[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 149 (Thursday, October 30, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H9792]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO THE LATE HON. WALTER H. CAPPS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from California [Mr. Sherman] is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, the day after Walter died, I had a chance 
to join a number of our colleagues in recognizing him here. And I 
jotted down these few words just an hour or two after I learned of his 
death. And I thought that maybe when I came back to join with my 
freshmen colleagues, Don or Walter, I would have something better to 
say. But, frankly, I do not.
  So, with apologies to anyone who has heard me speak of Walter in the 
last couple of days, I will say it again. This country lost a leader of 
depth and integrity. Just a couple days ago, this House lost one of our 
own. Lois, Laura, Todd, and Lisa lost a husband and a father. And, like 
several of my colleagues here today, I lost a role model and a friend.
  Walter Capps was the professor that we called a freshman. Most of us 
come here to Congress hoping that, once we are here, we will make some 
contribution of which we can be proud. Walter Capps came here having 
already done more than we can hope to do.
  As so many have pointed out, he was perhaps the most popular 
professor in the history of the University of California at Santa 
Barbara, where he did not just teach well what had been taught before, 
but invented courses, wrote books. If he never had come to this House, 
he would have been a major leader in the life of his district.
  Now, like many new Members to this House, I often seek advice, a few 
hints. And when I wanted to know what was the smart political thing to 
do, I never went to Walter. But when I sought wisdom and 
thoughtfulness, a way of looking at things that is different from 
today's headlines or yesterday's poll results, 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 public opinion. We are depicted as 
knowing more or caring more about the politics of an issue than the 
substance. You can say what you want about most of us, but you cannot 
say all of us. Because, for a short time, Walter Capps served in this 
House and he was everything you want us to be. He was the best of us. 
He will be missed.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Oregon [Ms. Hooley].

                              {time}  2215

  Ms. HOOLEY of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for 
yielding.
  I would like to also enter into the Record a tribute from the 
gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Hall], as follows:
  Mr. HALL of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the late 
Walter H. Capps. Not only has this country suffered a great loss, but 
we, his colleagues, have lost a model of an ethical and decent 
politician. We can all be thankful for the perspective that Walter 
brought to us in his 10 months in the House, and he will be greatly 
missed by us all.
  Walter provided us with a unique understanding of society through his 
spiritual and philosophical nature. He was not afraid to see the bigger 
picture; to engage public policy from a collective point of view. This 
was demonstrated to me by his sincere and enthusiastic support of my 
bill for congressional apology for slavery. Walter's dedication to the 
people he represented, and his principled campaign practices show the 
signs of a disciplined man. But most importantly, he will be remembered 
as a true scholar and a gentleman, with an undying love for humanity.
  To me, Walter Capps will be remembered as a teacher; not only for the 
33 years that he enlightened our youth with spiritual ideas at the 
University of California at Santa Barbara, but as a role model of the 
kind of person we need here in Washington. One who taught the values of 
democracy and moral character through his actions, and shared his 
knowledge and devotion to decency through his words. My prayers are 
with his wife and children.
  Ms. HOOLEY of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I would also again like to thank 
the gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. Neumann] for so graciously allowing 
us to do this at the beginning and again yielding time.
  As irreplaceable as Walter Capps will be for the Members of the 
House, his loss will I am sure be deeply felt by his district. We 
express our heartfelt condolences to them. We also grieve with Walter's 
family, his wife Lois, his children, Todd, Laura and Lisa and the rest 
of his loved ones. My colleagues and I are happy that he shared himself 
with us even for so short a time. I can only imagine that in the 
fullness of time, those that had known him longer will bless and hold 
dear each day they had the pleasure of his company. Our prayers are 
with all of you. Walter, we loved you. You will be missed.

                          ____________________