Henry Waxman: “February 6, 1998 will mark the retirement from the House of Representatives of one of the most respected Members of…”

“February 6, 1998 will mark the retirement from the House of Representatives of one of the most respected Members of Congress, our friend and colleague Ron Dellums. Ron was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1970, a tumultuous time in our nation's history when we were being pulled apart by the War in Vietnam. Since that time he has been a tireless and impassioned critic of war's human toll. He has never wavered in his belief that the strength of our nation rests in the care with which we invest in our people and their communities and not in the accumulation of weapons. As a champion of the Congressional Black Caucus' alternative budget, Ron expanded the terms of the debate on the federal budget to include the kitchen-table interests of the American people--jobs, access to health care, affordable housing, and education. Ron has made an immeasurable contribution to the debate on our national priorities and his departure will leave a large void for us to fill. We are fortunate to have his tremendous legacy to serve as a guiding example of principled and committed public service. In his work on some of the most contentious issues before Congress, Ron has been eloquent and gracious, always acting out of principle and never out of personal or political gain. His liberal values have never weakened and he has been one of Congress' most distinguished spokespersons for the powerless in our society.”