[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 100 (Tuesday, July 15, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1430]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING JEFFERY J. DYE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 15, 1997

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of an 
extraordinary young man, Jeffery J. Dye, who unexpectedly passed away 
April 21, 1997, at the age of 27. This remarkable young man will truly 
be missed.
  Jeff had only begun to fulfill his limitless potential when he was 
struck down by an epileptic seizure. His loss is a tragedy to his 
family, his friends, and to anyone who believes in the honor of public 
service.
  Jeff's passing is a personal loss to me, Mr. Speaker, because he 
served as a research assistant on my first campaign for Congress. In 
addition, his parents, Dennis and Janell Dye, live in my district in 
West University Place.
  Though only 27 years old, Jeff Dye had already made his mark in the 
rough and tumble world of politics. His boundless energy and enthusiasm 
for political battle served him well on the campaign trail and in the 
halls of power. He was a trusted aide in the offices of Texas 
Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock, and Senator Daniel Akaka of Hawaii, 
but it was the thrill of political campaigning that truly stirred 
Jeff's passion.
  In an age of cynicism and resentment toward government, Jeff held the 
firm belief that the government has a responsibility, indeed an 
obligation, to help those less fortunate in our society. He hoped to 
use the Internet as a tool to expand participation and open the doors 
of government to more people. He believed that making it easier to find 
information on candidates would give the electorate the tools they need 
to make better decisions.
  Like many bitten by the campaign bug, Jeff bounced around from 
position to position across the country. Wherever he landed, Jeff's 
intelligence, enthusiasm, and integrity left everyone who met him with 
the impression that he was a young man with a very bright future. He 
served exceptionally at each of his many stops, wearing many hats along 
the way. He was a crack researcher, a spectacular fundraiser, and a 
cunning political strategist, and at the time of his death he had just 
begun a new challenge as executive director of the Tennessee Democratic 
Party.
  But Jeff Dye will not be remembered only for his political resume. He 
will be remembered for his passion, his commitment, and his dedication 
to making the world a better place. His parents are establishing a 
foundation in his name, dedicated to helping other motivated young men 
and women make their mark through public service. The foundation's goal 
is to fund travel and living costs for students who serve their junior 
year as congressional interns in Washington, DC.
  Mr. Speaker, Jeff's years among us were far too few, but thanks to 
the efforts of his parents his idealism and dedication will live on. I 
look forward to the day when students from the Jeffery J. Dye 
Leadership Foundation serve as interns in my office and I urge my 
colleagues to also participate in this internship program. In this way 
we can all honor Jeff Dye and the ideals in which he so strongly 
believed.

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