[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 85 (Wednesday, June 29, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    RICHARD BOLLING FEDERAL BUILDING

                                 ______


                               speech of

                        HON. RICHARD A. GEPHARDT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 27, 1994

  Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2559. This 
legislation, sponsored by my colleague, Alan Wheat, designates the 
Federal building in Kansas City as the Richard Bolling Federal 
Building.
  In his 34 years of service to the House of Representatives, Richard 
Bolling served this body with the passion and dedication that we have 
come to identify in all of our Nation's great leaders. He was a gifted 
student of history, a wise instructor of the legislative process, and a 
good friend to many of us.
  Dick Bolling began his public service as an Army private in World War 
II. His loyalty to our country was recognized with a Legion of Merit 
award and a Bronze Star for his courageous service in the Pacific 
theater. After the war, he accepted a position as a veterans adviser 
with the University of Missouri at Kansas City.
  Throughout his service in this body, Dick never lost sight of his 
foremost responsibility in Congress--his constituents. He revo- 
lutionalized constituent accessibility when he established 
one of the first district offices in the Nation. His dedication to his 
constituents continued when he became one of the first to use a mobile 
congressional office.
  As a Representative of the Fifth District of Missouri, Dick 
demonstrated a firm and sincere passion for social justice. In 1957, he 
proved instrumental in the passage of a landmark piece of civil rights 
legislation--the first such legislation since Reconstruction. Seven 
years later, Dick played an equally influential role in passing the 
legendary Civil Rights Act of 1964.
  Dick returned to the Hill to become an informal adviser of mine in 
1989. He was a good friend and a devoted confidant. All who knew Dick 
respected his integrity and precise judgment.
  Mr. Speaker, we continue to miss his presence on this floor, and we 
are grateful for the legend he has left behind.

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