November 5, 2007 – Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02) gave the following statement today regarding former Congressman Henry Hyde receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest award the President can bestow upon a citizen.

“After his retirement last year, Congressman Hyde stepped into the pages of history as one of the most noble and effective advocates for human freedom to ever serve in the United States Congress.” Franks stated.  “There are no words to thank Henry for the lifetime of service he gave to the cause of life and to the American people.   His courage and conviction in striving to protect the innocent helped him to blaze a trail that will continue to inspire those of us seeking to follow in his footsteps.   The privilege of serving beside him in the United States Congress was one of the greatest honors of my life.

“Henry fervently fought on behalf of the innocent unborn, vied to preserve a strong national defense, and worked relentlessly to preserve and restore the integrity and original intent of our Constitution.  He will be remembered as a true defender of the universal inalienable rights enshrined in our Declaration of Independence, not only in this life but I believe in eternity as well.  There could be no more worthy or noble recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.”

Representing the 6th Congressional District of Illinois, Congressman Hyde served in the United States House of Representatives from 1975 to 2006, chairing the House Judiciary Committee as well as the House International Relations Committee.  Among the most notable accomplishments while serving in the House was the “Hyde Amendment,” which was a “rider” to the Health and Human Services/Education Appropriations bill, preventing programs from funding abortions except in limited cases.  The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Hyde Amendment in 1980.