[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 136 (Monday, September 26, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 26, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                 TRIBUTE TO DON JORGE LUIS CORDOVA DIAZ

                                 ______


                     HON. CARLOS A. ROMERO-BARCELO

                             of puerto rico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 26, 1994

  Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO. Mr. Speaker, last weekend the Nation lost a 
formidable citizen, Don Jorge Luis Cordova Diaz, a former Member of 
Congress who, as Resident Commissioner from 1968 thru 1972, epitomized 
the virtues of a dedicated public servant. During his tenure in 
Washington, Don Jorge helped and struggled to pave the way toward 
equality for the American citizens in Puerto Rico. He was instrumental 
in achieving the right of Delegates to vote in committees. Further, Don 
Jorge championed the applicability of food stamps for the poor on the 
island and was instrumental in the inclusion of Puerto Rico in food 
assistance programs for the poor.
  He was a distinguished leader and a man of profound religious 
conviction and moral values. In fact, Don Jorge was a member of the 
congressional prayer breakfast, a refreshing informal weekly gathering 
of Members which I have found to be extremely beneficial, as it fosters 
human and spiritual values in a bipartisan and ecumenical environment 
of collegiality and friendship.
  I join my colleagues in extending to Don Jorge's widow, Mrs. Dora 
Rodriguez and their children--Jorge Luis, Jr., Elvira, Irene, and 
Fernando--to his siblings--Enrique, Felix, and Elsie--our most profound 
condolences and expressions of sympathy. We share their grief during 
this difficult time and thank them for having shared with us the great 
persona of Don Jorge. He was, and I borrow the words from the editorial 
of a local newspaper, ``a man with a sharp sense of history, a sharper 
sense of Puerto Rico's destiny, and, always, a gentleman.'' May God 
bless his soul and many our dear friend rest in peace.

                          ____________________