[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 8, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E9]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE MEMORY OF WAYNE OWENS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 7, 2003

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I 
rise today to honor the memory of our colleague and good friend 
Congressman Wayne Owens. His death on December 18, 2002, was, indeed, 
unexpected. Today, we are left with a void that will undoubtedly remain 
unfilled for a long time to come.
  A four term Member of Congress, Wayne Owens experienced this 
institution from the inside during two very trying times in American 
history. As a member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, in 1973, 
Congressman Owens voted to recommend the impeachment of then President 
Richard M. Nixon. Additionally, in 1991, during his final term in the 
House of Representatives, Congressman Owens joined with 44 of his 
Democratic colleagues to sue then President George H. W. Bush to 
prevent him from taking offensive action against Iraq without first 
obtaining a Congressional declaration of war or ``other explicit 
authority from the Congress.'' While the suit only succeeded to delay 
war for a brief period, it reaffirmed the Congress' constitutional 
authority to make war.
  Congressman Owens remained a continued advisor to many of us still 
serving today long after he left the House of Representatives in 1992. 
In 1989, Congressman Owens co-founded the Center for Middle East Peace 
and Economic Cooperation where he quickly became a leading voice 
advocating a peaceful solution to a historically deadly conflict. Many 
of us were often left in true admiration of his passion and commitment 
to educating policy makers and public citizens that peace in the Middle 
East is not a pipe dream, but rather a real possibility. During my 
tenure on the House Committee on International Relations, I often 
sought Congressman Owens advice and guidance, especially when 
considering legislation affecting the Middle East. While Middle Eastern 
leaders continue down the difficult path toward peace, Congressman 
Owens' voice of reason and understanding will truly be missed.
  Mr. Speaker, the United States must work harder to fulfill the 
aspirations of peace that Wayne Owens sought for so long. Peace in the 
Middle East is not a pipe dream. Wayne Owens knew that and the Center 
that he founded is evidence. Without doubt, it would be a fitting 
legacy to the memory of Wayne Owens for Middle Eastern leaders to 
recommit themselves today to a life of peace, harmony, and coexistence. 
Congressman Owens wouldn't have wanted it any other way.




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