On the recordSeptember 14, 2023
On behalf of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the many friends who hold him dear, we rise today to honor a beloved lifetime public servant, Governor Bill Richardson. I first want to acknowledge his wife, Barbara Richardson, a woman of incredible grace who is leading a State, a Nation, and a world in mourning the Governor today in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I thank Chairwoman Nanette Barragan for her leadership in organizing this moment of silence for our colleague, who like you, also served as chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. I say Governor and chair, but Bill had many other titles during his illustrious career: U.S. Congressman, House Deputy Majority Whip, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, U.S. Secretary of Energy, candidate for President, hostage negotiator, and professor. We are all humbled by his achievements, and most importantly, by the people he helped along the way. Guided by an unflinching sense of duty, service, and justice, Bill opened the door for countless people throughout his career. He opened the door of opportunity for Americans seeking a better future. He unlocked the jail cells of political prisoners imprisoned by the most dangerous dictators. He never hesitated to seek dialogue with those he knew had the power to release the powerless, and he opened the doors of service, inspiring Latino leaders working tirelessly to improve their communities.…
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