[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.
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