[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 117 (Friday, August 2, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1494]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO HAMILTON FISH, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 2, 1996

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in 
remembrance of one of the greatest Congressmen from New York State, Mr. 
Hamilton Fish, Jr., my friend and colleague with whom I had the 
pleasure of serving in Congress during my first term. Although we sat 
on opposite sides of the aisle, we shared many interests and common 
goals.
  Congressman Fish, who was known for his ability to compromise, worked 
on some of the major legislation for the last half of the 20th century. 
He spearheaded legislation for his party which led to the passage of 
the Fair Housing Act of 1988 and the Americans With Disabilities Act in 
1990. He was a principal sponsor of the Civil Rights Act of 1991, 
legislation that was denounced by President George Bush as a quota 
bill. Representative Fish also sponsored amendments to the Voting 
Rights Act and the Fair Housing Act.
  Hamilton Fish's inspiration and leadership will be remembered. He was 
a tremendous decent man. His legacy to the United States has been 
legislation like the Americans With Disabilities Act which now allows 
people with disabilities to be treated equally and to have equal access 
to buildings, education, and employment.
  I will miss him, and I will miss his decency--I believe all Americans 
will. Mr. Speaker, I extend my condolences to the family of this fine 
public servant.

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