Benjamin Gilman: “I am confident that Members on both sides of the aisle are going to miss Ron. We are going to miss his strong leadership…”

“I am confident that Members on both sides of the aisle are going to miss Ron. We are going to miss his strong leadership and his presence here in the Congress on so many important issues. He has served his constituents in the 9th District of California and all Americans well during his 27 years here in the Congress. The first African Member of the House Armed Services Committee, Ron soon became chairman during the 103rd Congress, where he stressed the basic principle of majority rule; and his colleagues on both sides of the aisle noted his evenhanded manner during committee meetings. Known more for his opposition to excessive military spending, Ron displayed a sense of fairness and integrity that not many of our Members possess. Being a leader for quality education, Ron has helped to aid Americans from all backgrounds, races and creeds. However, Ron Dellums stands in a class by himself. He is a true gentleman, the embodiment of integrity, fairness and compassion.”