Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of a native son of Baltimore, Maryland, Mr. Reginald F. Lewis. Let me also acknowledge the presence of many of the Lewis family members in the gallery, including his mother, Carolyn; widow, Loida; daughter, Leslie; and brother, Anthony. From November 30 to December 1, 1987, 30 years ago, Mr. Lewis negotiated the $985 million leveraged buyout of Beatrice International Foods. At the time, it was the largest leveraged buyout of an American company's overseas assets, and it led to the creation of what the New York Times identified in 1993 as the largest corporation in the United States led by an African American. Mr. Lewis' accomplishments changed the face of American business forever and opened new doors of opportunity on Wall Street. His substantial philanthropic gifts have also continued to benefit Baltimore and, indeed, the Nation. They help young Americans of color to dream bigger, and in Lewis' own words, to ``keep on going, no matter what.'' I invite everyone to join me in celebrating and honoring Reginald Lewis' memory and extraordinary accomplishments. ____________________”