[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 78 (Thursday, June 7, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1047-E1048]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   EXPRESSING SORROW OF THE HOUSE AT THE DEATH OF THE HONORABLE JOHN 
JOSEPH MOAKLEY, A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 6, 2001

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
memory of a great friend and colleague, the late Congressman John 
Joseph Moakley. The passing of Joe Moakley is a loss for the entire 
country. Indeed, those of us who had a chance to learn from and serve 
with this great man will truly miss him.
  Throughout his career in public life, Joe Moakley was a spokesman and 
warrior for the people of South Boston. He made it no secret that he 
would do whatever he needed to bring federal funds and programs to the 
State of Massachusetts and the rest of the U.S. With Joe's help, Boston 
was able to cleanup the Boston Harbor, establish an African-American 
historic site within the borders of the city, create a subsidized home 
heating credit for those who could not afford to heat their homes in 
the winter, as well as move forward with a variety of major 
infrastructure projects. Many of us, at one time or another, looked to 
Joe for advice on how to get funding for programs in our own districts.
  While serving as a Member of Congress, Joe Moakley rarely stood at 
the back of the line and followed the group. On the contrary, he walked 
to the front of the line and lead. Joe was a leader in Latin American 
issues. With this profile, he often took stances on

[[Page E1048]]

issues that were not always looked favorably upon by many of his 
colleagues, including taking meetings with Cuba's Fidel Castro. As 
Chairman of the House Committee on Rules for more than four and a half 
years, Joe helped structure the operations of the House and lead the 
Democratic Party in improving the overall quality of life in the U.S.
  The one thing that I will miss most about Joe Moakley, however, is 
the enjoyment I have gotten from watching the late Congressman fight 
for the issues he held closest to his heart. Last week, the Boston 
Daily Globe referred to Joe as the ``People's Legislator.'' That he 
truly was. Joe always looked forward to going home and being with the 
people he represented--the people he loved. As Boston Mayor Thomas M. 
Menino said, ``The people of Boston have lost a true friend and a 
legend . . . one of the giants.'' During my tenure as a Member of 
Congress, I have attempted to emulate Joe's dedication to the people he 
represented. I can only hope that when I pass, I too will be referred 
to as a people's legislator. Thank you Joe for everything you have done 
for this the people of America as well as this institution. Your 
leadership and smile will be truly missed.

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