[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 123 (Wednesday, September 28, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1976]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  MAUDELLE SHIREK POST OFFICE BUILDING

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. TIM HOLDEN

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 27, 2005

  Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize that on September 
27, 2005, I voted ``yea'' on H.R. 438 (rollcall No. 495), which 
designates the United States Postal Service facility located at 2000 
Allston Way in Berkeley, California, as the ``Maudelle Shirek Post 
Office Building.''
  Ms. Maudelle Shirek was the former vice-mayor of the City of Berkeley 
and Member of Berkeley City Council from 1984 to 2004, between the ages 
of 73 and 93. She was one of California's longest serving elected 
officials.
  For 60 years, Ms. Shirek has been campaigning for fair housing and 
civil rights for all Americans, especially the poor. Ms. Shirek helped 
found two Berkeley seniors centers. Until her health started slowing 
her down, Ms. Shirek helped deliver meals to shut-in seniors and did 
all the grocery shopping for lunches at the New Light Senior Center. In 
addition, Ms. Shirek received a Special Recognition Award in 1997 from 
the Cooperative Center Federal Credit Union for 55 years of tireless 
work in the credit union movement.
  Before voting on H.R. 438, I was fully aware of the aforementioned 
efforts and achievements during Ms. Shirek's life. I found them reason 
to name a Post Office after her.
  However, after I voted ``yea'' on H.R. 438, I was informed of Ms. 
Shirek's active support for the release of Mumia Abu-Jamal, a man 
convicted of killing a Philadelphia police officer. Upon learning this, 
I could not, in good faith, support H.R. 438. Had I known this prior to 
voting on H.R. 438, I would have voted ``nay.''

                          ____________________