[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 15, 2000)]
[House]
[Page H1001]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



  WALTER HALL, A MAN WHO NOT ONLY TALKED THE TALK BUT WALKED THE WALK

  (Mr. LAMPSON asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great sadness to honor 
Walter Hall of Dickinson, Texas, who passed away on Sunday at age 92. 
Walter Hall, known by many as ``Mr. Democrat,'' was a man who not only 
talked the talk but walked the walk. He was a true visionary, with a 
vision of a better life for all Americans.
  He spent his life fighting for equality, justice, and opportunity. He 
led the charge to abolish the poll tax, supported equal rights for 
women, and worked for the Civil Rights Act in 1964 and the Voting 
Rights Act in 1965.
  He was a community activist who negotiated with the City of Houston 
to supply clean drinking water for Galveston County and is credited 
with bringing NASA to the Clear Lake area.
  He was a man of humble beginnings, who became a man of great fortune 
and power. He served as a mentor for many young people interested in 
politics and was a close friend to President Lyndon Johnson and Speaker 
of the House Sam Rayburn. However, despite all his clout, he remained a 
man of the people, honest and forthright. He will be sorely missed.

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