-31-pt1-PgE1335-4 | 2024-12-31 | 118 | 2 | HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF SENATOR RICHARD F. COLBURN | HOUSE | EXTENSIONS | HONORING | E1335 | E1336 | [{"name": "Andy Harris", "role": "speaking"}] | 170 Cong. Rec. E1335 | Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 196 (Tuesday, December 31, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 196 (Tuesday, December 31, 2024)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1335-E1336] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF SENATOR RICHARD F. COLBURN ______ HON. ANDY HARRIS of maryland in the house of representatives Tuesday, December 31, 2024 Mr. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, this past Friday I learned with great sadness about the passing of Senator Richard Colburn, a dedicated public servant and an Eastern Shore patriot who devoted his life to the service and betterment of the people of the State of Maryland. Senator Colburn and I served together in the Maryland State Senate. He arrived to the Maryland General Assembly first as a State Delegate about sixteen years prior to my being elected to the Maryland Senate in 1999. By that time, Rich Colburn had already been serving as a State Senator for four years. He quickly became my mentor, dear colleague, and a trusted friend. For a period, Rich and I served on the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee. As a devoted Eastern Shoreman and a son of a waterman, Senator Colburn knew how crucial it is for the government to be accountable, transparent, honest, and helpful to its citizens. As such, he made constituent casework and assisting his fellow Marylanders his top priroity. As a ``Shore Senator,'' Rich fought on behalf of his constituents with fervor and purpose. During his time in the legislature, he introduced hundreds of bills, at times reaching across the aisle to promote projects and priorities he believed would benefit the Shore. One of his greatest accomplishments was the multi-decade battle led to his securing over $60 million to replace the Dover Bridge; a vital artery connecting Southern Caroline and Talbot Counties on the Eastern Shore. The bridge finally opened in 2018 with great fanfare. Among his many other accomplishments was his success in the preservation of the Easton hospital, widening U.S. Route 50, increasing benefits for veterans and law enforcement, and obtaining funding for restoration of the Chesapeake Bay's oyster population. He advocated for businesses and tourism on the Shore to lift and support the local economy by helping provide funding for the Choptank River Lighthouse and bringing in the Hyatt hotel to Cambridge, among others. Richard Franklin Colburn was born on February 9, 1950 and grew up in Oxford, Maryland. After graduating from the Easton High School, Rich served in the United States Army Security Agency posted in Germany during the height of the Cold War. He left after three years with the Army, achieving the rank of Sergeant. After his return to Maryland, he worked in private practice. He was elected to the House of Delegates in 1983, where he served until 1991 before he ascended to the State Senate in 1995. Senator Colburn became the longest serving Republican Senator [[Page E1336]] in the Senate. After his service in elected office, he served as Special Assistant to Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder under Governor Larry Hogan. His district included the counties of Caroline, Dorchester, Talbot and Wicomico. Senator Richard Colburn passed away suddenly on Friday, December 27, 2024, in Easton at the age of 74 years old. I would like to express my sincere condolences to his loving wife Alma, daughter Johanna Hamilton (Bobby), granddaughter Saylor and sister Marie, as well as the entire extended Colburn family and friends. The Eastern Shore is forever grateful for Senator Colburn's commitment to service and his dedication to Maryland. ____________________ |