[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 132 (Thursday, October 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1839-E1840]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN CELEBRATION OF THE DEDICATION OF THE RONALD V. DELLUMS FEDERAL 
                         BUILDING, OAKLAND, CA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 18, 2000

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that my colleague, 
Ms. Lee and I rise in recognition of one of our greatest statesmen, 
Congressman Ronald V. Dellums, and in celebration of the dedication of 
the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building in Oakland, California.
  The Dellums Federal Building is considered the ``Gateway to the East 
Bay'' and has enhanced the Oakland city skyline. The distinct twin 
towers of this $200 million project has played a pivotal role in the 
revitalization of the downtown area. Additionally, this building was 
built by a local and diverse workforce.
  Mr. Dellums was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 
1970, serving until his retirement in 1998, Mr. Dellums was a 
distinguished and respected leader in the Congress and throughout the 
world and remains a tireless leader on behalf of peace and justice.
  His diverse accomplishments include his leadership and vision as the 
Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Chair of the House Armed 
Services and District of Columbia Committees; his challenge against the 
Vietnam War; his belief and advocacy of ``Coalition Politics'' as a way 
to truly evoke change in the political arena; his leadership and vision 
laid to the foundation for base conversion and ultimately the job 
creation and business development of these former military 
installations; his legislation to expand the Port of Oakland and 
estuary dredging; his tireless commitment to youth; and his National 
Heath Service Act, which has long been considered the most 
comprehensive and progressive health care proposal since it was first 
introduced in 1977.
  The true leadership of Mr. Dellums, and quite possibly the most 
rewarding moment in his career, was his vision to have the U.S. end its 
support of the racist apartheid regime of South Africa. Mr. Dellums was 
among the first in Congress to lead the international Anti-Apartheid 
movement. For years, until Nelson Mandela was released from prison, he 
faithfully introduced a bill and lobbied his colleagues for support of 
having Congress impose sanctions against the South African government.
  Since his retirement from Congress, Mr. Dellums has served as the 
President of Healthcare International Management Company focusing on 
global health issues, most notably the AIDS pandemic. He serves as the 
Chair of President Clinton's Advisory Committee on HIV/AIDS. He has 
also recently written his memoirs, ``Lying Down with the Lions: A 
Public Life from the Streets of Oakland to the Halls of Power.''
  It is with great pride that we offer recognition of some of the 
monumental contributions made by Ron Dellums to better our community, 
country and world. There is no other leader more deserving of having a 
Federal building named in his or her honor. Thank you Ron.

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