[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 53 (Monday, March 27, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E393]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE LIFE OF THE HONORABLE ANTHONY BEILENSON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TED LIEU

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 27, 2017

  Mr. TED LIEU of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life 
of the Honorable Anthony C. Beilenson--father, husband, grandfather, 
California legislator, and United States Congressman--who passed away 
on March 5, 2017.
  Tony Beilenson grew up in New Rochelle, New York. After graduating 
from Harvard Law School in 1957, he moved to Los Angeles to practice 
law in the film industry. Always striving to give back to the world and 
do as much good as possible, Tony decided to forgo his legal practice 
to serve the public and he was elected to the California State Assembly 
in 1962. In 1966, he continued his service to the people of California 
and was elected to the State Senate.
  During his tenure in the California State Legislature, Tony worked 
hard to protect the environment and reproductive rights, and was 
respected by his colleagues regardless of party for his unparalleled 
collegiality and civility when working to address the most challenging 
issues of his time. He was widely known for voting and acting according 
to his thoughtful and well-informed conscience, which inspired his 
colleagues to eschew partisanship and elevate constructive discourse.
  Tony continued his legacy of effective and impactful lawmaking when 
he was elected in 1976 to serve in Congress, representing parts of the 
San Fernando Valley, Thousand Oaks and Agoura Hills. He will forever be 
remembered for his landmark 1978 legislation that established the Santa 
Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, protecting part of Southern 
California's most treasured natural landscape for future generations to 
explore and enjoy.
  As a Member of Congress, Tony fought hard to support environmental 
initiatives such as the Clean Air Act and securing funding for the 
Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Refuge and Lake Balboa Park, which was renamed 
the Anthony C. Beilenson Park in 1998. He was a powerful advocate for 
reducing government waste and promoting efficiency. Tony's former 
colleagues share a deep respect for the integrity, class, and 
sensibility that he championed throughout his tenure in office.
  Tony is survived by his wife, Dolores; his sons, Adam and Peter; his 
daughter Dayna; and nine grandchildren. I hope that his family will 
take comfort in the remarkable legacy that he established at every turn 
of his life as an accomplished public servant. May his memory be a 
blessing to us all.

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