[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 20 (Tuesday, March 1, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 1, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                 A TRIBUTE TO THE LATE WELLY K. HOPKINS

  (Mr. PICKLE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute, and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PICKLE. Mr. Speaker, 2 days ago Welly K. Hopkins gently passed 
away at 95 years of age. Welly K. was a native of Gonzales, TX where he 
was born on September 3, 1898. He attended the University of Texas Law 
School and became an attorney in 1923, returning to Gonzales to 
practice law.
  In 1930, while campaigning for the Texas State Senate, Welly 
recruited an enterprising young man, Lyndon Baines Johnson, to serve as 
his campaign manager. Welly's campaign was successful and they became 
inseparable friends. As a member of the Texas Senate, Welly was 
distinguished as being a strong and combatant friend of labor and 
people who work for a living.
  In 1935, at the insistence of Vice-President John Nance Garner, he 
was commissioned as a special assistant to the Attorney General of the 
United States in charge of the trial section of the criminal division. 
During his tenure he prosecuted cases all across the country involving 
the right of coal miners to engage in collective bargaining. His 
vigorous advocacy of the rights of the working man brought him to the 
attention of John L. Lewis, president of the United Mine Workers of 
America, for whom he went to work in 1940.
  He served Mr. Lewis and the United Mine Workers for 29 years. During 
these years Welly fought for collective bargaining agreements to 
improve the working conditions of miners, to provide health benefits 
for them and their families, and to establish pension plans for them in 
retirement. His advocacy on behalf of the coal miners of America took 
him from the mines to union halls, and from congressional hearing rooms 
to the U.S. Supreme Court.
  Throughout his long life Welly K. Hopkins was privileged to know and 
serve some of the great leaders of our times. He particularly treasured 
his lifelong friendship with Congressman, Senator, and President Lyndon 
Johnson. He honored their work and cherished their confidence and 
friendship. During the 1930's, 1940's, and 1950's his was one of the 
strongest voices in Congress and the city of Washington that shaped the 
destinies of workers in this country. He was a great individual, and we 
mourn his passing.

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