[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 119 (Wednesday, July 12, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H3212]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF RICHARD RAVITCH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the amazing 
life and, as The New York Times put it, the outsized career of Richard 
Ravitch, who passed away 2 weeks ago.
  A lawyer, a builder, a public servant extraordinaire, Lieutenant 
Governor of New York, he ran the subway system. The Times' obituary 
labeled Dick ``the rescuer of New York.'' As someone who had a chance 
to work with him, I can attest he was that and much, much more.
  He was a tireless student of government. He sought to understand its 
inner workings, and he would be quick to share his insights with 
others. His was a strong voice for thoughtful, sound, creative policy.
  Those skills are what enabled him to work to rescue the subway in a 
dire time in New York, to improve municipal finance in that city, 
unscramble New York State finances, and help Detroit and Puerto Rico 
navigate bankruptcy.
  He was a respected, successful businessman; pioneered integrated 
public housing. He was an adviser to organized labor, involved with 
Major League Baseball, and, along with his friend, Paul Volcker, an 
outspoken advocate for public finance and sound State and local 
budgeting.

  Well into his eighties, he was still teaching at Yale Law School. He 
seemed to know everyone and have a story or two that involved each. He 
displayed a vast memory and boundless energy.
  He was a practitioner of the political arts at the highest level. He 
spent his final months keenly focused on the upcoming election for 
Congress. He invested untold hours and significant resources helping 
men and women make their way politically. Dick was a proud member of 
the governing wing of the Democratic Party.
  He never ceased to amaze me with the breadth of his interest, 
expertise, and skill. He was a master woodworker, and his Central Park 
apartment was filled with amazing pieces that he had crafted.
  Dick took great pride in his family, his sons, Michael and Joey. His 
marriage to Kathy Doyle brought three stepdaughters into the family. 
There were 13 grandchildren, a tremendous source of pride and joy to 
Dick.
  I was lucky to call him a friend and mentor. His biography, ``So Much 
to Do'' should be required reading for everyone who would be a public 
servant, an elected official, indeed, anyone who takes their 
citizenship seriously.
  Even though it was written a decade ago, anyone who cares about 
government and the civic fabric has much to learn from Dick's life 
story and his many accomplishments.
  I, along with countless others, benefited immensely from Dick's 
friendship, mentorship, and wisdom. His passing is a significant loss 
to New York City, New York State, and, I would say, for the country.
  But his life, indeed, was a blessing. The lessons he left us and the 
leaders he helped shape will carry on his legacy for generations to 
come.

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