[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 147 (Thursday, October 15, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2208]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E2208]]
            DANTE B. FASCELL NORTH-SOUTH CENTER ACT OF 1991

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. SAM GEJDENSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 12, 1998

  Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of legislation to 
rename the North//South Center at the University of Miami the ``Dante 
B. Fascell North/South Center.''
  I had the honor of serving with Congressman Dante Fascell who 
represented the people of Florida and the nation for 38 years. He was 
my colleague, my Chairman on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and 
my friend. I am particularly pleased that the University of Miami has 
chosen to honor the ``father'' of the North/South Center in this most 
appropriate way.
  When Dante assumed the helm of the House Foreign Affairs Committee in 
1983, its character changed from its predecessor's leadership. As a 
December 10, 1983 Congressional Quarterly article stated, ``Fascell . . 
. is a strong-willed legislator who has mastered the techniques of 
compromise and persuasion.'' Further, the article speaks of his 
emphasis on a bi-partisan approach to foreign policy--a significant 
influence not only on his colleagues in Congress, but on his creation 
of the North/South Center.
  By the time he became chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on 
Inter-American Affairs, he was already a leader in the House on Latin 
American issues. His interest and expertise in this area as well as the 
importance of the relationship between these nations and the United 
States spurred Dante's vision for the creation of the North/South 
Center at the University of Miami--has alma mater.
  Dante always seized opportunities to promote democratic ideals around 
the globe. Fascell foresaw a Center that would promote democracy, 
recognize the essential nature of the relationship between the United 
States and Latin America and the Caribbean, and improve understanding 
between the northern and southern hemispheres through the scholarly 
exchange of ideas. He conceived in institution that would not merely be 
a debating society, but would make solid contributions to American 
public policy. The unique North/South Center at the University of Miami 
sponsors conferences and publishes materials relating to a wide array 
of foreign policy issues. It has served as a resource for policy makers 
in several Administrations and Congresses.
  Dante Fascell was the type of Congressman we all endeavor to be--he 
fought tirelessly for his constituents and he put the interests of the 
nation and its citizens above all else. Renaming the North/South Center 
in honor of Dante Fascell is extremely timely, appropriate and most 
deserved. I enthusiastically support this legislation and wish Dante 
all the best.

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