[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 174 (Tuesday, December 10, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1822]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING TIM CARPENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 10, 2013

  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Mr. Ellison of Minnesota and 
Mr. Grijalva of Arizona, the co-chairs of the Congressional Progressive 
Caucus, as well as Ms. Lee of California, Mr. McGovern of Massachusetts 
and Mr. Grayson of Florida, I rise to acknowledge the many 
contributions of Mr. Tim Carpenter, and to send him wishes for healing 
as he fights against cancer. As the co-founder and director of the 
Progressive Democrats of America, Tim has helped to create a grassroots 
movement to bring the voice of the people to Washington.
  For the past thirty years, Tim has been indefatigable in pressing 
forward progressive ideals to help strengthen our American democracy. 
He has been in the forefront of progressive causes, from promoting 
nuclear disarmament to fighting to abolish the death penalty to 
establishing health care as a human right, as well as securing voting 
rights and jobs for all.
  Tim was a key organizer for the presidential campaigns of Rev. Jesse 
Jackson (1988), and Gov. Jerry Brown (1992), and he served as Deputy 
National Campaign Manager in the Kucinich for President campaign 
(2004). Tim was a national DNC delegate, and addressed the 1992 
Democratic National Convention. Tim worked closely with Reverend Jesse 
Jackson Sr. during the 2004 Presidential election, in order to bring 
national attention to very serious problems with voting procedures in 
Ohio and other states. He helped strengthen and improve our democracy, 
by challenging elected officials in Congress and throughout the nation 
to protect the cherished right of our citizens to vote. Tim has 
received several awards including ``Democrat of the Year'' in 
Northampton, MA, Progressive Activist of the Year by the Nation 
magazine, as well as the Marilyn Clement award for his work on behalf 
of H.R. 676, the ``Expanded Improved Medicare for All.''
  Tim's zeal to improve our system of government stems from his days as 
a student when he earned History and Political Science degrees from 
California State University Fullerton, as well as a Master's Degree in 
History. Early in his career, Tim took efforts to shape and guide our 
young men and women as a high school and community college U.S. History 
and Government teacher. For many years, Tim worked with California 
state senator Tom Hayden as a senior staff member. He was also an 
influential field organizer in the Orange County California Democratic 
Party.
  Despite his ailments, Tim is still engaging, still pushing forward 
and still trying to raise awareness of the great challenges this 
country is facing.
  In this trying time we lend our support to our friend, Tim, his wife 
Barbara Considine, and their daughters, Sheila and Julia. We ask that 
you all will join us in wishing Tim a full and quick recovery so that 
he can continue to do important work on behalf of our country.

                          ____________________