[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 7 (Thursday, February 5, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E119-E120]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE RONALD V. DELLUMS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 3, 1998

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it saddens me today 
to say goodbye to Congressman Ronald V. Dellums of the 9th District of 
the State of California. He has brought a great conscience to this body 
during our debates over military spending and the role of the modern 
U.S. military. He is as thoughtful and passionate on issues to protect 
the opportunities for children as he is on reducing a massive military 
budget. Mr. Speaker, on those issues of advocacy of children, he 
reminds many of a mutual friend of both of ours, Congressman Mickey 
Leland of Texas.
  Mr. Speaker, we all know that Congressman Dellums is a staunch 
opponent of weapons funding, specifically the funding of the B-2 
bomber, an issue where he and I have disagreed on sharply. However, as 
with all his dealings with opponents, I never experienced a slight or 
an unkind word.
  Although he opposes many weapons funding initiatives, he is not an 
enemy of our military or the ideas of the country it is sworn to 
protect. Rather, he is outspoken when in times of peace, our military 
spending takes more importance than feeding our children.
  I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that Congressman Dellums 
and Congressman Leland lead the effort to end U.S. support for the 
apartheid regime in South Africa by introducing legislation calling for 
economic sanctions. Fifteen years later, that legislation passed the 
House, imposing the sanctions that would eventually lead to the 
dismantling of apartheid and begin the creation of a new South Africa.
  Congressman Dellums was born in Oakland, CA, on November 24, 1935. 
However, he has deep Texas roots. After serving in the U.S. Marine 
Corps for 2 years, he received an A.A. degree at Oakland City College, 
A.B.A. from San Francisco State University and his master's in social 
work from the University of California at Berkeley.
  Throughout his career in the Berkeley City Council and Congress, his 
education background and experience in social work helped draw 
attention to the plight of the poor and influence the implementation of 
policies like the National Health Service Act and the Head Start 
Program.
  Mr. Speaker, among all his legislative accomplishments and 
contributions to this body, all Americans, particularly African-
Americans are proud that in 1973 he was the first African-American 
appointed to the formerly known House Armed Services Committee. He made 
another historic first in the 103rd Congress, becoming chairman of the 
committee. As chairman, he articulated a progressive and alternative 
vision of the military, beginning an honest debate over the 
possibilities of reinventing our military forces without threatening 
national security.

[[Page E120]]

  Mr. Speaker, ironically, the wars in Vietnam and on the streets of 
urban ghettos developed his sense of compassion and concern for those 
who face inequities and discrimination. He could have easily had a 
bitter soul forged out of the fires from the 1960 riots and battles he 
knew so well, but he chose to care and use his mind and ability for 
justice. Therefore, he is a great example to young men and women that 
the anger and distress known to many of our cities can be directed to 
solving our country's most pressing social problems.
  Mr. Speaker, although many Members of Congress may have disagreed 
with his stands on military spending and his legal challenges to a 
President's authority to declare war on countries, no one can dispute 
that his arguments and debating style were pragmatic, intelligent, and 
were carried out with respect and dignity toward others, regardless of 
ideology. Therefore, he was respected in this House by those of all 
ideologies and political persuasions.
  Mr. Speaker, our colleague from California is leaving this body after 
a long and productive career. While I can say that his return to 
private life is much deserved, I must say that he will be sorely missed 
because of his courage, leadership, and compassion. I will miss him as 
a friend.

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