[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 67 (Monday, April 19, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E419]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         IN MEMORY OF STEVE FOX

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 19, 2021

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the tragic 
passing of Steve Fox, a pioneering advocate, strategist, a true leader 
in the cannabis legalization effort.
  It is fitting today that we are passing the SAFE Banking Act. We 
wouldn't be where we are today without Steve and his amazing efforts. 
His life work, leadership, and strategic brilliance are unmatched.
  Passing this critical legislation today would be a small part of a 
fitting memorial for a man whose efforts made it possible, indeed, 
imperative to solve this problem.
  I first met Steve as we were strategizing on the Oregon legalization 
effort. Back in 2013, after the Colorado legalization campaign that he 
orchestrated had passed and before Oregon joined the ranks of 
legalization, he was already a legend. He pioneered so much of the 
groundwork for the legalization movement that exploded after the 
success of the Colorado campaign which owed so much to his strategic 
brilliance.
  Steve was thoughtful, hardworking, and self-effacing. While this has 
become a national movement with many leaders now emerging, none compare 
with Steve. Few will fully understand his many contributions and 
importance. I for one will miss his genuine, quiet leadership.
  As someone who's been working on this longer than anyone in American 
politics, I know we are all deeply, deeply indebted to Steve. We mourn 
his loss, extend our thoughts to his family and many friends.
  This should be the year that we finish the pioneering work of his 
career. It would be a fitting capstone to a lifetime of cannabis 
leadership, activism, and progress.

                          ____________________