William L. Clay: “Congressman Ron Dellums has been one of the most effective and dynamic Members to serve in this Congress during the 27…”

“Congressman Ron Dellums has been one of the most effective and dynamic Members to serve in this Congress during the 27 years that he has been a Member. I was here when the young fellow came 27 years ago, so I know what he has meant to this body. He has been an inspiration both to his constituents and to his colleagues in his tremendous dedication to this body and to the people of the Ninth District of California. He has elevated both to new heights. Ron Dellums came to Congress as a young firebrand to champion causes deemed unpopular by those who opposed social justice and racial equality. He was an early leader in the battle for civil and human rights at home and abroad, a committed advocate for the homeless, the downtrodden and the dispossessed. Dellums was an outspoken supporter of protecting the environment before much of our Nation even recognized the need for better environmental protection laws. He has been an eloquent and distinguished voice on behalf of millions of neglected men and women in developing nations around the world. In 1970, Dellums came to Congress as an anti-Vietnam War peacenik with a vision of a better future for our Nation.”