[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 148 (Friday, October 16, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO JOSEPH P. KENNEDY II, MEMBER OF CONGRESS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. WILLIAM D. DELAHUNT

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 12, 1998

  Mr. DELAHUNT. Mr. Speaker, you always know when Joe Kennedy has 
entered the room. There's a kind of hush, followed by a wave of 
heartfelt applause, and then you see it--the biggest, broadest smile in 
the United States Congress. A smile that lights up the room with 
inspiration.
  For such a young men, the legislative track record Joe has 
accumulated is almost literally unbelievable. There is barely a 
consumer, human rights or housing reform that does not bear his name. 
From veterans health to industrial research-and-development, from 
Haitian democracy to MWRA water rates, it is difficult--even for me--to 
exaggerate the lasting significance of Joe's work in this chamber. In 
combination with his private-sector contributions to low-income energy 
assistance, Joe Kennedy virtually defines the phrase ``public 
service''.
  As a newer member of this body, I know a good role model when I see 
it. And I know that this delegation, which is comprised of some of the 
most diligent members of the House, will do its very best to follow the 
roadmap that Joe Kennedy has drawn for us.
  Joe had big shoes to fill, when he arrived here 12 years ago. But 
like Yaz following Williams, people in and near Boston know something 
about stepping up to the plate. In their boxseats somewhere upstairs, 
Speaker O'Neill and President Kennedy are very proud that their 
successor has worked so hard to help craft public policy as 
sophisticated enough for investors on Wall Street--and as level-headed 
and compassionate as owners of three-deckers in Central Square.
  When I learned of Joe's intention to retire, my second reaction was 
how much we--his colleagues, in this delegation and in this House--will 
miss him. My first reaction was how deeply Joe has earned the right to 
be closer to Beth and his sons. Nothing could conceivably be more 
important, and no one on the face of the earth could relish more the 
hours Joe can now spend away from Washington and with his family--with 
the possible exception of Alan Greenspan.
  The best thing I can tell you, Joe, is--I'll see you at home.

                          ____________________