[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 131 (Tuesday, October 8, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1779-E1780]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO BEN GILMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 7, 2002

  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and honor to my 
good friend and colleague, Chairman Ben Gilman.
  Mr. Gilman has served 30 distinguished years to the people of the 
20th Congressional District of New York. I have only had the 
opportunity to work with Chairman Gilman for four years, but they have 
been insightful and meaningful ones.
  Chairman Gilman has always been known for his influential backing of 
key social reforms. His instrumental role in securing fair human rights 
practices in the former Soviet Union has been felt and has contributed 
to the proliferation of American values of democracy and equality 
worldwide.
  As Chairman of the Committee on International Relations, Mr. Gilman 
handled challenging and difficult situations with sensitivity and in a 
most diplomatic manner. Chairman Gilman has also been an example of 
what it means to be truly committed to supporting the State of Israel 
and the Jewish people. His instrumental involvement in peace and 
reconciliation in Israel as well as in Ireland has secured him a 
special place in the history of American foreign affairs.
  Chairman Gilman never hesitated to share with me the outstanding 
wisdom and knowledge he possesses. His years in the House have been 
filled with dignity and grace, friendship, loyalty, honesty and 
integrity. Mr. Gilman's decision to retire from the House will

[[Page E1780]]

surely deprive us of a strong and effective leader.
  He will sorely be missed in Congress, by the voters in the 20th 
district of New York, and by his colleagues and his friends.
  I wish Chairman Gilman all the best in this new stage of life, and 
continued health and success for many years to come.

                          ____________________