[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 155 (Saturday, September 27, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2038]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSMAN LOUIS STOKES ON THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS 
                          ELECTION TO CONGRESS

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                       HON. JESSE L. JACKSON, JR.

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 25, 2008

  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. I rise today to pay tribute to an 
extraordinary man, former Congressman Louis Stokes on the 40th 
anniversary of his election to the U.S. House of Representatives.
  The Congressman's achievements and legacy continue to be celebrated 
through scholarship programs, building designations and many other 
initiatives that bear his name. In 1998, Howard University recognized 
Congressman Stokes with its designation of the Louis Stokes Health 
Services Library. On September 28, 2008, colleagues and friends will 
commemorate this important occasion at this state-of-the-art research 
facility on the University's campus in Washington, DC.
  Congressman Stokes' historic election in 1968 marked the beginning of 
30 years of distinguished service to the state of Ohio and the nation. 
His leadership as a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus; 
a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee; his 
chairmanship on the Select Committee on Assassinations; chair of the 
House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; chair of the House 
Ethics Committee; service on the Iran Contra panel; and the legislative 
proposals that he successfully authored throughout his tenure in 
Congress, earned Chairman Stokes the respect of his constituents and 
the admiration of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle.
  I have had the privilege of following in Congressman Stokes' 
footsteps with my service on the House Appropriations Committee, 
specifically the Subcommittee on Labor, Health, and Human Services, and 
Education. On the Labor, Health and Education Subcommittee, Congressman 
Stokes drafted the blueprint to end health disparities. Congressman 
Stokes' pioneering efforts as the first African-American to serve on 
the Appropriations Committee can be seen today in Jim Clyburn, Carolyn 
Cheeks-Kilpatrick, Chaka Fattah, Sanford Bishop, Barbara Lee, and me.
  Congressman Stokes, I congratulate you and thank you for your 
leadership.




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