[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 144 (Thursday, October 6, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
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]

 
                  HONORING REPRESENTATIVE DON EDWARDS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from California, [Ms. Eshoo] is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to join with my colleagues 
tonight to honor our distinguished colleague from California, 
Congressman Don Edwards.
  I have had the pleasure of knowing Don Edwards for years and serving 
with him in the 103d Congress. He has served in this body and 
represented his San Jose district since 1962.
  Over the years he has proven himself a true public servant. His acts 
of public service transcend his district. Indeed, he has been a key 
player in our country's civil rights movement, a committed steward of 
the environment, an unwavering advocate of veterans, and a champion of 
human rights and peace throughout the world.
  Don Edwards has served as chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil and 
Constitutional Rights where he has steadfastly protected our individual 
rights under the Constitution. He was the floor manager in the House 
for the equal rights amendment and author of both the Freedom of Choice 
Act and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
  He has been an unyielding leader in the push for civil rights for all 
Americans. Working first with President Kennedy and then President 
Johnson, Mr. Edwards was a floor leader in the enactment of the 1964 
Omnibus Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He 
participated in the civil rights demonstration and marches in 
Washington and in the south and in 1963, he visited Dr. Martin Luther 
King, Jr., in the Birmingham jail.
  When it comes to civil rights and constitutional law he is often 
called ``the conscience of the Congress.'' Don Edwards has also been an 
active member of the Veterans Affairs Committee for 31 years. During 
his tenure he sponsored legislation to establish neighborhood clinics 
for veterans and was the first Member of Congress to alert the public 
about the effects of agent orange on our veterans.
  At home, in the Bay Area of San Francisco, Don Edwards is known well 
for his leadership in creating and expanding the 40,000-acre San 
Francisco Bay Federal Wildlife Refuge. He also authored the Wetlands 
Reform Act to protect the Nation's remaining wetlands.
  Don Edwards served our country in World War II and continues to be 
active in foreign affairs. He was one of Congress' most active Members 
opposing the Vietnam War; he helped organize the American Committee for 
Democracy in Greece; he was an active opponent of apartheid in South 
Africa; he helped lead opposition to United States military aid to 
Nicaragua and El Salvador; and more recently has led efforts to limit 
conventional arms sales.
  Clearly, Don Edwards legislative and public service record speaks for 
itself. What it doesn't say is how Mr. Edwards conducted himself 
throughout his long distinguished career.
  Although he has stood firmly behind the principles he supports, he 
has always been a fair and honest legislator. He has not only been a 
gentleman but he has also been a gentle man.
  To me, he has also been a friend and I will sorely miss him. Thank 
you, Dear Don, for all you have done for your constituents, our State, 
and the United States of America.
  Mr. MONTGOMERY. Mr. Speaker, I want to join my colleagues Anna Eshoo 
and Norm Mineta in paying tribute to Don Edwards, who is retiring this 
year after serving San Jose, California so effectively since 1962.
  I count Don and his wife Edie as two of my closest friends in 
Washington. They have graciously had me over to their summer home on 
the Chesapeake Bay on several occasions and we have played a lot of 
tennis together over the years here in Washington.
  Don has been a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee for 31 
years and has truly been a leader in passing legislation to help our 
veterans in so many areas. I will also always appreciate the fact that 
Don gave me the chance to be chairman of the Veterans' Affairs 
Committee. He had seniority and could have taken the gavel of the 
Veterans' Affairs Committee, but he chose to chair a Judiciary 
Subcommittee instead, where he was one of this Chamber's most 
knowledgeable Members on the Constitution.
  I will miss Don and Edie and wish them the best on their retirement.
  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a few moments to 
speak on behalf of the retiring chairman from California, 
Representative Don Edwards.
  Many of us in Congress have followed Mr. Edwards' accomplishments 
with awe and are sorry to see him leave. As chairman of the 
Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights, he has worked nonstop 
to protect the rights of the individual throughout his decades of 
congressional service. Whether it be his courageous efforts to codify 
civil rights legislation in the 1960's, his work in support of women's 
rights by sponsoring such needed legislation as the Equal Rights 
Amendment in the 1970s, or the Freedom of Choice Act in the 1980s, 
Representative Edwards has served the American people well.
  As a cosponsor of H.R. 1200, the American Health Security Act, 
Representative Edwards illustrated that security and rights come in 
many different forms in the 1990s. He recognized that the major issue 
of the day which threatens the American family is their inability to 
obtain comprehensive medical care without the fear of being bankrupted. 
As a cosponsor of single-payer health care legislation, he serves as an 
important voice in identifying this problem and bringing it to the 
forefront of the congressional agenda.
  Regardless of the issue, Congressman Edwards' proactive efforts have 
set an example to all of us here in Congress and his strong legislative 
presence will be missed.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening 
to pay honor to an outstanding American, Congressman Don Edwards of 
California. Throughout his long and distinguished career in the House 
of Representatives, Congressman Edwards has been one of the great 
leaders of civil and constitutional rights in America.
  Through his efforts as chairman of the Judiciary Committee's 
Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights, Congressman Edwards 
has proved a true pioneer in the area of constitutional rights.
  His commitment to this most important facet of American life and 
Government has been without pomp and circumstance.
  He has remained resolute and undaunted in his leadership, and 
uncommonly candid about the issues that embrace the very heart of civil 
rights.
  He has been praised by organizations like the NAACP Legal Defense 
Fund, for his devotion to the civil rights movement
  He has been heralded for having the courage and the fortitude to 
speak up for those issues that so many others refer to as ``too 
liberal.''
  For Congressman Edwards, a great American, ``liberal'' is still a 
moniker that indicates the commitment to do what is right by our fellow 
man: a word that suggests freedom and justice, not for a particular 
group or class, but for all people, everywhere.
  I am therefore proud to have served with this courageous American, 
and I will always consider the day that I met Congressman Don Edwards 
one of the shining moments of my career in the U.S. Congress.
  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I have had the distinct honor of 
serving 16 years in Congress with the distinguished gentleman from 
California, Congressman Don Edwards. Throughout his years in the U.S. 
House of Representatives, he has served tirelessly and with dedication 
for the betterment of our society. I am fortunate to have worked 
closely with him on the Judiciary Committee.
  Since early in his first term, Congressman Edwards has served on the 
Judiciary Committee, and since 1971 as Chairman of the Subcommittee on 
Civil and Constitutional Rights. It is his work on the Subcommittee and 
the full Judiciary Committee that has been the driving force behind his 
energies in the House of Representatives.
  Congressman Edwards has been a staunch defender of civil liberties. 
He has taken a firm stand in the enforcement of individual rights 
protected by the Constitution and its Bill of Rights. He was floor 
leader in the House for the Equal Rights Amendment, the 1964 Omnibus 
Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Religious Freedom 
Restoration Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  In 1973, the Judiciary Subcommittee chaired by Rep. Edwards was 
assigned jurisdiction over the FBI for oversight. Congressman Edwards 
assumed the role as the House's self-appointed overseer of the FBI, his 
one-time employer. In this capacity, he was the bureau's ``best friend 
but severest critic.'' He held several subcommittee hearings to 
investigate FBI undercover activities and ordered several General 
Accounting Office audits. These actions proved invaluable in cleaning 
up the misconduct of the organization.
  In addition, he has been a member of the House Veterans Affairs' 
Committee for 31 years. Here he has played an active role in the 
committee's work. In 1978, the Congressman was the first Member of 
Congress to sound the alarm about the effects of Agent Orange on the 
health of Vietnam veterans.
  I now I am joined by my colleagues in saying that Congressman Edwards 
has served with distinction. His tireless drive and determination to 
serve his convictions and this Congress are beyond approach. Although 
we often disagreed on the merits of the issue, I can say honestly that 
Mr. Edwards' commitment to the ideals in which he believes so strongly 
has elevated the quality of debate in the House and contributed greatly 
to the discourse of some of the most fundamental and divisive issues in 
our nation's struggle to define itself and who we are as a people. His 
contributions will be missed.
  Mr. WHITTEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
say how much I will miss the counsel and friendship of my colleague Don 
Edwards, who is joining me in retiring this year.
  For many years in Congress, Don and I have been across the hall from 
each other and our staffs have worked closely as friends and neighbors. 
Leaving Congress, for both of us, will be like moving to a new 
neighborhood.
  Don Edwards has been a capable Representative for the people of 
California and has been outstanding in his leadership role on the 
Judiciary Committee and Veterans Affairs Committee. His service has 
always been honest and straight-forward. While we may have disagreed on 
some specific issues through the years, I have always had the greatest 
respect for Don's views. We have always been able to disagree without 
being disagreeable.
  As he leaves Congress, I know he has been an asset to this 
institution and his many contributions in veterans affairs, civil 
liberties, housing, education and all the rest will be greatly missed.
  I wish him, Edie, McKeever and the rest of his family the best for 
the future.
  Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in special tribute to the 
Honorable Don Edwards. Congressman Edwards' 34 years of dedicated 
service and leadership rank him among the top ten senior members of 
Congress. He is the dean of the California Congressional Delegation, 
and chairman of its democratic delegation. He is also the Vice Chairman 
of both the Judiciary Committee and the Veterans' Affairs Committee. 
Congressman Edwards chairs the Judiciary Subcommittee on Civil and 
Constitutional Rights. His many years as a staunch defender of civil 
rights has earned him the title of ``the conscience of the Congress.'' 
Though the subcommittee has been the primary focus of his energies in 
the House, Don has also made his mark in legislation dealing with 
veterans' issues, foreign affairs, and the environment. His strong 
presence in the House leadership has been instrumental in passing such 
landmark legislation as the 1964 Omnibus Civil Rights Act, the Voting 
Rights Act of 1965, and the Equal Rights Amendment. The Dean brought to 
this institution an unwavering commitment to the protection of civil 
rights, an enthusiasm for upholding the Constitution, and a genuine 
respect for the American people. it is my pleasure to offer just a few 
words in honor of this distinguished gentleman and admired colleague.
  Born on January 6, 1915, Don Edwards attended public schools in his 
native city before going to Stanford University and then Stanford Law 
School. Before being elected to Congress, he served as an FBI agent in 
1940 and 1941, and as a Naval intelligence officer and a gunnery 
officer at sea during World War II.
  Upon his election to the House of Representatives in 1962, Don proved 
to be a man before his time. His views were not always the popular 
choices among some of his colleagues, but Congressman Edwards never 
failed to recognize our most basic rights, like free speech and due 
process of the law. Early in his first term, for example, he spoke out 
against the House Committee on UnAmerican Activities, and was 
instrumental in its eventual abolishment. His convictions were evident 
outside of Congress as well, as he participated in civil rights marches 
and demonstrations throughout the country. More recently, the Dean was 
the author of both the Freedom of Choice Act and the Religious Freedom 
Restoration Act.
  Congressman Edwards has been a champion for veterans, and was an 
active member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee for 31 years. In 1976, 
he introduced legislation to establish neighborhood clinics for our 
veterans known as Vet Centers. He was the first member of Congress to 
vocalize the detrimental effects of Agent Orange on the health of 
Vietnam veterans. Furthermore, in testimony to his drive and 
determination, Don ended a long struggle when his bill establishing a 
special veterans appeals court to rule on veterans' health and 
compensation claims was passed in 1988.
  Congressman Edwards has also been active in foreign affairs and 
environmental issues. From opposing the Vietnam war to standing up 
against apartheid in South Africa, he has worked ardently towards 
preserving peace and spreading the principles of democracy. He has also 
been a leader in the fight to limit conventional arms sales. 
Congressman Edwards is responsible for creating the 40,000 acre San 
Francisco Bay Federal Wildlife Refuge, and introduced in the 103d 
Congress major legislation to protect our remaining wetlands, the 
Wetlands Reform Act.
  Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in the House of Representatives in 
acknowledging the illustrious career and leadership of Congressman Don 
Edwards. He has served nobly in the U.S. Congress for over three 
decades, and his reputation as the consummate, committed statesman 
remains a challenge to all of us. I join his wife, Edith; their 
children, Judge Leonard Perry Edwards, Judge Thomas C. Edwards, Samuel 
Dwyer Edwards, Dr. Bruce Haven Edwards, and William Don Edwards, Esq.; 
and a host of family and friends in saying well done, and in wishing 
him continued happiness in the future.
  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join my colleagues in honoring our 
colleague, Don Edwards of California, who is retiring at the end of 
this session.
  The courage and foresight of Don Edwards was first made apparent to 
me when, as a high school student, I heard of his courageous vote to 
abolish the House Committee on Un-American Activities. A junior Member 
of Congress, with few allies on his side, Don Edwards had the courage 
to defy the tide of public opinion and his more senior colleagues, and 
stand up for what we now know was right. His courage was inspirational 
and would be repeated many times during his long and impressive career.
  My next encounter with my future chairman was in December 1967, when 
he spoke at the National Conference of Concerned Democrats. His speech 
about the direction of the country so inspired me that I have saved the 
text of his speech of 27 years.
  Throughout his career, Don Edwards has been a stalwart defender of 
the civil rights of all, and has never cowered in the face of 
controversy. From his excellent work defending women's right to choose, 
to his advocacy to end the war in Vietnam, to his principled stand 
against the death penalty, Don Edwards is a skilled legislator, and an 
effective activist.
  But in addition to his vast collection of legislative 
accomplishments, Don Edwards has managed to win the respect and 
friendship of his colleagues from all parts of the ideological 
spectrum. He has led with grace, and with courage, and with compassion.
  It has been an honor to serve with him in the House, and an 
inspiration to serve on the Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional 
Rights under his leadership. He will be missed dearly not only by his 
colleagues, but by all who have benefitted from his work over the 
years. I wish him well.
  Mr. FAZIO. Mr. Speaker, as we near the end of the 103d Congress, I 
rise in tribute to a Member who, after sixteen terms, has chosen to 
move on to another phase in his life.
  It has been said that a constitutional statesman is ``* * * a man of 
common opinions and uncommon abilities.'' This aptly describes Don 
Edwards, who has consistently utilized his interpersonal and 
intellectual skills in defense of the constitutional principles to 
which he has always been so strongly committed.
  Don has never run from controversy. Whether working to abolish the 
House Committee on UnAmerican Activities, championing the Equal Rights 
Amendment, or denouncing the horrors of South African apartheid, Don 
has always been consistent in his defense of the rights of the 
individual--even when his stand was not popular and even if it meant he 
stood alone.
  I know that, wherever life takes Chairman Edwards, he will continue 
to live his life as he always has--as an activist, a statesman and the 
true gentleman that he is. It is my honor and privilege to have known 
and served with Don. I salute him as dean of my delegation, my 
colleague and my friend.
  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, every new Member of Congress has a 
political idol. Someone with similar values and ideals. Someone who 
sets an example. Someone whose experience proves that if you stick with 
your convictions and vote your beliefs, you can, indeed, fulfill your 
duties, and still keep a sense of yourself.
  When I came to Congress in 1993, I was fortunate, because my 
political idol was still here. That person is Don Edwards.
  Throughout his career, Don Edwards has stood up for what is right, 
not necessarily what is popular.
  History will record his successful effort to abolish the House 
Committee on Un-American Activities. His fight to pass the Landmark 
Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act. His unflagging support of the 
equal rights amendment and women's reproductive rights.
  Californians will remember his tireless work on behalf of our State. 
As dean of the California delegation, Don Edwards taught us all--
Democrat and Republican, liberal and conservative, northern California 
and southern Californian--how to work together for the good of our 
State.
  Don Edwards' achievements are given even greater weight by the manner 
in which he did them. He has treated his colleagues, staff, and 
constituents with a respect and humility that show that his successes 
are not only the fruit of hard work and great mind, but also of an 
extraordinary heart and soul.
  Don, thank you for being you. Thank you for your guidance and 
friendship. You are my idol and I will miss you.
  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am saddened by the occasion of this 
special order, but since I have now had several months to get used to 
the prospect of a U.S. Congress without Don Edwards, I am happy to 
offer my words of tribute in honor of this great American.
  All Americans are in the debt of Don Edwards. I have no doubt 
whatsoever that he will be remembered as one of the great heroes of our 
republic. For here was a public official who understood that the 
bedrock principles of our Constitution and Bill of Rights must be 
protected from the temptations of temporary partisan advantage or the 
enflamed passions of the mob.
  His valiant defense of the great writ of habeas corpus was part and 
parcel of his commitment to ensuring that all Americans, including the 
most despised among us, are accorded the full measure of our civil and 
constitutional rights.
  How well Don Edwards understands the words of Justice Felix 
Frankfurter, that ``the history of liberty has largely been the history 
of the observance of procedural safeguards.'' Others might impatiently 
assign those safeguards to a lower priority in the interest of law 
enforcement or national security, but Don Edwards' career in this body 
is a reminder that in a free and democratic nation, the objectives of 
law enforcement and national security must always be reconciled with 
individual rights. That task is an arduous one, but Don Edwards and his 
staff accomplished it superbly.
  A number of years ago, Don filed a Freedom of Information Act 
request, seeking to review any files the FBI may have kept on him. He 
discovered a memo written to J. Edgar Hoover reporting a rumor, 
obviously mistaken, of Don's imminent retirement. Hoover had written on 
the memo, ``good riddance!'' J. Edgar Hoover might have said, ``good 
riddance,'' but I say Congress and the American people are the poorer 
for losing this great Member.
  But it is not only for his principles and his deeds that I revere Don 
Edwards. It is also the way in which he conducted himself in this body 
which I seek to honor.
  His commitment to the dignity and human rights of all people was 
reflected in his treatment of all the individuals with whom he came in 
contact throughout his career. Since he announced his retirement, I 
have heard countless individuals throughout this body, from the most 
junior staff to the most senior Members recount fondly their 
experiences with this man.
  I have also been struck by the very kind words of Don Edwards' 
ranking Republican on the Civil and Constitutional Rights Subcommittee, 
the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Hyde] who has saluted Don for the 
civility and courtesy with which he conducted his business in this 
body.

  Whether you agreed with Don Edwards, as I did, or disagreed, you 
always understood that this was one of the most honorable Members who 
ever graced this body.
  And no tribute to Don would be complete without some words in honor 
of his elegant and accomplished wife, Edie Wilkie, who from her post as 
Executive Director of the Arms Control and Disarmament Caucus, has been 
a indefatigable force in the fight to end the dangerous and 
destabilizing arms race. For those of us in what is loosely called the 
arms control community, Edie was an invaluable source of information, 
analysis and strategy. She has truly been an instrument for peace on 
earth and I am proud beyond words to be her friend and colleague.
  Now we are faced with the arduous task of carrying on without Don and 
Edie. I hope we can continue to count on their good counsel--I know I 
will. But the responsibility for protecting and defending the civil and 
constitutional rights of all Americans and for fighting against the 
proliferation of instruments of destruction now rest with us. I hope we 
are up to the task.
  Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my 
colleagues in honoring a man of courage and integrity who has left his 
mark on the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Don Edwards.
  Throughout his career, Don Edwards has championed the cause of 
justice and fairness for all members of our society. As chairman of the 
House Judiciary Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights, he led 
the fight to reverse a number of damaging Supreme Court decisions that 
had made it more difficult to challenge discrimination in the 
workplace. He has worked hard to promote fair housing, voting rights 
and a more equitable criminal justice system.
  As dean of the California delegation, Congressman Edwards has worked 
diligently in behalf of his State. He helped secure funding for the San 
Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge and he worked tirelessly to 
protect jobs and promote economic prosperity in industries important to 
California.
  Mr. Speaker, I have long admired Don Edwards not only as a symbol of 
fairness and justice, but also as a true gentleman. Even in the face of 
the most contentious debate, he never lost his sense of dignity and 
grace. Let me join in extending best wishes to Congressman Edwards and 
his family. I know he will continue to make significant contributions 
of his time and talent as he moves on to new challenges.
  Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, when you gavel the close of the 103d 
session, you will be marking the beginning of retirement for one of the 
most respected Members of Congress, Don Edwards.
  Don Edwards has spent his career in Congress fighting to protect and 
preserve our constitutional rights, often for the most unpopular in our 
society, and during times when it has been least popular to do so. When 
he first came to Congress in 1963, Don voted with only 19 other House 
Members to abolish the House Committee on Unamerican Activities. He 
stuck to principle, as he always has, and finally won this fight on the 
House floor in 1975.
  As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, and as chairman of the 
Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights since 1971, Don's 
influence has been legendary in its reach across so many segments of 
our society. Don was a leading force in moving some of the most 
significant civil rights legislation in our history including the 1964 
Civil Rights Act, the 1965 Voting Rights Act, the Equal Rights 
Amendment, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Religious 
Freedom Restoration Act. During the last decade, he succeeded in 
passing legislation that reversed a number of Supreme Court decisions 
that weakened voting rights, equal education opportunity, and fair 
employment rights.
  Don has been an ardent supporter of abortion rights and legislation 
to outlaw discrimination against persons on the basis of sexual 
orientation. We will sorely miss him as we continue our fight to codify 
Roe versus Wade and to extend civil rights protections to gay and 
lesbian Americans.
  A number of years ago, ``Politics in America'' described Don 
eloquently:
  The self-doubt that has afflicted many House liberals in recent years 
has stopped somewhere short of Edwards, whose belief in social change 
has all the gentle passion it did twenty years ago.''
  Throughout his career, Don has never abandoned principle for 
temporary political gain. He protected Richard Nixon's right to due 
process during the House Judiciary Committee's 1974 impeachment inquiry 
just as steadfastly as he worked to protect the rights of CISPES 
against FBI abuses during the 1980's. With Don's retirement, we 
Democrats have a big void to fill. Our work will be made significantly 
more difficult without his guidance, but we are inheriting a legacy of 
achievement on which to build. Our greatest tribute to him will be a 
constant vigilance over our precious freedoms and ensuring their 
extension to everyone in our society.
  Janet and I extend our heartfelt best wishes to Don and Edith as they 
enter this new phase in their lives.
  Mr. MAZZOLI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor my friend, Congressman Don 
Edwards of the 16th Congressional District of California. Don and I 
have served together on the House Judiciary Committee for most of my 
tenure in the House.
  Don has invariably pursued the rights of the common good and rejected 
the route to conformity and popularity. Although such conduct is 
considered rare for a politician, Don has proved since his election to 
Congress in 1962 that legislators do not have to go along to get along. 
Instead, he has earned the respect of numerous colleagues and 
constituents because of his remarkable ability to voice unpopular 
stands on legislative issues.
  Over the years, I have admired Don for his integrity, determination, 
and dedication as an elected official. The House of Representatives 
will never be the same without Don, who has exemplified the life of a 
public servant through his words and deeds.
  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I rise today to join in 
paying tribute to a great legislator, upholder of constitutional rights 
and good friend--Congressman Don Edwards.
  Don has had no equal in his commitment to and action on behalf of our 
constitutional rights. He has served as Chairman of the Subcommittee on 
Civil and Constitutional Rights, leading this House in the 
consideration of the Equal Rights Amendment. He was also the author of 
the Freedom of Choice Act and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
  Although his legislative accomplishments are many, I am most awed by 
his leadership skills. He led the charge on all important battles 
during the last 30 years on behalf of civil liberties, civil rights, 
alternatives to nuclear destruction, environmental protection and 
women's rights.
  Being a Member of Congress is not easy. But Don showed us how to do 
it with style, grace, and an unwavering commitment to do what is right 
for all Americans.
  This Congress is losing a great champion in the cause for freedom--
and it is up to the rest of us to take his lead and continue this 
important work for the future of our great Nation.
  Don, we wish you and Edie a wonderful future, filled with great 
accomplishments and an abundance of blessings. It is comforting to 
know, however, that even though you won't be in Congress, you will 
still be out there fighting to make a difference in the lives of all 
Americans.
  Mr. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay homage to one of the 
finest, most honorable men to serve this institution, the people of the 
16th Congressional District of California, and the people of this 
Nation.
  Since first being elected to Congress in 1962, Don Edwards has fought 
for the constitutional rights of all Americans. His record as a civil 
rights leader is exemplary. Don has been and will always be a shining 
example of the true meaning of public service. During the civil rights 
movement of the '60's, Don was an active participant in marches and 
other public demonstrations in both Washington and in the South. In 
1963, Don visited Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the Birmingham jail to 
show his support and solidarity for the civil rights leader before it 
was popular to be allied with Dr. King. Don wasn't interested in doing 
what was popular, but in doing what was right.
  In Congress, Don has been a leader in the enactment of both the Civil 
Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. As Chairman of 
the Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights, his 
accomplishments are almost too numerous to name. Most recently Don has 
demonstrated his outstanding leadership in passing the Religious 
Freedom Restoration Act.
  Known as a consensus builder, Don is respected by members of both 
parties. Don has carried his fight for protection of our rights to 
other areas: concern for the environment; protection for the health of 
our veterans; opposition to the Vietnam War; and strong condemnation of 
apartheid in South Africa.
  It is no wonder that Don is often called ``the conscience of the 
Congress.'' No Member will be more missed than Don Edwards.
  It is so fitting that the same day we rise to pay honor to Don, is 
also the day that the President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, spoke 
to a joint session of Congress. It is as if all the effort and 
diligence of Don Edwards to rid South Africa of the ugly specter of 
apartheid had suddenly come to fruition. Don's heart must have been 
happy to know that he played a role in such a great accomplishment like 
this. Today was the reward of all that he has done as we do this 
tribute to him. Perhaps Don's hopes and dreams for South Africa can 
best be described by President Mandela when he quoted T.S. Eliot:

       Lo, the most excellent sun so calm and haughty,
       The violet and purple morn with just felt breezes,
       The gentle soft-born measureless light,
       The miracle spreading bathing all, the fulfill'd noon,
       The coming eve delicious, the welcome night and the stars,
       Over my cities shining all, enveloping man and land.

  It has been my extreme privilege to have been able to serve with a 
man like Don Edwards. Not only has he been the Dean of our State 
Delegation, but a personal mentor to me. I shall try to follow his 
example.
  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to 
Congressman Don Edwards, who is retiring from public service after 16 
terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.
  For more than 30 years, Congressman Edwards has served the 16th 
District and the people of California with leadership and wisdom. He 
has long been admired by those in his district and by members of both 
parties for his warmth, fairness, and commitment to principle.
  He has been a leader for the State of California, having served as 
Dean of the California Congressional Delegation. It was his leadership 
that led to the creation of the California Institute, a bipartisan 
think tank in Washington, DC. He also worked to develop bipartisan 
approaches to issues unique to California, such as environmental 
protection, immigration, and military base closures.
  But Congressman Edwards will perhaps be best known for his tireless 
work in the area of civil and constitutional rights. From his early 
work in the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Association 
for the Advancement of Colored People, and other civil rights 
organizations, to his work as Chairman of the Civil and Constitutional 
Rights Subcommittee, Congressman Edwards has worked to protect the 
constitutional rights of all Americans. He has been a leader in the 
House of Representatives in fighting discrimination in employment, 
housing, and the criminal justice system.
  Few have spoken out for the rights of Americans with such eloquence 
and thoughtfulness as Mr. Edwards, or have fought to protect those 
rights so consistently or with such commitment. Congressman Edwards has 
served as the conscience of Congress, reminding us that while it is 
often tempting to ignore the rights of the few in pursuing what is most 
popular, it is our duty to protect and uphold the constitutional rights 
of all Americans, no matter how unpopular.
  The departure of Congressman Edwards is indeed a great loss to this 
body. But his leadership, courage, and dedicated public service serve 
as an inspiration for us and for future leaders in Congress. I look 
forward to having him as my constituent when he moves to Carmel, CA, 
and I wish him, his wife Edie, and his family well.
  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. It is with great honor and some sadness that I 
pay this tribute to our distinguished colleague Don Edwards for his 32 
years of service to the Congress and the people of the 16th District of 
California.
  There are very few in our history who have contributed more to the 
protection of our most fundamental rights and preserving the integrity 
of the Constitution than Don Edwards. Over the last three decades he 
has worked diligently and effectively to assure that everyone in this 
Nation, no matter their race, sex, economic status, sexual 
orientations, or disability is assured their basic civil rights.
  The Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the 
Equal Rights Amendment, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Civil 
Rights Restoration Act of 1988, the Fair Housing Act of 1990, the Civil 
Rights Act of 1991, and the Religious Restoration Act, are all products 
of Don's hard work and dedication.
  This is an accomplishment to be tremendously proud of, for 
individuals all across the country have gained, and will gain in the 
future, employment, housing, educational opportunities, religious 
freedom, and access to the electoral process all because of these laws.
  When I first came to the Congress in 1965 Don had already made a mark 
by taking a leadership role in the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights 
Act. His strength and resolve to stand up for what he believed no 
matter how unpopular it might be was an inspiration to me as a new 
Member faced with many difficult votes during difficult times.
  We did take some tough votes together, against the Vietnam War, 
against amendments to the Constitution that were popular at the time, 
and we took strong stands on civil rights, voting rights, and women's 
rights. I can remember a few times when only a handful of members went 
against the grain on a popular vote and Don and I always seemed to end 
up among the handful on the unpopular side.
  His persistence, integrity and strong resolve has made him an 
effective legislator for the people of California and for many across 
the country who are often forgotten--our children, those in poverty, 
minorities, the disabled, and new immigrants.
  Returning to Congress in 1990 it almost felt like old times when we 
found ourselves again fighting together on civil rights, trying to 
restore the original intent of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which had 
been weakened by the Courts. The passage of the Civil Rights Act of 
1991 during the Bush administration is a testament to the political and 
legislative skill of Don Edwards.

  We did not win all the battles on that bill. But Don did not give up 
and helped us lead the effort to eliminate the exemption in the Civil 
Rights Bill for the Alaskan Wards Cove Co.--the very company whose 
plantation like treatment of Asian and Pacific workers started the case 
which led to the Civil Rights Act of 1991.
  We have not won that one yet, but Don, we are going to continue your 
good efforts on this on.
  For his efforts on Wards Cove and many other issues the newly formed 
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus unanimously elected Don to 
be a member of the Executive Committee this year. Don served as one of 
only three Members on the Executive Committee that were not of Asian or 
Pacific Island ancestry, which I believe demonstrates the high regard 
for Don in the Asian Pacific community.
  With your retirement Don, we lose a great ally on many issues that we 
both care so much about. I am very sorry to see you go, but I feel 
privileged to have served along side you for many years and that I can 
call you my colleague, my mentor, and my friend.
  We live in a better world because of your many years of service to 
this country. We will miss you, Don. Best of luck and much happiness in 
this exciting new chapter of your life.
  Mr. DELLUMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a distinguished colleague 
upon his retirement. He is the dean of the California delegation, of 
which I am a part, and has served in that capacity with distinction and 
dignity. I refer to my close personal friend, Don Edwards.
  Don Edwards has been an unwavering defender of the Constitution and 
the civil liberties that it provides for our population since he was 
first elected in 1962. He has served with distinction on the House 
Judiciary Committee and as the Chairman of its Subcommittee on Civil 
and Constitutional Rights. Don was a floor leader in the enactment of 
the historic civil rights legislation of the sixties--the 1964 Omnibus 
Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He participated in 
the civil rights demonstrations and marches in Washington and in the 
South. He was the floor manager in the debate concerning the Equal 
Rights Amendment. He was a floor leader of the Americans with 
Disabilities Act. He has successfully brought forth legislation to 
overturn the Supreme Court decisions of the mid-80's that saw a 
reversal of decades of progress in civil rights. He has authored both 
the Freedom of Choice Act and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. 
These are just the highlights. His contribution to the civil rights 
movement has been immeasurable.
  Don Edwards has vociferously fought to ensure a fair, unbiased 
judicial process and has not allowed a questionable process to go 
unchallenged. He pursued the case of Ben Chavis until he was freed and 
has continually worked for clemency in the case of Leonard Peltier, a 
case that I am also pursuing. Don has worked to ensure that habeas 
corpus, the historic right to seek review in a higher court of an 
unjust criminal conviction, remains the right of every American.
  Nelson Mandela's address today brought back many memories of our 
struggle here in the US to focus attention on the injustice of 
apartheid. Don Edwards was a part of that struggle. After visiting 
South Africa in 1978, Don was deeply affected and appalled by the 
persecution of blacks in that country. Back in this country, he joined 
me and other Members in our campaign of civil disobedience by picketing 
the South African Embassy here in Washington and was arrested for it. 
He also joined in calling for the imposition of strict sanctions 
against South Africa.
  In a short time I could never do justice to the career and 
contributions that Don has made to this country. It is with a sad heart 
that I bid farewell to my dear friend Don Edwards. You have been an 
inspiration. You have led by example and have been the conscience of 
this institution. A great void will be left with your departure. You 
have served the people of California and this country well. I wish you 
well, my friend, on your new journey.
  Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, we are on the eve of the departure from 
Congress of one of its most decent and quietly courageous Members, the 
gentleman from California [Mr. Edwards].
  No doubt he will flinch at being called a giant, but Don Edwards is a 
giant. A moral giant. An intellectual giant. A thoroughly decent human 
being and mentor and friend.
  Two decades ago I served as chief counsel and staff director to the 
Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Constitutional Rights, under the 
chairmanship of former California Senator John Tunney. Then as now, Mr. 
Edwards chaired the House counterpart, and we worked closely together. 
Then as now, he carefully guarded the U.S. Constitution, and worked for 
equal rights for all Americans. Then as now, he was beloved and 
respected.
  Don, I learned a great deal from you and will miss you very much. 
Godspeed as you and Edie enjoy the gentler and quieter joys of life. 
You have earned some peace and enriched us all.
  Mr. MINETA. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to be here this evening to 
talk about someone whom I consider to be one of the finest and most 
principled Members ever to serve in this Congress, my close friend, 
Congresman Don Edwards.
  For the past 20 years, I have had the honor of jointly representing 
our home town of San Jose, CA, with Don. I've known Don since 1958, 
and, in 1962, I had the privilege of being the treasurer for Don's 
first campaign for Congress. At the time, I had no idea I would be 
serving with him in the Congress one day, but I can honestly say that 
serving together with Don in the House has been one of the greatest 
joys of my time in Washington, DC.
  Mr. Speaker, we live in a cynical age--an age in which all too many 
of our political leaders determine their positions on the issues on the 
basis of the latest opinion poll or focus group. To me, Don Edwards has 
always been the antidote to that cynicism.
  Don has never worried about what sounds right or looks right. He only 
cares about what actually is right.
  You know, I hosted a retirement dinner for Don along with the 
California Democratic delegation. We went around the table to talk 
about our association with Don, and something extraordinary happened.
  Every Member who was there said the same thing: That he or she hadn't 
taken a single vote on a controversial issue in this Congress without 
looking up on the board to see how Don Edwards had voted.
  We didn't always vote the same way Don did, but all of us knew that 
Don--on every single vote--was making a statement of principle.
  It's no wonder that Don Edwards has more than once been called the 
conscience of the Congress.
  Throughout his career, Don's passion has been the protection of our 
Constitution, and the protection of the rights of Americans whose 
rights have meant little to most of the people in this country.
  He has placed his mark on every single piece of civil rights 
legislation to pass this Congress during the past 32 years--and every 
single one of those bills was made better, and more just, because of 
his leadership.
  Don Edwards is the elected representative of the 16th Congressional 
District of California. And I can tell you that no one could possibly 
have been more effective in representing the constituents of that 
district than Don.
  But Don does not just represent his own constituents. Throughout his 
32 years in the Congress, he has represented the highest principles of 
this country and the most basic precepts of fairness and justice 
enshrined in our Constitution.
  In short, Don Edwards has dedicated his career in public service to 
representing a dream of what this Nation has the power to be: a nation 
with liberty and justice for all.
  Time and time again over the past 32 years, Don has moved this Nation 
closer to that dream.
  There are many of us in this country who began our lives on the 
margins of society--and I count myself among them.
  We have moved into the mainstream of American life, and had 
opportunities opened to us that would never have been available before, 
because Don Edward's life and work here in the Congress.
  There simply are no words to adequately describe how much that means.
  How many Americans today have jobs they never would have had, attend 
schools they could never have attended, vote in elections in which they 
would never have been allowed to vote, have access to restaurants and 
public buildings to which they would never have had access, if it were 
not for Don Edwards' vision and dedication to principle?
  I am sure that the number must be in the tens of millions.
  But I know that this is a better and more just nation, and that the 
principles of our Constitution are stronger and more vibrant today, 
because Don Edwards' leadership has made them so.
  Don's retirement will be a loss to this Congress, this Nation, and to 
the State of California.
  For me personally, I will lose the benefit of having a colleague in 
the Congress who is also my best friend.
  But if anyone has earned the right to some rest, and a little 
peaceful time with his family, it is Don Edwards.
  Mr. Speaker, I know that I can speak for all of my colleagues when I 
wish Don and his wife, Edie all the best in his retirement, and when I 
tell him how much his work has meant to this Congress and to this 
Nation.
  His energy, his drive, his principle and his courage will be sorely 
missed.

                          ____________________