[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 114 (Thursday, August 5, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1798]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    GEORGE BROWN, CONGRESSIONAL ICON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BRUCE F. VENTO

                             of minnestota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 5, 1999

  Mr. VENTO. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to add my words of condolences 
to the family of George Brown, our late colleague. George was a friend 
and counselor to many members, including myself. He was a real worker 
and advocate for people in the House. Congressman Brown applied himself 
and invested himself in the pursuit of good policy, first for the 
people of this nation and California, and for the attainment of human 
kind.
  Congressman Brown invested the time and energy to understand the 
intricacies of policy and often we stood up together and spoke for 
good, sound science as it affected our landscapes and natural 
resources. The United States Biological Survey, the man in the 
Biosphere program, and, of course, George Brown had a legacy of 
accomplishments to match similar efforts related to the National 
Science Foundation (NSF), NASA, and the Office of Technology Assessment 
(OTA).
  I know that George felt if we had good information as members or as 
administrators we would be equipped to make the best public policy. 
George Brown's modest life and background working for a good education, 
which he obtained and used, says a lot about Representative Brown. 
George Brown did not forget how he got to where he was and the need to 
stand up for those without a voice in the political power structure. 
George Brown worked against housing discrimination, for the right of 
workers to win representation and fair compensation and eventually was 
elected to local office and to the United States House where he set off 
on a great career and journey.
  George Brown, plain speaking and modestly attired, possessed the 
power of ideas and knowledge. Congressman Brown didn't let political 
expediency interfere with what he thought was the right vote or the 
correct action. We will miss the warm friendship and special role that 
George Brown played in Congress on a professional and especially 
personal basis, but his spirit will live in our actions and memories. 
George Brown has set a very high mark and we surely stand on this 
shoulders as we look ahead to and try to see the future and hope for 
our great nation.
  My sympathy to his wonderful wife Marta and to his family, you have 
our support and comfort. God bless George Brown and thank God for the 
service of this wonderful man.

                          ____________________