[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 143 (Tuesday, September 25, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1972]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING FORMER CONGRESSMAN CHARLES VANIK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 25, 2007

  Mr. STARK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join Congressman Klein in 
support of a resolution honoring former Congressman Charles Vanik. 
Charlie was a dedicated public servant and a great man. From 1955 to 
1981, he served the people of northern Ohio with distinction and is an 
exemplary example for those of us in public office of what it means to 
be a true representative of the people.
  It is hard to say whether Charlie was best known for his signature 
black suits and bowties or his sponsorship of the now famous Jackson-
Vanik amendment to the 1974 Trade Reform Bill. The former made him 
instantly recognizable throughout northern Ohio and in the corridors of 
Capitol Hill. The latter, which tied the former Soviet Union's trade 
status to whether it freely allowed Jewish emigration, allowed 
thousands of families to escape religious persecution. I personally 
will always remember Charlie for his strong work ethic and his tireless 
defense of the American working and middle class.
  Charlie spent his 26 years in Congress pursuing policies that gave 
the American people opportunities to achieve their dreams and rejecting 
those that allowed corporations to dodge taxes and shirk their 
responsibilities to their employees. He was so adamant about 
representing the people instead of interest groups that, after winning 
reelection in 1970, he vowed to never accept campaign contributions 
again. Charlie was beholden to no one for his congressional seat except 
the people of northern Ohio, and it showed in his politics. He returned 
to Washington time and time again not because of his ability to 
fundraise, but because of his ability to pass meaningful legislation. 
Some of his greatest victories included: the section 13 summer school 
lunch program, the predecessor amendment to the Americans with 
Disabilities Act, Great Lakes pollution clean-up, a Cuyahoga Valley 
National Park, the original CAFE legislation, tax reform measures and 
Social Security and Medicare improvements.
  When Charlie passed away late last month, the United States lost one 
of its greatest leaders. However, Charlie's legacy can be seen in the 
110th Congress as we continue to protect our delicate environment for 
future generations, guarantee all of our Nation's children receive the 
care they need, and ensure that all people receive adequate healthcare 
and can retire with security. As one of his former staffers--and later 
one of mine--Bill Vaughan, recently wrote, ``Like his black suit and 
bowtie, Mr. Vanik was a classic.'' Charlie was a one-of-a kind leader 
and I hope today's generation of members can learn from his steadfast 
pursuit of policies that helped everybody in our Nation achieve the 
American Dream.




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