[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 26595]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



EXPRESSING SORROW OF THE HOUSE AT THE DEATH OF THE HONORABLE JULIAN C. 
         DIXON, MEMBER OF CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 8, 2000

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, A lion of the House has fallen silent, with 
the passing of our esteemed colleague, Julian Dixon.
  We mourn the death of this powerful, gentle, man, and salute his 
profound and long-lasting influence on our legislative chamber.
  I offer my condolences and prayers to his wife Bettye and his son 
Carey, and wish them God's blessings in their time of mourning.
  As a Latino member of Congress, I personally appreciate the example 
Congressman Dixon set in his distinguished career. He paved the way for 
a diverse Congress, a Congress that truly reflects the hopes and 
aspirations of our Nation. He embodied the principle that there is 
nothing we cannot achieve, if we work hard, persevere, and have faith. 
As Cesar Chavez said, ``si se puede,'' yes we can.
  It is, at times, a hard road to follow, to pursue district and 
national priorities, to navigate the corridors of the United States 
Congress, and remain true to one's roots, one's beginnings, but 
Congressman Dixon did it all. He was a legislator's legislator, serving 
on the Congressional Black Caucus, the Appropriations Committee, and 
the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, where he was the 
ranking member. He also served with achievement in the California State 
Assembly.
  Born in Washington, D.C., Congressman Dixon moved west and honored 
our Nation by serving in its armed forces, and then continued the arc 
of his success, enrolling in undergraduate studies and law school.
  In the Congress, he fought hard for his constituents in California, 
while never forgetting his native Washington, D.C. He was above all, a 
man of the people, a man who worked quietly and persistently to get 
things done.
  I am saddened by his passing, but heartened that I had the privilege 
to serve with him in the Congress. He leaves a guiding light that will 
illuminate the hearts and minds of his colleagues, long after his 
passing.
  I know he is in heaven, now, quietly at peace. And so I say to him, 
``goodbye,'' God bless you, we miss you, we hope to follow your 
example.''

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