[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 78 (Thursday, May 22, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E819-E820]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE LIFE OF A MINNESOTA LEGEND: CONGRESSMAN JAMES L. OBERSTAR

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2014

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, on May 3, 2014, our former House colleague 
and dear friend, Chairman Jim Oberstar, passed away. Congressman 
Oberstar served Minnesota and the families of the 8th Congressional 
District from 1975 to 2011, including four years as chairman of the 
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Prior to being 
elected, Jim served in the U.S. House for eleven years as a senior 
staff member on the Public Works Committee.
  When I arrived in Congress in 2001, Jim Oberstar was the ``dean'' of 
our Minnesota congressional delegation. He was like a big brother to 
me. A brilliant legislator and a profoundly gifted man, Jim was also a 
very kind man, a true gentleman with a huge heart and a hearty laugh.
  When I think of Jim and the ten years we served together, I remember 
a man who loved his family and made sure I always saw the latest photos 
of his grandchildren. He loved his work as a national leader and true 
expert on transportation and infrastructure issues. And, Jim Oberstar 
loved Minnesota and representing northern Minnesota's families in the 
House of Representatives.
  Throughout his career Jim's commitment to improving America's 
transportation system saved thousands of lives, kept millions of 
Americans on the job, and strengthened Minnesota's and our nation's 
economy. During his tenure as chairman of the Transportation and 
Infrastructure Committee, Jim Oberstar was one of the most powerful men 
in America. He moved legislation and with his work on American Recovery 
and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Jim Oberstar ensured millions of 
Americans stayed on the job and thousands of infrastructure projects 
were completed across our country.

[[Page E820]]

  One transportation project in my congressional district that Jim 
Oberstar supported and helped to make a reality was the restoration of 
St. Paul's Union Depot. This marvelous train depot is now open for 
Amtrak service and will soon be open for transit commuters. Jim loved 
the grandeur of the train station and the idea of preserving the past 
as a means of investing in the future.
  During his career Jim Oberstar took thousands of votes and was an 
eloquent and effective champion for dozens of causes, including 
adoption, cancer research, and human rights. There are two instances 
that I remember vividly when Jim's voice, his vote, and his strength 
made a lasting impact on Minnesotans. In 2002, during the debate on 
whether to authorize military action in Iraq, Jim was a strong voice 
against the war in Iraq. I was proud to stand with Jim and Rep. Martin 
Sabo as the members of the Minnesota House delegation voting to oppose 
authorizing military action in Iraq.
  The other issue that defined Jim Oberstar for me was his tremendous 
work for Minnesota following the collapse of the I-35W Bridge in 
Minneapolis on August 1, 2007. As the chairman of the Transportation 
Committee, Jim was in the right place at the right time to respond to 
this terrible tragedy. He moved with incredible speed to draft 
legislation and get it passed on the House floor within forty-eight 
hours of the collapse. The bill was signed into law on August 6th--less 
than one week after the disaster. I have no doubt in my mind had that 
disaster happened in any other state Jim Oberstar would have reacted in 
exactly the same manner.
  At his funeral, Jim's daughters and son spoke lovingly and eloquently 
about their father. Most of us knew Jim Oberstar was a powerful Member 
of Congress, but he was also a committed father and a very good man. He 
cared about working people, the pursuit of social justice, and his 
Catholic faith. He loved cycling and made his passion for bicycles into 
national policy that Americans in every corner of this country take 
advantage of everyday.
  I wish to extend my sincere condolences to Jim's wife, Jean, and his 
children--NoeIle Tower, Monica Weber, Annie Oberstar, and Ted Link-
Oberstar, as well as all of Jim's grandchildren.
  My heartfelt condolences also go out to Jim's congressional family 
which includes the many dedicated and loyal staff in his Minnesota and 
Washington congressional offices and his Transportation and 
Infrastructure Committee staff. The hard work and professionalism of 
Jim's staff was always evident and I know Jim was very proud of them.
  Finally, Jim's long-time chief-of-staff, Bill Richard, spent decades 
by his side and was essential to Jim's success. I also want to extend 
my sympathies to Bill for the loss of his friend.
  I will always remember Jim as a friend, a mentor, and a public 
servant of epic stature. Most of all, Jim Oberstar was a truly 
wonderful man who lived not only a full life, but a life filled with 
joy and compassion.

                          ____________________