[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 6 (Wednesday, February 4, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E96]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE RONALD V. DELLUMS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. JOHN JOSEPH MOAKLEY

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 3, 1998

  Mr. MOAKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from 
Missouri, Mr. Skelton, for arranging for this time to honor our 
colleague, Ron Dellums, as he prepares to retire from the United States 
House of Representatives.
  Throughout his tenure in this House, he has served his constituents 
from the 9th congressional district of California with great 
distinction. Since first being elected to the House in 1970, Ron 
Dellums has used a unique combination of common sense, grace, 
compassion and his strong intellect to become a champion of many 
causes. He has worked tirelessly on a wide range of issues, indeed, in 
almost all of the most important issues of our time. He has fought for 
civil rights, for equal rights for all. He has stood tall as a strong 
steward of our environment. He served as a powerful voice of reason in 
the struggle to challenge the militarization of U.S. foreign policy. He 
was a frequent and eloquent speaker against our misguided military and 
foreign policies in Latin America in the 1980's. Indeed, while I worked 
on the investigation of the murders of the Jesuits, their housekeeper 
and her daughter in El Salvador, I frequently enjoyed having Ron's 
counsel.
  As Chair of the Rules Committee, I enjoyed working with Ron in his 
capacity as Chair of the House District of Columbia and in his role as 
Chair of the Armed Services Committee. It was during this time that I 
admired Ron as he became a masterful practitioner of the art of 
coalition-building. Ron has crossed lines of all types. He always set 
aside racial, cultural, political, class or gender considerations when 
dealing with people. Indeed, Ron has earned the respect of Members and 
staff regardless of ideology. Ron, you should be most proud of this 
accomplishment.
  Today, it is most appropriate that we take time to honor Ron Dellums. 
His service to his constituents and to this nation has been strong. The 
House of Representatives and all of its members will be diminished by 
your departure. Ron, I wish you continued good health, happiness and a 
long life. I have enjoyed working with you and will always be proud to 
call you my friend.

                          ____________________