[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 98 (Wednesday, July 10, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S5615]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING WILLIAM H. 
                                GRAY III

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to a colleague, a 
leader, a statesman, and a humanitarian, but most of all I rise to pay 
tribute to my friend, Bill Gray, who passed away last week.
  Bill Gray and I served together in the House of Representatives 
during a time that was much different than the world we see today. From 
his early days in Congress, Bill Gray sought to aid and unify an 
extremely diverse caucus. This collaborative work ethic, along with a 
comprehensive understanding of the congressional budget process, helped 
him earn the respect of his colleagues. Bill Gray rose through the 
ranks to become the first African American to chair the House Budget 
Committee. Later, he would serve as chair of the House Democratic 
Caucus and go on to become the House majority whip, the first African 
American to do so in each position, and at that time, the highest 
ranking African American in congressional history.
  From his first day in Congress, through his rise to leadership, Bill 
Gray fought for the people of Philadelphia as a tremendous advocate for 
fairness, equity, and democracy. Bill was willing to compromise to get 
to a balanced budget because he knew it was good for the entire 
country, both the rich and the poor. He once said, ``A balanced budget 
is good for the country, the affluent and poor alike. I seek a budget 
that doesn't sacrifice programs for the poor and minorities, one that 
is fair and equitable.'' Gray's advocacy for fairness was also evident 
at the international level, as he was an early leader in the drive to 
end U.S. investment in the apartheid government of South Africa.
  Bill Gray's commitment to humanity and public service did not begin 
or end with his time in Congress. Prior to serving in the House of 
Representatives, Bill was pastor of Bright Hope Baptist Church in North 
Philadelphia and still ministered to his congregation while serving in 
Washington. After retiring from Congress, he served as president of the 
United Negro College Fund, and was later appointed by President Bill 
Clinton to serve as Special Envoy to Haiti.
  Despite all of Bill Gray's historic achievements, he still managed to 
remember his friends. A few years ago, Bill and his son, Justin, 
visited my home State of Nevada. The people he met in Las Vegas knew 
all too well of his service to this Nation and, even more, they just 
appreciated him for coming to visit our town. I appreciated him, too.
  I will always remember Bill Gray, not only as a trailblazer or public 
servant, but as my friend. My thoughts are with his family and I hope 
fond memories offer comfort during this time of grief.

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