John W. Olver: “I will always be grateful to Joe Moakley for helping to define my role in Congress. Like everyone in our delegation, I…”

“I will always be grateful to Joe Moakley for helping to define my role in Congress. Like everyone in our delegation, I looked to him for guidance, and he reminded all of us to be true to our roots. Joe Moakley is gone, but he will never be forgotten. Joe Moakley chose to spend the last few months of his life fighting for the causes he believed in. He never yielded, and he never gave up. Joe served as an example and an inspiration both throughout both his long career and final days, particularly his final days, bringing determination and humor to every issue that he tackled. He leaves an impressive legacy. Whether Joe was working to increase funding for low-income home energy assistance or fighting to end the oppression in Latin America, the unifying threat of his service was that he stood up for those who were being overlooked. He cared for people who needed help the most. I am deeply saddened by his passing, but I feel lucky to have known him and served with him in this Congress. As long as there are Members of this body who fight for human rights around the globe and here at home for the rights of American workers and their families to live with dignity, Joe's spirit will be with us. The Nation will miss Joe Moakley. He will not be forgotten.”