[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 30 (Thursday, March 16, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E339]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


        TRIBUTE TO JOHN CARDINAL O'CONNOR--PERSONAL EXPLANATION

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                           HON. NITA M. LOWEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 16, 2000

  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, on February 15, my colleagues honored John 
Cardinal O'Connor by passing H.R. 3557, a bill to award him the 
Congressional Gold Medal. Unfortunately, because I had requested and 
been granted official leave of absence, I was unable to cast my vote in 
support of this measure. Please let the record show that had I been 
here I would have voted ``yes'' for H.R. 3557.
  As a fellow New Yorker, I have seen first-hand the good work of the 
Cardinal, in particular, his tireless efforts to improve Catholic-
Jewish relations. The negotiations to establish diplomatic relations 
between the Vatican and Israel were initiated, in large part, by 
Cardinal O'Connor. The Cardinal's work has truly enhanced human rights 
and religious tolerance around the globe.
  Cardinal O'Connor has also been a leader in the effort to provide 
care to individuals stricken with AIDS. The Cardinal opened New York 
State's first AIDS-only unit at St. Clare's Hospital. This effort 
created a home for those in need of support and care, and supplied 
Cardinal O'Connor with yet another place to volunteer his time and 
counsel.
  In addition to these remarkable accomplishments, Cardinal O'Connor 
has devoted his time to promoting racial equality, creating valuable 
educational opportunities for children, and assisting the poor, sick 
and disabled. It is clear that Cardinal O'Connor has touched the lives 
of many Americans and deserves this body's highest honor.

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