[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 132 (Monday, September 29, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1886]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      TRIBUTE TO HOWARD METZENBAUM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 29, 1997

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of Howard 
Metzenbaum, former Senator from the State of Ohio. Howard Metzenbaum 
was a giant who strode across the political landscape of Ohio for five 
decades. Some called him a rabble-rouster with a fierce independent 
streak. The Washington Post called him ``an uncompromising, 
indefatigable and often irascible champion of liberal causes.'' I 
always found him to be an inspiration, a breath of fresh air who was 
willing to do whatever necessary to defend the interests of working 
people.
  Howard Metzenbaum had a remarkably varied career. After graduating 
from law school in 1941, he became a labor lawyer in Cleveland and then 
the very successful owner of a string of parking lots. He started one 
of the Nation's first car rental companies, now known as Avis. In 1949, 
as a member of the Ohio Senate, he won passage of legislation 
regulating consumer credit. After several attempts, he won a seat in 
the U.S. Senate in 1976, starting an 18-year career that placed him at 
the forefront of some of the most important issues of our time. It was 
Senator Howard Metzenbaum who championed plant closing legislation and 
got the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification [WARN] Act passed 
over the President's veto. He was a vocal opponent of corporate welfare 
before such opposition became fashionable. When he retired in 1994, 
Democrats and Republicans alike hailed him as the conscience of the 
U.S. Senate.
  It is a fitting tribute to Senator Howard Metzenbaum that the Federal 
Courthouse at Public Square and Superior in Cleveland bear his name. 
The courthouse is a symbol of justice, and Howard Metzenbaum built his 
career on fighting for justice, fairness, and dignity for all citizens. 
I commend this bill to my fellow Members of Congress and urge its 
passage.

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