[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 59 (Friday, April 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E747]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CONGRESSMAN PHILLIP BURTON 1926-1983

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 10, 2003

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize and 
remember Congressman Phillip Burton on this 20th anniversary of his 
death. Congressman Burton was a tenacious fighter for the poor, the 
workers, the elderly and all people who lacked a strong voice to defend 
their lives and dignity. Moreover, he worked tirelessly for the 
preservation of wilderness and parks throughout the country. In doing 
so, he mirrored his concern for underrepresented people by protecting 
the often forgotten urban parks as well as the more pristine areas. 
Appropriately, Congressman Burton's remains are interred in the Golden 
Gate National Recreation Area of San Francisco, one of the crown jewels 
of our vital urban parks system. If Congressman Burton were still with 
us, I imagine that he would be dismayed that the very environmental 
laws he struggled, and succeeded, to enact are now under constant and 
short-sighted attack in Congress. I also know that rather than give in 
to the forces of destruction, he would be fighting harder than ever to 
protect our lands, our health and our people. I hope that we have the 
courage and the conviction to carry on the great and noble legacy of 
Congressman Phillip Burton.

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