[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 139 (Tuesday, October 16, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H6827-H6831]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CONGRESSMAN JULIAN C. DIXON POST OFFICE BUILDING

  Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the 
rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2454) to redesignate the facility of the 
United States Postal Service located at 5472 Crenshaw Boulevard in Los 
Angeles, California, as the ``Congressman Julian C. Dixon Post Office 
Building,'' as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 2454

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. REDESIGNATION.

       The facility of the United States Postal Service located at 
     5472 Crenshaw Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, and known 
     as the Latijera Station, shall be known and designated as the 
     ``Congressman Julian C. Dixon Post Office''.

     SEC. 2. REFERENCES.

       Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, 
     or other record of the United States to the facility referred 
     to in section 1 shall be deemed to be a reference to the 
     Congressman Julian C. Dixon Post Office.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. 
Davis) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann 
Davis).


                             General Leave

  Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent 
that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and 
extend their remarks on the bill, H.R. 2454.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Virginia?
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time 
as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2454, introduced by our distinguished colleague, 
the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson), designates the facility 
of the United States Postal Service located at 5472 Crenshaw Boulevard 
in Los Angeles, California as the Congressman Julian C. Dixon Post 
Office. Members of the entire House delegation from the State of 
California are co-sponsors of this legislation.
  Julian C. Dixon served as a Member of Congress representing the Los 
Angeles, California area. Mr. Dixon served 10 terms in the U.S. House 
and had just been elected to an 11th term when he passed away in 
December of last year. Congressman Dixon was a tireless advocate of 
civil rights and as the highest ranking Democrat on the Permanent 
Select Committee on Intelligence, a highly respected voice on national 
security issues. He was also a friend of many Members of this House and 
will be sorely missed.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of H.R. 2454, as amended.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I stand to help 
honor and pay tribute to the late Congressman Julian Dixon. Julian grew 
up in California, went to school, went in to the military, returned 
home, finished college, went to law school, became a member of the 
California assembly. He was a graduate of California State University 
in 1962 and a 1967 graduate of Southwest University Law School in Los 
Angeles. He served in the military from 1957 to 1960, rising to the 
rank of sergeant before returning home where he practiced law.
  Mr. Dixon got involved in public activities and public life. He was 
elected to the California assembly. He was elected to the U.S. House of 
Representatives where he served as a senior member of the powerful 
Committee on Appropriations where he once chaired the Subcommittee on 
the District of Columbia. In addition to serving as ranking Democrat on 
the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, he served as 
chairman of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct.
  During the 1980's, Julian Dixon was the chairman of the Congressional 
Black Caucus. He was noted as being a sound politician who was not only 
well respected among his colleagues but his constituents also. I was 
pleased to call him brother because we both were members, and I still 
am, of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity where Julian was well known, well 
respected and well loved.
  Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to support H.R. 2454, 
to name a post office the Julian C. Dixon Post Office Building.
  Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of 
my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson), the author of this 
legislation.
  Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in support of 
H.R. 2454, a bill I introduced to name a United States post office in 
my congressional district, and Julian's, after the late Congressman 
Julian C. Dixon.
  Julian Dixon dedicated his life to serving his community. He ably 
represented his friends, his neighbors, and his constituents from Los 
Angeles and Culver City in Congress for over 2 decades. We went to high 
school together. I graduated the year ahead of him, and I followed him 
into the legislature. When he went to Congress, I went to the Senate. I 
took his staff, who remained with me for over a decade.
  During his tenure, Julian served his community, his country and this 
institution by often taking on some of the toughest jobs here in 
Congress. Among those tough assignments was his chairmanship of the 
House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. As chairman of this 
ethics panel, Julian was praised for the even-handed and deliberate 
manner in which he handled difficult cases involving his colleagues in 
the House.
  Julian also served as the most senior Democrat on the House Permanent 
Select Committee on Intelligence. His colleagues in the House and 
within the U.S. intelligence establishment have often commented on how 
they valued Julian's experience and wisdom on questions of national 
security.
  With the risk and challenges of America's current struggle against 
terrorism, Julian's contribution to this effort will be sorely missed 
by his friends, his colleagues and his constituents.

                              {time}  1715

  While serving his Nation, Julian never forgot about serving his 
community back home in Los Angeles, California, and in Culver City. 
When the 1992 civil disturbances tore apart neighborhoods in Los 
Angeles, Julian responded with creative ideas to rebuild neighborhoods 
and restore the hope. He fought for aid to small businesses and 
families impacted by the emergency. Typical of his approach was the 
``Angel Gate'' program, which takes disadvantaged youth from inner city 
schools and gives them the opportunity to get additional math and 
science education from the California National Guard. When the 
Northridge Earthquake struck Los Angeles in 1994, Julian once again 
responded quickly to help his community recover.
  Julian's commitment to Los Angeles was not limited to responding to 
crises. He was a tireless booster of his community and worked to bring 
improvements to the lives of his constituents. Many Angelenos probably 
remember him as a moving force behind the construction of the region's 
public transit infrastructure. Anyone from Los Angeles knows that 
traffic is a constant challenge. Julian worked hard to find solutions 
to improve mobility for all Angelenos.

[[Page H6828]]

  But I believe that Julian's most lasting legacy will be his 
commitment to civil rights. Julian represented a district that is still 
one of the most diverse in the country, both in ethnic origin and 
social economic status. Throughout his career, he worked to promote 
policies that would give all Americans the opportunity they deserve to 
share in the American Dream. Julian was a tireless advocate for his 
constituents, his community, and his Nation. The ``Congressman Julian 
C. Dixon Post Office'' can only be a small part of the legacy of this 
great American; but I am so proud to play a role in serving the memory 
of my classmate, my friend, my neighbor, and my congressman, Julian C. 
Dixon.
  H.R. 2454, I am proud to say, has been cosponsored by 69 of Julian's 
House colleagues from both parties; and I would like to thank Speaker 
Hastert, Leader Gephardt, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey), the 
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Bonior), and the entire California 
delegation for their cosponsorship. I am certain that Julian would be 
honored by the amount of support that this bill has received.
  Once again, I thank my colleagues, and I urge a huge vote for H.R. 
2454.
  Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of 
my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the 
distinguished gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time and also for his work in bringing forward this bill, and I thank 
the gentlewoman from Virginia as well for her work.
  I am particularly grateful to the gentlewoman from California, the 
worthy successor of Julian Dixon, for her work early in her term in 
bringing forward a bill that she will find unanimous agreement on, I am 
almost sure, in this body.
  Mr. Speaker, we like to think that post offices are named on the 
basis of sheer merit. I am not prepared to speak in the aggregate, but 
I will vouch for this one. No one was prepared for the sudden death of 
Julian Dixon, or for that matter of any Member; and when Julian died, 
he brought a huge plane load of people from both parties to California 
to his funeral. Least prepared, of course, were his own constituents, 
if I may say so, and a close second were the residents of the District 
of Columbia, whom he served for 15 years as Chair of the Subcommittee 
on the District of Columbia of the Committee on Appropriations.
  It should be enough to have a post office named for you because you 
were a good Member, or even that you served two districts, the way 
Julian did, his own preeminently, but also the District of Columbia; 
but I would like to put forward four reasons why I think this 
courthouse naming is especially merited: the unique institutional role 
that Julian carved out in the Congress, his prolific work as a model 
legislator, his unique service to the District of Columbia, and the 
character and collegiality of this man, one of our most admired in this 
House.
  First, institutionally. Julian not only served his constituents with 
the most extraordinary excellence, he served this institution uniquely. 
He was Chair of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct when the 
Speaker of his party was brought before the committee, and he was a 
Member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence advising on 
the security of the United States of America. Very difficult 
assignments, which he performed, passionate man though he was, with 
such balance and nonpartisanship that his stature grew in this House to 
a towering dimension. He served on both these committees at very 
difficult periods in the life of this body.
  Second, his work as a legislator and as a model for other Members, 
Julian was fifth on the Committee on Appropriations when he died. He 
had been named one of 12 unsung heroes for his sheer ability to gather 
support for his position on appropriations and in the Congress. Of 
course, he brought millions of dollars to his own district in 
California; but he will be remembered just as much as the architect of 
appropriations in the national interest, especially civil rights.
  Third, his unique role in service to the Nation's Capital. Here was a 
labor of love, Mr. Speaker. Because you get nothing for being Chair of 
the Subcommittee on the District of Columbia. Of course, this was a 
native Washingtonian whose parents took him to California. That should 
have been enough for Julian to say ``bye-bye, D.C.'' Instead, he, in 
fact, for 14 years, worked tough love with great respect for self-
government and democracy in the Nation's Capital.
  Finally, the man himself. Here is a Member who ranks among the most 
admired. If there were a list of all-time most admired, Julian Dixon is 
going to be right up there near the top. Why? Character, temperament, 
for collegiality, for intelligence, for hard work.
  He was a man of few words. He did not jump up on this House floor 
every time we were in session just to say what everybody else was 
already saying. And people, therefore, listened, stopped to listen, 
stopped to hear, because they knew when Julian spoke it was worth 
hearing.
  In naming a courthouse for Julian Dixon, we only begin the process of 
honoring a man of the House who always will be remembered, I believe, 
in the House that he loved.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the 
distinguished gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald).
  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, let me first thank the gentleman 
from Illinois and the gentlewoman from Virginia for their management of 
this bill, and my dear friend and colleague, the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Watson), for sponsoring this important piece of 
legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay homage to the late Julian Dixon, the 
great Congressman who represented the 32nd Congressional District of 
California. Julian Dixon served in the House of Representatives with 
distinction and honor. He was a personal friend whom I admired and 
respected. It is appropriate and fitting that we are honoring his life 
and political legacy by redesignating the post office located at 5472 
Crenshaw Boulevard in his name.
  Julian Dixon was a tireless public servant. He aspired to and 
succeeded in effectively representing his constituents. Julian won 
reelection in west Los Angeles with over 84 percent of the vote. He 
enjoyed immense bipartisan support among his peers. He was known for 
his integrity, patience, intellect and diligence. Those qualities 
served him particularly well during his tenure as the ranking Democrat 
on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and as a senior 
member of the Committee on Appropriations. He previously chaired the 
Subcommittee on the District of Columbia for the full Committee on 
Appropriations. At a time when allies for the District were few in 
numbers, Julian's efforts were, indeed, Herculean.
  Leadership was always his calling; and during the 1980s, he served as 
the chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus. His leadership was 
under a microscope and bright lights during his term as chairman of the 
Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. Julian's chairmanship 
coincided with the turbulent era of House scrutiny that focused on 
ethics violations by a former illustrious Democratic Speaker of the 
House, who was later forced to resign. Julian Dixon had the unenviable 
task of conducting a fair and impartial bipartisan investigation of a 
well-respected Speaker. With his quiet and calm demeanor, Julian 
dispelled false notions that he could not be fair in conducting a 
historic investigation. He proved his detractors wrong and received 
kudos for his impartiality.
  An astute politician, Representative Dixon was also a staunch ally of 
the defense industry in California. As a member of the Subcommittee on 
Defense, he planned his work and worked his plan until he delivered the 
scope of appropriations necessary to ensure the competitiveness of 
defense contracting companies in Southern California.
  Julian was committed to ensuring that the Los Angeles transportation 
system would accommodate the needs of his citizens. He was especially 
attentive to expanding the commuter rail. His efforts were instrumental 
in enabling employees to reach work via rail as opposed to having to 
rely on personal vehicles.
  The premature death of Representative Dixon surprised all of us, 
because

[[Page H6829]]

as elected officials from Southern California, we relied on his 
steadfastness and consistency. Although his passing created a 
tremendous sense of loss for the members of the Congressional Black 
Caucus, it sparked a resurgence of political rededication by local 
elected officials to seize the mantle of leadership and fill the void.
  Julian cast a giant political shadow, and we continue to reflect on 
his lasting political contributions. I treasure my service in Congress 
with my former colleague. The naming of this post office in his name is 
a small symbol of our congressional gratitude for his work. But our 
efforts pale in comparison to the wonderful and many deeds he performed 
on behalf of the constituents he loved and faithfully served.
  Nonetheless, I am proud to offer my political support on behalf of 
H.R. 2454.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey).
  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, Congressman Julian Dixon was a legislative 
pioneer and a trusted colleague. It is only fitting that this post 
office in Los Angeles be named as a testament to his legendary career.
  During Julian's 22 years in Congress, he worked tirelessly as an 
advocate for the people of the 32nd district of California, as well as 
for all of the people of California and of the people of this Nation.
  One of Julian's most notable, but perhaps lesser-known, 
accomplishments came in 1994, when he spearheaded the passage of a bill 
that provided $8.6 billion in relief for the Los Angeles earthquake 
victims, and specifically forbade using the funds for discrimination on 
the basis of sexual orientation.

                              {time}  1730

  This was the first time language banning sexual discrimination was 
included in Federal law.
  Julian was a great hero. He was a great hero for human rights. We in 
this body must follow his example. We must build on the essence of his 
inclusive vision. Mr. Speaker, we miss Julian.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, although I note 
that the gentleman from California (Mr. Farr) and the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Lewis) were desirous of making comments relative to the 
contributions made by Representative Dixon. I know all of the brothers 
of our fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, every time they visit California 
and get an opportunity, each one of them will go by and visit the 
Julian C. Dixon Post Office.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Virginia for her courtesy.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 30 
seconds.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 2454. I did 
not have the opportunity to know Mr. Dixon, but he sounds like a great 
man and I urge all of my colleagues to support this measure.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of this legislation which will redesignate the postal facility at 5472 
Crenshaw Boulevard in Los Angeles as the ``Congressman Julian C. Dixon 
Post Office Building,'' in honor of my colleague and friend Congressman 
Julian C. Dixon of California. There is much that I could say, but a 
day, a week, even a month would not allow me enough time to express all 
that Julian C. Dixon was to his family, colleagues, friends, 
constituents nor to God's good works here on earth.
  A son is a mother's and father's best hopes and dreams personified. A 
husband is a wife's best friend, companion and advisor. A father is a 
counselor, aide and active participant in the lives of his children. 
Congressman is the title bestowed to those among us who are selected by 
the residents of our communities to represent the people's interest in 
our nation's democracy. A leader among Members of Congress demonstrates 
himself as a pillar of strength for our community of public servants 
who populate the halls of power within federal government.
  These are only a few of the titles that the Honorable Julian C. Dixon 
gathered during his brief 66 years with us.
  Congressman Dixon honorably represented the residents of the 32nd 
Congressional District for twenty-two years. He was first elected in 
1978 to serve the residents of the 32nd District of California, which 
includes the greater Crenshaw community, parts of West Los Angeles, and 
the city of Culver City. Julian Dixon's reputation as an intelligent, 
politically savvy team player with high ethics and tough judgement made 
him a mover and shaker on Capitol Hill from his earliest days here in 
Washington, DC.
  Julian Dixon was appointed to the House Appropriations Committee and 
rose quickly to become chairman of the District of Columbia 
Subcommittee, where he championed the cause of disenfranchised District 
of Columbia residents for a larger voice their city's governance. As a 
member of the Appropriation Subcommittee on Defense; the Subcommittee 
on Commerce, Justice, State, and Judiciary; and the Subcommittee on the 
District of Columbia he always put people first, and did so with a 
spirit of cooperation and conviction rarely found in these hallowed 
halls.
  As a member of the House Appropriations Committee Congressman Dixon 
found ways to balance the needs of poorer residents of his District 
with those holding large economic interests. For example, he sponsored 
a loan guarantee act for small businesses hurt by military base 
closings and defense contract terminations.
  Julian Dixon believed in helping the helpless and proud to stand 
under that banner. He was not apologetic, as some have been, because of 
the scorn shown to public servants that work for justice and equity for 
the poorest Americans, while insuring fairness for all. In living his 
convictions to serve all of his constituents he stepped in with ``dire 
emergency'' supplements for Los Angeles after the riots in 1992 and the 
Northridge earthquake in January 1994.
  Because of his impeccable character and commitment to the Democratic 
Party he chaired the rules committee at the Democratic National 
Convention in 1989. Later in 1989 he chaired the House ethics Committee 
where he also served with distinction. In acknowledgement of his keen 
leadership, In Janaury 1999, Minority Leader Richard Gephardt pointed 
the Congressman ranking member on the House Permanent Select Committee 
on Intelligence, making him the highest--ranking Democrat on this 
exclusive 16-member panel.
  The 106th Congress marked Congressman Dixon's 11th term in the House 
of Representatives. His work as a public servant was highly respected, 
and his stature as a statesman unmatched. For this reason and many 
others, members from both sides of the aisle will miss Julian. Julian 
Dixon, while serving in the United States House of Representative, 
lived the lessons of his life in earnest--truth, justice, equality, and 
compassion for all.
  God called Julian to Himself and now it is our heavy burden to 
continue Congressman Dixon's example without his guidance and maturity. 
This postal dedication is a fitting tribute to a man whose, 
selflessness, compassion, and patriotism serves as a beacon to all 
citizens of this national committed to living in a better America.
  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2454, to 
dedicate a U.S. Postal Service facility in Los Angeles after the late 
Congressman Julian Dixon.
  Representative Dixon proudly represented west Los Angeles as a Member 
of Congress from 1979 until his untimely passing in 2000. He was the 
ranking Democrat on the House Permanent Select Committee on 
Intelligence and a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, where 
he tirelessly worked to expand and uphold civil rights.
  Representative Dixon worked hard to represent his district and 
beyond. He was a champion and leading supporter of the Los Angeles 
commuter rail system. He was known for his efforts to boost the 
economic standards of his district and maintain the nation's commitment 
to uphold basic human rights.
  Representative Julian Dixon was regarded as a leader, friend, and 
mentor to many of us.
  I urge my colleagues to support this bill to designate the post 
office in honor of Representative Julian Dixon and his heroic work 
throughout his lifetime.
  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
honor the memory of Representative Julian Dixon by strongly supporting 
the redesignation of the facility of the United States Postal Service 
located in Los Angeles, California, as the ``Congressman Julian C. 
Dixon Post Office Building.''
  Born in Washington, D.C., Dixon moved to Los Angeles where he 
attended California State University at Los Angeles and earned a law 
degree at Southwestern University. A bold, consistent voice for 
minority rights, Dixon devoted his life to serving Los Angeles, D.C., 
and the country as a whole.
  Starting out as an attorney, he spent three years in the California 
State Legislature where he rose to the post of chairman of the 
Assembly's Democratic Caucus before running to represent the area of 
west Los Angeles in the U.S. Congress. Once there, he tirelessly served 
his district, which stretches from Koreatown to Culver City and from 
Cheviot Hills to Crenshaw, for eleven impressive terms.
  Dixon served on the Ethics and Appropriations Committees, was the 
ranking Democrat

[[Page H6830]]

on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and chaired 
the subcommittee overseeing the District of Columbia. Additionally, he 
served as a chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus.
  He was a relentless, charismatic leader of civil rights, education, 
and urban development and loyally committed to his constituents. A 
perfect example of this is the effort he put forth in 1994 to introduce 
and spearhead the passage of a bill providing $8.6 billion in relief 
for Los Angeles earthquake victims. Because this bill specifically 
forbade discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, it set a 
precedent as the first language banning discrimination based on sexual 
orientation being included in federal law. However, this was not the 
only time he set precedent. While on the Appropriations Committee, he 
successfully lead the fight for federal funding of Los Angeles area 
public transportation measures--specifically its much-needed Metro Rail 
subway project. Additionally, he responded to constituents needs by 
making constant inroads on crime and gang prevention, by committing 
himself to improving Los Angeles schools, and by obtaining a ``dire 
emergency'' supplemental appropriations bill after the Los Angeles 
riots to meet emergency needs in his district and other affected areas.
  Julian Dixon is a true example of the difference one person's passion 
can make upon the lives of the American people and the way government 
works. His life-long commitment to improving his city and country is 
truly commendable and will not be forgotten.
  Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, when Julian Dixon became chairman of the 
House Ethics Committee some years ago, a reporter asked a political 
scholar at one of Washington's think-tanks to evaluate the veteran 
House member from California. The scholar thought for a moment, and 
answered that he was basically a quiet man--but one who was also 
extremely bright, deep, thoughtful, tough, and extraordinarily 
effective.
  To those of us who knew him and served with him, he was all of these 
things during his many years of legislative service--and more!
  To me, he was a mentor and friend. When I arrived in Congress, I soon 
recognized that while his style may have been low-key, he was truly an 
impressive mover and shaker who was achieving many things others were 
unable to achieve--one who was uplifting the poor and disadvantaged 
protecting the integrity of the legislative process, and building a 
stronger and more secure country.
  While he fought as hard as anyone I know for causes he believed in, 
he fought truthfully and fairly. And, when it was over, he invariably 
retained the deep respect and friendship of those with whom he 
differed. There are many fighters, but only a rare few who end up 
bringing people closer together.
  It is a privilege to rise in support of H.R. 2454 to designate a Post 
Office in his hometown of Los Angeles as the ``Congressman Julian C. 
Dixon Post Office Building.''
  Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2454, a 
bill that would name the U.S. post office facility on Crenshaw 
Boulevard in Los Angeles after my good friend Julian Dixon, who served 
in the House from 1979 until his death last December.
  Julian was a giant of a man and a great legislator. I was fortunate 
to have the opportunity to know and work with him for three decades. He 
never asked for public credit or press attention. He simply worked hard 
and effectively for our country and the people he served. His 
leadership over the years on the Appropriations, Defense, Ethics and 
Intelligence Committees and in the Congressional Black Caucus earned 
him the respect and admiration of all Members of Congress. Julian never 
failed to rise above partisanship for the good of the Congress and our 
nation.
  Congressman Dixon was a great statesman. I urge the passage of this 
fitting tribute.
  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 
2454, to name a Post Office in Los Angeles, California after my friend, 
mentor, and fellow Angeleno, Congressman Julian Dixon.
  And I commend my colleague, Congresswoman Diane Watson, for 
sponsoring this fitting legislation.
  I had the privilege of knowing Julian Dixon for many years, including 
the years he served with my father, Congressman Edward R. Roybal, in 
the 1970s and 80s.
  Julian Dixon's achievements during his nearly three-decade tenure as 
a legislator are too numerous to recount.
  He was chairman of the House ethics committee, maintaining 
bipartisanship on a traditionally partisan committee. A fighter in the 
struggle for civil rights, he brought that commitment to his 
chairmanship of the District of Columbia Appropriations subcommittee 
where he was a strong advocate for the rights of DC residents. 
Recognizing his leadership capabilities, Julian was elected Chairman of 
the influential Congressional Black Caucus in the 1980s. More recently, 
he served as ranking democrat on the prestigious and demanding Select 
Intelligence Committee.
  While Julian accomplished many great things during his tenure in the 
House of Representatives, his first and most cherished priority was 
always his constituents and his Los Angeles-area community.
  Whether it was fighting for emergency funding for Los Angeles after 
the riot in 1992 and the Northridge earthquake in 1994, or advocating 
on behalf of the Los Angeles public transportation system, Julian Dixon 
was a devoted and effective legislator.
  His constituents and community will continue to benefit from his 
great legacy of service for many years to come.
  I can think of no more appropriate tribute than to have a community 
institution, such as this post office, named after Julian Dixon--for 
Julian was and continues to be a true institution in his community and 
throughout our great state of California.
  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2454, 
designating the Congressman Julian Dixon Post Office in Los Angeles, 
California.
  Julian Dixon was a true statesman who served his constituents in 
California, and the people of the United States with great distinction 
for over 20 years. Julian cared passionately for the poor and worked to 
see that their interests were heard in Washington. With serene 
eloquence, Julian worked to increase diversity on the Hill, 
successfully initiated and funded residential programs for ``at risk'' 
youth in the inner city, and provided training and education to the 
high school students of his district in the high-tech defense industry 
for, as he once stated, ``what good is it to have high tech weapons and 
inadequate training for the kids who will be using them?''
  I am grateful to have served with Julian Dixon and I know his 
constituents were grateful for his service. Julian was one of those 
all-too-rare Members of Congress who had the ability to approach the 
most difficult and divisive questions in a judicious, thoughtful, and 
non-partisan manner. Julian served with distinction in many roles in 
Congress, but his work as Chair of the Ethics Committee and Chair of 
the District of Columbia Appropriations Subcommittee perfectly 
illustrate his commitment to take on thankless tasks in an effort to 
make his country a better place.
  This was a man who truly connected with the people, regardless of 
where they lived. There was never a time when he was too busy to talk 
to those who wanted to bend his ear; the Rayburn subway driver, the 
committee secretary, and of course, there was always time to talk to a 
former staffer. To name this post office for Julian Dixon is to give 
proper tribute to a man who dedicated his life to public service.
  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in 
honoring the late Julian C. Dixon. I had the distinct pleasure of 
coming to Congress with Mr. Dixon in 1978 and it is with a heavy heart 
that I pay tribute to him today as a cosponsor of H.R. 2454 to 
redesignate the U.S. Postal Service facility located at 5422 Crenshaw 
Boulevard in Los Angeles, California as the Julian C. Dixon Post Office 
Building.
  With only four Democrats in that year's freshman class, Mr. Dixon and 
I became fast friends and close confidants. From the start, I greatly 
admired his political sophistication and extraordinary sensitivity. His 
reliably liberal voice served as a consistent champion for minorities, 
but was decidedly silent during partisan wrangling. For this and many 
other reasons, Mr. Dixon was held by the California delegation as the 
moral compass of our State. This body has lost a distinguished 
gentleman, but will forever be richer in his memory.
  Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2454, which 
would name the United States Postal Service located at 5472 Crenshaw 
Boulevard in Los Angeles in honor of our colleague and friend, Julian 
C. Dixon.
  As many have already said, Julian was a wonderful person. His 
strength flowed from his quiet, yet determined, manner. His success 
derived from his friendliness and good humor and his ability to fill 
the shoes of other individuals, even adversaries.
  As chairman of the District of Columbia Appropriations Subcommittee, 
in particular, he demonstrated that influence is often more powerful 
when not exercised and that the ability of Congress to legislate 
outcomes is often counter-productive when actually used. He had a deep 
respect for the citizens of the District, as he did for his own 
constituents.
  The respect this chamber had for Julian is evident by the difficult 
assignments he was asked to undertake, including chairing the House 
Committee on Standards for two successive Congresses. Just prior to his 
death, he was the ranking member on the House Intelligence Committee, 
on which I also served and where I had the opportunity to witness both 
his love for our nation and his deep concerned about its security.
  Julian was the consummate legislator. He believed in the innate 
goodness of people and it was that belief which invariably helped him 
win the day.

[[Page H6831]]

  As future generations pass by the Postal Service at 5472 Crenshaw 
Boulevard in Los Angeles, I hope they too will appreciate the values, 
the service and dedication which characterized the life of Julian C. 
Dixon.
  I was proud to serve with him and proud to have him as a friend.
  Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance 
of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Quinn). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis) that the 
House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2454, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  The title of the bill was amended so as to read: ``A bill to 
redesignate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 
5472 Crenshaw Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, as the `Congressman 
Julian C. Dixon Post Office'.''.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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