[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 142 (Saturday, October 10, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2013]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO LOUIS STOKES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MAJOR R. OWENS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 9, 1998

  Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, over the past few months there have been many 
tributes to our departing colleague, Congressman Lou Stokes. The 
accolades have been lengthy because there is a great deal to be said 
about the thirty year record of Congressman Stokes. Unfortunately, the 
most senior Members have been accorded the privilege of speaking first, 
and thus, I have been deprived of my opportunity to also praise Lou 
Stokes.
  As a Member who has worked with Lou Stokes for sixteen of his thirty 
years, I feel I have known him long enough to speak with authority but 
not so long and so close that I have lost my capacity for some 
objectivity. We are all familiar with the concept of the ``Renaissance 
Man'' with a broad array of talents. In the power arena Lou Stokes is a 
``Renaissance Political Man.'' He possesses the unique ability and 
capacity to perform as a deal maker; as a champion for issues; as a 
program innovator; as a team player and institution builder.
  Watching Lou perform over the years has been an inspiring learning 
experience. As a key member of the Appropriations Committee he has 
repeatedly made the right deals for worthwhile programs. When the 
authorizing committee, ten years ago, established Title III-B for the 
direct funding of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Stokes 
did the necessary homework to obtain immediate funding for this program 
which has now provided more than one billion dollars for higher 
education. Beyond serving as a conduit or vehicle for the obtainment of 
dollars, Lou served as an advocate and champion for the neglected 
African American colleges.
  We have watched and greatly appreciated Lou Stokes' use of power to 
address complex and difficult problems. His service on the Ethics 
Committee, the Intelligence Committee and numerous groups that took him 
beyond the call of duty, has led to the acquisition of enormous amounts 
of respect and influence. He has repeatedly used this influence to 
introduce constructive innovations without lengthy legislation. 
Hundreds of minority youth have benefited from programs for interns and 
fellows originated by Lou in the various agencies of government.
  Despite the enormous responsibilities which have come with his 
accrued powers, Lou has remained a consummate team player and 
institution builder. The personality cult has never claimed Stokes. He 
has worked tirelessly to build the Congressional Black Caucus. The CBC 
Health Braintrust is the model for all current and future meaningful 
Braintrust operations. Certainly the inspiration for a strong CBC 
Education Braintrust has come via the observance of the Health 
Braintrust. More people are engaged year round in the Health Braintrust 
than in any other CBC activity. This organization is the primary 
beneficiary of Stokes' habit of doing careful homework. Without a doubt 
the Health Braintrust is an institution that Lou has made strong enough 
to endure long after his resignation.
  Lou Stokes, the ``Renaissance Political Man'' has not only performed 
magnificently in Washington, but also back home. His imprint is deeply 
embedded in the governance of his City of Cleveland, Ohio. Despite the 
fact that he still has many years left to enjoy his retirement, Lou has 
already been enshrined as a hero of his city. The new state-of-the-art 
Cleveland Public Library building bears the name of Congressman Louis 
Stokes. Needless to say, as the only Librarian ever elected to 
Congress, I find this achievement profoundly impressive.
  For his comprehensive, across the board performance Lou Stokes stands 
high above his peers. When you consider the attributes and character 
traits necessary for productivity and success in the political arena, 
most Members of Congress can claim certain areas of strength while 
admitting to other areas of weakness. But only Lou can lay claim to 
titles all across the spectrum. He is a great deal maker, a champion 
advocate for issues; a program innovator, a team player; and an 
institution builder.
  Lou Stokes, the ``Renaissance Political Man'' leaves very high 
standards for all future Members of Congress to utilize to measure 
their performance and their productivity.

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