[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 13, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S1327]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. KENNEDY (for himself and Mr. Kerry):
  S. 310. A bill to designate the United States courthouse located at 1 
Courthouse Way in Boston, Massachusetts, as the ``John Joseph Moakley 
United States Courthouse''; to the Committee on Environment and Public 
Works.
  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, it is a privilege to join my colleague, 
Senator Kerry, in introducing this legislation to name the U.S. 
courthouse in the city of Boston after a wonderful friend and an 
outstanding leader, Congressman, Joseph Moakley, who announced 
yesterday that he will not be candidate for re-election next year 
because of a serious illness that has just been diagnosed.
  Congressman Moakley has served Massachusetts and the nation with 
great honor throughout his long and brilliant career in public service. 
Like the rest of my colleagues, I'm deeply saddened by Joe's 
announcement yesterday.
  As dean of our delegation, Joe's leadership in Congress is invaluable 
and indispensable for the people of Massachusetts--and the whole nation 
too. He's a true giant in Congress, and I'm proud to serve with him.
  Joe's has been at the forefront of many great battles of national and 
international importance. No one is more effective in Congress on the 
front lines or behind the scenes. He has touched the hearts of all our 
people, and he's made a remarkable difference in their lives and hopes. 
He's a voice for the voiceless, and for all those who need our help the 
most. He champions the cause of hard-working families and the middle 
class--and all of us are proud to be there with him, on the front-lines 
in all these battles.
  When I look back over the many years that Joe Moakley has served in 
Congress, I think of the important progress we've achieved--the battles 
we've waged and won--for decent and affordable health care--for good 
education, so that more children can have a better start in life and a 
chance to go to colelge--for better jobs, greater opportunities, fairer 
wages, and safer working conditions--for a cleaner environment--for 
equal rights for women and an end to discrimination in the workplace--
for civil rights at home and human rights in other lands. And above 
all, in countless nations around the world, Joe Moakley is renowned for 
his extraordinary achievement in protecting and defending the 
fundamental human rights of all the people of El Salvador.
  He has fought long and hard and well for funds to rebuild the Central 
Artery--to build the South Boston Piers Transitway--to clean up Boston 
Harbor--to modernize the Port of Boston--and to preserve Massachusetts' 
many historic sites--the old State House, the Old South Meeting House, 
the USS Constitution, Dorchester Heights, and Boston's historic 
marketplace, Faneuil Hall. Joe Moakley's efforts to protect and 
preserve these many sites guarantee that they'll be an important part 
of our state's history and heritage for many years to come.
  And that's only the tip of the iceberg. Few, if any, Members of 
Congress have done so much for so many for so long.
  When the chips are down, Joe Moakley is always there when we need him 
most. If President Kennedy were here today, we all know what he'd day--
he'd call Joe Moakley a true profile in courage.
  Thoughout his career, Joe Moakley has worked brilliantly, effectively 
and tirelessly to promote the highest ideals of public service. He is 
an outstanding statesman, leader, and legislator. I commend him for his 
leadership, and I look forward to the early enactment of this 
legislation as a tribute to a man who has served the city of Boston, 
Congress, and the country so well.
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