[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 132 (Tuesday, December 5, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2097]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING CONGRESSMAN MAJOR OWENS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 5, 2006

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and pay 
tribute to Congressman Major Owens on the occasion of his retirement 
after 12 terms of service in the United States Congress.
  Born in Collierville, Tennessee in 1936, Congressman Owens' 
commitment to education began at an early age with his own scholastic 
achievements. He received a bachelor's degree from Morehouse College, a 
Master of Science degree from Atlanta University, and later went on to 
serve as a librarian before entering the political arena. Congressman 
Owens also served as a Community Activist and Ivy League Professor.
  As Ranking Democrat on the Subcommittee for Workforce Protections, 
Owens defended workers' rights by supporting minimum wage increases and 
strong protections of overtime payment. Owens promoted the benefits of 
integrating technology and education, and fought to expand access to 
classroom technology for disadvantaged students.
  The ethnic and socioeconomic diversity of Congressman Owens' 
district--including constituents of Hasidic, Caribbean, and Eastern 
European backgrounds--is largely reflected in the multiplicity of his 
success within Congress. Congressman Owens' influence has extended 
beyond our nation's borders: As a member of the Congressional Black 
Caucus, he fought vehemently to restore the democratically-elected 
President of Haiti. His dedication to Africa and the Caribbean has 
shaped American foreign policy, including HIV/AIDS legislation and the 
African Growth and Opportunities Act.
  The hard work and enduring legacy of Major Owens should be applauded. 
Mr. Speaker, I invite all of our colleagues to join me in 
congratulating Congressman Owens on his retirement, and sending him our 
best wishes for the next chapter of his life.




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