[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 148 (Friday, November 15, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2077]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 EXPRESSING SORROW OF THE HOUSE AT THE DEATH OF THE HONORABLE PAUL D. 
             WELLSTONE, SENATOR FROM THE STATE OF MINNESOTA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November, 12 2002

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution 
honoring Senator Paul Wellstone and to express my deep sadness at his 
unexpected death, and that of his wife Sheila, their daughter Marcia, 
members of his campaign staff, and the two pilots of the plane.
  Senator Paul Wellstone was a man of conviction and passion who worked 
tirelessly on behalf of America's families. He was dedicated to making 
the American dream a reality for all--including the most marginalized 
among us. Senator Wellstone always stood firmly by his principles, 
consistently representing the people of Minnesota with honor and 
courage.
  I had the privilege of knowing Senator Wellstone and working with him 
and his wife Sheila on the issue of domestic abuse. Senator Wellstone 
was a vigorous champion for reform. He was a driving force behind 
enactment of the Violence Against Women Act--the most important 
domestic violence law in our nation's history. He also authored and 
helped pass legislation that provides services and support to children 
who grow up in violent homes and fought for legislation that helps 
health care providers do more to stop domestic violence.
  During the past three Congresses, I was honored to partner with 
Senator Wellstone in introducing legislation that helps provide 
employment stability and security to victims of domestic violence. And 
most recently, to have partnered with him to secure $5 million dollars 
for the Department of Defense to fund confidential victim advocates to 
address the problem of domestic violence among our military personnel.
  Senator Wellstone will be remembered as one of this nation's most 
dedicated and nationally recognized advocates on domestic abuse. All of 
us who partnered with him to put an end to this horrific crime know 
that this movement has lost an irreplaceable leader. His lifelong 
efforts to make our communities safer and more just will serve as a 
model for all of us who will continue to fight against the cycle of 
violence that plagues so many American families.
  Mr. Speaker, Senator Wellstone will be sorely missed by all of us 
here in Congress, and fondly remembered as the Senator from Minnesota 
who brought a message of social justice and equality to the people of 
this great Nation. My sincere condolences go out to the Wellstone 
family, families of all those aboard the plane and to all the residents 
of Minnesota.

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