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Home , Maxine Waters, Ron Dellums

September 6, 2018 — HOUSE H7903 He was very focused on making sure courageous statesman, a warrior for In his passing, the Nation has lost a that our military budget was really world peace, a soldier for social justice, strong and powerful crusader for jus- targeted to the actual defense and se- and a son of west Oakland. He served tice, for equality, and for peace. curity of the country, and that Amer- his country in both the Marines and in He was cool before it became popular ica was a force for human rights and this Congress, with distinction, for 27 to be cool. He dressed so well. You security of all peoples and peace all years and as mayor of Oakland for 4 knew was coming when over the world. years. you saw him before he made it to you. So he leaves an extraordinary and in- He was beloved by his con- b 1645 spiring and difficult legacy for all of us stituents, regarded by his colleagues to live up to. from both sides of the aisle, and re- For many of us, he was our hero. Ac- I am very proud at this point to turn spected as a global leader. tivists of the 21st century, and all of it over to Congresswoman BARBARA Above all else, Congressman Dellums the new Members of Congress who seek LEE, who has become, in her years in was a visionary, and his conscience progressive change in America would office, also a great and famous leader guided him in the pursuit of peace and do well to take several pages from Ron for peace, human rights, and social jus- justice and equality in all forms. Dellums’ book. It would make you a tice. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman better Member of this body. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance from Georgia (Mr. LEWIS), one of Ron’s His voice made him a force to be of my time. very close friends, a person whom he reckoned with as a committee chair, as f loved dearly, who is an icon in his own a legislator, as a leader. He insisted in right, someone who led the fight for his call for justice for his cause for HONORING RONALD V. DELLUMS our voting rights. peace. He will be deeply missed all over The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, America, not just in , not the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- I thank my beloved friend, Congress- just in Oakland, but all over America uary 3, 2017, the gentlewoman from woman , for holding this and around the world, for people who California (Ms. LEE) is recognized for Special Order. long for peace, for justice, for equality. the remainder of the hour as the des- You know, Ron Dellums was a special Thank you, Ron Dellums, for all that ignee of the minority leader. human being, special leader. He was you did to help make our country and GENERAL LEAVE one of a kind. He was born and grew up make our world a better place. I thank Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- in due season. the gentlewoman, BARBARA LEE, for mous consent that all Members have 5 Those of us who worked with him and this Special Order. legislative days to revise and extend got to know him, we loved him. We ad- Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank Con- their remarks and include extraneous mired him. I can see him now saying, gressman LEWIS for that very beautiful material on the subject of our Special ‘‘Hi, bro. What is going on?’’ tribute to Ron. It was a loving tribute, Order tonight. We must continue to stand up and and I know personally how much Ron The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there speak up and fight the good fight. loved him and, in many ways, looked objection to the request of the gentle- You know, Ron never gave up; he up to him and respected him as a woman from California? never gave in. He never became bitter. human being and for his tremendous There was no objection. He was never hostile. He loved people. leadership. So I thank the gentleman Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise this He worked so hard and tirelessly for on behalf of Ron’s family, friends, and evening to really celebrate the life and what he believed in. our community. legacy of my mentor, my former boss, As Congresswoman BARBARA LEE has Now I would like to ask Congress- and my dear friend, Congressman Ron- stated so well, Ron was the founding woman to ald V. Dellums. member of the Congressional Black come forward. Congresswoman NORTON I had the privilege to serve as an in- . But I tell you, he was a peace- knew Ron very well, served with Ron, tern in Ron’s Washington office during ful warrior. He believed in peace. and Ron served as chair of the District the Watergate hearings of 1974 and as a He struggled to help build what I call of Columbia Committee when I was ac- senior member of his staff for 11 years. a true democracy in America. He tually a staffer during that period. First, my deepest condolences to fought to build what Dr. King called They had many, many struggles during Ron’s beloved family, friends, and our the beloved community. He wanted to that day. Ron and ELEANOR remained community, who he loved so deeply, as redeem the soul of America. friends, and he loved her dearly and al- we continue to come to grips, quite He wanted to bring people together. ways asked about her. frankly, with the grief in the passing of It didn’t matter whether they were I yield to the gentlewoman from the this tremendous voice, yet we honor Black or White, Latino, Asian Amer- District of Columbia (Ms. NORTON). and celebrate Ron’s magnificent leg- ican, or Native American. He saw us as Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank acy. one people, one family living in the my very good friend, Representative Mr. Speaker, let me thank Congress- same house, not just the American BARBARA LEE from California, who has man for being a part of house, but the world house. the great honor of serving in the seat this Special Order tonight and for co- I tell you, as one Member who came that Ron held. And she has that honor leading it. Congressman RASKIN’s fa- here after winning an election in 1986, because of her work with Ron and be- ther, Marcus Raskin, was a close and coming here in 1987, I would talk with cause those who lived in his district cherished friend of Ron’s. They deeply Ron a great deal. I learned a great deal understood that Ron did not serve loved and respected each other. from him. them alone. Let me also thank all of my col- He used his leadership of the Armed I think that for BARBARA LEE to have leagues in the Congressional Progres- Services Committee to highlight the risen from intern to chief of staff to sive Caucus and the Congressional senseless nature of war and to press for Ron Dellums says everything about her Black Caucus for holding this Special greater investment in the public good. service in the Congress. She is just the Order tonight to remember a truly his- He fought for peace at home and right person to be leading this special toric figure, the late, great Congress- abroad. honor for our good friend, the dapper, man Ron Dellums. As a Member of Congress, he was the the brilliant, Ron Dellums. Congressman Dellums was a founding author of legislation and the move- Ms. LEE shows us that Ron had an member of the Congressional Black ment for corporate divestment in eye for talent, and I thank her for shar- Caucus and the Congressional Progres- . ing that talent now with the Nation. sive Caucus, and I know this celebra- As a political leader, he was an inspi- It is true that my district and I had tion of his life would mean so much to ration to people all over the world. a special relationship with Ron Del- him. People admired him. People loved him. lums; and, therefore, a special love. Be- Ron will be remembered not only for You know, he was tall. He stood up; cause for 14 years, he chaired the old his many accomplishments, but for his he stood out. And he spoke with pas- District of Columbia Committee, which integrity and his brilliance. He was a sion. he helped me get rid of, understanding

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:47 Sep 07, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06SE7.067 H06SEPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7904 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 6, 2018 that the District deserved equality the votes of his colleagues to chair the bia when the District of Columbia was with other districts. Armed Services Committee, which has, just trying to get the local vote, or Yet, I have to say how fortunate we if you will forgive me, little to do with what we call home rule. were that Ron chose to use one of his peace. They have to do with preparing Some of his words deserve repeating. committee seats for the District of Co- for war. For example, he said: ‘‘I am an advo- lumbia. Why would Ron Dellums do I begin there to make you understand cate, not an overseer of District af- that? There is not a vote in the Dis- what manner of man I am talking fairs.’’ Now, Ron was the committee trict of Columbia for Ron Dellums— about. Now, he didn’t just decide when chairman. He clearly was the overseer. much as people would have loved to he came to Congress: Wouldn’t this be We didn’t want that power. He had it. vote for him—but there wasn’t a single a cute thing to do given where I stand This is how he approached his work as vote because he didn’t live in the Dis- on these issues to chair, to grow up as chair of a committee that had nothing trict of Columbia. it were in Congress to chair the Armed to do with his district. This is how he This was such an unselfish human Services Committee. He started right approached giving the District the re- being. He went where he thought he where he ended. As a freshman, Ron in- spect that it deserved. was needed. And I do need to tell you troduced a resolution calling for an in- I was not a Member of Congress at how unusual that is, because most vestigation of war crimes, or what he the time, but I know that my friend, Members choose their committees, and regarded as war crimes in Indochina. Walter Fauntleroy, who represented this applies to his choice of the Armed Particularly as a freshman, that was the District at the time, deeply appre- Services Committee, as well as the Dis- refused. ciated Ron Dellums, in particular. trict Committee. You choose your com- So instead of walking away as vir- When I indicate that Ron was for mittee because it allows you to bring tually any Member would, especially a D.C. statehood, you might think, well, home something to your constituents, freshman, he said: I am going to call you are for D.C. statehood. What do and I am the perfect example. some unofficial hearings on this very you expect? Remember, we didn’t have I have chosen committees which have subject and he was able to lure some of good home rule then. We didn’t get helped me rebuild entire sections of the his colleagues with him, despite many that until 1994, and we were just get- District of Columbia, the Wharf, or the colleagues regarding the introduction ting to the point where people under- Southwest Waterfront, the Southeast of the resolution as an outrage to begin stood the inequality of the residents Waterfront, and other sections of the with. who live in the District of Columbia. city. That is how most of us operate. Here is a Member of Congress whose But Ron Dellums understood, you have Well, let me tell you something: It is reputation for fairness, whose congeni- got to advocate for what people de- hard to bring home peace. Yet, that is ality was such that when time came to serve, not where they are now in get- why Ron Dellums chose to serve on the elect a chairman, many Republicans as ting what the Congress wants to give Armed Services Committee, as he un- well supported him to become chair- them. His service as chair of the District selfishly served on the District Com- man of the Armed Services Committee. Committee was long ago, it meant ev- mittee. I will have a word to say about The defense establishment that was erything to the District to have a that—it was because he could not bear certainly rattled. What to expect from chairman who loved the District of Co- to see any Americans treated as less this man? Well, this is what you got. lumbia as he loved his own city who than full American citizens. You got leadership from a man who I must note, though, because I don’t managed every bill to increase defense understood what the District needed want to leave you with a sense, a paro- funding with great equanimity and and wanted, and who always consulted chial sense of Ron Dellums, or think I fairness, while opposing his own bills. with the District. Yes, California is far away from the am just here because of what he did for That is what you got. Find yourself District of Columbia, but notwith- my district. That would be reason that kind of a Member, much less a standing the distance, I stand here this enough for me to be here, but I am here chairman, today in the Congress of the evening with the greatest gratitude for to note the uniqueness of Ron Dellums . the 700,000 people I represent now and as a Member of Congress, because not You got a man who was, in fact, very for all those who at the time had the before, and not since, has there been a much for equal rights for gays in the great privilege of having Ron as the Member like Ron Dellums. military, but ushered through his com- chair of the District Committee. As a lawyer, I am going to prove this mittee a ban on gays serving openly in I stand here to thank Representative point. I hope you will agree before I sit the military regardless. He understood Ron Dellums, to let him know he will down. the difference between Ron Dellums be forever remembered in our city, and First of all, here was a Marine Corps the man and Mr. Chairman. That is an to let him know that he has not been vet—a pretty tough branch of the important difference. And because and never will be forgotten by the peo- armed services—and, of course, this Members tend not to understand that ple of the District of Columbia. gave Ron special credibility when he difference, they tend not to get elected My thanks to my good friend for became the leader of antiwar efforts in chair of a committee whose mandate leading this Special Order. the Congress of the United States. they oppose. Ms. LEE. I thank Congressman ELEA- I must say, because I was not a Mem- Whether House or Senate, this was the NOR HOLMES NORTON. Let me say that leader of antiwar efforts when we were ber of Congress at the time of the Free Ron passed away in his home here in in Vietnam and when we were in wars South Africa movement, but, was a Washington, D.C., on July 30. She was since. leader of that movement, how much his Representative. Never before or since has a Member Ron was appreciated throughout the who opposed most of the mandate of a country for his leadership as the chief b 1700 committee been elected to chair that of the bill that produced sanc- Ron loved the District of Columbia, committee, as Ron was elected to chair tions against South Africa for its as Ms. NORTON said. His children went the Armed Services Committee. Now, policies, and, ultimately, the to Alice Deal Junior High School and remember, you don’t get appointed to release of Mandella from prison. Woodrow Wilson High School. He chair these committees. You have to Finally, if I may say to my friend worked with Ms. NORTON, as well as earn the respect of your colleagues on from California, a word of special Hilda Mason, who was on the city the committee so that they want to thanks regarding Ron Dellums’ service council and was a strong activist for elect you to chair them. on the District of Columbia Com- statehood. So I thank Ms. NORTON for I defy my colleagues to find any mittee. He served on it from the mo- reminding us of Ron’s wonderful his- other Member of Congress who has got- ment he was in Congress, and he tory in the District of Columbia. ten elected or could get elected chair- chaired the committee for, as I indi- Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman man of a committee with a mission cated, 14 years. It is interesting, that from Georgia (Mr. JOHNSON), my friend, they oppose. this was a committee he wanted to a member of the Judiciary Committee Ron Dellums was the leading advo- eliminate as one of the first supporters and the Transportation and Infrastruc- cate for peace in the Congress, winning for statehood for the District of Colum- ture Committee, but a prior member of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:09 Sep 07, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06SE7.080 H06SEPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 6, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7905 the House Armed Services Committee. spending not for war and weapons, but stood that our country had to be I thank Congressman JOHNSON for instead for education, jobs, housing, strong, but he measured our strength being with us tonight. healthcare, assistance to the poor, and not only in our military might, but the Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- programs to fight drug abuse? health, education, and well-being of the er, I thank the gentlewoman for yield- Ladies and gentlemen, Ron Dellums American people. He saw them go to- ing. set the ultimate example for us today gether. Without that piece of it, we Mr. Speaker, I express my sincere with the powerful message and legacy could never really reach the potential condolences to the family and friends of being true to one’s self, a man who of strength that America is about. of a great patriot, Representative Ron stood tall for the people, and not just We will have a number of occasions, Dellums. My sincere condolences for for the people of America. Ron stood one in Oakland on Sunday, to share their loss. for the people of the world. some stories, then at a later date here It is my great honor to be here to- He was a unique and authentic in Washington, D.C., again, and many night to pay my respects to a man who human being, and his presence will be times in between, about Ron Dellums. was a true giant of this body, the missed. But I know, for anyone who served United States House of Representa- Mr. Speaker, I thank Ron for his with him—and he was in Congress long tives, as well as in American life, a guidance and for his example that we before I came, but I had the privilege of man who, I think we can all say with can look to as a beacon as we make our serving for a while—anyone who served assurance, was one upon whose shoul- way, moving our country forward dur- with him considered it a tremendous ders we all stand. ing these turbulent times. The lessons honor to call him colleague. For those Before we had the incomparable JOHN we have learned from his example will of us who had the privilege to call him LEWIS and the inimitable MAXINE serve us well as we continue the good friend, that was a joy in our lives. WATERS in Congress, there was Ron fight for peace, justice, and humanity As Californians, though, we took spe- Dellums, who left us his distinct mark, toward all human beings. cial pride in Ron Dellums. One story not just on this august body, but the Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank Con- that I love about him, there are many, San Francisco Bay Area, the Nation, gressman JOHNSON for that very beau- but one that I love about him is—this and the world. tiful tribute. is a prince. You see how elegant he is, He left an indelible impression upon I know one of Ron’s greatest gifts dressed meticulously, so beautifully. me as a Congressman. was mentoring those who came after But one story that he told is that, The greatest legacy that he left us, him, and I know he certainly appre- the first time he went to Africa, a per- however, was his successor, Congress- ciated Mr. JOHNSON’s leadership on son who was proud of his skin color and woman BARBARA LEE, who carries on that Armed Services Committee and proud of the community he represented his legacy. talked a lot about the great work that and sprang from, but to be on a con- For 10 years, I was honored and privi- he was engaged in. tinent and visit countries where the leged to serve as a member of the Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentle- leaders of the country were African, to House Armed Services Committee. Ron woman from California (Ms. PELOSI), see people who shared his ethnicity Dellums’ portrait hanging in the com- our leader, who knew Ron very well, lead their countries and be respected, mittee room was a constant reminder even before Ron and NANCY served to- it was something he brought home to of the type of committee member who gether in Congress. I thank her so us with great emotion and great pride. I aspired to be. much for being here and for paying With great emotion and great pride, I ‘‘If being an advocate of peace, jus- tribute. am grateful that I had the opportunity tice, and humanity toward all human Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank to serve with him. beings is radical, then I am glad to be Ms. LEE for bringing us together for I know time is limited, so I will save called radical,’’ he once said. I will re- this Special Order to honor a very, some stories for Oakland on Sunday, peat that: ‘‘If being an advocate of very special person, Congressman, Mr. but I thank Ms. LEE again for not only peace, justice, and humanity toward all Mayor, Ron Dellums. bringing us together here, but for hon- human beings is radical, then I am glad She has worked with him, so she saw oring the legacy of Ron Dellums and to be called radical.’’ That is what Ron close up his commitment to values to his long career as a Member of Con- Dellums said. make the future better for everyone in gress, honoring the values they shared, He further stated, ‘‘And if it is rad- our country. making her own mark in the Congress, ical to oppose the use of 70 percent of She also participated in his collabo- and now keeper of the flame of Ron Federal moneys for destruction and ration, that when an issue arose or Dellums. war, then I am a radical.’’ even was anticipated, he engaged the Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank Lead- That quote, ladies and gentlemen, entire community in the discussion, in er PELOSI for those remarks. has stuck with me. It has guided me in the collaboration of what was best for Let me just say one thing to Ms. my public service. the community, not deigning to tell PELOSI in terms of Ron’s sensitivity Ron Dellums would never allow the them, but listening. He listened, and and an example of his humanness. He powers that be, or the corrosive forces we all listened. was so happy she reached out to him of Washington, D.C., to put him in a When Ron Dellums came to the floor, during his last few days on this Earth. box. He never allowed labels to define it was an occasion. Everything stopped, I was with him, and after he spoke with who he was. Rightwing critics called as we wanted to hear what he had to Ms. PELOSI, he had tears in his eyes. He him a Communist. But Ron shot back say, because we knew it would be sub- talked about how much he missed her and described himself as a ‘‘commie stantial. But we also knew it would be and how much he loved her. He was so pinko, Afro-topped, bell-bottomed dude eloquent and, on occasion, humorous. grateful that she gave him that call, so from Berkeley.’’ He was a true Renais- He was an absolute star in the Con- I thank her very much. sance man. And he was cool before Con- gress of the United States, like no Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman gress knew what cool was, a bell-bot- other in the galaxy of stars here that from (Mr. CLAY). Congress- tomed cat from Berkeley. many of us have served with. He shined man LACY CLAY, of course, is the son of Who other than Ron Dellums could so much brighter, and the world is a a great hero, Congressman Bill Clay, rise from the streets of Oakland to be- duller place for his leaving us. with whom Ron served. Also, he was so come a Congressman, a mayor, and one What is important about Ron are proud of LACY, because he knew Con- of the guiding forces behind a 14-year some of the things that our colleague gressman CLAY as a teenager. He may campaign against apartheid in South Mr. JOHNSON referenced about apart- want to share some of his stories about Africa that helped bring down that rac- heid in Africa, how important he was that period of time also. ist regime? Who else but Ron Dellums in that fight, and how effective he was Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ms. could help form the Congressional as a leader in that fight. LEE for teeing that up, our good friend Black Caucus, and from his seat and When he assumed the chairmanship Congresswoman BARBARA LEE who suc- chairmanship on the powerful House of the Armed Services Committee, a ceeded my friend Ron Dellums. Ron Armed Services Committee propose progressive from Berkeley, he under- was a giant, and I truly admired him.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:47 Sep 07, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06SE7.072 H06SEPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7906 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 6, 2018 Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight in hon- Mr. Speaker, Ron’s family hailed life, and thank you for sharing him ored memory of a great American who from . Congresswoman JACKSON with us. served with distinction in this House LEE was a friend of Congressman Del- I must start with the story that I for 27 years, the late gentleman from lums. She currently serves on the Judi- heard, which was of the appointment of California, former Congressman Ron ciary Committee, Homeland Security Ron Dellums and Pat Schroeder to, I Dellums. Committee, and the Budget Com- believe, the Armed Services Com- Like my father, former Congressman mittee. Also, Ron was very proud of mittee, as the committee was convened Bill Clay, Congressman Dellums will SHEILA, and he loved hearing the gen- then by individuals who held them- forever be revered as one of the found- tlewoman speak and listening to her selves high and mighty, including the ing members of the Congressional insights about criminal justice reform chairman. There was only one chair, Black Caucus, and he was also a found- in our judiciary. and that chair had to be shared by the ing member of the Congressional Pro- So I thank the gentlewoman again first woman and the first African gressive Caucus. for being here tonight. American to be on that committee. Ron was a legendary figure. What- Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentle- Yes. Can you imagine? They were ever task he took on, he excelled in it. woman from the great State of Texas told to sit in one chair. I first met Congressman Dellums when (Ms. JACKSON LEE). But I am grateful that through that I was a very young man in college and Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I struggle—power in his birth in 1935; I was assigned to this Chamber as an am honored to stand here with our power to his parents, Verney and Willa assistant door keeper. My door was good friend just leaving the podium, Dellums, and all of his relatives; and, what is known as the west door, and I the Honorable LACY CLAY. as well, power in what he did in life— had to know Ron. It is good to see the kind of family his engagement and his passionate I remember two instances where one attitude that we are all expressing. commitment were traits of the Del- time Ron Dellums portrayed the iconic Each person has gone to hug the Hon- lums family. figure of Frederick Douglass in a play, orable BARBARA LEE because she is the His father was a longshoreman. and I was so impressed with that. closest to Congressman Ron Dellums, There lays the foundation for his love He was also a member of the congres- and we want his family to know of the of labor. I understand Cottrell Lau- sional baseball team and played first intensity of our love and respect. rence Dellums helped Asa Philip Ran- base. Congressman LACY opened up the dolph organize the Brotherhood of Whatever he did, he did it well. gate for me and the door for me be- Sleeping Car Porters, of which my Our families became close, and when cause I think Congressman Ron Del- grandfather was a member. I came back to this body as a Member, lums understood, as Frederick Doug- He graduated from high school. He our professional relationship contin- lass did, that, where there is no strug- enlisted in the Marine Corps during the ued. When I first met him, I was imme- gle, there is no power. Without strug- , but he also came back to his diately impressed, not just with his gle, there is no power. For all that he community and used the GI Bill. He de- powerful intellect, but with his fearless stood for, even in his early years, he veloped a pathway for education, an as- advocacy to end the war in Vietnam, had no fear of struggle. sociate of arts degree out of Oakland protect the right to vote, speak truth So I stand today on the floor of the City College, then on to get a bachelor to power in defense of our most vulner- House to be able to pay tribute to our of science degree from San Francisco able citizens, and his unyielding de- friend and, might I say, our brother, to State. What I want most of all to say is mand that America must be a beacon be able to thank the gentlewoman from that he then carved his pathway. for human rights around the world. California for her wisdom in allowing And BARBARA LEE continues to re- During his first run for Congress in us to share this time with him. I thank mind us that she is a social worker. 1970, former Vice President Spiro the gentlewoman so very much for giv- Well, Ron Dellums got his MSW from Agnew branded Ron Dellums as a ‘‘dan- ing us this beautiful portrait for us to the University of California at Berke- gerous radical’’ for his vigorous opposi- stand next to and for America to be re- ley in 1962. tion to the . In response to introduced to the Honorable Ron Del- Yes, this manly man, this man of that, Ron Dellums said, ‘‘If it’s radical lums. men, was a social worker who under- to oppose the insanity and cruelty of Ron Dellums was a Member of Con- stood the needs of people who were vul- the Vietnam war; if it’s radical to op- gress, former bay area Congressman nerable, a psychiatric social worker pose racism and sexism and all other and Oakland mayor, first African where he worked in the department of forms of oppression; if it’s radical to American elected to Congress from mental health and mental hygiene and want to alleviate poverty, hunger, dis- , tireless champion taught at San Francisco State. ease, homelessness, and other forms of of racial and social justice, Marine Interestingly enough, he became a human misery, then I’m proud to be Corps veteran and peace warrior, and council member, of which I was one as called a radical.’’ Congressional Black Caucus and Con- well, at a young age, served only for a gressional Progressive Caucus co- short time. And then, in his thirties, he b 1715 founder. That is a long litany of bril- went to the and Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand on liance, but, as well, a pioneer—leg- never looked back. He never lost. He the shoulders of Ronald Dellums as we endary, brilliant—and a dynamic ran against an incumbent as an continue the unfinished struggle to former chairman of the House Armed antiwar, anti-Vietnam candidate, and make America live up to all that we Services Committee. And the fact that he won overwhelmingly. promise as a great nation, and I hope he represented constituents so ably. Again, there is no power without all Members will join me as we send I am glad, as I came here as a newbie, struggle. That was not a friendly place our deepest condolences to the family as a new Member of the United States to be, against the war. It was well and give thanks for his courageous Congress, wasn’t I fortunate to get the known to follow you throughout your leadership. last years of service of the Honorable career. It was viewed as unpatriotic, Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank Con- Ron Dellums? I saw him as the lead maybe even as NFL players today are gressman CLAY for some of the stories Democrat on the Armed Services Com- viewed as they take a knee for issues he shared that many of us as a former mittee, just missed his service as a that they believe in. staffer remember. chair of the Armed Services Com- But Ron Dellums was a dignified pa- Yes, I remember Ron playing the role mittee. triot. He loved his country. He loved of Frederick Douglass, and it was unbe- I listened to Leader PELOSI, and she his flag. And he came to this Congress lievable because it didn’t take much will be able to tell her stories going with a love of the institution as he for the transformation. Sometimes we forward as they celebrate in Oakland. served on so many committees, For- would say: Who is this, Ron or Fred- Might I pay tribute to his family mem- eign Affairs. erick? bers who will celebrate in Oakland. I remember the Post Office Com- So I thank the gentleman for remind- Let me say to the family members, mittee because was on ing us of that tonight. my deepest sympathy, but joy for his the Post Office Committee, and they

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:09 Sep 07, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06SE7.073 H06SEPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 6, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7907 served together. They became good him so very much for serving his na- certain that I was treated fairly and friends. It is important to acknowledge tion and showing us what patriotism is, empowered me to manage his office. them together as good friends. what the flag really means. It is the Ron had remarkable female role I met Ron, maybe for the first time, opportunity to protest, petition, and to models, including his mother, Mrs. as an unelected official when Mickey speak to your government, and also to Willa Dellums. She was a major influ- brought the Congressional Black Cau- protest to make your government a ence on Ron and taught him to be cus to Houston, Texas. It was a day we better place. proud that he was an American of Afri- will never forget. It was a day of hap- This is a great, great nation. Ron can descent. She taught him that his pening. It was a day of celebration. We Dellums understood that. Marine Corps culture and his heritage was an impor- couldn’t believe it. The Congressional Ron Dellums understood that. Social tant part of who he was as a human Black Caucus was coming to Houston, worker Ron Dellums understood that. being and as an elected official. Texas, to the Shamrock Hotel that Husband, father, and relative under- Ron was really the big brother that I used to be a segregated hotel, and all of stood that. And, of course, United never had. He gave me personal advice us came to pay homage, tribute, and States Congressperson Ron Dellums and support as a single mom raising honor to these Congresspersons who understood that. two boys here in Washington, D.C. He had come to celebrate. But never would he yield his values, loved children. He was of grand stature, being a his heart, his passion, and his sense of When my son, Craig, graduated from member of the Permanent Select Com- justice just because he had a title. He Brent Elementary School around the mittee on Intelligence, and then, of believed that America’s greatness was corner from the Capitol, he asked Ron course, going on to be a founder of the one based upon her people’s willingness to be his graduation speaker. Mind Congressional Black Caucus. I stand to challenge her and to make her the you, this was, I believe, in the sixth here as the chair of the Congressional very best that she can be. grade. Black Caucus Foundation to express My heart goes out to his family and Ron left , spoke at the grad- my deepest appreciation for that serv- I continue to mourn, but I celebrate his uation, took pictures, and talked to ice. life with joy. the children afterwards. Mind you, In the Progressive Caucus, Ron Del- Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank Con- these were young children. They didn’t lums again became a soldier on the gresswoman JACKSON LEE for remind- have political clout and they couldn’t battlefield for so many issues, in par- ing us what a visionary and a leader vote, but Ron didn’t mind. He did this ticular, ending and breaking the shack- Ron was. out of the goodness of his heart be- les of apartheid in South Africa. Mr. Speaker, I remember when we cause he loved children and cared Remember, when I started out, there came to Houston, Texas, Ron was de- about their future. is no power without struggle. He par- termined to put together a coalition When Ron retired, I announced my ticipated in that struggle, and I re- between and candidacy for his seat. He introduced member that fight, that magnificent Latinos to look at our common issues. me at my campaign kickoff, and he lit- day when he brought forward this bill He and Mickey Leland were very close, erally passed a blue baton to me at in 1986 to overturn Reagan’s , the and he worked very closely with the that kickoff, which I will cherish for- Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of Latino community to really put to- ever. But that baton reminds me of his 1986. He had a congressional override gether the agenda that spoke to both of impact on the world both in the poli- where the President of the United our communities. So I thank the gen- cies that he championed and in all of States was vetoing the sanctions that tlewoman very much for being here and those he inspired to follow in his foot- Congress was attempting to put for- reminding us of that. steps. ward. That was a legacy, or that was He was a coalition builder. I called b 1730 the pathway, the struggle, that helped him the father of coalition politics, to propel the end of apartheid, the vi- and the gentlewoman laid that out to- Ron didn’t serve in public office for cious cycle of apartheid in South Afri- night. the glory. He served to make life better ca. Mr. Speaker, how much time do I for other people. He used to tell his He continued to champion Africa have remaining? staff: ‘‘Don’t measure decisions by even after he retired. He continued to The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. HIG- what is politically expedient. Just ask mentor and to stay around to give us GINS of Louisiana). The gentlewoman yourself: Is this the right thing to do? inspiration, to tell us that we could do from California has 6 minutes remain- And if it is, then go ahead and do it. it, that we could be strong. ing. You don’t need to ask me about that.’’ Of course, how I remember when this Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, we have heard In his final weeks on this Earth, I Congresswoman, the Honorable BAR- quite a bit tonight of the life and leg- had the privilege to visit Ron several BARA LEE, came and touched all of us acy of a great human being and a great times. I spent my birthday, July 16, and came with that inspiration and warrior for peace and justice, Congress- with him in the evening. He was in rare that idea and vision that Ron Dellums man Ron Dellums. Let me highlight a form, telling stories, toasting our had about ending the horrors of HIV/ couple of stories that weren’t high- friendship, and singing happy birthday AIDS in Africa, the whole idea of lighted tonight that I would like to to me. Yet he was frail, in pain, but all PEPFAR, the whole idea of the Millen- share. along he demonstrated a sense of hope nium Fund. All of these were visionary First of all, Ron really worked in a and courage, even as he knew he would ideas that came about for him to help bipartisan fashion on many, many meet his Maker soon. save lives. issues. I remember that Ron and As Ron lived with dignity and re- So as I said, in my early years, he re- former Speaker Newt Gingrich were spect, doing it all ‘‘his way,’’ he left tired in 1998, but he then continued on talking about collaborating on a book this Earth exhibiting courage and a to be the man that he is, being the together. This was really a time of true sense of peace, reminding me of the mayor of Oakland, and being a striking bipartisanship. Scripture 2 Timothy 4:7, ‘‘I have fought mayor, a truth-telling mayor, some- Also, Ron called himself a feminist, the good fight, I have finished the race, body who was loved and beloved by all and he believed in equality for women. and I have kept the faith.’’ those whom he had the privilege of This just wasn’t lip service. He fol- There is no more fitting way to serving. lowed his convictions in his hiring honor the memory of Congressman Del- Then, of course, to his family, he was practices. Ron hired women and women lums than for us to lift his legacy in that giant, that husband, that father of color in the early 1970s and took the spirit of respect for different points and brother and just someone whom pride in employing a diverse staff. of views, sticking to one’s values and they could look up to. When I worked for Ron in the seven- principles, and fighting to make this a So I thank the gentlewoman for orga- ties, I was one of a very few African better world for all. nizing this Special Order, and I thank Americans and only a couple African It is an honor of a lifetime to carry this giant of a man in stature but, as American women in key senior staff the baton which Ron passed on to me well, in purpose and in heart. I thank positions on Capitol Hill, but he made in our shared fight for justice, peace,

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With a celebrate the life and mourn the loss of one of the most outspoken opponents of the political career of over forty years, he was de- my friend, my former boss, the great Vietnam War. In Congress, he led an effort to termined to help those around him and pro- Congressman Ronald Dellums. educate the American public of war crimes vide hope for his community. As a former Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance that were committed during the Vietnam War. member of the Berkeley City Council, United of my time. In 1993, he also made history as the first Afri- States House of Representatives, and mayor Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank can American Chair of the House Armed Serv- of Oakland, Dellums always inspired to pave my friend Rep. Lee and my other colleagues ices Committee. the way for the next generation to be advo- tonight who have gathered to pay tribute to However, one of Ron Dellum’s greatest cates and a voice. our former colleague Rep. Ron Dellums, who achievements is one that is also dear to my During his 14 years in the U.S. House of passed away on July 30. I rise to join them in heart: ending apartheid in South Africa. As a Representatives he became the first African remembering Ron, who was my friend and member of the California State Assembly and American to chair the Armed Services Com- with whom I served in this House for many a national board member of TransAfrica, I had mittee. Dellums used this platform not for his years. the privilege of working with Ron Dellums to own benefit, but to create an agenda to en- Ron Dellums’s entire career was spent in pass legislation at the state and federal level sure civil rights and programs for people service—to his community, his city, and his that forced the United States to divest from ahead of weapons systems and warfare. He country. As a U.S. Marine, he proudly wore the apartheid regime in South Africa. was also the antiwar activist to hold that post. the uniform of our nation at a time when the While I authored, and fought to enact Cali- As a Congresswoman who proudly stands in peace of the world was threatened by cold fornia Assembly Bill 134, which passed in Au- the gap for my constituents, I always admired war. As a city councilman in Berkeley, he gust 1986 and made California the first state how Congressman Dellums fought hard and drew on his family history of labor activism to to divest its $12 billion in state pension funds served his constituents with distinction and fight for better conditions for working families. tied to the apartheid regime in South Africa, treated his colleagues with the utmost respect. As a Congressman, he led the fight for sanc- Ron Dellums was simultaneously championing He was determined to share his light with the tions against apartheid South Africa and similar legislation in the U.S. Congress. His world. chaired the Armed Services Committee as our historic bill, the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid As a dedicated leader in human rights and military challenges were changing from a Cold Act of 1986, gained enough support to not civil rights in America and around the world, War to a post-Cold War environment. He was only pass in both chambers of Congress, but Congressman Dellums worked tirelessly to a founder of the Congressional Black Caucus, to also override President ’s pass anti-apartheid legislation against South which today is the conscience of the Con- veto in 1986. Africa. After a 14-year campaign against gress. Later, as Mayor of Oakland, Ron Though he retired from Congress after 27 apartheid in South Africa, he wrote the 1986 worked hard to make neighborhoods safer, im- years of service, Ron Dellums maintained his legislation that mandated trade embargoes prove local schools, and bring new infrastruc- dedication to his community and was elected and divestment by American companies and ture funding to the city. mayor of his hometown, Oakland, California, citizens of holdings in South Africa. Ron fought with tenacity for the causes he in 2007. Congressman Dellums was not only a lead- believed in. One of those was human rights The incomparable Ron Dellums—a pas- er; he was a person of incredible intellect who and the equal dignity of all people. When a sionate drum major for peace, inspiring com- possessed the ability to build alliances with presidential veto threatened to block his anti- munity leader, effective politician, and lifelong people and groups from diverse backgrounds apartheid legislation, he rallied support to public servant—left an indelible mark on the and varying interests. He was a co-founder of override it. As Chairman of the Armed Serv- City of Oakland and in the hearts of so many the Congressional Black Caucus, which he ices Committee, he earned the respect of his people across this country who also love him. chaired from 1989–1991, and a co-founder of Committee colleagues and military leaders, Though our hearts are heavy, I join the the Congressional Progressive Caucus in and he worked diligently to transition our mili- Congressional Black Caucus and the entire 1991. After retiring from Congress he re- tary to meet the threats of the twenty-first cen- U.S. Congress in celebrating his service to our mained involved and determined to be a light tury. It came as no surprise to those of us who nation. for his people. He worked in the private sector served with him that when he retired in 1998, Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise on global aids, healthcare and transportation. praise for his service and leadership came today to pay tribute to a man who I was hon- He returned then to his native Oakland, in from both sides of the aisle. ored to call a mentor, colleague, and dear 2006, and was elected Mayor, serving one I was deeply saddened to learn of Ron’s friend, former Representative Ron Dellums. term and retiring from elective office in 2011. passing. Our nation lost a faithful public serv- Ron was an extraordinary man who wore I ask my colleagues to join me in paying ant and a champion for working families and many hats. He was a determined public serv- tribute to Congressman Dellums for his out- those working hard to make it in America. I ant who was dedicated to improving the condi- standing and dedicated service. mourn with the people of California and my tions of humankind. He was also a marine, a f colleagues in this House who served with social worker, a titan for civil rights here and TERM LIMITS Ron. I mourn with his wife Cynthia and the across the world, a chairman of the House Dellums family. I mourn the loss of a man who Armed Services Committee, and a founding The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under gave service his all and contributed so much member and past chair of the Congressional the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- to the nation he loved and this institution he Black Caucus. Representative Dellums was a uary 3, 2017, the gentleman from Texas so faithfully served. true advocate for fairness, human rights, and (Mr. ARRINGTON) is recognized for 60 Ms. of California. I would justice. minutes as the designee of the major- like to thank Congresswoman BARBARA LEE Congressman Ron Dellums was an icon. I ity leader. and Congressman JAMIE RASKIN for organizing served with him early during my career in GENERAL LEAVE a Special Order Hour to honor the memory of Congress. He demonstrated courage, compas- Mr. ARRINGTON. Mr. Speaker, I ask our dear friend and former colleague, Con- sion, fairness, character, and dignity as a unanimous consent that all Members gressman Ron Dellums. Member of Congress and as a man. He was may have 5 legislative days in which to Ron Dellums was an unabashed, progres- a great role model for people of conscience to revise and extend their remarks and in- sive icon, and a strong and outspoken advo- emulate. I will be forever grateful for his wise clude extraneous materials on the cate for his constituents, veterans, people of counsel, friendship, and his legacy of service topic of this Special Order. color, and other vulnerable communities dur- to humankind. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ing his 13-term tenure in the U.S. Congress. Ms. of Texas. objection to the request of the gen- Understanding the unique problems facing Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and to tleman from Texas? the African American community, Ron Dellums honor the legacy of my dear colleague, the There was no objection. joined with 12 fellow civil rights giants, includ- Honorable Ronald V. Dellums. Although it sad- Mr. ARRINGTON. Mr. Speaker, ing , Bill Clay, Sr., and Shirley dens my heart to see that we have lost an- George Mason, the patriot, said:

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