[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 9]
[House]
[Page 12047]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                              {time}  1600
                     HONORING BRUCE MICHAEL ABRAMS

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time of 
the gentleman from California.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the gentleman from 
California is recognized for 5 minutes.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to acknowledge a great friend 
of mine, but more importantly, a great friend of the San Diego 
community, Bruce Michael Abrams. On Sunday, June 25, Bruce is being 
honored at the ninth GLBT Community Tribute Banquet. Upon learning of 
this award, Bruce stated that receiving the community tribute this year 
is humbling and a wonderful honor, and at the banquet Bruce will urge 
people to get engaged and give back to the community.
  No stranger to being honored, Bruce Abrams has received numerous 
awards in the past, such as the Douglas Scott Political Action Award 
and the Liberty Award presented by the Lambda Legal Defense Fund.
  Throughout his 20 years of activism, Bruce has used his education and 
influence to promote positive change and garner needed funds for the 
whole community. He has emphasized the importance of all people being 
involved in their neighborhoods and communities.
  The Bruce M. Abrams Lending Library at the center is a direct result 
of what I call progressive philanthropy. Bruce not only helped to start 
this community resource, he ensured that the library would have a group 
of supporters who would be able to keep it going throughout the years. 
Today the library houses more than 2,000 volumes.
  His resume of volunteer service includes a long list of current and 
past board memberships, including the San Diego Democratic Club, San 
Diego Foundation for Change, Equality California, and the National Gay 
and Lesbian Task Force. Since last year, Bruce has served as a city 
commissioner on San Diego's Human Relations Commission.
  No novice to the political arena, Bruce first cut his teeth working 
on the gubernatorial campaign of Mayor Tom Bradley. Frequently, Bruce 
holds political receptions, charity benefits and galas at his 
beautifully decorated home. As I personally know, these events are not 
mere fund-raisers, but elegant gatherings which bring people together 
for real communication. Everybody loves the evenings at Bruce Abrams' 
home.
  When not raising the moral consciousness of the world, Bruce works as 
a probate and planning attorney. He has a B.A. from the University of 
Oregon and a J.D. from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law. He truly is 
the ``attorney for the community.'' Bruce, we love you.

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