[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 11]
[House]
[Pages 16265-16266]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        MOMENT OF SILENCE IN HONOR OF CONGRESSMAN MAJOR R. OWENS

  (Ms. CLARKE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. CLARKE. Mr. Speaker, my colleagues, we were all saddened last 
Monday evening to hear of the passing of my predecessor, the Honorable 
Congressman Major R. Owens, and I stand here with colleagues to 
commemorate his life and his record of dedicated service to the people 
of central Brooklyn.
  Congressman Owens was committed to the children and families who had 
been marginalized and ignored by the body politic. He worked to involve 
the community in the control of local public schools in Brooklyn and 
was a strong advocate for education as a member of the House Committee 
on Education and the Workforce. His efforts were critical to the 
enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  Congressman Owens had always been dedicated to expanding access to 
information and the empowerment of the citizenry. Before being elected 
to the New York State Senate, he was a proud librarian at the Brooklyn 
Public Library, and he remains the only librarian to have been a Member 
of Congress; and he was a mayoral appointee of Mayor John Lindsay as 
commissioner for the Community Development Agency, fighting on behalf 
of impoverished New York citizens.
  Congressman Major Owens retired from elected office. He devoted 
himself to training the next generation of leaders. As a professor, he 
shared his experience with the students at Medgar Evers College.
  Mr. Speaker, the example of Congressman Major R. Owens' public 
service will remain an inspiration to this and future generations of 
elected officials in Brooklyn and across the Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that the House stand to offer a moment of silence 
in honor of the late Congressman Major R. Owens.
  Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay homage and 
respect, to the life and legacy of Major Owens. Having been elected to 
the United States Congress in 1992, I got the grand opportunity to work 
alongside Major until his retirement in 2007. During this time, Major 
was a hardworking member and great person. He was resolute in his 
desire to help others and improve the quality of life for his 
constituents.
  Finding a career as librarian prior to coming to Congress in 1983, I 
can vividly remember how wise and articulate he was. Often times during 
a special order, Major would control the entire time speaking about 
issues impacting those in his district and the broader African American 
community.
  While in Congress, Major was a champion for many issues. Among his 
greatest accomplishments was securing over $100 million for 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities, helping pass the 
Americans with Disabilities Act, and consistently ensuring the voices 
of the disenfranchised did not go mute during his tenure.
  My continued thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children, 
family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. I pray that 
they find solace in knowing that Major lived a great life in which they 
and many others, can be proud of and inspired by.
  A man who believed in God, provided for his family, and served his 
country. Major was the absolute epitome of what it is to be a model 
citizen.
  There is an old gospel song that says . . . ``May the works I've done 
speak for me.'' There is no doubt that the great things Major 
accomplished during his 24 years as a Member of Congress will surely 
speak for him. May his soul rest in peace and legacy forever live on.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay 
tribute to a remarkable man, a twenty four year distinguished Member of 
this body and an outstanding American, Congressman Major Owens.
  It was through his work in the community as a librarian, chief 
administrator of New York City's anti-poverty program and a State 
Senator where he learned the benevolence of kindness and value of 
public service.

[[Page 16266]]

  In Congress, Congressman Owens worked tirelessly to improve education 
for all. His dedication to this cause extended further than the 
boundaries of our country and touched countless lives.
  Mr. Speaker, it is incumbent upon this body to acknowledge 
Congressman Owens service which has improved our Nation.
  On behalf of the people of the 30th Congressional District of Texas 
and the United States Congress, I extend my heartfelt sympathy to his 
family and celebrate his life of service.

                          ____________________