[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21764]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                             MELANIE LOMAX

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DIANE E. WATSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 29, 2006

  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise with great sadness to announce the 
untimely passing of my good friend Melanie Lomax.
  The City of Los Angeles, California, and our Nation have lost one of 
the strongest advocates for civil rights. Attorney Melanie Lomax was a 
dedicated leader and committed fighter for the rights of the poor and 
voiceless.
  When Melanie witnessed injustice towards others she spoke out 
vociferously regardless of who was involved. She was especially 
determined to hold the LAPD accountable for acts of excessive force and 
brutality while serving as President of the Los Angeles Police 
Commission.
  Bright, articulate and focused, Melanie, goddaughter to former Los 
Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley, never wavered in her mission to help others. 
She felt deeply and emotionally about defenseless people and often 
found herself isolated while fighting unpopular causes. But she would 
always forge ahead in the cause of justice.
  Melanie's untimely death is a substantial loss to all of us. It is 
hard to imagine anyone else stepping into the void she leaves with the 
same gusto, vigor, and fervor. She will be sorely missed.

                          ____________________