[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 139 (Thursday, October 27, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2186]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   ANNOUNCING PASSING OF FORMER CONGRESSMEN ED ROYBAL AND BOB BADHAM

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 25, 2005

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, our Nation lost a public servant 
who demonstrated conscience and commitment. The Honorable Edward Ross 
Roybal was a pioneer and a fighter for the disadvantaged. As a Mexican-
American man in 1930s and 40s in Los Angeles, he personally experienced 
brutality because of his color. He fought that racism with political 
activism. As a city council member, activist, and 30 year Congressman 
in this great House, he broke barrier after barrier.
  But it wasn't enough for him to break barriers simply by his presence 
in American political life, which was remarkable in its own right. He 
worked to actively pave the way for those behind him, never losing 
passion for giving voice to the voiceless.
  He co-founded the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, dedicated to voicing 
and advancing, issues affecting Hispanics in the United States.
  He founded the National Association of Latino Elected Officials, 
which empowers Latinos nationwide to participate in the democratic 
process.
  He remained active in California politics, mentoring the next 
generation of young leaders.
  Congressman Roybal was more than an asset to the Hispanic Community. 
He was an asset to the American community. In these chambers, he was a 
role model to us all. He voted his conscience and stuck to his 
principles. And America is better off because of him.
  I offer heartfelt condolences to my colleague and friend, the 
Honorable Lucille Roybal-Allard, and I join the Nation in mourning this 
great man.

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