[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 ROMANO L. MAZZOLI

                                 ______


                               speech of

                            HON. DON EDWARDS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 5, 1994

  Mr. EDWARDS of California. Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to join in 
offering my appreciation for Ron Mazzoli's distinguished service over 
his 12 terms as a Member of this body.
  I remember how pleased those of us opposed to the war in Southeast 
Asia were when Ron was elected to the House in 1970. We applauded his 
courageous and principled stance and welcomed his involvement in 
efforts to end the United States' unhappy involvement in that conflict.
  Although his original assignment was to the Education and Labor 
Committee, in 1975 he accepted a position on the Judiciary Committee. 
It has been my privilege since then to work with him on a wide range of 
issues, from his years-long effort to enact the 1986 Immigration Reform 
and Control Act, to more recent efforts to pass the Brady bill and the 
assault weapons ban legislation.
  During the debate this year on the crime bill, I appreciated Ron's 
stalwart support for the Racial Justice Act. Although this legislation 
was in the end dropped from the crime bill package, Ron's support for 
ending racial bias in the imposition of the death penalty added greatly 
to the public debate on this important issue. His work on this was very 
much in keeping with Ron's commitment to stand up for what's right, 
regardless of whether that is the popular position.
  All of us know Ron's diligence, his independence, and his genuine 
interest in the substance, not just the surface, of the issues. What I 
have especially appreciated in addition to these qualities is his 
fairness and genuine courtesy. He is a true gentleman, and the civility 
that he brings to his work is something that we could use more of 
around here.
  As my colleagues know, I will also be leaving the Congress at the end 
of this session. I am looking forward to the pleasures of a more 
leisurely life, and I am sure Ron is as well. I am happy to offer my 
best wishes to Ron and Helen for a happy and productive future.

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