[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 165 (Thursday, November 5, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S7776]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO WADE HENDERSON

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, the true test of leadership is whether one 
leaves behind the conviction that others will carry on. Yesterday Wade 
Henderson, one of the fathers of the civil rights movement, announced 
that he will retire from the position as president and CEO of the 
Leadership Conference on Civil Rights and the Leadership Conference 
Education Fund to make room for future leaders.
  Wade Henderson has inspired a new generation to hold our country to 
its most sacred values: liberty and justice for all. Wade has been a 
true leader. For the past 20 years he has been a tireless advocate for 
justice and equality. His conviction, skill, and expertise can be found 
in every major civil rights victory over the past two decades.
  Wade has led the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights 
through the successful passage of the Help America Vote Act of 2002; 
the Voting Rights Act reauthorization of 2006; the ADA Amendments Act 
in 2008; Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act 
in 2009; Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009; Dodd-Frank Wall Street 
Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010; and the Fair Sentencing Act 
of 2010.
  From the passage of the hate crimes laws in the early 1990s to 
efforts to end racial profiling and pass comprehensive immigration 
reform, Wade Henderson has carried the weight and responsibility of the 
modern civil rights movement on his shoulders.
  As Wade transforms and transitions into the next stage of his life, I 
have no doubt he will continue to be a champion of people of color, 
women, children, organized labor, persons with disabilities, seniors, 
the LGBT community, and faith communities.
  Today I congratulate Wade Henderson for his years of service to our 
Nation and the world. I wish him continued success in all of his future 
endeavors.
  Will the Chair announce the business of the day.

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