[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 61 (Wednesday, April 10, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E326]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING REPRESENTATIVE WILLIAM DELAHUNT

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 10, 2024

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Representative William Delahunt who recently passed peacefully at 
his home in Quincy, Massachusetts. Representative Delahunt, born in 
that very same town, spent his life dedicated to its people.
  Representative Delahunt was a lifelong public servant. He began his 
career as a Radioman for the Coast Guard, an honor he brought all the 
way to the House as co-chair of the Coast Guard Caucus. Representative 
Delahunt progressed through a life of Public Service. He served as a 
Quincy Town Councilor, State Representative, District Attorney, and 
finally House Representative, before his retirement in 2011.
  Representative Delahunt always put the needs of his constituents 
first. When low-income residents in his home state struggled to pay 
their heating bills during the winter of 2006, he got little assistance 
from the Bush administration. Instead of doing nothing, he famously 
brokered an international fuel sale for approximately 50,000 
Massachusetts residents in dire need. His direct negotiation of this 
sale ensured even his most vulnerable constituents could keep the heat 
on that winter.
  Well-respected for his lasting commitment to human rights, 
Representative Delahunt served as the chair of the Subcommittee on 
International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight in the 110th 
Congress. I had the distinct pleasure of serving with Representative 
Delahunt, and I still carry a deep respect for Representative 
Delahunt's strong principles and consistent defense of human rights.
  Our thoughts and prayers are with his fiance, Julia Pagana, daughters 
Kirsten and Kara, and two grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, please join me in 
honoring the life of a great man of this chamber.

                          ____________________