[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 146 (Saturday, October 8, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
        TRIBUTE TO OUR COLLEAGUE CONGRESSMAN HAMILTON FISH, JR.

                                 ______


                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 7, 1994

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the New York State 
Congressional Delegation, I rise to pay tribute to our colleague 
Congressman Hamilton Fish, Jr., Dean of the New York State 
Republication Delegation. Our dear friend and scion of the 
distinguished political family will retire at the adjournment of the 
103rd Congress after 26 years of honorable service.
  ``Ham'', as he is affectionately known, has earned a reputation as 
one of the finest and most respected gentlemen in the Congress. A truly 
independent leader, he has consistently voted with his conscience, ever 
guided by compassion for the least fortunate among us. And as a 
masterful legislator, he has understood and effectively applied the 
principles of bipartisanship and coalition-building in producing an 
historic record of achievements.
  Congressman Fish evidenced his courage and independence with his 
leadership in some of the most significant, and sometimes controversial 
civil and constitutional issues in recent history. The Ranking 
Republican member of the Judiciary Committee for more than a decade, he 
was a principle sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, 
and considers its passage his most important legislative achievement.
  But there were many other pieces of legislation that reflected is 
consistent affirmation of civil rights for all Americans: the Civil 
Rights Act of 1991, the Fair Housing Act Amendments of 1988, the Civil 
Rights Restoration Act, the Japanese-American Redress Act, and the 1982 
Voting Rights Act Extension.
  Representing the 19th Congressional District in the Hudson Valley of 
New York, Congressman Fish has been a formidable advocate for a broad 
array of issues of importance to his constituents. He has compiled 
impressive records in support of economic development, law enforcement, 
the environment, veterans issues, and education. In doing so he has 
upheld a long family tradition of public service.
  Generations of the Fish family have served our country, starting with 
Ham's great-great grandfather, Nicholas Fish who served as a Lieutenant 
Colonel in the American Revolution. Many have served in the Congress; 
his great grandfather, grandfather and father--all Hamilton Fish--and 
that was just the paternal line of Ham's family.
  Throughout his career as a legislator, Congressman Fish has been 
motivated by the ideals of liberty for his country and its citizens. 
Everything else was a means to that end. Ham Fish, our friend and 
colleague, will be truly missed.

                          ____________________