[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 144 (Thursday, October 6, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 6, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    TRIBUTE TO HON. WILLIAM D. FORD

                                 ______


                               speech of

                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 4, 1994

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the Members of the Michigan 
congressional delegation, John Dingell and Fred Upton, for allowing us 
to gather this evening to pay tribute to our colleague, Chairman Bill 
Ford. I am pleased to join in this tribute to Bill as he prepares to 
depart this institution after 30 years of dedicated service.
  As he departs this Chamber, we honor Chairman Ford for his strong 
leadership and commitment to public service. The 13th Congressional 
District of Michigan and the Nation have benefited from that 
commitment.
  Mr. Speaker, Bill Ford arrived in Congress in 1965. He cast some of 
his first votes for President Lyndon Johnson's Great Society programs. 
For the past 30 years, he has played an integral role in shaping 
legislation and public policy. As chairman of the Committee on 
Education and Labor, it is noted that Bill Ford has authored, or has 
helped to write, every piece of Federal education legislation since the 
89th Congress.
  His success includes the Higher Education Act, which makes it 
possible for any student in the United States to qualify for Federal 
education aid regardless of family income. The act goes a long way 
toward removing barriers to higher education and job training 
opportunities.
  With his close ties to organized labor, Bill Ford championed 
legislation to require advance notice of plant closings, ease Hatch Act 
restrictions on Federal employees' participation in political 
activities and permit unpaid leave for workers in medical emergencies.
  Mr. Speaker, during my first term in Congress, I had the honor of 
serving on the Education and Labor Committee with Bill Ford. As a 
freshman Member, I was impressed with his knowledge of the legislative 
process. I recall Bill Ford as a highly respected individual who took 
the time to offer counsel and advice to new Members. I also had the 
privilege of working closely with Bill Ford in the Democratic Study 
Group where he was a leader. He has done an outstanding job as a 
legislator and a chairman.
  Mr. Speaker, it is said that many people refer to Bill Ford as ``Mr. 
Education;'' constituents refer to him as ``their man in Washington;'' 
and many in the Halls of Congress simply call him Billy. Looking back, 
however, I can think of few individuals who have worn the title of 
``Mr. Chairman'' as well as our distinguished colleague. As he leaves 
this Chamber and this Congress, I join others in expressing our 
appreciation and saluting Chairman Ford for a job well done.

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