[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 85 (Tuesday, June 19, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1142]
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. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 6, 2001

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my good 
friend and colleague, the Honorable John Joseph Moakley.
  The passing of Congressman Moakley was a tremendous loss to this 
Congress, and we should continue to honor his memory as befits a man of 
his stature. In both his personal life and his service in this body he 
displayed the highest values of statesmanship, and with that service an 
unparalleled quality of character.
  Joe brought hard work and integrity to this body, and he fought for 
people everywhere. He worked to provide for the people in his home of 
South Boston. He also championed human rights. In 1989 he chaired a 
special commission to investigate the killings of six Jesuit priests, 
their housekeeper and her daughter in El Salvador. After concluding his 
duty on the commission, he continued to fight for democracy and freedom 
for the people of El Salvador. He also fought to make education 
affordable and available for all, claiming, ``student loans and public 
education are the essence of the American dream.'' Throughout his 
public service career he ensured that this dream would be realized by 
our youth.
  Throughout his years in Congress, Mr. Moakley was magnanimous and 
respectful of all his colleagues. Those who worked with him closely in 
the Rules Committee and on the House floor, always refer to his wit, 
humor and professional demeanor regardless of how controversial an 
issue might have been. He may have disagreed with you, but he would 
always respect you. He was a true friend to members on both sides of 
the aisle.
  I wish to express my sympathies to the family and friends of 
Congressman Moakley, and the members of his staff; and to Mr. McGovern, 
in particular, who worked for Mr. Moakley for 13 years before running 
for Congress himself. I urge all of my colleagues to strive to emulate 
Joe Moakely, and embrace the statesmanship and integrity he brought to 
this chamber.

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