[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 49 (Wednesday, April 6, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E647]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING STEPHEN M. BLOCK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 6, 2011

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, 
Stephen M. Block, who is retiring as Legislative Director of the 
American Civil Liberties Union for the National Capital Area.
  Steve has demonstrated outstanding leadership and integrity during 
his service with the ACLU. Throughout the past 17 years, Steve has 
worked tirelessly on a broad range of civil liberties matters in order 
to bring about a more fair and just society.
  One of Steve's most noteworthy accomplishments was his work on the 
Sexual Offenders Registration Act (Megan's Law). Steve identified 
numerous objectionable features that would have discriminated against 
the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. Thanks to his 
tireless efforts, the bill that was enacted was significantly improved. 
For his effective and determined work on this law, Steve received the 
Distinguished Service Award from the Gay and Lesbian Activists 
Alliance.
  Steve also played an invaluable role in drafting and lobbying for the 
First Amendment Rights and Police Standards Act of 2004, which 
established a new regime for the exercise of First Amendment rights in 
the District. And he was integral to the passage of the statute 
establishing the Office of Police Complaints.
  ACLU Executive Director Johnny Barnes puts it well:

       Steve Block, in my view, cannot be replaced. A combination 
     of intellect, wisdom, vision, grit, gnash, and tenacity, this 
     is one gentle man with whom you don't want to tangle. Do not 
     be deceived by his soft eyes, ready smile and grandfather-
     like persona, this is one tough cowboy. A former Navy officer 
     and CIA and State Department employee, Steve reflects, in 
     every respect, the highest honor, unblemished integrity, and 
     flawless principle. Yet, while he is strong, he can be very 
     sensitive. He has the capacity to address complex matters 
     dispassionately, and at the same time demonstrate appropriate 
     compassion. He is easy to work with, yet unafraid to stand 
     alone. He hears the call of Ghandi and respects the legacy of 
     King. Still, Steve happily follows, and readily leads. He is 
     a brilliant thinker, a superb researcher, and a provocative 
     and penetrating writer. He has been the sage on our staff, 
     one who is always able to find a way to bring seemingly 
     diametrically opposing forces to the same end. . . He cannot 
     be replaced, his impact will be felt well into the future. 
     Yet, at the same time, the imprint he leaves will serve as a 
     guidepost for the one who comes after him.

  Steve will be sorely missed by the ACLU and the countless people for 
whom he has fought so hard, but his work for the advancement of civil 
liberties will continue to benefit us all for many years.

                          ____________________