Richard Gephardt: “Joe was a vital member of the Democratic Caucus and left a deep imprint on every Member who served with him in the House…”

“Joe was a vital member of the Democratic Caucus and left a deep imprint on every Member who served with him in the House of Representatives. He served with wonderful distinction on the House Rules Committee. He brought to his constituents the things that they wanted and that made a meaningful difference in their lives. But what truly set Joe apart was his humanity. Quite simply, he was one of the warmest human beings I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He always had a kind word, a sense of respect and sympathy for his constituents. He worked every day in his years in Congress fighting to bring the values of his hometown, in South Boston, to our corridors, and this floor. When a senior citizen had trouble getting her Social Security check, Joe was there. When a student had trouble obtaining a loan for college, Joe was there. People of every age, every race, every religion and ethnicity could come to Joe and talk with Joe and have his undivided attention because he cared deeply about them. Those values found expression in Joe's work abroad. During the 1980s, Joe traveled to El Salvador after the horrible murders of the six Jesuit priests and their housekeeper. Before this time, Joe used to joke that, "my idea of a foreign affair used to be driving over to East Boston for an Italian sub." But Joe heard about horrible human rights abuses in Central America and decided to do something about them. He pursued justice in El Salvador.”