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




               TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE RONALD V. DELLUMS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 3, 1998

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, we are here to celebrate the career of a 
champion of Democratic principles in the House of Representatives. I am 
honored to have served with my friend, Ron Dellums.
  For over a quarter of a century, I have had the distinct privilege of 
joining Ron in the good fight. He vehemently opposed our government's 
involvement in Vietnam. He asked the tough questions and pursued the 
truth in the crime of Watergate. He demanded quality for women and 
minorities and defended civil rights. He did not waver in the charge to 
stop the testing of nuclear weapons. He fought for the poor, the 
disabled, and the disadvantaged, in the hope that all Americans could 
partake in our country's bounty.
  His focus, above all, was to promote peace. His work on the National 
Security Committee earned him the respect of all his colleagues for his 
grasp of issues, his focus and his powerful oratory skills. He worked 
for decades to expose unnecessary military spending and cut defense 
spending. He came here to make things better for all Americans and he 
succeeded.
  Mr. Speaker, I stood with Ron Dellums for close to three decades; I 
am saddened to see him go but I know he will make a difference for the 
better wherever he goes.

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