[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19650]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             THE RETIREMENT OF CONGRESSMAN BENJAMIN GILMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 8, 2002

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound respect 
and admiration that I bid my good friend, esteemed colleague, and 
fellow New Yorker, Congressman Benjamin Gilman, farewell as he retires 
after 30 years of service to the House of Representatives.
  Congressman Gilman has been devoted to public service and helping 
others his entire life.
  From the time he lost family members in the Holocaust, and witnessed 
persecution by Nazi Germany as a young soldier in World War II, 
Congressman Gilman has been unwavering in his commitment to human 
rights.
  He fought for human rights before the fight became popular.
  Congressman Gilman was first recognized for his human rights work in 
1978, thanks to his successful efforts to free several prisoners in 
East Germany, Mozambique, Cuba, and several other nations.
  But he didn't stop there.
  Two years later he fought for the release of 30 U.S. citizens from 
the political imprisonment by the Cuban Government.
  It is these courageous feats, among countless others, that 
contributed to the tremendous leadership he provided to the 
International Relations Committee.
  As a ranking minority member on the House Post Office and Civil 
Service Committee, Congressman Gilman earned a reputation as a leader 
and a fighter for safe and equitable workplaces for civil service and 
postal service employees.
  Now the senior Republican on the Government Reform Committee, on 
which we serve together, I have had the honor of working with him on 
issues that are not only important to our state, but to the country.
  Last year, I proudly worked with the Congressman to fund an 
environmental study on the potential causes of high breast cancer rates 
in our state.
  Whether it was in Hudson Valley or one of many countries around the 
world, Congressman Gilman has never hesitated to help those in need.
  Although he may be unsure where his path will now take him, I have no 
doubt that his determined spirit and renowned kindness will continue to 
be appreciated by many.
  Even though the Congressman and I have always stood on opposite sides 
of the aisle--we have rarely stood on opposites sides of an issue, most 
importantly matters that affecting New York--and I am proud to have 
served with him.
  Beloved by both Republicans and Democrats, ``Gentle Ben''--you will 
be sorely missed by your constituents, by fellow New Yorkers, and by 
fellow Americans.

                          ____________________