Benjamin Gilman: “it is a sad responsibility to rise to join with my colleagues in paying tribute to an outstanding public servant who has…”

“it is a sad responsibility to rise to join with my colleagues in paying tribute to an outstanding public servant who has been lost to us all too prematurely and in support of House Resolution 406. Secretary of Commerce, Ron Brown, throughout his many years of public service--and let there be no mistake that he did indeed contribute many years of public service--was well known for his outstanding personality, his determined professionalism, and perhaps, most importantly of all, his charming sense of humor which won him the admiration of political allies and adversaries alike. Ron Brown, before entering the public limelight, was well known as political mover and shaker behind the scenes here on Capitol Hill. While serving on the staff of Senator Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts, he learned the importance of compassion in legislation, the importance of compromise, and the importance of consensus. As Secretary of Commerce, Ron Brown was an inspiration to us all. He genuinely cared about the business community of this Nation, and understood that a strong economy is the cornerstone of national strength. It was in pursuit of expanding trade opportunities in that part of the world which used to be called Yugoslavia that Ron gave his life. The tragic and untimely death of Ron Brown is a reminder that those who devote their lives to public service are in just as much jeopardy as are those who volunteer for the battlefield.”