[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 69 (Wednesday, April 21, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E431-E432]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO THE HON. WALTER F. MONDALE, FORMER VICE PRESIDENT OF THE 
                        UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 21, 2021

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise in tribute to the Honorable 
Walter F. Mondale, former Vice President of the United States of 
America, upon his death this week at age 93. Vice President Mondale was 
a global statesman, a national political leader, a remarkable 
legislator, a proud Minnesotan, a devoted husband, a wonderful father 
and grandfather, and a person people from all walks of life admired.
  Growing up in Elmore, Minnesota, Mondale never forgot his small-town 
roots. Generations of Minnesotans hold him in deep affection, because 
of his unique ability to connect through his humor, humility and 
humanity--which was nurtured by his beloved wife Joan. Together from 
their marriage in 1955 until her death in 2014, Walter and Joan were a 
team who represented Minnesota and our country with grace, class and 
dignity.
  Inspired and reinforced by Joan, Walter Mondale's life in public 
service was extraordinary. He served in the United States Army, was the 
Minnesota Attorney General, and represented Minnesota in the United 
States Senate. One of his most important roles was redefining the Vice 
Presidency of the United States as a partnership with the President. He 
also earned the 1984 Democratic nomination for President and broke a 
barrier by naming Geraldine Ferraro to be the first woman Vice 
Presidential candidate on a major party ticket. And while serving as 
Ambassador to Japan, Walter and Joan demonstrated an unwavering 
commitment to the power of American diplomacy.
  Vice President Mondale's deep and abiding dedication to civil rights, 
children, health care and the environment have left a profound legacy 
for current and future generations of Americans. His pioneering 
leadership in protecting our air, land and water reflected his 
understanding that our precious lands and waters are the heart of who 
we are as Minnesotans and Americans, and that requires us to be 
responsible stewards of our planet.
  His authorship of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act in 1968 was a 
watershed moment in the environmental movement, bringing much-needed 
attention to these beautiful but threatened rivers across the country, 
including the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway in Minnesota and 
Wisconsin. He was also among the first and most steadfast champions for 
the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, because he understood that 
our biodiversity and clean water require permanent protection.
  I am deeply grateful for Vice President Mondale's kind and wise 
counsel to me in Congress as I have worked to build on the success of 
the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the

[[Page E432]]

Clean Air and Clean Water Acts, to ensure we are protecting our air, 
land and water for our children and grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in rising to honor the life of this 
extraordinary leader, and in extending sincerest condolences to the 
Mondale family. Minnesota and the United States was blessed to have 
Walter F. Mondale provide us with a lifetime of service.

                          ____________________