Research has found that the progression of the disease can be slowed if diagnosed and managed early.

Knowledge is power.

Judge was tough, tenacious and a skilled labor negotiator who could stand like a rock and not be moved.

He lived among and worked with people in low-income communities which at one time was characterized by the Chicago Tribune as home for the permanent underclass.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a friend, a colleague and a tremendous public interest human being, Judge Charles Watkins, Jr., who recently passed away.

He would not be moved, he would not be compromised and he shall not be forgotten.

Judge had a strong work ethic and worked two and sometimes three jobs for practically all of his adult life.

He enjoyed the simple things of life, church with his family, backyard barbeques, trips back to Arkansas and Louisiana, family re-unions, poker games with the boys, interacting with his peers and students, attending community meetings or just sitting at home with his family.

Notwithstanding all of his professional accomplishments, Judge was most known for his involvement in public activity and his willingness to reach out and help others.

Judge was much too young to die, and yet he did probably because like many other men and especially African American men, did not adequately look after his health.

I strongly support H.R. 525, the Defense of the Environments Act.