[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 148 (Wednesday, October 29, 1997)]
[House]
[Pages H9617-H9627]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 EXPRESSING SORROW OF THE HOUSE AT THE DEATH OF HON. WALTER H. CAPPS, 
              REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I offer a privileged resolution 
(H. Res. 286) and ask for its immediate consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Hobson). The Clerk will report the 
resolution.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 286

       Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of 
     the death of the Honorable Walter H. Capps, a Representative 
     from the State of California.
       Resolved, That a committee of such Members of the House as 
     the Speaker may designate, together with such Members of the 
     Senate as may be joined, be appointed to attend the funeral.
       Resolved, That the Sergeant at Arms of the House be 
     authorized and directed to take such steps as may be 
     necessary for carrying out the provisions of these 
     resolutions and that the necessary expenses in connection 
     therewith be paid out of the contingent fund of the House.
       Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to 
     the Senate and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the 
     deceased.
       Resolved, That when the House adjourns today, it adjourn as 
     a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from California [Mr. Fazio] is 
recognized for 1 hour.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, let me begin by expressing the 
deep appreciation of all those assembled for the eloquent prayer 
offered by our Chaplain, Jim Ford, who is not only a great leader in 
times of distress but in this case a close personal friend of the 
deceased, our friend, Walter Capps.
  I hope we have an opportunity today and later this week to have many 
Members come to the floor to express their strong feelings about Walter 
Capps. There is much good to remember, even though his time with us was 
rather brief. We have yet to even reach the anniversary of his 
election, and obviously he did not serve the entire first year of his 
term. But Walter Capps had made an impact here because of his wisdom, 
his maturity, his sense of proportion, and his bipartisan goodwill.
  A professor from the University of California at Santa Barbara for 
over 30 years, he came here and quickly developed the ability of a 
pragmatic and effective politician and public servant, without losing 
the perspective of someone who had spent his life studying religion and 
its effect on the human soul. He was truly ecumenical in his ability to 
communicate between religions and here across party lines.
  Walter Capps is the kind of individual who rarely comes our way. It 
is obviously a great loss when we have failed to get from his public 
service the benefits that we could have easily anticipated.
  His wife, Lois, is here today, as she has been with him, inseparable 
from the moment he began his quest for Congress in 1994. We offer her 
our great condolence and sympathy and support, and hope that their 
three children, Lisa, Todd, and Laura, as well as their grandson, 
David, will be held in the hearts of all those who, in the next week 
particularly, will be praying for the Capps family.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman 
from Missouri [Mr. Gephardt], our leader.

[[Page H9618]]

                              {time}  1015

  Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Speaker, this is a particularly difficult day for 
all of us who loved Walter Capps and his family. It was only last week 
that I was able to meet with Walter and many of his constituents who 
had come to Washington to be with him and to learn from him. On this 
particular day, Walter was in his usual optimistic, positive, 
idealistic frame of mind about his district, about America and about 
the public service that he was so well giving for the people of his 
district.
  I have never met someone in public life who was so grounded in their 
beliefs, their morals, ethics, in his religion, his belief in religion, 
his belief in how America and how public service could be better. He 
served his constituents as faithfully as anyone I have ever known. He 
went back to California every weekend. He was on the plane and was 
working for his constituents, meeting with them in the district, having 
meetings, listening to them, trying to understand their needs, trying 
to understand their concerns.
  It is almost impossible to understand how someone so young and 
someone so talented, someone so committed, someone so idealistic could 
be taken from us before a year of his service had even transpired. I 
guess the only thing we can do to understand it is to be thankful that 
he had the 10 months that he had in the House of Representatives. I can 
say without qualification that in those short 10 months, he did as much 
as anyone has ever done here to contribute to his fellow Members and to 
represent his constituents faithfully and honestly and with great 
skill.
  We will miss him very much. He is irreplaceable for his constituents 
and for all of us. We grieve with his family, his wonderful wife Lois 
who is here, we grieve with his children, and we grieve with all of his 
constituents. We know that America and the House of Representatives has 
been a far, far better place because Walter Capps was here.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from California [Mr. Sherman], a neighbor of Mr. Capps' 
district.
  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, yesterday this country lost a leader of 
depth and integrity. Yesterday, we in this House lost one of our own. 
Yesterday I lost a role model and a friend. And yesterday Lois and 
Lisa, Todd, and Laura lost a husband and a father. Walter Capps was the 
professor that we called a freshman. Most of us come to Congress hoping 
that we will make a contribution of which we can be proud.
  Walter Capps came here having already done more than most of us can 
hope to do. Like many freshmen, I came here and I often seek advice. 
When I wanted to know what was the smart political move, I never called 
on Walter. But when I sought wisdom and thoughtfulness and a way of 
looking at things that is different from today's headlines or 
yesterday's poll questions, I sought out Walter Capps, and he was 
always there.
  We who hold elective office are often viewed as cynical manipulators 
of public opinion or as slaves to it. We are depicted as knowing more 
or caring more about politics than we do about substance. You can say 
what you will about most of us, but you cannot say all of us, because 
for a short time we served in this House with Walter Capps, and he is 
everything you want us to be. He was the best of us. He will be missed.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentleman from California [Mr. Gallegly], another representative of the 
south coast of California.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. 
Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to my friend, Walter Capps. He 
will be missed not only by those he represented but by those of us who 
had the opportunity to work with Walter. Walter and I did not always 
see eye to eye on every issue, but he always remained true to his 
beliefs and principles. His intense spirituality and dedication to his 
community and country will always be an inspiration to those of us that 
had the opportunity to serve with Walter. Our thoughts and prayers go 
out to Lois, Lisa, Todd, and Laura today. Walter will be missed. Walter 
was my friend.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentleman from Texas [Mr. Turner].
  Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, as a Member of the freshman class of this 
Congress, it certainly saddens each of us to have lost one of our own, 
Walter Capps. Walter was a deeply spiritual man, a man who thought deep 
thoughts, a man who represented his district well and always had a 
quick smile for each of us as we passed his way.
  Lois, we join you this morning in your grieving, and Lisa and Todd 
and Laura. We saw you many times, Lois, walking hand in hand with 
Walter across the Capitol grounds, and you joined him on many occasions 
for events and committee meetings. We know that you will miss him 
deeply, as we will. He was a great American, a great husband, a great 
father, and a great friend to all of us who had the time and chance to 
know him for these brief few months we served together. We will miss 
Walter Capps. The people of this country will miss Walter. He 
represented the very best that we can offer.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentleman from California [Mr. Dreier].
  Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding me this time. 
I would like to join with my colleagues in extending our condolences to 
Lois and Lisa and Todd and Laura. I would like to say as a Californian 
that I have had the privilege of serving in this body for, this is my 
17th year. I have known more than a couple of people who have served 
here. When I heard the news last night from my friend Howard Berman of 
Walter's sudden passing, I was struck first with how horrible, how 
horrible it is to hear of someone who is so young, who is just 
beginning what obviously is a new chapter in his life. He has only had 
the opportunity to serve here for 10 months. Then I began to think 
about how Walter Capps was clearly the nicest Member of Congress I have 
ever met. Some Members of Congress are not very nice, but there are a 
lot of nice people. But I cannot think of anyone who was nicer than 
Walter.
  I also found him, surprisingly to many maybe on this side of the 
aisle, to be very reasonable. When I sat down with him and began 
talking about the need to reduce the top rate on capital gains, I was 
stunned when Walter said to me, ``David, I want to cosponsor your 
bill.'' I thought, wow, here is a guy who really is thinking deeply 
about a lot of issues and is not having a knee-jerk response to every 
single thing which many people had categorized, some, as his having 
done. I will say that I will miss him greatly. He was a true friend to 
many of us. That kind of levelheaded thinking is needed more in this 
institution.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentleman from California [Mr. Berman].
  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am still shaken by the news of the passing 
of our colleague, the arbitrariness of it all, and almost the whimsical 
nature that someone so vibrant and so healthy could all of a sudden be 
gone. I think Walter had something very instructive for the rest of us. 
I remember first hearing about Walter from a friend of mine, a former 
legislator from the area, Gary Hart, who told me about his background. 
I thought, how does somebody with this background and this perspective 
win a tough election? One message of Walter's life is that one does not 
have to trim his sails, one does not have to compromise his fundamental 
principles to win a tough election, that he goes out there and says 
what he thinks and convinces people of the wisdom of his ideas and the 
principle and depth of his conviction, and he can be successful in the 
political process.
  Another thing Walter meant for me was sort of the serenity in the 
midst of all the frenetic behavior that exists in this business and in 
this Chamber, that this was somebody who could maintain his serenity 
and his perspective and his fundamental calmness in the midst of all of 
that and analyze and judge and make decisions sort of as if he were 
almost apart from all of that frenzy that goes on here.
  Lois, you and the children perhaps more than anybody have the ability 
to continue Walter's legacy in whatever you choose to do. I know you 
will miss him greatly. We all will. Our thoughts are with you.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentleman from Florida [Mr. Scarborough].

[[Page H9619]]

  Mr. SCARBOROUGH. Mr. Speaker, I would like to echo the sentiments of 
what some of the other people have said today. Mr. Capps certainly led 
a very active life, a successful life as a professor. He went to 
divinity school at Yale. He was a trend-setter. He was the first person 
to teach a course on the Vietnam war. He wrote 14 books.
  In his short time here he introduced legislation to help people with 
Lou Gehrig's disease; in an amendment to a foreign aid bill he 
advocated the preservation of Tibetan culture; he also introduced an 
amendment with conservative Chris Smith to the Foreign Policy Reform 
Act to eliminate restrictions on United States expansion in Vietnam. 
But more importantly than that was really what he taught us on a 
personal level. I know I worked with him on an issue regarding human 
rights in the Sudan, but also talking about serenity in the face of 
adversity, reading about his response after the car accident that 
almost killed him. He came out of that positively and he said, ``I 
would never wish for a car accident like this. But I have learned from 
it. Love and caring for one another is what is at the core of what 
links us.''
  Talking about the House, he said he wanted to promote conciliation in 
the House and was put off by partisan confrontations on procedure. ``In 
the world I came from, the world of religion, people don't worry about 
procedure. They just give you the high ideals. The question is, what 
will I do? Am I being true to who I am? If I go this way, will I have 
violated anything that is essentially human?'' That is a question today 
that I think we can all ask ourselves. I certainly hope that as a 
father I can be that type of example to my young boys.
  I can tell you, I and everybody else was very moved by his 
relationship with his wife. Seeing you two walking around hand in hand 
on the weekends I think was an example for a lot of us. I certainly 
agree with the rest of the men and women here that he certainly will be 
missed. He was a great example while in his 10 months here in the 
House.

                              {time}  1030

  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentleman from California [Mr. Matsui].
  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California for 
yielding me time.
  I think Walter's election last November is a good indication that the 
system of America works and that a gentle person can win an election in 
this country, in spite of all of the kind of rhetoric we have been 
seeing over the years. I think the one regret many of us in this 
Chamber have today is the fact that the American public will not get to 
know Walter Capps better, as many of us in this Chamber have gotten to 
know him.
  He was one individual that when he confronted an issue, he could 
really understand it from an ethical and from a value system basis. As 
a result of that, he would have added greatly over the years to this 
institution and to this country.
  I have to say that my friend, Brad Sherman, a freshman Member of 
Congress, referred to Walter just a few moments ago as a mentor. I have 
been here for now 20 years. This is my 10th term, and I also would 
regard Walter Capps as my mentor, because he really understood what our 
country was about and certainly had the values in order to impart it 
upon all of us.
  I give my deepest sympathies to Lois and the three children. I think 
all of us, including myself, the people of the State of California, and 
the people of this Nation, will greatly miss Walter, but we have 
actually gained so much by his 63 years on this Earth.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. Sensenbrenner].
  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Walter Capps as well. 
Congressman Capps served on the Committee on Science for the last 10 
months, and I got to know the quality of this individual during our 
rather lengthy meetings in an attempt, successfully, to achieve 
bipartisan policy to advance the cause of science and education.
  Mr. Capps was a tremendous asset to the committee, not only because 
of his ethical principles, but also because of his background in 
education and knowing what works in the educational arena and what does 
not.
  But I think the true mark of this man was a conversation that I had 
with him about 4 months ago after a very long, productive and 
bipartisan session in the Committee on Science, where he told me that 
he was so pleased with seeing how Congress should work actually working 
out.
  After our session in the Committee on Science was over with, he said 
he was invited to participate in a meeting by some people on the 
Democratic side of the aisle who were not quite as bipartisan in 
outlook as Mr. Capps was, and the Committee on Science has been. And he 
said, ``You know, after seeing how productive the Science Committee was 
working on a bipartisan basis, I just could not attend the meeting to 
try to disrupt the operations of the House.''
  Walter Capps was one of the most principled people I have ever met, 
and this House and this country has really suffered a great loss with 
his passing.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the 
gentlewoman from Colorado [Ms. DeGette].
  Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, Walter Capps had a keen intellect. He had a 
kind heart, and, most of all, he had a gentle soul. I know we will all 
miss Walter. But for me, my service in Congress will never be exactly 
the same, because Walter was my friend.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentleman from California, [Mr. Filner].
  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise as a fellow Congressman and a fellow 
professor of humanities, not to mourn Walter Capps, but to remember 
him.
  In many ways, a lot of us thought that Walter seemed out of place 
here. In a place that prided itself on action, Walter was reflective; 
in a place that prides itself on hardball, Walter was gentle; in a 
place that prides itself on its magnetism, Walter was moral and 
ethical. In a place where supposedly nice guys finish last, Walter was 
nice.
  Yes, he was out of place here, but even in his short time, he made 
this a better place. His own example did that. Lois, we loved him; we 
love you. We will miss him.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentleman from California [Mr. Waxman].
  Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to 
me.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to join in expressing my shock and grief at the 
loss of our friend and colleague, Walter Capps. When we think of Walter 
Capps, the overwhelming aura of the man is the fundamental decency of 
him. In his life and in his death, he reminds us of those things that 
we value most; honesty, friendship, loyalty, civility, and an 
unwavering dedication to the public good.
  On a recent flight back to California we were sitting next to each 
other. We got on to the topic of religion, in which both of us having a 
great deal of interest in it. It was right before the Jewish holidays. 
We were talking about how important it is for people to know they have 
control over themselves and a higher power willing to help them along.
  I wished he had been here longer and been able to serve in the House 
of Representatives and his district for a longer time, but his legacy 
will live on in the lives of the thousands of students that he touched 
so deeply.
  I want to join my colleagues and the whole House of Representatives 
on this very sad day in expressing our condolences to his family. He 
will be sorely missed.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute the to the 
gentlewoman from Texas [Ms. Jackson-Lee].
  (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise 
and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, a headline this morning read, 
``A California Congressman dies after being stricken at an airport.'' I 
think the headline should be, ``A great American dies while in the 
service of his country.''
  Representative Walter Holden Capps was a professor of religion, but 
he was a spiritual person with a great love for his Nation. I enjoyed 
talking to Congressman Capps on the floor of the House, because his 
analytical mind and his sensitivity always shed the

[[Page H9620]]

kind of light that we should have in coming together on these very 
important issues.
  He was the first Democrat elected in his district since World War II, 
but he came here with a sense of commitment to his constituents, and he 
exuded love toward his fellow Members.
  He was a religious professor, but he had a great curiosity about 
science, and I enjoyed serving with him on the Committee on Science. He 
held a doctorate from Yale University and he shared his knowledge 
through 14 books, but he taught his students for 33 years.
  When he ran in 1996, he was in a terrible car accident, but he came 
back and he won. He perservered.
  We will miss Walter Capps. I would like to conclude by simply 
acknowledging the words of President Bill Clinton, that Walter Capps 
was a rare soul, someone able to fuse intense spirituality with a 
devotion to his community and country. He brought constant values, a 
rare perspective, and a sense of moral grounding that public life too 
often lacks, and we will sorely miss him.
  God bless his family, God bless Walter Capps, a great American, and 
God bless America.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Jackson].
  (Mr. JACKSON of Illinois asked and was given permission to revise and 
extend his remarks.)
  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, let me first begin by giving 
honor and praise to God for the life of Walter Capps. Many of us live 
our lives as if life is certain and death is uncertain. The reality is, 
life is uncertain and death is certain.
  While many of us today have been given 60 seconds to talk about the 
life of our good friend, Walter Capps, 60 seconds, 120 seconds, 180 
seconds by no means can express the depth of sorrow of what this 
country and this House has lost on this occasion.
  Walter Capps could be seen in this House not so much talking to most 
Members of this body, but standing in the first three rows of this 
aisle on a regular basis talking with Dr. Ford about some of the great 
spiritual as well as philosophical differences that exist within this 
House.
  Members of Congress from ages ago stood in the old House Chamber 
without cameras, and above the Speaker's chair is Clio there watching 
over the work of Members of Congress as they deliberated upon posterity 
of ideals of liberty for all people.
  Today in the House of Representatives there is no Clio over the 
Speaker's chair, as Walter Capps would tell us; there are simply C-SPAN 
cameras. So Members of Congress come to the floor, not only as 
representatives of their district, but they come to this floor in part 
as entertainers seeking reelection.
  No, Walter Capps was not out of place in the House of 
Representatives, we are out of place in the House of Representatives. 
Walter Capps was reflective upon the decisions that Members of this 
body were entrusted to make. He was a minister. He led a complete life: 
His outward reach and concern for God, something bigger than himself; 
ideals that were bigger than himself; his concern for humanity. That is 
why he ran for Congress and won and represented people other than 
himself. But also his concern, which was healthy for himself, his wife, 
and his children.
  We will miss Walter Capps, not because of the short amount of time 
that he spent in the House of Representatives, but because of the 
amount of time that he spent and the quality of that time, Mr. Speaker. 
We give honor and praise to God for his time well served.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Oregon [Ms. Hooley].
  Ms. HOOLEY of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, to Lois and her children, I offer 
my condolences. We all suffered a great loss last night. Walter was an 
absolute joy to be around. He was a devoted public servant and he was a 
good friend.
  The first time I met Walter he talked about the car accident, in the 
middle of a campaign, and it was a serious car accident. I said, 
``Well, what did you do and how did you carry on?'' He said, ``Well, I 
wrote a book.'' I said, ``You wrote a book in the middle of a campaign 
while you were recovering from this accident?'' He talked about that as 
the most normal thing in the world. I think to most of us, that was 
rather surprising.
  One of the things we will miss about Walter is the thoughtful way he 
approached legislation and legislative problems. We will miss his 
absolute unwavering commitment to the people in this country. We will 
miss his pleasant smile, his easygoing nature, his calmness, and, most 
of all, his great sense of humor.
  Even though he was here only a short time, his spirit, his energy, 
and his commitment made a difference to all of us and to all of our 
lives.
  Walter, we will miss you.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Rhode Island [Mr. Kennedy].
  Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for 
yielding me time.
  Mr. Speaker, in this House, where power is sort of compared to who 
serves on what committees, who has more power, I think there was not 
anybody in this House that was more powerful than Walter Capps.
  I guess at this time, when we have lost somebody, we think about how 
untimely death is when it comes so early in someone's life, like it did 
with Walter, and we think perhaps, how are we living our lives?
  Well, I can tell you, I know myself that as Walter lived his life, 
that is the one thing that we can feel that was joyful, because he 
never wasted a moment. He was true to himself; he was true to his 
heart. I think probably the worst thing in life is to feel like you 
live life and did not live it honestly.

                              {time}  1045

  One thing about Walter is he lived his life honestly. He loved, as I 
heard some of my colleagues, he loved people.
  I was really fortunate to have been able to go with him and do a few 
political events in his district, and accompany Lois. I think that he 
loved Lois so much. I just cannot recall all the times, and I know my 
colleagues have said it, when we walked out the door at the end of 
votes, and Lois, you were always there waiting for him. What a 
beautiful love you two had, and what a love he had for his family. I 
think what a love he had for his country.
  I think he was a truly great American, and this country has lost a 
really fine American.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Texas [Mr. Reyes].
  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, today is a sad day for those of us that knew Walter 
Capps, but I am thankful to have had an opportunity to know Walter. I 
remain thankful for knowing Lois and Lisa, and I look forward to 
meeting Todd and Laura as well.
  But I will tell the Members, my dad always used to tell us, when the 
good Lord brought you to this Earth, he brought you here with simply 
one thing, and that was a good name. He always told us, never do 
anything to dishonor that name, because in the final analysis when you 
leave this Earth, you are going to take nothing except your name and 
your reputation.
  Today, although it is a sad day for us, I think Walter Capps has 
taken with him not only a name that he carried with honor, a name that 
he took with him with honor, but a gentleman that really has redefined 
in this day and age what public service is all about.
  I think it is important for all of us to look at Walter Capps and 
say, we can be that way. God put him here for a reason. The reason was 
so we could have a standard. He set that standard for us. He may have 
been a freshman, but he was a giant in this House. I am very proud to 
have known him.
  I am also proud to have had an opportunity last week to have been at 
a function that he was hosting for some constituents of his from his 
district. I am so thankful to God that I got an opportunity to say the 
things that I felt about him while he could still here them on this 
Earth. Few of us here in this House probably had that opportunity, but 
I will forever be grateful.
  In finishing, my wife has a theory that when God needs a new angel, 
he calls one of us from this Earth. God has a great angel with him now. 
God bless Lois, and Lisa, Todd, and Laura, because through them, Walter 
will never die.

[[Page H9621]]

  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Davis].
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman 
from California for yielding time to me.
  Mr. Speaker, I first met Walter when we were candidates and we were 
waiting to make our television appearance at the Democratic Convention, 
to be made up. Walter looked at me and said, I do not know if the 
makeup is going to help you or not, but I do not think it is going to 
do much for me. So Walter had a great sense of humor, but also a great 
sense of sensitivity, always talking about those things that meant 
much.
  My best memory, fondest and perhaps last memory of Walter was just 
last week. We were walking over to vote, and there was a young man with 
him about 12 years old who was just as excited as he could be. Walter 
introduced him to me and said, this is the chairman of my youth 
council. These people are the future of America.
  And I thought that that was just one of the greatest ways to remember 
Walter, always nurturing, always teaching, and always looking forward 
to tomorrow. Yes, we shall, indeed, miss him.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Oregon [Mr. Blumenauer].
  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, like many in this Chamber, yesterday 
evening I was struck with a sense of unfairness and sadness, learning 
the news of Walter's passing, somebody who has worked so hard to get 
here. Yet, it seemed to me that Walter would have us focus on what that 
year meant, his passion for justice, his enthusiasm for what this body 
can mean.
  I do identify with the remarks of the gentlewoman from Texas [Ms. 
Jackson-Lee], that he is, indeed, a role model. I do not think he was 
out of place here at all. I think it is for us to reflect on the extent 
to which we measure up to the ideal that he has established for us, 
being reflective, honest, thoughtful, and having the enthusiasm for 
serving the people. I think his influence is going to be felt for as 
long as any of us who served with him will continue in this Chamber. I 
hope that he will accept the deepest sympathy for his family and many 
friends from Oregon. We would like to thank them for sharing Walter 
with us.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. Kind].
  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, we are gathered here today not to mourn the loss of our 
beloved friend, Walter Capps, though mourn him we will and we must, but 
really to celebrate his life and the effect that he had on all of us 
here.
  I am a proud member of the freshman class who entered this Congress 
this year with Walter Capps. He made us all better. Although I knew him 
and Lois for a little less than a year, I felt as if I had known him my 
whole life, because he was someone who I aspired to become, someone who 
loved and cared for his family very much, someone who was a deep 
thinker, philosophically and theologically, someone who had great 
respect for this institution, for the process of this great democracy 
of ours, but especially someone who had great respect and showed great 
interest in the individuals who make up this institution.
  I will never forget, shortly after the swearing in ceremony this 
year, I was sitting next to Walter and we were talking about the 
future, and how he exuded this idealism and his respect for this place, 
but also the responsibility that we all shared.
  But perhaps, most of all, and this was something you could see daily, 
was Walter's attempt to get to know all of us on both sides of the 
aisle. We would constantly see him seated next to someone, just talking 
to them, picking their brains, getting to know them a little bit 
better.
  In this era of modern politics where so many of us are dedicated to 
destroying one another, attacking each other's character, he tried to 
work from the other point of view, to get to know one another, 
realizing that ultimately only good things are accomplished when we can 
work in a bipartisan fashion together, and in the best interests of 
this country.
  Lois, Walter will be missed, but he will never be forgotten here. 
Rest in peace, my friend.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Florida [Mr. Davis].
  Mr. DAVIS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, this morning is an opportunity to 
give thanks for the remarkable life of Walter Capps, and an opportunity 
for us to reflect on some of the amazing characteristics of a very 
unique man.
  One of the things I will always remember about Walter is just how 
incredibly strong-willed he was in a body of very strong-willed people. 
How else can you explain a man who, at not a terribly young age, 
invested the time and energy he did in two campaigns, including one 
while he was seriously injured, in the hospital. Yet one of the unique 
things about Walter was, while he was so strong-willed, he was so 
incredibly selfless. Walter invested his will in a search for the 
truth.
  The other thing I will remember about Walter is his quiet strength. 
In a place where there is a lot of noise and hyperbole, Walter lived as 
an example of the power of knowledge, a belief in the power of 
conviction, in the power of belief. That is the way he went about 
conducting his business. He did so in a way that set a very powerful 
example for all of us.
  The other thing I will remember about Walter is his incredible peace, 
his incredible stillness, to me a reflection of a very rich spiritual 
life and a tremendous sense of self-knowledge. I think some of us were 
even a little envious. Walter knew who he was, he knew what he 
believed, and he simply came here to do it.
  Walter's untimely passing is our loss. Above all, Walter was a great 
teacher. We were just starting to learn from Walter. But in the short 
time that he has been with us we have learned a lot, and certainly the 
influence he has had on all of us, as lawmakers, as husbands, as 
fathers, as citizens, will last for a very long time.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Connecticut [Mrs. Kennelly].
  Mrs. KENNELLY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness 
that I join my colleagues here today to honor the life of Congressman 
Walter Capps of California. In his year in the Congress of the United 
States of America, he added immeasurably to the lives of those with 
whom he served. His thoughtfulness, his eagerness to engage in dialogue 
on both sides of the aisle, and his commitment to the idea that well-
meaning people can reason together was an inspiration and should be a 
model for all us.
  I met Walter Capps during the freshman orientation of the 105th 
Congress's new Members. He was thrilled to be here. Walter was a brave 
man. He had run for Congress once and lost, and had the courage to run 
again. He was delighted to be a Member of the Congress of the United 
States of America. He was gracious, incredibly gracious as he 
introduced each and every one of us to his wife, Lois.
  Most importantly, Walter Capps was a man who understood governance. 
He understood he was part of making our democratic system work. He came 
to Washington to make democracy work. He wanted it to work for the 
country that he loved and respected. In his year here he only enhanced 
that democractic system he loved so much.
  Most importantly, Walter Capps understood the relationship between 
this great country and religion. He understood that that wall between 
the U.S. Government and our houses of worship had to be an incredibly 
strong wall. That should be universally understood in this body, and if 
Walter Capps had reminded here, he would have been able to explain to 
every Member in this body that they should not mix government and 
religion. So that is one of the reasons, of the many reasons that I 
feel so badly that Walter has left us, because he could have led us in 
that dialog.
  In a way it is fitting that Walter Capps left us as he did, rushing 
back to the Capitol to serve his constituents. My thoughts are with his 
wife, Lois, and with his children. I hope they will find comfort in the 
fact that this wonderful man had such an impact on this body in 1 year.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from California [Mr. Farr], a friend of

[[Page H9622]]

Walter's and his neighbor to the north.
  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for 
yielding me the time.
  Mr. Speaker, I guess we are all in shock, considering that yesterday 
at this time our colleague was en route to this very room, and today he 
is not with us. I do not know what we all have to say, except to 
reflect on the fact that we serve in an institution that he campaigned 
to be here in a style which is remarkable, because he comes here with 
such unusual gifts that this institution needs. He has a doctorate. 
There are not many Members of Congress that have doctorates.

                              {time}  1100

  He has written 14 books. Not many Members have written any. He was an 
incredible human being with just a family that is the envy of everyone. 
And I guess as the son of a politician, I rise sort of for Lisa and for 
Todd and Laura, who are his kids, who no longer have a father, and for 
Lois, his wife, who is just a remarkable woman.
  I think his life teaches that we have to take a look at this 
institution, at the way we treat one another, the way we treat our 
radical schedule, and remember that he represented on this battlefield 
of this floor, a peacemaker. We need more peacemakers. And we need to 
make sure that Walter Capps, who was a gift to this institution, shall 
not die in vain, that in his memory this institution will better itself 
and that we will be more civil, that we will better treat our schedule 
and people who serve in public office.
  Because, Mr. Speaker, he is the one who did not have to serve. He had 
a career in education. He chose to come here, and that is the kind of 
people we like to attract to this institution. But if we keep treating 
ourselves the way we have been, people like Walter Capps will not come 
to the U.S. Congress. Let us not let him die in vain. Let us remember 
him, and to Lisa, Todd, Laura and Lois, I am very, very sorry.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentlewoman from Michigan [Ms. Stabenow].
  Ms. STABENOW. Mr. Speaker, I rise as someone who is very sad to be 
joining my colleagues today. At the same time, I am very proud to have 
entered the Congress with Walter Capps and to have served on the 
Committee on Science with him.
  The Committee on Science is meeting as we are here today. It is 
meeting about a subject that Walter cared deeply about, and that is 
science education. Science education is something that we shared a 
great and common interest in and Walter sat right next to me on the 
Committee on Science, and I will go back to committee this morning and 
he will not be there.
  But I will always remember his wonderful commitment and intellect, 
the caring that has been talked about this morning. There are so many 
common themes and words that we are hearing from colleagues this 
morning about our friend, Walter Capps. His sense of humor. His 
strength. His quietness. His caring. His dedication.
  He is a gentleman who worked very, very hard on behalf of his 
constituents and cared and was so proud of his wonderful family. My 
heart goes out to them as we grieve together and celebrate having had 
the opportunity to serve with him.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from California [Ms. Pelosi].
  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. It is 
with great sorrow that I join my colleagues in observing the passing of 
our dear friend and colleague, Walter Capps. It was like a chill wind 
coming through this Chamber last night when the word spread, the 
unbelievable word spread that Walter had passed away.
  Mr. Speaker, my first reaction was it cannot be true. After that, how 
unfair. How unfair. Walter was only here 1 year, but I thought back to 
his accident about 1\1/2\ years ago and, as I prayed and tried to 
understand why Walter would leave us, I thought perhaps God decided at 
the time of the accident that Walter would have 1\1/2\ more years to 
live and that would be his gift to his family and to this Congress and, 
therefore, to the country, because certainly, although Walter only 
served here 1 year, the quantity of time he spent here was not great, 
the quality of the time he spent here was unsurpassed. He had a 
tremendous, as our colleagues have referenced, impact on this body, on 
our colleagues, by the dint of his personality. He was truly a gentle 
man. We call each other gentleman, gentlewoman; this man was a gentle 
man.
  Mr. Speaker, I was recalling two happy incidences, one in which 
Walter made others happy and one in which I saw him enjoy himself 
within the past 2 weeks. The first incident was a while ago during the 
campaign when my family and I were very honored to host a reception for 
Walter in our home. And after he spoke, the people who had gathered 
there were so impressed, so inspired, so full of hope, that a person of 
Walter's caliber and his background and his commitment would be willing 
to endure the rough and tumble of politics and try to come to Congress. 
In fact, the first response to his speech was tearful and joyful and 
then tremendous applause. He made us happy and hopeful.
  Then just 2 weeks ago, Lois joined Walter at the White House for the 
ceremony for the awards of NEA and NEH. Walter had been a recipient of 
NEH, a participant in the past and he was in his glory. He was in his 
element. He was recognized by the people there as one of them, a man 
who bridged both worlds, the political and the creative and the 
humanitarian.
  Mr. Speaker, like so many others here, I want to recognize Walter's 
patriotism, he certainly loved the American flag and all that it stood 
for; recognize him as a teacher by profession and by his nature he 
taught us; and say to Lois, I hope that it is a comfort to you, Lois, 
to Lisa, to Todd and Laura, that so many people mourn your loss, so 
many people recognize Walter's worth. My hopes and prayers go out to 
you and I join my colleagues in extending the good wishes of the people 
of my district to your family and to Walter's constituents. He loved 
his family. He loved his constituents. He loved his country.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Georgia [Mr. Lewis].
  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my deep sense of 
loss over the passing of a great Member of this House, Walter Capps 
from Santa Barbara. Very few of us have the opportunity to make a 
difference in the world. Walter Capps was such a person.
  Whenever I saw him, he shared a great appreciation for the best our 
Nation had to offer. He was a lover of the principles of democracy. He 
cared deeply for the people he represented.
  I heard of Walter's accomplishment as a scholar, teacher, writer, and 
thinker long before he came to Congress. When he came here in January 
of this year, I wanted to meet him because I knew he would add 
something different to this body. I knew that he was not a seasoned 
politician, but a deeply caring and sharing citizen of his community.
  I knew that Walter loved ideas and that somehow his ideas would shape 
the laws we make and the destiny of our democracy.
  Mr. Speaker, on several occasions I had an opportunity to talk with 
Walter on the floor, in the cloakroom, walking across the lawn. Just 
last Thursday we had an opportunity to talk, and he was so pleased to 
introduce me to the grandson of Cesar Chavez.
  Walter Capps was the personification of the best of human kind, and I 
think we all can learn from his example. He was our colleague. He was 
my friend. He was my brother.
  To Lois, his wife, and to his family, we mourn with you. And as 
Members, we are more than lucky we are blessed we had an opportunity to 
know him. We will miss Walter.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the 
gentlewoman from Maryland [Mrs. Morella].
  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I did not know Walter Capps very well. I 
served on the Committee on Science with him, and I found him to be a 
very honorable, fair, gentle man who cared about issues, who was 
dedicated to public service, to his country, his community, his 
friends, and indeed to his family.
  I offer my condolences to his family. He is a man who is also very 
bipartisan in terms of being very fair. He will be

[[Page H9623]]

missed by this Chamber. He will be missed by his district, by his 
friends, and by his family.
  As Thornton Wilder said, ``There is a land of the living and a land 
of the dead and the bridge is love, the only survival, the only 
meaning.'' I think that Walter Capps will live on in love.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentlewoman from Michigan [Ms. Kilpatrick].
  Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I come to this podium today to join my 
colleagues as a Member of the freshman class with Mr. Capps, Mr. Walter 
Capps, a distinguished literary man, a professor of religion, but more 
than that, a man who would take the issues of this Congress, listen to 
them thoroughly, and then let his conscience and the well-being of the 
American citizens determine how he would cast his vote.
  Mr. Speaker, I sat with him last Thursday as we discussed the Loretta 
Sanchez case out in California's 46th. How worried and troubled he was 
that an election that could be won by some 900 votes could be simply 
thrown aside and castigated and, more than that, the Congresswoman duly 
elected be chastised and harassed after having won an election in his 
beautiful home State of California.
  Mr. Speaker, I sponsored the Wilma Rudolph Congressional Gold Medal 
legislation last week, and I think my legislation might have been the 
last one that Mr. Walter Capps was able to cosponsor. I am proud to 
have him as a cosponsor. I want his wife, Lois, and his family to know 
that all of us will remember Walter as we carry out our congressional 
duties, that this Congress will be a better Congress because Walter 
served here.
  So, Mr. Speaker, I say to Lois and his family, ``He lives and he will 
always live because we will always remember him. God bless you.''
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Roemer].
  Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to extend my prayers and my 
sympathies to the Capps family, to Lois and Lisa and Todd and Laura. 
And I want to just reflect for just a minute about Walter Capps, who 
was a man of contrasts but certainly not conflicts.
  He was gentle in his personality, but strong and towering in his 
views. He was a professor of theology, and he was very, very strong in 
his faith, yet he did not preach to others.
  He was an academician, but not in the ivory tower sense. He had a 
wonderful and very witty sense of humor. He was humble. When my 
colleague just mentioned that he had written 14 books, with his great 
sense of humor and his humbleness he might have turned to me as a 
member of the Committee on Science and said, ``Roemer, have you even 
read 14 books?"
  He was somebody who always sought out other people's opinions and 
listened to those opinions to form his own view. Yet that was not a 
view that was a weak view; it was a resolute view and an informed view.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would say as I come from the Committee on 
Science, where I shared that committee with Professor and Congressman 
Capps, he worked and was dedicated to issues such as science and 
education. Well, now where he rests he can work on issues that he cares 
maybe even more deeply about. That is personal faith and world peace. 
May God bless you, Walter Capps.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentleman from Arkansas [Mr. Snyder].
  Mr. SNYDER. Mr. Speaker, it is always tragic to lose someone like 
Walter Capps, who showed such enthusiasm for his newest challenge in 
life, this new career in Congress. But I will have to say if Walter had 
stayed on this Earth until he was 103, his life even then would have 
been tragically interrupted because I suspect he would have been 
mastering some new skill, taking on another new challenge, inspiring 
those around him to do better, probably writing another dang book.
  Mr. Speaker, he worked hard for his country because he loved his 
country. We loved Walter Capps. We respected Walter Capps and we will 
miss him.
  Mr. Speaker, I noticed in the last few moments that we have heard the 
delightful sound of little children in the gallery. I think Walter 
would have liked that.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentlewoman from California [Ms. Millender-McDonald].
  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I too rise to express my 
heartfelt sympathy to the family of Representative Walter Capps and 
extend my condolences and those of my constituents to his wife Lois and 
his children, Laura, Todd, and Lisa.
  Mr. Speaker, during the time I knew him and had the opportunity to 
serve with him in this House, it was a pleasure. His gentle, reflective 
nature had a calming influence, one I appreciated during those times we 
have to dash to the floor to cast votes.
  On one occasion, Mr. Speaker, when we were discussing the challenges 
of maintaining two households, one here and one in our districts, I 
encouraged him to consider a place in my building because Walter was 
more than an educator, a father, and a Member of Congress; he was a 
neighbor whose civility, reflections, experience, and knowledge helped 
him to master a rule of the House we should all refer to more 
frequently: The Golden Rule.

                              {time}  1115

  For even in this House, with all the issues, the stakes and the 
games, Walter would do unto others as you would have others do unto 
you. The great State of California has lost a great warrior of the 
people.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the 
gentleman from Tennessee [Mr. Ford].
  Mr. FORD. Mr. Speaker, I express my sympathies and prayers to the 
Capps family and the constituents of the 22d District of California.
  Mr. Speaker, John Kennedy once said, I am certain that after the dust 
of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered 
not for our victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our 
contribution to the human spirit.
  We will not have to wait for the dust to settle on the work of this 
great giant, Walter Capps, to understand and to remember the 
contribution he made to lifting the human spirit of this great body of 
Congress. He brought a sense of spirituality to this body and was a 
model of integrity and generosity, indeed, a decorated soldier for 
humanity. The 15th verse of the 116th Psalm, Mr. Speaker, reads that 
precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Oh, what 
a sight Walter Capps must be.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. McGovern].
  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I am very sad that this House and this 
Nation has lost a decent, caring and thoughtful Member. Walter Capps 
ran for Congress and won for all the right reasons. He stood for 
something. He cared passionately about issues. He was principled. He 
was a man of strong ideals.
  My wife, Lisa, and I admired Walter very much, not only for his 
views, but also because he brought a special dignity to this office. 
This Congress and our country has lost a great patriot. My deepest 
sympathies go out to Lois and Walter's entire family. Walter has set a 
powerful and compassionate example that all of us in this Chamber 
should follow, and we will miss him very much.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentleman from Iowa [Mr. Boswell].
  Mr. BOSWELL. Mr. Speaker, I have appreciated in our sorrow the 
reflections about Walter. He was a great man. I would say to Lois and 
the family, remember those great and wonderful memories that you have 
got. In this moment of sadness, they will carry you through.
  Walter touched me many ways. He was kind of my buddy. We kind of 
jabbed each other once in a while about being the oldest in the class. 
We talked just about every day, shared a few pleasantries, tried to 
have a new joke for one another. But in the process, I realized that 
Walter was a man of great depth.
  He was a teacher. He was a writer. He was a loving person. He was 
very sincere. Even though he had a lot of fun, he was very sincere 
about life. The inscription above the Speaker's head, in God we trust, 
he believed that.
  I think we can take some comfort in what is a favorite scripture of 
mine, John 14, that I go to prepare a place for you and will receive 
you to myself.

[[Page H9624]]

  I think Walter is there. I think he is watching us. I think there is 
a smile upon his face because he knows that he touched our lives, 
touched every one of us, and our lives have been made better because of 
Walter Capps. So may the good Lord bless him and may we remember those 
good times and appreciate him, is my thought.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentleman from North Dakota [Mr. Pomeroy].
  Mr. POMEROY. Mr. Speaker, rare, but from time to time we will meet 
someone whose decency, intellect, and integrity leave upon us a 
permanent impression. Such was the case with Walter Capps for me.
  The House of Representatives, on any given day, can be a very tough, 
rough and tumble place, and yet during the visits I would have with 
Walter at the back of the Chamber, somewhere across the face of this 
Capitol campus, I would always come away feeling better, feeling a 
little calmer, a little more upbeat because of his person. He was so 
good that he just left you feeling better for having talked to him.
  Some try in this place to lead by angry bombast. With Walter, it was 
the case of leading by quiet, dignified example.
  To spend any time with him, you would just simply gather a sense that 
Walter had a great sense of personal balance. Watching the beautiful 
friendship, the loving friendship he had with his wife, Lois, his 
inseparable companion during his time here, left that impression ever 
so clearly.
  Walter, you were not here long but by virtue of the man you were, you 
have touched our lives and in the process you have uplifted the 
people's House of Representatives.
  God bless you, Walter.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Kucinich].
  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, as a new Member of Congress, I am proud to 
be part of a class which included Walter Capps of California. He was a 
man of decency, integrity, and perseverance. His passing is a loss for 
Lois and the family, and it is a loss for our congressional family.
  He had an easygoing style and grace, a light which emanated from his 
smile and his humor. He was a gentleman in the finest sense, gentle. 
May he go gently into the light.
  God bless you, Walter.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentleman from Maine [Mr. Allen].
  Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I come from the other side of the country 
from Walter and Lois Capps, but Diana and I count as one of the 
blessings of this job the chance that we had to get to know both Walter 
and Lois. We will miss him.
  I am told that his class on the Vietnam war at the University of 
California Santa Barbara, taught annually, had the largest enrollment 
on campus and reached more students than any other course in the entire 
University of California system. Knowing Walter, I believe that. I 
understand that.
  He brought a decency, a compassion and honesty about this business to 
this House that was a credit to him and to the citizens of the 22d 
District of California. He cared deeply about education, that was his 
background. But he also, because he came at this time of life that he 
did, he was not caught up in all of our partisan battles. He really was 
here to do good, and he did it as long as he was here.
  I was talking to a member of my staff a moment ago. She said she met 
him once and he was a kind soul. She said it well. He was a good and 
kind and strong gentleman, and we will miss him.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the 
gentleman from Washington [Mr. McDermott].
  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I just want to say a word or two to Mrs. 
Capps and the kids.
  This is a remarkable hour. Not many people could spend 1 year here 
and have this many Members say what they are saying. Most of us, we are 
here 10 years, 20 years, not this kind of thing would occur for them.
  He aimed well. He succeeded.
  God bless you.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the 
gentleman from Rhode Island [Mr. Weygand].
  Mr. WEYGAND. Mr. Speaker, those of us who came in as freshman class 
Democrats came from all parts of the country with different viewpoints 
and different backgrounds. I think when we all first came here, we kind 
of looked for someone, someone that we could always associate with. 
That person happened to be Walter Capps.
  He was like a soul mate to all of us. Whenever you spoke with him, 
you always felt at ease. Whenever you talked with him about an issue, 
he always understood and you always had a sense that, in fact, you were 
connecting. I guess he always had that ability to do so. He was such a 
loving man, a man of family, a man of community.
  But I think most of all, he was a man that we remember, a man of 
decency. In a Chamber that is often characterized by yelling, 
screaming, and finger pointing, Walter Capps was, in fact, perhaps the 
best image that we could ever have, a true man of decency, and we will 
miss him.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the 
gentleman from New York [Mr. Gilman].
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I welcome the opportunity to pay tribute to 
the memory of our late colleague. Congressman Walter Capps of 
California's untimely passing yesterday has brought sorrow to all of 
us.
  As an active member of our Committee on International Relations, 
Walter Capps brought a wealth of wisdom and experience developed during 
his career that spanned 33 years as a professor of religious studies at 
the University of California in Santa Barbara, including the authorship 
of more than a dozen books.
  Walter had a special interest in the study of conflict resolution, a 
subject that is of particular concern to us in the field of 
international relations. His strong record of constructive 
participation in the work of our committee and on the floor of this 
body demonstrated his deep commitment to the work of the Congress.
  Congressman Walter Capps, in his dedication to public service, was a 
man distinguished by gentleness who cared deeply for others. The House 
is greatly diminished by his loss. Our heartfelt sympathies and 
condolences to go out to his wife, Lois, and their three children.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the 
gentlewoman from California [Ms. Lofgren].
  Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I join with my colleagues in expressing our 
very sincere condolences to the Capps family, to the residents of 
Walter's district and really to this country, because Walter was a 
special person.
  Walter was an honest man in a time when some of us see things but 
fall short of that. He was honest intellectually. He loved this job. 
And in all the discussions I had with him, he talked about what a great 
honor it was to share the power and the hope and the ideal of this 
country with people who felt that they were left out.
  I can remember nights walking through the halls when he would be 
showing young people from his district this building and explaining the 
majesty of the Congress and making them feel that they owned it as much 
as anyone in this country. To Lois, we honor you for all you have done 
with Walter. He could not have done it without you.
  We miss you, Walter.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the 
gentleman from Connecticut [Mr. Gejdenson].
  Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, I just want to join with my colleagues, 
to the family, to give our concern and our love. He was a special 
individual on the committee. From the first day there, he brought with 
him an intellect that is hard to match and an understanding of history 
and the courage to follow those convictions through.
  We often have Members that have courage. We often have Members that 
have an understanding of history, but they never seem to be quite as 
joined as they were in Walter, a great sense of what has happened and 
where we should go, the courage to stick with it.
  It always, I think, brought us great joy to see Walter and his wife 
around the Capitol together. It was a privilege to serve with him on 
the Committee on International Relations.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the 
gentleman from Michigan [Mr. Upton].
  Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, when I returned home last night and told my

[[Page H9625]]

wife the sad story about Walter Capps leaving this place, the first 
thing she asked was about Lois.
  A lot of us, in the 10 months that we were here, did not know Walter 
Capps all that well. I got to know him a little bit at Hershey, he and 
his wife both. He was an honest, decent guy that worked so hard for his 
constituents back in California. He was well-respected on both sides of 
the aisle. We are going to miss him.
  Like a lot of Members in this House, he was not flashy. His name was 
not a household name. But I think it was his courage and wisdom and 
thoughtfulness that, in fact, made a difference for not only his 
constituents, but for this House as well.
  We are going to miss him. We wish Lois and his family the very best 
in our prayers.

                              {time}  1130

  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the 
gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Strickland].
  Mr. STRICKLAND. Mr. Speaker, John Gardner has written that ``some 
people strengthen this society just by being the kind of people they 
are.'' Walter Capps was such a person. I would like to say that some 
Members strengthen the House of Representatives just by being the kind 
of person they are, and Walter Capps was such a Member. I admired him 
greatly.
  And Lois, I would like to say that when it comes time for me to leave 
this Earth, I hope that people can feel about me the way we all 
obviously feel about your Walter.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, as the gentleman from Washington [Mr. McDermott] has 
said, this has been an extraordinary outpouring of sentiment during an 
extremely busy time of a very busy day at the end of the session; and 
it is totally appropriate for Walter Capps.
  I had the privilege of working with him during his two campaigns for 
Congress. The first real communication I had with him was by computer. 
He sent me a message from Santa Barbara. It said, ``You cannot imagine 
how entirely irrelevant the material you are sending me is.''
  As chairman of the DCCC, I realized he not only had a great sense of 
humor, he also had a very incisive intelligence. And I came to respect 
his different approach, a successful approach which we have all come to 
appreciate.
  I saw him among his constituents from Santa Maria the other day, not 
the bastion of Walter Capps' support in his first two races for 
Congress. But I could tell you, I could see the growing pride, the 
clear respect those constituents had for his efforts and his service 
here. I know the leaders of that community, largely of the other party 
from Walter's, were looking forward to his reelection. And the depth of 
feeling about his passing will be felt just as strongly there as it was 
in Santa Barbara.
  We have talked about his introduction of legislation on Lou Gehrig's 
disease, and the time he spent in the hospital recovering from a near 
fatal auto accident, during which he wrote a book. But we do not know 
that the reason that he introduced that bill was because, during his 
time in the hospital, he befriended an individual suffering from Lou 
Gehrig's disease and learned from that man things that brought him to 
that introduction when he became a Member of Congress.
  Walter was always sensitive to those around him, always learning and 
doing what he could to be helpful. I was most impressed not just by the 
vote he cast, but by the process he went through struggling with the 
question of how to vote on the constitutional amendment on flag 
burning. There were many who assumed they knew how Walter Capps would 
vote on that issue. But Walter Capps went in depth to his family and 
his friends and the veterans he knew so well and decided, contrary to 
my view, I might add, to support that amendment. And in doing so, I 
think he sent a message to all of us that he was here for the people 
and he was going to be independent in his judgment on every issue.
  There was no typecasting Walter Capps. And that is why this 
incredible loss will be felt most of all when we debate those questions 
of church and state, the interrelationship of our religious faith and 
our belief in democracy and free speech. His loss there will have to be 
compensated for only by his writings.
  And so we, I think, all feel a tremendous loss for a man who spent 
all too little time with us but made an incredible impact on us.
  Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, this morning I wish to join with my 
colleagues in mourning the loss of our friend, Congressman Walter 
Capps.
  First of all, allow me to extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife 
Lois, and his children. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this 
time of loss.
  Walter Capps lived a rich and vigorous life, serving his community in 
several different capacities. As a young man in Omaha, NE, he learned 
the value of a hard day's work with Union Pacific Railroad and by 
delivering newspapers and painting houses. As a professor of religious 
studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, he emerged as a 
national leader in the study of peace and conflict studies, veterans 
affairs, and American democracy. And while at UCSB, he also developed 
one of the first college curriculums on the history, experience, and 
ramifications of the Vietnam war. Furthermore, he was very active with 
community service organizations in the Santa Barbara area and in his 
own Lutheran church.
  Walter epitomized the type of individual we all strive to be, not 
only as Members of Congress, but as human beings. In a time where petty 
partisan wrangling has engulfed this body and prevented us from doing 
the people's work, Walter Capps exuded a sense of humility, compassion, 
empathy, and inner peace that we all should endeavor to attain. 
Refusing to subscribe to the lowest common denominator of discourse, he 
spoke from the heart, challenging all of us to see the big picture and 
work for a world where harmony, reconciliation, and scholarship are 
more common than conflict, ignorance, and economic disparity.
  While campaigning to represent the people of the 22d Congressional 
District of California, Walter Capps often spoke of the broken bond of 
trust between the people of the United States and their government. He 
believed that Americans deserve a government as good as the people it 
serves and that idealism has a place in Washington, DC. Therefore, in 
the memory of Walter Capps, I challenge each and every Member of this 
House and every Member of the U.S. Senate to seize this idealism and 
begin to work for a nation that Walter would have been proud of: a 
place where social divisions melt away into a national community coming 
together to solve its problems in a constructive, thoughtful, and 
compassionate manner.
  It was a great honor to serve this Nation with Walter Capps and to 
have gotten to know him and work with him however briefly. His loss is 
a wound that will not heal swiftly. It is my hope and prayer that this 
House will carry on his legacy and always remember and live up to his 
expectations and grand vision of the potential of the Federal 
Government and of humanity.
  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. I rise to share my condolences with the 
family of Walter Capps--Lois, Lisa, Todd, and Laura--and with every 
member of this House because we've all lost a true contributor: A man 
who legislated from his soul.
  We are all left shocked and sorrowful at his death. But there was 
perhaps no one more prepared for this moment than Walter himself. 
Elected officials often suffer from erosion--outside forces chip away 
at our thoughts, and work to influence our actions.
  But Walter didn't work from the outside in--he worked from the inside 
out. His studied philosophies, his moral strength and his writings have 
left us with an example to follow in our professional lives.
  His sincerity, and that twinkle in his eye, have left us with fond 
memories to carry home.
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of my friend and 
colleague, Congressman Walter H. Capps. Although Congressman Capps was 
with us for a brief period of time, he left his mark in Congress and on 
the world. Congressman Capps and I both served on the Committee on 
International Relations which he joined in 1996. When Representative 
Capps joined the International Relations Committee he did so because of 
his commitment to changing and making a difference in the world with 
all people from all races and religions. Although he was with us for a 
short period of time, he touched many lives. Capps was a prominent 
figure in the circle of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all 
peoples but he was especially concerned with the growing human rights 
abuses of the Chinese officials toward the Tibetans. I think that 
during the visit of Jiang Zemin this week, we should be mindful of the 
things that Congressman Capps stood for--the right of a people to live 
in peace and the right of a people to determine their own future.

[[Page H9626]]

  Congressman Capps was a spiritual and devout man who taught religious 
studies at the University of California at Santa Barbara for 33 years. 
His pioneering spirit led him to write several books. He was best known 
for a well-renown course he taught on the Vietnam war.
  Capps had a subtle drive. He had a civil, congenial nature, that 
became contagious whenever anyone was in his presence. He was admired 
by many of his colleagues and friends for his gentile and deferential 
nature. In committee hearings, he would often question the inhospitable 
nature of members and would encourage bipartisanship. Although it was 
difficult for some of his colleagues to see an answer to a problem, he 
would help solve disputes with amicable diplomacy and resolve.
  He was respected and admired by many people. Capps has left a legacy 
and an enlightened path will be difficult to follow.
  Mr. DOOLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of our 
colleague and friend Walter Capps, whose generosity of spirit enriched 
this Chamber, the State of California, and this country immeasurably 
during his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives. He brought to 
this House the same intellectual rigor and deep compassion that allowed 
him to excel as a professor of religious studies at the University of 
California at Santa Barbara, as an author, as a U.S. Congressman, and 
as a husband and father.
  Representative Capps was a man of patience and principle whose 
leadership in the House, while brief, had a significant effect on his 
colleagues. He did not enjoy conflict, yet he fought with passion and 
sensitivity for the issues he felt were crucial to his constituents and 
to his own conscience. He did not make decisions lightly, but, once 
decided, his opinions were profoundly argued and vibrantly supported by 
his actions. He did not consider himself a politician, and resisted the 
deal-cutting and personal attacks that represent the worst part of 
government. Yet he himself represented the best of what politics can 
be, as an independent thinker, a sympathetic listener, and a devoted 
advocate for the concerns of his constituents and of all Americans.
  Walter was a man of faith, not only of the spiritual kind, but of the 
political kind. He had faith in the democratic process, and had faith 
that it would allow him to be elected even after an initial defeat. His 
victory proved to all of us in California and across the country that 
voters will choose substance over style, and that true leadership will 
be recognized no matter what the odds.
  To Lois and his children, I offer my sincere condolences, with the 
hope that they may find comfort in the tremendous good Walter has done 
in this House and within the 22d District of California. He will be 
truly missed. I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the 
memory of our colleague, the Honorable Walter Capps.
  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Walter Capps.
  Those of us in this House were privileged to know and serve with 
Walter this past year. This institution is diminished by his passing.
  Just recently Walter and I worked together in an effort to prevent 
imported assault weapons from flooding our streets. Walter was 
undeterred by the political risks involved with taking on this issue 
because he was here not merely to occupy a seat--but to make a 
difference.
  As a professor, he understood the value of education and the 
importance of history. He brought thoughtful convictions and a gentle 
manner to an institution too often characterized by bluff and bluster, 
and reminded us all of the importance of decency and integrity.
  My thoughts and prayers go out to Lois and her children. Walter made 
a real impact here and he will be missed.
  Mr. MALONEY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to take a moment to 
honor the tremendous accomplishments of a special man, a friend, and a 
dedicated public servant, Walter Capps.
  I had the great pleasure of entering Congress with Walter. At a time 
when, as a freshman class, we were embarking on a remarkable privilege 
and profound challenge, Walter's warm and caring nature, constant 
humor, and analytical mind truly added a great deal to our process. 
Most important, Walter's strong commitment to getting the job done for 
America's families without engaging in partisan politics is truly to be 
commended: Walter's priority was always focused on making a difference 
in the lives of the families of California's central coast. Whether 
improving education, saving Morro Bay, supporting Vandenberg Air Force 
Base, or protecting seniors, Walter's strong commitment to his 
constituents always took first place in all he worked for and 
accomplished.
  At a time when new Members of Congress are working hard to break with 
the politics of old and create a new more cohesive and productive 
atmosphere, Walter will be greatly missed, but his contributions will 
never be forgotten. My thoughts go out to his wife Lois, three 
children, and grandchild.
  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, it was with great sadness that I 
learned of the death of Walter Capps, my colleague in the House and a 
member of the Science Committee, which I chair. Walter died yesterday 
of an apparent heart attack after arriving at Dulles airport upon 
returning to Washington from his California district.
  Before his election to Congress, Walter was a professor of religious 
studies at the University of California at Santa Barbara. He also 
established and taught the first college course on the Vietnam war. His 
lifelong commitment to education was evident to everyone who knew him. 
His experience as an educator was a tremendous asset to the Science 
Committee and our work to improve science and math education.
  I was particularly impressed by the integrity and honesty that Walter 
Capps displayed at all times. I recall a conversation I had with Walter 
after a particularly successful bipartisan markup we had in the Science 
Committee earlier this year. He told me he was impressed by the 
bipartisan spirit and focus on policy over politics and he hoped that 
it would catch on in the House. Displaying the integrity that I 
particularly admired in Walter Capps, he indicated to me that he was 
going to skip a meeting later that day with Members of his own party 
that he believed to be intent on promoting partisan politics.
  Walter was a pleasure to work with and will be missed as both a 
friend and a colleague. I know that all of the Science Committee 
members would want to join me in extending our sympathy to his wife, 
Lois, and three children, Lisa, Todd, and Laura.
  Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, yesterday this body lost a great Member. 
The passing of Walter Capps will be felt deeply by all of us. He was a 
wonderful man, dedicated to making a difference. He will be missed 
terribly.
  Walter was not a politician. He was an academic at heart, and it was 
his background in academia that enabled him to bring a unique viewpoint 
to Congress. His expertise in the study of the Vietnam conflict and 
conflict resolution earned the respect of his colleagues, and enabled 
him to play a significant role on the International Relations 
Committee, even as a freshman.
  A truly remarkable individual, Walter was deeply affected by the 1996 
car accident, which left him temporarily in a wheel chair. From this 
tragedy, he learned a lesson that many of us would have overlooked, 
that loving and caring for each other was what mattered in the end. He 
carried this perspective into his daily work on the House floor. 
Determined to protect those individuals who could not help themselves, 
Walter would always cast his vote to protect the most vulnerable in our 
society. He truly believed that even if reform was called for, the 
Government must not abandon what he felt to be its mandate: to help 
families and individuals who could not help themselves. This kindness, 
compassion, and genuine concern for his fellow man was evident in all 
that Walter said and did.
  I would like to offer my deepest condolences to Walter`s wife, Lois, 
and to their children. At this time of great sorrow please know that 
you will be in the thoughts and prayers of myself and the other 
Members. I hope that you can take some small comfort in knowing that 
Walter was admired and respected by all who came in contact with him. 
He truly was a great man, and I am honored to have known him.
  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to share the 
intense grief of my colleagues over the passing of Water Capps. This is 
a truly sad day in the Congress and a truly sad day for our country.
  In a body often riddled with cynicism, Walter Capps stood above the 
crowd as a straight-forward man of integrity and honor. Grounded in his 
own deeply moral and ethical beliefs, he served as a shining beacon to 
us all on the virtues of conciliation, kindness, and compassion.
  Before entering the Congress, Walter gained national prominence on 
the stage of academia. He spent 30 years as a professor of religious 
studies at the UC-Santa Barbara, where he authored 14 books, became 
widely known as an expert on religion, conflict resolution, and 
American democracy, and developed an extraordinarily popular course on 
the Vietnam war that brought together soldiers, protestors, and 
Vietnamese refugees. He brought this unique perspective on politics and 
on life to the Halls of Congress, enriching the atmosphere and 
heightening our collective sense of dignity and comradery.
  The Santa Barbara News Press describes Walter as a Congressman who 
sought to personalize American politics and bring civility back to the 
discourse on Capitol Hill. This sense of purpose was a common threat 
running throughout Walter's personal and professional life. Walter's 
tireless work on behalf of his congressional district, traveling back 
to California every week, listening to and connecting with his 
constituents, represented his uniquely personal brand of politics.

[[Page H9627]]

  Mr. Speaker, it is never easy to lose a colleague or a friend. But, 
our grief is overshadowed by those that knew Walter on a more personal 
level. It is my sincere wish that his wonderful wife Lois, and his 
children Todd, Lisa, and Laura, take solace in the knowledge that 
Walter was so highly respected and revered by his peers. Today's 
outpouring of emotion on the House floor accurately reflects the high 
esteem with which Walter was held.
  Walter will be missed by this body, and he will be missed by a county 
seeking the values and commitment to civility he so fully represented. 
While only here in Congress a short while, I know that Walter Capps has 
made a lasting impression upon us all.
  Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my 
shock and profound sadness at the sudden passing of our friend and 
colleague, Walter Capps. I send my most sincere condolences to Walter's 
family and I wish to let them know that he will be missed and fondly 
remembered.
  Like many of us here, I came to know Walter when he decided to run 
for office in the 1994 elections. Even before meeting him during the 
campaign, word traveled from California to Washington that a respected 
professor and an exciting man wanted to represent the people of Santa 
Barbara in Congress. We were told that he was smart, compassionate, and 
would fight hard for his beliefs and his community.
  Advance praise for Walter Capps was not undeserved. My only regret 
was that we did not have more time to work together and to become 
better friends. Some of my most recent memories of Walter include 
standing together on the steps of the Capitol one sunny day this month 
demanding a vote on campaign finance reform. And, one day while walking 
across the street to vote on another matter, Walter and I discussed the 
brewing controversy over the future of the ranch in Santa Barbara owned 
by the Reagans.
  Walter was well versed in matters both local and national and I 
believe he would have been one of our great Members of Congress had he 
only had the chance.
  Walter, I will miss you. We will all miss you. I am proud to have 
known you and to have served with you and I will do my part to see that 
your dreams for our country are realized.
  Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in paying respect to 
the memory of Walter Capps.
  Walter was an especially decent man, one of the few freshmen to make 
an immediate impact upon arrival. That impact was based on a strong 
sense of moral purpose and a grounding in the belief that Congress 
could solve problems without resorting to partisanship or one-ups-
manship. With Walter's sudden passing yesterday, a bright light has 
gone out.
  Mr. Speaker, we are fortunate to have had Walter here in Congress, 
even for a brief time. Sidney and I express our deepest sympathies to 
his wife, Lois, and the Capps family.
  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield back any time I may 
have remaining.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Hobson). Without objection, the previous 
question is ordered on the resolution.
  There was no objection.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the resolution.
  The resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid upon the table.

                          ____________________