Eva M. Clayton: “Mr. Speaker, next year this Congress will be without the wit, the wisdom, insight, genius of one who has become a…”

“Mr. Speaker, next year this Congress will be without the wit, the wisdom, insight, genius of one who has become a fixture and a fact of life. That loss is irreplaceable. In the next Congress, we will be without my friend, our colleague, Congressman William ``Bill'' Clay. Throughout his career, Bill has been a trailblazer, a pathfinder, a pacesetter, an innovator, a leader. Whether leading the fight to raise wages to a fair level, pushing through historical funding for college grants for disadvantaged students, taking on the fight to reduce class sizes, finding a way for federal employees to enjoy greater participation in the political process, initiating efforts to require employers to afford time for families, or reforming pension laws, Bill has stood firmly with workers, children, students, families and senior citizens. He has been both the first and the last line of defense for the voiceless and voteless. More than a legislator, however, Bill is a noted author, a walking history book, a student, a teacher of science, a policymaker. But more than anything else, Mr. Speaker, he cares. He is passionate when he speaks, because he is compassionate in his heart. This son of the Midwest has lived his life in sacrifice that millions could live their lives in pride.”