[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 6, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E120]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF SENATOR ALAN CRANSTON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 6, 2001

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, today I honor the life of a great American, 
Senator Alan Cranston. While Senator Cranston left the Congress 8 years 
ago, after four terms in the Senate, his legacy remains as strong as 
ever because of the depth of his convictions and the significance of 
his accomplishments.
  Senator Cranston was one of only two California senators to be 
elected to the Senate four times and he served 14 years as the 
Democratic Whip. His accomplishments bear great weight. During his 
service in the United States Senate, Alan Cranston had a hand in many 
major pieces of legislation. He was deeply involved with arms reduction 
and nuclear arms control and led the debate on SALT II and START 
treaties, worked on ratification of the Panama Canal treaty, helped to 
expand trade for California technological and agricultural products, 
and reduced military spending.
  Senator Cranston also fought tirelessly to build affordable, adequate 
housing for our families and to protect our national environment for 
present and future generations. The Cranston-Gonzales National 
Affordable Housing Act of 1990, was a major housing bill he helped 
pass. He also authored legislation that created three major national 
parks and expanded two others, seven park wilderness areas and 51 
forest areas and he was the original author of the California Desert 
Protection Act.
  Senator Cranston's record of accomplishment in public service spanned 
10 Presidents and 6 decades, and his thoughtful approach to making 
policy impacted the everyday lives of many Americans. He helped 
formulate legislation to get more highway money available for mass 
transit, which reduced our dependence on oil and helped to reduce air 
pollution and traffic congestion. A champion of civil liberty and 
individual rights, Senator Cranston authored the freedom of choice bill 
that enacted Roe vs. Wade into law and created and fought for a ``Bill 
of Rights'' for the disabled.
  Senator Cranston's dedication to public service has inspired 
generations of Californians and Americans to get involved in public 
service. His integrity and dedication influenced my commitment to fight 
for social justice and my decision to run for public office. Senator 
Cranston's life ended on the night of December 31st 2000--at the 
conclusion of the 20th century. While tragic, this is truly fitting, as 
it is due in no small part to the work of Alan Cranston that 20th 
century will always be known as the American Century.

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