[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 180 (Tuesday, November 12, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1415]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                     LATE CONGRESSMAN JOHN H. ADLER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD NORCROSS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 12, 2019

  Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend the 
late Cherry Hill, New Jersey resident, Congressman John H. Adler at the 
John H. Adler Memorial Park Dedication.
  The late Congressman John Adler grew up in Haddonfield, New Jersey 
where his father owned a small dry-cleaning store, attended Haddonfield 
public schools and graduated from Haddonfield Memorial High School. He 
went on to attend Harvard University where he obtained his Bachelor of 
Arts degree in Government, and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. 
John met his wife Shelley in law school and after they graduated, they 
returned to South Jersey and settled down in Cherry Hill.
  In 1988 Adler began serving on the Cherry Hill Township Council where 
he passed the Township's ethics ordinance, was committed to 
strengthening Cherry Hill schools and improving health care. In 1991, 
Adler ran for a seat in the New Jersey Senate, representing New 
Jersey's Sixth Legislative District and won the election. He served as 
a New Jersey State Senator from 1992 to 2009. During his time in the 
New Jersey Senate, Adler served on the Judiciary Committee as Chair, 
the Environment Committee, and sponsored vital legislation designed to 
address key environmental and health related issues, including the 
Smoke-Free Air Act that banned smoking in most public places. He also 
championed major ethics reforms, support for children and adults with 
disabilities and laws that made our state and communities safer.
  In 2008, Adler ran for the State of New Jersey's Third Congressional 
District seat and won the election. This was the first time a Democrat 
held that seat in over one hundred years. He was sworn into office in 
January 2009 and served on the Committee on Financial Services and the 
Committee on Veteran's Affairs. During his tenure he spearheaded 
legislation to support our veterans and seniors, protect women's 
healthcare, help working families, protect consumers, and end the Great 
Recession.
  In 2011 Adler suddenly passed away. He is survived by his wife 
Shelley, and their four sons, Jeffrey, Alex, Andrew, and Oliver. In 
2011, Shelley Adler started the John H. Adler Memorial Fund for 
Veterans' Affairs at Harvard University, which supports 
interdisciplinary research and programs intended to promote effective 
governmental policy as it relates to veterans.
  On November 2, 2019 the Camden County Board of Freeholders will 
dedicate the John H. Adler Memorial Park at Challenge Grove to 
commemorate Adler's life and dedication to public service.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring the late Congressman 
John Adler, of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, a dedicated public servant who 
fought tirelessly for the people of New Jersey for more than two 
decades.

                          ____________________