[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 83 (Wednesday, May 17, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H2388]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING SENATOR AND COUNCILMAN BILL PERKINS

  (Mr. ESPAILLAT asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of the life and legacy of 
my dear friend and colleague, Harlem's own, New York State Senator Bill 
Perkins.
  Senator Perkins was not just an elected official but a giant and a 
community leader.
  I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Pamela Perkins, and the 
entire Perkins family during this time of grief.
  Senator Perkins never forgot where he came from. I had the honor of 
serving with him in the New York State Senate. I had the opportunity to 
watch him very closely firsthand. He was a force of nature and a 
champion for working people. He made a difference with his leadership 
using his powerful voice to bring about change and give back to the 
city that saw him grow up.
  Early in his life of public service, he became a champion in defense 
of the Exonerated 5 and took on Donald Trump. He never backed down from 
a righteous fight and was a fearless advocate for the vulnerable and 
underserved. He treated all with respect.
  May Bill's legacy inspire all of us as we move forward.
  Rest in power, Senator Perkins.

                          ____________________