[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 143 (Wednesday, October 22, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2047-E2048]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                             HEART OF GOLD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                          HON. HENRY A. WAXMAN

                             of california

                          HON. JULIAN C. DIXON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 22, 1997

  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is no surprise to my colleagues, Mr. 
Waxman and Mr. Dixon, and me that Carmen Warschaw has been named the 
Heart of Gold Honoree by the Medallion Group of Cedars Sinai Medical 
Center and will be given this prestigious award on October 25, 1997.
  Few people in America have contributed so much intellect, time, 
energy, and passion to

[[Page E2048]]

improving our world, our country, and our greater Los Angeles community 
than has Carmen Warschaw.
  Each of us has known Carmen, and her husband Louis, personally and 
professionally for more than 30 years. She has had an immense impact on 
our lives and our careers. None of us would likely have reached our 
positions were it not for Carmen Warschaw. She is a close personal 
friend, trusted adviser, candid--sometimes acerbic, but always 
humorous--critic, and a model of what community service and good 
citizenship ought to be. Our admiration for her is indescribable.
  It would be impossible--and if possible, give the appearance of 
carrying coals to Newcastle--to try to list a fraction of Carmen's 
honors, areas of interest, awards, positions of responsibility, and 
titles. It would sound as if we were praising a dozen public spirited 
people--not just Carmen Warschaw.
  Nor could we discuss the myriad stories and legends--both factual and 
perhaps embellished by time--that surround this fascinating, witty, 
charming Whirling Dervish of national and local Democratic politics, 
civil rights, women's rights, health care, art, culture, and Jewish 
community involvement.
  One story will suffice. Several years ago, then, as now, a major 
leader in the Democratic Party, Carmen was double-crossed in a backroom 
deal. When Carmen confronted her nemesis, she was told that next time 
she should get it in writing. Ever since, Carmen has handed out pens 
with the inscription, Get it in writing, Love, Carmen, and ever since, 
successive generations of California Democratic leaders have repeated 
the admonition--and the story.
  While making an enormous mark on the larger society, Carmen is a 
wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. We have had the pleasure of 
being close to the entire Warschaw family, her husband Lou, daughters 
Susan and Hope, sons-in-law Carl Robertson and John Law and 
grandchildren Cara, Chip, and Jack.
  Our comments today are occasioned by yet another Warschaw milestone. 
Carmen and Louis have--with their characteristic generosity--endowed 
the Carmen and Louis Warschaw Chair in Neurology at Cedars-Sinai 
Medical Center.
  We ask our colleagues to join us in honoring Carmen Warschaw, an 
extraordinary woman whose zest for living and profound sense of 
compassion are examples for us all. She has--and is continuing to--
truly enriched our lives.

                          ____________________