[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 171 (Wednesday, November 18, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H13115]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF REV. JESSE JACKSON'S PRESIDENTIAL 
                                CAMPAIGN

  (Mr. COHEN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. COHEN. This morning during 1-minutes, 15 Members of the 
Democratic Caucus honored Rev. Jesse Jackson on the 25th anniversary of 
his Presidential run. He was the first African American male to run for 
President, and his contributions to our society cannot be overstated. 
He has a long career in civil rights work, and his leadership in 
forming the Rainbow Coalition is well known to all Americans.
  It is important to note his place on the world stage, a role in which 
he has been an effective leader, negotiator, and voice for America 
around the world. Rev. Jackson's skills have been applied to 
international relations in Syria, where he freed Navy Lieutenant Robert 
Goodman in 1983. President Reagan recognized Rev. Jackson's essential 
contribution by hosting Rev. Jackson and Lieutenant Goodman at the 
White House. In 1984, Rev. Jackson negotiated the release of 22 
Americans held in Cuba.
  Although Rev. Jackson declined an opportunity to become Ambassador to 
South Africa because he wanted to help his son Congressman Jesse 
Jackson, Jr., seek election--which he did, as he was elected to this 
body in 1996--President Clinton had requested he be named Ambassador. 
He, instead, named him a special envoy for democracy in 1997. 
Subsequently, Jesse Jackson met with Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi 
to promote free and fair elections in Kenya. In 1999, he was in Kosovo 
and negotiated the release of three POWs.
  Jesse Jackson's career on the international stage has been 
spectacular, and his place in history is assured. His passion, his 
dedication, and his continuing influence for change are hallmarks of 
his life. We need look no further than today's tribute to him when a 
group of House pages, a Rainbow Coalition themselves, excitedly sought 
to have their picture taken with the Reverend Jackson and did, after he 
finished his appearance here in the gallery and listening to the 1-
minutes this morning.
  I join my fellow House Members in recognizing this 25th anniversary 
of the Presidential run of Rev. Jesse Jackson and appreciate what he's 
done for our Nation.

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