[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 92 (Thursday, May 26, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S2748]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                        REMEMBERING DONALD ROSS

 Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart 
to pay tribute to Donald K. Ross, a tireless organizer for democracy. 
Sadly, Mr. Ross passed away on May 14, 2022, at the age of 78. He will 
be remembered for his lifetime of civic service and advocacy.
  Born in the Bronx, NY, Mr. Ross was a leader from an early age. As 
student body president, he successfully revived Fordham University's 
football program, an experience he credited with teaching him how to 
organize. Upon graduation, Mr. Ross spent 2 years with the Peace Corps 
in Nigeria, before graduating from New York University's law school in 
1970.
  From there, Mr. Ross joined consumer advocate Ralph Nader's Public 
Citizen movement, becoming one of the original ``Nader's Raiders.'' In 
1971, they co-wrote ``Action for Change: A Student's Manual for Public 
Interest Organizing,'' which led to the organization of Public Interest 
Research Groups--PRIGs--across the country. These organizations combine 
research and public action, encouraging public citizens to get involved 
in important advocacy issues. Mr. Ross became the director of the New 
York PRIG, where he advanced a number of political reforms and 
advocated for increased government transparency.
  Mr. Ross was also an outspoken anti-nuclear advocate. After the 
tragic accident at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in 
Pennsylvania, Mr. Ross organized anti-nuclear rallies that drew 
hundreds of thousands of demonstrators. That he was able to mobilize so 
many people in mere weeks after the accident is a testament to his 
leadership skills and passion for the cause.
  In addition to his organizing expertise, Mr. Ross was also a 
dedicated philanthropist. From 1985 to 1999, he was director of the 
Rockefeller Family Fund, a charitable organization where he worked to 
expand access to grants for charitable causes. Additionally, Mr. Ross 
cofounded and managed the Environmental Grantmakers Association, which 
has grown to include over 200 member foundations around the world. A 
champion of numerous causes, Mr. Ross directed the National Campaign to 
Reform Juvenile Justice Systems from 2009 to 2017.
  In my home State, Mr. Ross organized the Connecticut Citizen Action 
Group, a statewide organization dedicated to actively engaging 
residents to build a more sustainable, just society. In this and every 
endeavor he undertook in his remarkable career, Mr. Ross was on the 
frontlines of democracy, fighting to make our world a better place.
  Connecticut and the Nation have lost a great civic organizer and 
champion of democracy. Mr. Ross's tireless devotion to many worthy 
causes--from environmental protection, to consumer advocacy, to 
criminal justice reform, and so many others--serves as a model of 
dedication and civic engagement. Through his work and his writings, Mr. 
Ross has inspired a generation of citizens to become engaged in their 
communities and fight for a more just world. While he will be sorely 
missed, his legacy will live on in those who continue his work.
  My wife Cynthia and I extend our deepest sympathies to Donald's 
family during this difficult time, particularly to his wife Helen, and 
his children Katherine, Margaret, and Mike. May their many wonderful 
memories of Donald provide them solace and comfort in the days ahead. I 
hope my colleagues will join me in remembering Donald K. Ross.

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