[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 6 (Wednesday, February 4, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H306]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           FURTHER TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE RONALD V. DELLUMS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald) is recognized for 
5 minutes.
  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I come to this floor today to 
pay homage to a great man, a great Californian and a great American, my 
colleague, my friend, the Honorable Ronald V. Dellums.
  The gentleman from California (Mr. Dellums) has served 31 years in 
public life, the last 27 in the U.S. House of Representatives, with 
distinction and honor. When he came to this House 37 years ago in 1971, 
he wore bell bottom pants and an afro perhaps larger in scale than the 
dome of this Capitol. Not surprisingly, he was immediately labeled as 
an untrustworthy radical and militant, the victim of stereotypes to 
which African Americans have long been accustomed. But he was here to 
represent his East San Francisco Bay area constituents, whose 
commitment to a full employment economy, equality, civil rights, 
quality education and peace with justice has been and remained 
steadfast throughout his career.
  What those who stereotyped him failed to recognize was that they 
would be dealing with a distinguished, principled, educated man who 
diligently and strategically worked to understand the rules and customs 
of this House and to learn how to work within the construct of this 
House. Through his work and example, we who are new Members learned 
many lessons from Ron Dellums. Policy development and lawmaking is a 
marathon, not a sprint. To be successful, we must be prepared to meet 
those who hold different points of view than our own and meet them on 
their own terms, carefully listening to their arguments, and struggle 
to find common ground and mutuality of interest.
  In offering this advice, he never told us what we should do, but 
instead suggested what he would do. He taught us to plan and prepare, 
to thoroughly understand the nuts and bolts of an issue. And finally, 
he said, never forget the people who sent you here, the constituents 
who invested in us the power to represent them. They are the reason we 
are here.
  Congressman Ron Dellums is revered on both sides of this aisle 
because of his integrity and his commitment to progressive ideas. He 
was always on the cutting edge of the issues. California will miss him 
in the ninth district, but the State has been enriched by Ron Dellums. 
While he towers above most of us physically, this attribute is matched 
by his intellect, faith in the process and optimism for peaceful 
resolution of conflict.
  Mr. Speaker, I came to Congress during the midterm of the 104th 
Congress, having won a special election. My path to Congress did not 
provide me the opportunity to bond with the Members of my class during 
the heady days which normally follow a general election victory. I did 
not have orientation for Members-elect, as is the practice of getting 
acquainted with your colleagues before sitting for a new Congress. 
Nevertheless, Ron Dellums' gentle smile, kind words and unreserved 
support, willingness to listen without prejudice and accessibility 
qualities have contributed to my development as a Member and my ability 
to better represent the constituents of my California's 37th 
Congressional District.
  Congressman Ron Dellums' intellect, keen grasp of the issues, 
knowledge of the process and impeccable style are attributes to the 
people of California's Bay area, the United States House of 
Representatives and the Nation which will mostly miss him. And while we 
will miss him, we all recognize that life goes on, and the only 
constant in life is change.

                              {time}  1930

  Ron Dellums' contributions to this House, indeed his greatest legacy, 
will be that he used his service in Congress as an instrument for 
change in the pursuit of jobs, peace and justice.
  I wish him the very best as he pursues his future endeavors and wish 
to convey my thanks as a colleague, a friend, and an American to his 
family for their sacrifice and generosity in sharing this unique man 
with us. And I thank my brother, the honorable Ronald V. Dellums, for 
his friendship and his unreserved brotherly support on my behalf.

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