[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 137 (Wednesday, November 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1549]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   MARKING THE PASSING OF JAMES BRADY

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 2014

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of James Scott 
Brady, a courageous champion in the fight against gun violence and the 
legacy of lifesaving leadership he leaves behind. Through triumph and 
tragedy, Jim Brady remained an insistent and impassioned voice of 
clarity and consequence in our national effort to strengthen our gun 
laws. His death at age 73 concludes a life defined by public service 
and personal bravery--and renews the call to action that he made so 
well for so long.
  Jim Brady, a proud alumnus of the flagship institution in his home 
state, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, discovered a 
life-long passion for public policy after earning a Bachelor of Science 
degree in political science.
  After graduating, Brady worked with some of the leading American 
political figures of the late 20th century. As an aide to then-State 
Senator Everett Dirksen--who would later serve in the U.S. House of 
Representatives and as the U.S. Senate Minority Leader--Brady deepened 
an abiding belief in the power of public service to build a better 
world.
  As an advisor to top-level public officials at the Department of 
Housing and Urban Development, Office of Management and Budget, 
Department of Defense and the U.S. Senate, Brady became an 
indispensable counselor and trusted friend to many. He was tapped to 
serve as Director of Public Affairs and Research for the Reagan-Bush 
Committee and, following the election, as Spokesperson for the Office 
of the President-Elect and White House Press Secretary.
  On a fateful March in 1981, Jim Brady suffered a gunshot wound to the 
head during the assassination attempt on President Reagan's life. The 
road to recovery would be hard, but Jim and his wife, Sarah Brady, 
would inspire the nation with their resolve.
  Strengthened by their own struggle, Jim and Sarah vowed to take a 
stand on behalf of all victims of gun violence. This couple's heroic 
leadership challenged our nation to act, and because they did, millions 
of Americans are safer and many of our communities are more secure.
  It took the Bradys six years, seven votes, three administrations, 
endless strength and boundless courage to enact the Brady Handgun 
Violence Protection Act. But, thanks to their dedication, the Brady 
bill became the law of the land.
  By 2010, the Brady law had blocked felons trying to buy guns more 
than a million times--an average of 171 felons denied applications to 
buy firearms a day. Almost 300,000 domestic violence offenders were 
prevented from buying guns. Thanks to Jim and Sarah Brady, countless 
families have been spared the tragedy of gun violence.
  In recognition of this leadership, Jim Brady was awarded the 
Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton. Today, the 
White House press secretary addresses the media--and the nation--from 
the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room.
  Every day, the Bradys' legacy is felt in lives saved by the law that 
bears his name. Jim Brady's perseverance challenges all of us to never 
stop fighting for the common sense gun violence reduction measures our 
nation needs. Jim Brady was a man of extraordinary wit, charm and 
courage, and he will be sorely missed by all who had the good fortune 
to know him
  I hope that it is a comfort to Jim's wife, Sarah, his children and 
all of his loved ones that so many people across the country share 
their grief and mourn the loss of such a valiant and dedicated man.

                          ____________________