[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 116 (Thursday, August 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1423-E1424]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CONTINUATION OF TRIBUTE TO HAMILTON FISH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 25, 1996

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a 
beloved Congress-

[[Page E1424]]

man from New York, Hamilton Fish. Congressman Fish's death is an 
extraordinary loss to a community he faithfully served for over 25 
years, and to all of us in this House and around the world who knew him 
well.
  Although I only had the privilege of serving with Rep. Fish in the 
103d Congress, I quickly saw his impact on this institution, and on me. 
His warmth and openness made a junior Member feel welcome and confident 
in an organization that can be overwhelming. Even though Rep. Fish 
worked hard as one of the busiest members of Congress, he always had 
time to serve as a teacher and mentor to other Members. I will always 
remember him as the example of how to serve New York State and how to 
serve our country in a truly bipartisan manner.
  Hamilton Fish died on July 23d, but his service to the mid-Hudson 
Valley constituency will ensure that he has an everlasting memory to 
all. During the years he lived among us, Congressman Fish was a pioneer 
and supporter of Civil Rights legislation. He was the principal 
Republican sponsor of the Civil Rights Act of 1991, and also worked 
with Democrats to sponsor amendments to the Fair Housing Act and the 
Americans with Disabilities Act.
  However, his concern for others was not limited to the borders of 
this country. He was an outspoken advocate for human rights around the 
globe and worked on behalf of Soviet Jews who for years were battling 
to emigrate from tyranny to freedom. As a member of the House Judiciary 
Committee, Representative Fish worked to expand refugee assistance 
programs. He wanted to ensure that all people, no matter from what 
background, had an opportunity to fulfill the American dream.
  Rep. Fish was born to a family whose political legacy dates back to 
the Revolutionary War. One of his ancestors Nicholas Fish fought with 
George Washington during the birth of our nation. His great-
grandfather, Hamilton fish, served as governor of New York before 
serving in the Senate and as Secretary of State to Ulysses S. Grant.
  His grandfather, of the same name, served in the 61st Congress after 
a long career in the New York Assembly. Congressman Fish's father, 
Hamilton Fish, Sr. served in Congress from 1920 to 1945. Thus, 
Congressman Fish brought a legacy that was 200 years old the first day 
he sat in his seat in 1968.
  He received his B.A. from Harvard, and his LL.B. from the New York 
University School of Law. His college career was interrupted twice. 
Once in 1944 by World War II, and the second time by Fish's enlistment 
to the Foreign Service. Despite these interruptions, Fish was admitted 
to the New York Bar in 1958.
  Hamilton Fish's dedication to seeking the truth can never be 
questioned. As a member of the Judiciary Committee during Watergate, 
Fish was one of the first Republicans to vote in favor of impeaching 
the President. His action went against the beliefs of many in his 
party, including his father, but Fish recognized that the need for 
truth and justice was greater than party and individual loyalties.
  This is the legacy of Hamilton Fish. The legacy of a man who carried 
the responsibility of representation with grace and dignity. He was a 
kind and gentle mentor I am proud to have served with in Congress. 
Always seeking the truth and compassion for those who were less 
fortunate, he will truly be missed.

                          ____________________