[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E46]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO NEW YORK SPEAKER SHELDON SILVER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 7, 1997

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, today the 105th Congress 
begins. While there is much talk swirling in the Capitol Hill air about 
the Speaker, I want to rise and pay tribute to my Speaker, New York 
Speaker Sheldon Silver.
  On Sunday, January 5, 1997, Speaker Silver received a well-deserved 
award at the silver anniversary of one of New York City's outstanding 
community groups, the United Jewish Council of the east side. I am 
proud to represent the diverse and vibrant neighborhood of the lower 
east side, and prouder still of the magnificent contributions made to 
the community by the UJC. The UJC currently administers a variety of 
social services to over 16,000 residents. From senior centers, to 
housing, to nutrition programs, to immigrant assistance, the UJC's 
contributions to the quality of life in our city are without limit.
  Mr. Speaker, space prohibits me from congratulating the entire 
leadership of the UJC, but I want to commend Rabbi Yitzchok Singer, 
Heshy Jacob, David Weinberger, Joel Kaplan, and Judy and Willie 
Rapfogel for all that they have done for this special neighborhood.
  The lower east side simply would not be the same without Sheldon 
Silver. Born, raised, and educated in the neighborhood, Shelly 
graduated from Yeshiva University and Brooklyn Law School. In 1976, 
Shelly began his stellar career in public service when he was elected 
to the assembly. After serving in the prestigious leadership posts of 
chairman of the election law and then the ways and means committees, 
Shelly ascended to the Speakership in 1994, where he now sits as the 
most influential Democrat in the State of New York.
  Sheldon Silver's tenure as Speaker has been marked by extraordinary 
success. He has made his mark on criminal justice, welfare, and 
education issues, and has remained a powerful and articulate advocate 
for New York's working and middle class families.
  It has been an extraordinary honor for me to serve side by side with 
Speaker Silver, representing the lower east side community. Shelly is a 
man of principle and honor. His ethical and moral world view is shaped 
by his deep religious convictions, but he is also a friend to New 
Yorkers of every race, religion, and ethnic background. If I could 
borrow one word from Shelly's own Yiddish vocabulary, I would have to 
summarize his many attributes by calling him a ``mensch.''
  Mr. Speaker, as Congress beings a new session, I ask all of my 
colleagues to join me in paying tribute to one of our Nation's 
outstanding public officials, my Speaker, the Honorable Sheldon Silver.

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