[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 114 (Thursday, August 5, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1779-E1780]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  FAREWELL TO CONGRESSMAN GEORGE BROWN

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 5, 1999

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, those of us who served with George Brown 
are saddened at his passing for we have lost a colleague and friend, a 
true gentleman who was always honest and thoughtful.
  George Brown was a benevolent, yet intense and resolute, advocate for 
science; a true supporter and friend to the entire scientific 
community, and a determined fighter for the public good.
  He always felt passionately that science could be the basis for 
progress. George was convinced that the scientific advancements 
nurtured by Congress would lead to a better world for everyone. And 
that was his goal for all those many years.
  He was consistently dedicated to openness and educating others about 
science. He was always eager to learn, and to share, the latest 
perspectives of science and technology.
  His commitment to science always rose above partisanship. I know that 
George shared my satisfaction that the Science Committee has long been 
considered one of the most bipartisan in Congress. This is a testament 
to the respect that everyone had for George Brown, and his determined 
belief that advancing our Nation's scientific research and development 
is a goal that is not bound by partisan politics.
  And as we look up to see his portrait in the committee room, I am 
pleased that his vision and his legacy will live on among the 
committee.
  I am grateful that I had time to serve with George. We worked 
together on a number of

[[Page E1780]]

initiatives over the years, especially technology transfer and 
competitiveness issues. Once, we were preparing a special video to 
celebrate a landmark anniversary of an important science organization. 
George and I went down to the House Recording Studio to tape the video. 
Everything was all set up and ready to go so that we could go through 
its rapidly. Our remarks were even ready in the teleprompter. I worked 
quickly, and finished my segment in one take. However, George just 
couldn't seem to get it right. Take after take after take, he kept 
messing up. What should have taken 10 minutes dragged on and on. 
Finally, after about an hour, we were interrupted by a vote. After the 
vote, George came back and was finally able to wrap-up the video, but 
this story underscored that George Brown had difficulty being 
scripted--in his life, in his political career, and in the way he 
operated on the Science Committee. George, with his foul cigar and 
rumpled suit, enjoyed ad libbing, sometimes being irreverent. He had an 
endearing personality that often came out--even in the most tense of 
moments.
  I will miss George Brown. Science and our nation have lost a fair and 
just man, a true leader. But we will always remember him as we move 
forward towards the 21st century and a universe of new scientific 
advancement. I offer my condolences to his wife Marta Macias Brown and 
his family.

                          ____________________