[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 28 (Tuesday, March 14, 2000)]
[House]
[Pages H944-H946]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 JOSEPH L. FISHER POST OFFICE BUILDING

  Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 3701) to designate the facility of the United States Postal 
Service located at 3118 Washington Boulevard in Arlington, Virginia, as 
the ``Joseph L. Fisher Post Office Building''.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 3701

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. JOSEPH L. FISHER POST OFFICE BUILDING.

       (a) Designation.--The facility of the United States Postal 
     Service located at 3118 Washington Boulevard in Arlington, 
     Virginia, shall be known and designated as the ``Joseph L. 
     Fisher Post Office Building''.
       (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, 
     document, paper, or other record of the United States to the 
     facility referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be 
     a reference to the ``Joseph L. Fisher Post Office Building''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. McHugh) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fattah) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh).


                             General Leave

  Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
on H.R. 3701, the bill now under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf) once again has 
taken the mantle of leadership in introducing this bill, H.R. 3701. 
Also on February 29 of this year and, as in the previous enactment, he 
has brought the entire House delegation of the State of Virginia in 
support of his proposal in concert with the standing policy of the 
Committee on Government Reform.
  As we have heard, H.R. 3701 designates the facility of the United 
States Postal Service located at 3118 Washington Boulevard in 
Arlington, Virginia, as the Joseph L. Fisher Post Office Building.
  The Congressional Budget Office has also reviewed this legislation 
and determined that its enactment would have no significant impact on 
the Federal budget. Spending by the postal service is classified as off 
budget and not subject to pay-as-you-go procedures. This act would have 
no impact or cost on State, local, or tribal governments.
  Once again, Mr. Speaker, we have an individual and an opportunity to 
honor an individual who served in this body. Joseph L. Fisher was 
elected as a representative from the 10th District of Virginia in 1974, 
the 94th Congress, as a Democrat, and served for three terms, 
interestingly enough, immediately following our previous honoree, 
Representative Broyhill.
  As in our previous designee, then Congressman Fisher went on to a 
very storied, very meritorious career in public service. After his 
leaving Congress, he served as Secretary of Human Resources for the 
Commonwealth of Virginia during Governor Robb's administration. He was 
a professor of political economy at George Mason University. He served 
as the Chairman of the National Academy of Public Administration. He 
served as the head of the Unitarian Universalist Association, and on 
and on and on.
  As I have said previously, we are indeed privileged today to have the 
opportunity to honor two individuals who have served in a broad range 
of capacities that have really exemplified what the commitment to 
public service should be and, in fact, is all about.
  Congressman Fisher passed from our midst in Arlington, Virginia, in 
1992; but he is survived today by his wife, Margaret, seven children, 
16 grandchildren, and two great-grandsons. And certainly to them we 
want to extend our most heartfelt feelings of appreciation and deep 
respect for the actions of Joseph L. Fisher in support of this House, 
in support of his government, and in support of his community.
  I will be pleased in a moment to yield to the author, the gentleman 
from Virginia (Mr. Wolf), for some more extensive remarks.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to also add my voice in support of H.R. 
3701. This is another bill authored by our good friend and colleague, 
the gentleman from the State of Virginia (Mr. Wolf), who has been 
concerned with, among many other issues, the question of making sure 
that this Congress recognizes the importance of family.

                              {time}  1445

  I think that is evident by these two bills, he understands that 
family extends even to Members who have left this body. And we honor 
ourselves by recognizing the contributions of those who come before us.
  So I want to thank him for offering this bill, and I add my support 
to it.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3701, to designate the United States Postal Service 
located at 3118 Washington Boulevard in Arlington, Virginia, as the 
``Joseph L. Fisher Post Office Building,'' was introduced with the 
support and cosponsorship of the entire Virginia delegation.
  The late Congressman Joseph L. Fisher was born in Rhode Island. In 
1963 he was elected to the Arlington, Virginia County Board and served 
as chairman of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. 
After unseating a former member of Congress, Congressman Joel Broyhill 
in 1974, Congressman Fisher was elected to represent the 10th District 
where he served for three terms. Congressman Fisher, a Democrat, was a 
dedicated member of the Committee on Ways and Means and Committee on 
the Budget. During his time in the Congress, he made a reputation for 
his work on taxes, energy and budget policy.
  At the time of his death in 1992, Congressman Fisher was a 
Distinguished Visiting Professor of Political Economy at George Mason 
University.
  I urge swift adoption of this measure and thank my colleague, 
Congressman Wolf for seeking to honor such distinguished men and former 
members of Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, we are very fortunate today to have two 
individuals designated in these two bills who are so worthy of this 
designation that I am confident we are about to bestow.
  Again, to that opportunity, we owe much to the sponsors of both 
bills, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf).
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf).
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor and a privilege to speak in support of 
the legislation I introduced to designate the post office located at 
3118 Washington Boulevard in Arlington, Virginia, as the ``Joseph L. 
Fisher Post Office.''
  I want to again thank the gentleman from New York (Chairman McHugh) 
of the Postal Service subcommittee and all the members of the Committee 
on Government Reform for their efforts to move this legislation to the 
House floor today.
  Born in Rhode Island on January 11, 1914, the same year as my dad was 
born, the late Congressman Joseph L. Fisher was first elected as 
representative of the 10th District in 1974 as a Democrat and began his 
service in the 94th Congress. He served for three terms and was the 
second Member of Congress to represent Virginia's 10th Congressional 
District.
  As the current representative of the 10th District, I am honored to 
offer this legislation to highlight the public service career of Joe 
Fisher, which spanned over 50 years.
  Economist, educator, author, and congressman, Joe Fisher earned his 
undergraduate degree at Bowdoin College

[[Page H945]]

 and went on to graduate studies at the London School of Economics, 
Harvard University, and The George Washington University. In 1942, he 
married the former Margaret, now Peggy, Saunders Winslow.
  He served as Senior Economic Advisor on the Council of Economic 
Advisors during the Truman Administration. During his 6 years in 
Congress, he was a member of the powerful House Committee on Ways and 
Means and the Committee on the Budget and earned a reputation for his 
diligent work on taxation, energy, and budget policy. He also served as 
the chairman of seven task forces all charged with important national 
policy issues.
  He held the position of economist at the U.S. Department of State 
before serving his country in World War II in the Pacific theater from 
1943 to 1946. He was also deeply involved in community activities.
  He was elected to the Arlington County Board in 1963 and served as 
its chairman. Working closely with his community, he became an advocate 
for regional air and water pollution and transit improvement projects. 
He also served as chairman of Washington Metropolitan Area Transit 
Authority and president and chairman of the Washington Metropolitan 
Council of Governments.
  After his service in Congress, he continued his public service career 
during Virginia Governor Charles Robb's administration as secretary of 
human resources for the Commonwealth of Virginia. He was also a 
professor of political economy at George Mason University and chairman 
of the National Academy of Public Administration. He also served as 
head of the Unitarian Universalist Association, the church's 
international administrative body.
  As an author, he wrote several books, including World Prospects for 
Natural Resources in 1964 and Resources in America's Future in 1963. 
The Joseph L. Fisher papers are featured in a collection at George 
Mason University.
  Former Virginia Governor L. Douglas Wilder once stated, ``Joe proved 
how well one can serve the people. He did it every day, pushing for the 
kinds of things that would truly improve the quality of life for all of 
his constituents.''
  Congressman Fisher dedicated his life to public service and was a 
committed advocate of the causes in which he believed. It is fitting to 
recognize his commitment to public service by renaming the post office 
located at 3118 Washington Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia, in tribute 
to him.
  Congressman Fisher passed away in Arlington, Virginia, on February 
19, 1992, and is survived by his wife Peggy, 7 children, 16 
grandchildren, and 2 great grandsons.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge our colleagues to join me in supporting this 
legislation to honor the late Congressman Joseph L. Fisher for his 
dedicated public service. I would say that Senator Warner has 
introduced identical legislation in the Senate, and we are hopeful for 
a quick passage.
  I want to again really thank the chairman for moving these so very, 
very fast.
  Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Moran).
  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I thank again my good friend, the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fattah), for yielding me the time and 
for his leadership in the Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in very strong support of this legislation to 
rename the central post office in Arlington County after the late Joe 
Fisher, who so ably represented Virginia's old 10th District between 
1974 and 1980.
  I want to commend my good friend and distinguished colleague, the 
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf), who now represents the new 10th 
District of Virginia, for his leadership on this bill, as well as the 
prior bill with regard to Mr. Broyhill.
  Joe Fisher was one of the finest men I ever knew. I am proud to stand 
on his inspirational shoulders today. He was extraordinarily 
intelligent, holding a doctorate from Harvard in economics. He was a 
man of unquestioned integrity and genuine humility. He worked hard and 
purposefully, and he understood our responsibility to the future, 
particularly in the area of environmental preservation.
  Many young people who are active in Government service and public 
service today got their start working for and observing Congressman Joe 
Fisher.
  During his service here in the House, Joe was a leader on economic 
issues, tax reform, and economic policy. It is amazing to think that he 
was appointed to the Committee on Ways and Means in his very first 
term.
  The leadership of my party appointed Joe to head no less than seven 
task forces that helped to draft the Energy Policy Act of 1978. He was 
a founding member of the Environmental Study Conference that provided a 
bicameral forum in which to examine our Nation's environmental 
policies. And he was a strong voice for Federal workers in Northern 
Virginia, as well as for people in need throughout the country.
  After leaving this body in 1980, Joe continued his public service as 
Secretary of Human Resources in the administration of then Governor 
Chuck Robb. He, in fact, had the unenviable task during that period of 
time when we had a recession in the State of administering Virginia's 
AFDC and Medicaid programs. But he had a heart that was as expansive as 
his mind. And throughout his tenure, he earned a reputation for being 
fair minded, even handed, and extraordinarily effective.
  When he left Richmond, he continued serving the public as a professor 
at George Mason University, which is a post he held until he passed 
away at the age of 78. He has left a legacy in Northern Virginia 
particularly, but in this country generally.
  With regard to Northern Virginia, I think it is fair to say that he 
was instrumental in transforming Northern Virginia from what had at one 
time been a segregated, insular suburb to a progressive and inclusively 
caring community. That probably would have happened without Joe Fisher, 
but it happened sooner and more profoundly because of Joe Fisher.
  Beyond his service to Virginia and this Nation, those of us who knew 
Joe Fisher came to appreciate the renaissance character of his 
personality and intellect. He was an avid sportsman and hiker. He was a 
national leader of the Unitarian Church. But first and foremost, he was 
a devoted husband and father to his wife Peggy and their seven 
children.
  Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to support this bill to honor the 
lifetime of public service that Joe Fisher provided our country. Again, 
I commend my good friend the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf) for his 
leadership on it.
  Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume 
for a final word of appreciation for the leadership of the gentleman 
from Virginia (Mr. Wolf) on this and a plea to our colleagues to adopt, 
as well, this piece of legislation honoring a very worthy individual.
  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to 
rise today to honor Mr. Joseph L. Fisher. I am proud to be an original 
co-sponsor of H.R. 3701, introduced by Representative Frank Wolf and 
Representative Jim Moran, which designates the United States Post 
Office facility located at 3118 Washington Boulevard in Arlington, 
Virginia, to be known as the ``Joseph L. Fisher Post Office Building.'' 
Mr. Fisher served a distinguished career in both the U.S. Armed Forces 
and as the first Representative from Virginia's 10th Congressional 
District.
  Born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, January 11, 1914, the late 
Congressman Joseph Fisher was first elected as the representative of 
the 10th Congressional District of Virginia in 1974 as a Democrat and 
began his service in the Ninety-fourth Congress. He held the seat of 
Congressman Frank Wolf. He served three terms and was the second Member 
of Congress to represent the 10th Congressional District. He served the 
10th district through a period of tremendous growth and change for 
Northern Virginia. During his six years in Congress he served as a 
member of the House Ways and Means and Budget committees and earned a 
reputation for his diligent work on taxation, energy and budget policy. 
He also served as chair of seven task forces all on national policy 
issues.
  When he first came to Northern Virginia he accepted a position as an 
economist at the U.S. Department of State before serving his country in 
World War II in the Pacific theater from 1943 to 1946. After he 
returned to the area, he was elected to the Arlington County Board in 
1963 and became an advocate for

[[Page H946]]

regional air, water pollution and transit improvement projects. He also 
served as a Chairman of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit 
Authority.
  After his service in Congress, he continued his public service at the 
state level during Virginia Governor Charles S. Robb's administration 
as Secretary of Human Resources for the Commonwealth of Virginia. 
Former Virginia Governor L. Douglas Wilder once stated, ``Joe proved 
how well one can serve the people. He did it every day.''
  Congressman Fisher dedicated his life to public service and was a 
committed advocate of the causes in which he believed. It is fitting to 
recognize his service and commitment by renaming the post office 
located at 3118 Washington Boulevard, Arlington County, Virginia.
  In closing, Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor such a man as Joseph 
Fisher. He has ably served his country and community. I know my 
colleagues join me in honoring Joseph for his many years of service to 
his nation and the people of Virginia's 10th Congressional District.
  Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Stearns). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh) that the House 
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3701.
  The question was taken.
  Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

                          ____________________