[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 83 (Tuesday, May 20, 2008)]
[House]
[Page H4281]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  ON THE PASSING OF LIONEL VAN DEERLIN

  (Mrs. DAVIS of California asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute.)
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
of a distinguished former Member of this body.
  On Sunday, May 18, the San Diego community was grieved to learn of 
Lionel Van Deerlin's passing. He was a Member of the House for 18 
years, between 1962 and 1980, having served the San Diego region 
honorably, and with a tenacious spirit and the purest sense of loyalty 
to his constituents.
  Congressman Lionel Van Deerlin, who liked to be called simply Van, 
was equally respected on both sides of the aisle, well known for his 
grace, civility and humor that he brought to any debate.
  As the chairman of the House Communications Subcommittee at the time, 
Representative Van Deerlin was a pivotal player in positively 
transforming our Nation's telecommunications industry.
  Before and after his days in the House, Congressman Van Deerlin had a 
distinguished career in journalism and education. Even at 93 years old, 
Van was a regular commentator to the San Diego Union Tribune, 
passionately observing both local and national politics with a keen 
wit. I remember reading his final column last Tuesday, and was awaiting 
his next, as I always did.
  He was unfailingly optimistic, always present with a sparkle in his 
eye and a smile on his face. This consummate gentleman will be deeply 
missed by his family, his friends, his colleagues, and certainly the 
entire San Diego community.
  I yield to my colleague from San Diego, Mr. Hunter.
  Mr. HUNTER. I thank the gentlelady for yielding, and I want to join 
with her and all of our colleagues who knew Lionel Van Deerlin. You 
know, Van's trademark was his intellect and his wit. In fact, in our 
first debate in 1980, I noticed, I looked over and I saw my dad roaring 
with laughter at every one of Van's one-liners. And I had to ask him 
after the debate was over whose side he was on.
  Some good things do come out of political contests, and one thing 
that came out of ours was a 28-year friendship.
  A lot of people here, in fact, I just talked to John Conyers here who 
remembered Van, and a lot of us remember his political skills. He will 
be known in this city for political skills.
  But for those who really knew him in San Diego and around this 
country, they'll remember him as just a wonderful, wonderful human 
being.
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I ask we observe a moment of 
silence in memory of Lionel Van Deerlin.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. All Members will rise and observe a moment 
of silence.

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