[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 127 (Thursday, October 12, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S10407]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN RECOGNITION OF BEN JOHNSON

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, it gives me great pleasure to 
acknowledge a distinguished public servant and tireless advocate for 
our nation's cities, Ben Johnson. The people in my hometown of Detroit, 
Michigan, realize that ours is a nation of cities. Later this month, 
many individuals will gather there to celebrate the career of this man 
who devoted his life to ensuring that all Americans are able to share 
in our nation's wealth and prosperity.
  Ben Johnson has dedicated his professional life to expanding 
opportunity for all Americans. For over two decades, he has tirelessly 
worked to assist communities, particularly minority communities, in 
their efforts to fully participate in the pursuit of the American 
dream.
  Since 1993, Mr. Johnson has honorably served in the Clinton 
Administration. During his tenure in this Administration, he worked in 
the Office of Public Liaison, and served as both a Special and a Deputy 
Assistant to the President. Currently, Ben Johnson serves as the 
Assistant to the President and Director of The White House Office on 
the President's One America Initiative. The One America Initiative 
office he oversees is the first freestanding White House office 
established to close opportunity gaps that exist for minorities and the 
underserved in this nation. In all of these capacities, he has shown a 
steadfast commitment to ensure economic opportunities for all people.
  Serving in the Clinton Administration was not Mr. Johnson's first job 
at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. During the Carter Administration he was 
Director of Consumer Programs and Special Assistant to Esther Peterson, 
the Special Assistant to the President for Consumer Affairs. In the 
years between his service at the White House, Mr. Johnson served in a 
variety of capacities within the District of Columbia's city 
government, and worked to ensure that the residents of our nation's 
capital lived in an efficient, safe and clean city.
  Ben Johnson can take pride in his long career of service and 
dedication to assisting minorities and the underserved in our nation. 
He has been a vocal advocate for the people of Detroit and all the 
United States. I know my colleagues will join me in saluting Ben 
Johnson, and in wishing him well in the years ahead.

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