[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 191 (Wednesday, November 12, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1063]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE MILESTONE OF MIKE ROOS 80TH BIRTHDAY

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 2025

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with my esteemed 
colleague, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, to honor and celebrate the 80th 
birthday of Mr. Mike Roos, a devoted public servant, legislative 
leader, and lifelong advocate for California communities.
  Born on August 6, 1945, in Memphis, Tennessee, Mike Roos brought to 
California a deep passion for public policy and a Tennessee drawl and 
smile that could put anyone at ease. After earning his bachelor's 
degree from Tulane University and a Master's in Public Administration 
from the University of Southern California (USC), Mike embarked on a 
career defined by public service and civic leadership.
  In 1977, he was elected to represent Los Angeles' 46th District in 
the California State Assembly, a role he held for 14 years as he 
championed issues that shaped the future of his community and the 
state. During his tenure. Mike rose to the role of Majority Floor 
Leader, and later Speaker Pro Tempore, presiding over the Assembly in 
the final years of his service. Throughout, he earned the respect of 
colleagues on both sides of the aisle for his extraordinary work ethic, 
sharp policy acumen, and gift for building consensus.
  Mike's legislative accomplishments were both timely and visionary. In 
the early days of the AIDS crisis, when few dared to touch the issue, 
Mike took bold action to protect the state's blood supply and the 
public's health. He authored pioneering legislation that laid the 
groundwork for HIV testing protocols and blood safety, long before it 
became part of the national conversation. He was also instrumental in 
advancing California's first recycling law, helping negotiate key 
amendments to move the ``Bottle Bill'' out of committee after years of 
delay. And of course, he co-authored the landmark Roberti-Roos Assault 
Weapons Control Act of 1989, the first law of its kind in the Nation, 
setting a precedent for common-sense gun reforms that still resonate 
today.
  But what truly made Mike stand out was his political compass, he 
proudly led what he called the ``radical center,'' a group of 
legislators who reached across the aisle to forge compromises and get 
things done. In an era when bipartisanship was both a necessity and an 
art, Mike was a master. His humor, eloquence, and deep sense of purpose 
made him a trusted leader and an impassioned voice on the Assembly 
floor. When Mike got serious, people listened.
  Beyond his legislative achievements, Mike has been a tireless 
advocate for education, civil rights, public health, and responsible 
governance. Whether leading the Los Angeles Educational Alliance for 
Restructuring Now (LEARN) or mentoring the next generation of civic 
leaders, Mike has never strayed from his core belief in the power of 
public service.
  Mike is also a devoted and loving father to two daughters--Shelby and 
Melissa--and a proud grandfather. He welcomed his daughters into his 
life in his early-to-mid-30's, during the height of his Assembly 
service, and raised them with the same generosity, humor, and grace he 
brought to the Legislature.
  After his retirement in 1991, Mike continued to influence public 
policy and community development through his public affairs firm and as 
President of the Southern California Leadership Council, where he 
remains a respected voice on economic and infrastructure policy.
  Mr. Speaker, Mike Roos is more than a public servant. He is a 
champion of reform, a proud grandfather, and a dear friend to those who 
have had the honor of working alongside him. As he celebrates his 80th 
birthday, we ask our colleagues to join us in honoring Mike's enduring 
legacy and wishing him continued health and happiness in the years to 
come.

                          ____________________