[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 118 (Tuesday, September 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1704]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    NOTING THE PASSING OF FORMER CONGRESSMAN GEORGE W. CROCKETT, JR.

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                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 9, 1997

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I was deeply saddened to learn of the 
passing of our former colleague, George W. Crockett, Jr. George passed 
away on September 7, 1997, after a courageous battle with cancer. I 
join my colleagues throughout the Chamber and Members of the Michigan 
Congressional Delegation in mourning the loss of a good friend and a 
great champion.
  George Crockett was elected to the United States Congress in 1980. He 
came to Capitol Hill to represent the people of Michigan's Thirteenth 
Congressional District. Throughout his tenure in Congress, they were 
the beneficiaries of his strong leadership and outstanding legislative 
skills. George brought to the Congress his compassion as a former 
lawyer and judge. He also exhibited the ability to stand firm in the 
midst of controversy.
  Mr. Speaker, when he came to the United States Congress, George 
Crockett had already established a name for himself after nearly 4 
decades in Detroit politics. He earned a reputation as an excellent 
defense attorney before being elected to the criminal court. Throughout 
his legal career, George won praise for his impartial administration of 
justice. He was also a civil rights hero who was greatly admired. In 
1964, George organized and directed the Mississippi Project, which 
provided free legal defense for civil rights workers jailed in 
Mississippi.
  Mr. Speaker, when he was elected to the United States Congress in 
1980, George Crockett brought with him the highest level of commitment 
to public service. He compiled a voting record which was described as 
one of the most liberal in Congress. We recall that George Crockett 
stood with us in the 1980's when we protested the Reagan 
administration's drastic budget cuts which would harm America's urban 
areas. He was also one of the first to call to our attention the plight 
of Haitian refugees who, under President Reagan, were being subjected 
to discriminatory immigration policies. I also recall that my friend, 
George Crockett, was with us when the first Members of Congress were 
arrested at the South African Embassy for protesting their system of 
apartheid.
  Mr. Speaker, George Crockett was someone whom I greatly admired and 
respected. His passing brings to close a life that was dedicated to 
serving others. My wife, Jay, and I enjoyed a close friendship with 
George and his wife, Dr. Harriette Clark Chambliss. We extend our 
deepest sympathy to Harriette and members of the family. Our thoughts 
and prayers are with them during their time of bereavement.

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