On the recordSeptember 6, 2018
I look forward to having the opportunity to speak about former Congressman Ron Dellums at a lengthier time, but I wanted to stand and pay tribute to him at this time, and to indicate what an important experience it was to serve with him for the short period of time that I had to do so. One of my predecessors, the Honorable Mickey Leland, who died in Ethiopia some many years ago trying to serve those who were starving, had a strong bond and friendship with Congressman Ron Dellums, and it was clear, when I came to the United States Congress, why. Both men had a deep and abiding passion and conscience for what is right. And even as Mr. Dellums ascended to the chairmanship or leadership of the Armed Services Committee, he was always committed and dedicated to his values, and that was peace, and reconciliation, and the idea that it was important to invest in people, as opposed to investing in enormous, large budgets for the defense. We thank him for his work on HIV/AIDS but, more importantly, on his counseling and mentoring, and we are grateful to his family for sharing him with America. ____________________
