[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 18 (Wednesday, February 12, 1997)]
[House]
[Pages H519-H521]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   AMERICANS FOR DEMOCRATIC ACTION: 50 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO 
                           PROGRESSIVE IDEALS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 7, 1997, the gentleman from California [Mr. Filner] is 
recognized for 60 minutes.


                             General Leave

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
on the topic of my special order.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, and many of my colleagues will 
submit statements to the Record to support this special order, to 
commemorate the 50th anniversary of a great organization called 
Americans for Democratic Action, an organization we fondly call ADA, an 
organization that has worked tirelessly for 5 decades to improve 
American society.
  It was on January 3, 1947, that 130 people gathered at the Willard 
Hotel in Washington, DC, to form Americans for Democratic Action. 
Included were political activists, academics, housewives, labor union 
leaders, and former New Dealers. They were idealists, the well-known 
and the unknown, all dedicated to the basic principle that government 
has a positive role to play in the lives of its citizens in promoting 
individual liberty and economic justice.
  Among the founders of ADA were such well-known figures as Eleanor 
Roosevelt, John Kenneth Galbraith, Walter Reuther, David Dubinsky, 
Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., Reinhold Niebuhr, Joseph L. Rauh, Jr., and 
Hubert Humphrey. And because I had the opportunity to work for Senator 
Humphrey back in the 1970's, I was able to learn from him firsthand 
about the importance of the role of ADA. I truly value my membership 
and my current position as a member of the board.
  The contributions of ADA have been many. In 1948, ADA's efforts led 
to the adoption of a strong civil rights plank in the Democratic Party 
platform which has defined our party's commitment to civil rights for 
over a generation. In subsequent decades, ADA has taken early 
principled stands on civil rights and civil liberties, nuclear arms 
control, apartheid in South Africa, workers rights, women's issues, and 
the Federal budget and tax policy. ADA was the first national 
organization to call for an end to the Vietnam war and the impeachment 
of Richard Nixon. The Humphrey-Hawkins full employment bill saw its 
genesis at an ADA convention.
  The values and ideals of ADA members are just as relevant today. For 
example, the increase in the minimum wage, preservation of Medicare and 
the passage of health care portability can all be traced directly to 
the influence of the members of ADA and similarly thoughtful people. 
Today ADA continues to be dedicated to building a better world with 
rising standards of living for all. Its members, in Congress and out, 
work for the values of promoting basic human rights at home and abroad, 
ending all forms of discrimination, ensuring full employment and 
balanced growth and more equitably distributing our resources.
  During the 105th Congress, ADA will continue to press for a national 
commitment to full employment, comprehensive campaign finance reform, 
universal and quality health care, access to a full range of 
reproductive health care for all, an end to discrimination, full access 
to quality education, a safe and healthy environment, and national 
economic priorities that reflect today's social and defense needs.
  It is quite a list, it is quite an agenda, it is quite a full plate. 
But it is normal for the members of ADA to take a comprehensive 
approach to the problems and opportunities that we see in American 
society.
  So I want to take this opportunity, as do many of my colleagues, to 
sincerely recognize and thank ADA and its members. The influence that 
ADA has exerted over national policy has led to several defining 
moments in our Nation's history. I welcome its participation in the 
debates of the future and wish for ADA a continued commitment and 
involvement worthy of its great founders.
  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, it was Eleanor Roosevelt who 
said, ``You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience 
in which you really stop to look fear in the face * * * You must do the 
thing you think you cannot do.'' The Americans for Democratic Action 
has for 50 years been an organization that has looked the sometimes 
cold and heartless agenda of some in this Congress and fought it head 
on with its more just and compassionate ideals. The Democratic agenda 
has long been rooted in the principles that the ADA espouses and we are 
pleased that this organization reminds us of our responsibility to be 
tough in the face of injustice.
  I rise tonight as a proud member of the Board of the Americans for 
Democratic Action. I am particularly privileged to stand here as a New 
Yorker as the ADA has an extraordinary history in the Big Apple. 
Founded in 1947, by David Dubinsky and the ever remarkable Eleanor 
Roosevelt, and ADA began as part of a labor movement and since then has 
developed a progressive agenda that spans from equal rights to jobs to 
economic justice to education. The ADA has been a strong voice for 
those whose voices are drowned by words of intolerance and fear.
  We are truly fortunate that the ADA has not only been completely 
dedicated to justice within U.S. borders, but has also been 
instrumental in advancing human rights throughout the world. From 
Vietnam to Sarejevo, in its support of the United Nations, in its 
struggle to promote simple human dignity in the smallest villages to 
the most thriving cities, the ADA has reminded us that it is essential 
that the United States lead with more than just its own interests in 
mind.
  The ADA is a proud and vigilant conscience of progressive causes 
during a time when being called a liberal is sometimes the harshest 
political epithet that can be hurled. There is no way to adequately 
thank the ADA for its 50-year fight for peace and justice. I can only 
say thank you for allowing me to be part of your dynamic organization 
and I look forward to being a part of the next 50.

[[Page H520]]

  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, for 50 years, Americans for Democratic 
Action has been a proud defender of liberal values in America, so it is 
with great pleasure that I rise to praise this fine organization.
  As a former board member of ADA and a great admirer of its president, 
Jack Sheinkman, I know well the long history and tremendous 
accomplishments of ADA.
  Founded with the help of Eleanor Roosevelt, ADA, has for decades, 
actively championed liberal policies that work. ADA has been a powerful 
force for good in Washington--fighting to increase the minimum wage, 
protect workers, and support valuable programs like Medicare and 
Medicaid. ADA has led the difficult fight on behalf of this needy; 
fighting to ensure that the Federal budget does not neglect those who 
are often overlooked or blatantly ignored.
  From the beginning, ADA has been among the Nation's leaders in the 
fight for civil rights and racial justice. ADA members successfully 
worked to integrate strong civil rights protections into the 1948 
Democratic platform. Working in the South in the 1950's and 1960's, ADA 
challenged the President and others to more closely live up to the 
ideals of this great Nation, to respect the rights of all people, and 
to tear down the segregationist laws that continued to oppress millions 
of Americans.
  ADA has also led the way in promoting a humanitarian foreign policy. 
From opposing the Vietnam war to pursuing an end to apartheid in South 
Africa, ADA has been willing to tackle difficult issues and mobilize 
public opinion in extraordinary ways. ADA has fought long and hard for 
nuclear arms control and continues to advocate for lower levels of 
military spending and more restrictions on international arms sales.
  ADA has often advocated ideas that were once seen as radical. From 
promoting civil rights, to opposing the Vietnam war, to ending 
segregation, ADA has often been the first to voice opinions that many, 
at the time, considered radical, but with hard work and active citizen 
education, move to become the prevailing wisdom. ADA's voice in 
Washington often shines like a beacon of light that cuts through of fog 
of misinformation that fills the air on Capitol Hill.
  Through bold leadership and the strength that comes from speaking the 
truth, ADA has achieved enormous victories and improved the lives of 
people everywhere. To promote active citizen involvement in the fight 
for equality, justice, and peace--this is the mission that ADA has 
chosen, and I, for one, believe that they have succeeded tremendously 
in their efforts.
  Now, more than ever, we see the need for grassroots activists 
empowered by ADA to continue to let their Representatives know what's 
important to them: protecting working families; helping the needy; and 
fighting injustice. I welcome their support in the upcoming battles of 
the 105th Congress, and I know that the American people appreciate 
their efforts to help create a more perfect Union.
  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague, the 
distinguished gentleman from California, Congressman Bob Filner, for 
reserving this special order. We gather today to recognize the 50th 
anniversary of Americans for Democratic Action [ADA]. As a fellow ADA 
vice president, I take special pride in joining my colleagues as we 
mark the anniversary of an organization which has played an integral 
role in shaping the social and political landscape of our Nation.
  Americans for Democratic Action is an independent liberal political 
organization founded in 1947 and committed to economic and social 
justice. The organization's founders include Eleanor Roosevelt, labor 
leader Walter Reuther, economist John Kenneth Galbraith, historian 
Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., theologian Reinhold Niebuhr, and former Vice-
President Hubert Humphrey.
  Americans for Democratic Action currently boats a membership of 
30,000, the ranks of which includes members of the business community, 
professionals, and our Nation's labor and political leaders. ADA seeks 
to formulate liberal domestic and foreign policies based on the 
changing needs of the country.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to note that throughout its history, 
Americans for Democratic Action has taken solid stands on the issues 
confronting our Nation. We recall that in 1948, ADA's efforts resulted 
in the adoption of a strong civil rights plank in the Democratic Party 
platform. This action has helped to define our party's commitment to 
civil rights for over a generation. Americans for Democratic Action was 
equally vocal with regard to the Vietnam war, the impeachment of 
President Richard Nixon, and the issue of apartheid in South Africa. In 
subsequent decades, ADA has led by advocating workers' rights, civil 
and equal rights, increases in the minimum wage, and Federal spending 
priorities.
  Today, as I reflect upon the history of ADA, I recall my close 
friendship with Joseph L. Rauh, Jr., a great civil liberties attorney 
who was affiliated with the organization. I also recall that when my 
brother, the late Carl B. Stokes, sought to become the first black 
mayor of Cleveland, OH, Americans for Democratic Action was one of the 
first organizations to host a fundraiser in his behalf. This was done 
despite the fact that during this time, it was not popular for major 
organizations to support African-American candidates. With ADA's 
support, Carl went on to become the first black mayor of a major 
American city. Like many of my colleagues gathered today, I also take 
special pride in my annual ADA legislative voting tally.
  Mr. Speaker, as Americans for Democratic Action marks 50 years of 
progress, I applaud the organization for its strong commitment and 
leadership. I am proud of my close association with ADA and I join many 
others in saluting its progress.
  Mr. DELLUMS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of the 50th 
anniversary of the Americans for Democratic Action [ADA].
  Over the past 50 years, the ADA has been a champion of a liberal 
agenda in local and national politics for American citizens. As the 
base of its strong foundation, the ADA seeks economic freedom, greater 
individual participation in government, and constitutional, political, 
and administrative reforms in order to promote a stronger nation and 
democracy. I embrace their values which support first and foremost 
liberty, equality, and opportunity for individuals. The ADA believes 
the Constitution created a national government to serve the common 
good, and that the Bill of Rights should protect the freedoms of 
ordinary citizens. The organization is proud of President Franklin D. 
Roosevelt's legacy, the New Deal, which espoused dedication to economic 
security for all Americans, and the need for American leadership within 
an international community.
  The ADA will continue its commitment and urges a progressive advance 
in the 105th Congress. It hopes to set forth a vision in the 21st 
century to strengthen human rights and human welfare and to assure 
peace and security at home and abroad for America. Throughout the 
tenure of the 105th Congress, the ADA will remind the general public, 
the Clinton administration, and the Congress that there is an 
indispensable rule for government in advancing the cause of freedom, 
dignity, and human welfare. The ADA will call for job creation leading 
to economic expansion so that the United States can achieve its full 
economic growth potential providing for a better life for the American 
people.
  Key priorities for the ADA in 1997 include: Expansion of 
international human rights; opposition of any balanced budget 
amendments to the Constitution; protection of Medicare, Medicaid, and 
Social Security from privatization and cuts; jobs for all at decent 
pay; restoration of cuts in the food stamps program; protection of 
civil rights, civil liberties, and reproductive choice; protection of 
workers rights and pensions; protection of the environment; and 
campaign finance reform leading to public financing of all Federal 
elections.
  These are the mission and goals of the Americans for Democratic 
Action. On the occasion of their 50th anniversary, I am proud to 
publicly recognize this political organization and its tireless 
advocacy of political freedom and constitutional guarantees on behalf 
of all of us.
  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to join with my 
colleagues in celebrating the 50t anniversary of Americans for 
Democratic Action [ADA]
  Americans for Democratic Action was established 50 years ago by some 
of the most important progressive leaders of this century including 
Hubert Humphrey, John Kenneth Galbraith, and one of my great role 
models, Eleanor Roosevelt. These great Americans came together because 
they believed it was time for a political action and lobbying group 
that looked out for the interests of the forgotten, the 
disenfranchised, and the most vulnerable in our society. Fifty years 
later, I am proud to say that Americans for Democratic Action has lived 
up to those noble intentions.
  Americans for Democratic Action was a leader in the civil rights 
movement and helped define the Democratic Party's commitment to civil 
rights and social justice. In fact, ADA has been at the forefront of 
every progressive cause for the past half century, including stopping 
the Vietnam war, increasing public awareness of Watergate, fighting for 
nuclear arms control, workers' and women's rights, and ending 
apartheid.
  As a current vice president of Americans With Democratic Action, I am 
awed by ADA's past accomplishments. Working with my colleagues in 
Congress and Americans for Democratic Action, we must follow in the 
footsteps of Roosevelt and Humphrey and continue to move this Nation 
forward without leaving anyone behind.

[[Page H521]]

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate an important 
event in American political history, which may have been overlooked by 
many of my colleagues. On January 3, 1997, Americans for Democratic 
Action celebrated its 50th anniversary.
  ADA has a history of which all its members can be proud. In 1947, a 
group of activists gathered at the Willard Hotel and pledged themselves 
to a liberalism which moves with the times. As an ADA vice president, I 
can say with certainty that ADA has lived up to its vision.
  Since that day in 1947, ADA has been at the forefront of political 
discourse. In fact, ADA was the first national organization to call for 
the impeachment of Richard Nixon during the Watergate scandal. ADA has 
also been a leader in opposition to issues such as the Vietnam war and 
apartheid in South Africa.
  ADA provides insightful analysis on a myriad of current issues 
including workers' rights, student opportunities, women's issues, 
health care, civil rights, the Federal budget, and defense spending. 
ADA's political advice and members in the field are an invaluable 
source of information for me and many other Members of Congress.
  I am especially pleased that ADA's two top officers, Henry Berger, 
who chairs the national executive committee, and Jack Sheinkman, our 
president, are both fellow New Yorkers. ADA's New York City chapter is 
one of the largest and most active in the Nation.
  ADA is not only one of the longest lived political organizations in 
this country, it also has a rich history on which it continues to build 
a vision for the future. I am proud to be an ADA member and look 
forward to working with this remarkable organization for the next 50 
years.
  Mr. COYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join in the special order 
organized by Congressman Filner to pay tribute to the Americans for 
Democratic Action on this organization's 50th anniversary.
  The ADA was formed at a time when this country had just emerged from 
a devastating depression and an all-engaging world war, and when we 
faced a number of wracking social changes at home and a series of 
demanding international challenges abroad. Notable figures like Eleanor 
Roosevelt, Reinhold Niebuhr, Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., John Kenneth 
Galbraith, Walter Reuther, Paul Douglas, and Hubert Humphrey created 
the ADA to provide a forum for progressives to debate pressing public 
policy issues and to articulate a progressive agenda for national 
action.
  Fifty years later, we can say with some perspective that the ADA has 
done just that. The ADA has taken bold, principled stands on issues as 
diverse as civil rights and international affairs--and the organization 
has been the object of unfair attack and invective by some of its 
political enemies--but throughout it all the ADA has remained true to 
the ideals of a compassionate society, an activist Democratic 
government, and the greatest possible personal freedom and opportunity 
for all of the members of our society.
  I want to congratulate the ADA for 50 years of contributions to a 
more informed public debate, and I look forward to the contributions 
that the ADA will make in the next 50 years.

                          ____________________