Farewell to Bill Young

It is rare these days to find in Washington a legislator who conscientiously does his job, gets things done and shuns undue publicity or credit.  It’s even more rare to find one deeply knowledgeable about national security and tireless in his support of the men and women in uniform who safeguard it.  Still more exceptional is such a lawmaker who is actually in a position to “provide for the common defense.”

Tragically, the universe of people with these qualities just shrank even further with the passing Friday of Representative Bill Young, the Chairman of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.  During fifty years of public service, in uniform and in the Florida and federal legislatures, Mr. Young distinguished himself as a truly Great American.  He will be sorely missed in the dangerous days ahead.