Edolphus Towns: “Mr. Speaker, on a personal level, I want to pay special tribute to Mr. Mfume's contributions to the Congressional Black…”

“Mr. Speaker, on a personal level, I want to pay special tribute to Mr. Mfume's contributions to the Congressional Black Caucus. As chairman for 2 years, he energized our membership and inspired our organization to attain new and unprecedented heights. In closing, not only do I applaud you, Mr. Mfume, for your outstanding political achievements, but I also thank you for your profound contributions in preserving equal rights for all citizens. You have truly emerged as a national leader and one of the most respected voices in the ongoing human rights struggle. Thank you. I am very pleased today to pay tribute to my distinguished colleague, the Honorable Kweisi Mfume. Mr. Mfume, I first want to congratulate you on your outstanding political career. As we know, Mr. Mfume was elected to Congress 9 years ago to represent the interests of Maryland's Seventh District. And, while he has represented the interests of his constituents with unquestionable excellence, Mr. Mfume's influence extends far beyond the boundaries of Maryland. Indeed, all of here in Congress and across these United States have benefited from Mr. Mfume's exceptional leadership.”