The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“IN RECOGNITION OF THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. GENE MORGAN” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E985 on Oct. 23, 2020.
The Department is one of the oldest in the US, focused primarily on law enforcement and the federal prison system. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, detailed wasteful expenses such as $16 muffins at conferences and board meetings.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN RECOGNITION OF THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. GENE MORGAN
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HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER
of missouri
in the house of representatives
Friday, October 23, 2020
Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today on behalf of Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, the Kansas City community, and the Jackson County Democratic Committee. I rise today to honor the memory of Mr. Gene Morgan, a lifelong Kansas Citian whose dedication to serving others will have an enduring impact throughout our community.
Scripture says, in 2 Corinthians 9:7, that each of us ``must give as he has decided in his heart, for God loves a cheerful giver.'' There is no doubt Gene was a cheerful giver of his time, energy, and intellect. Gene made it a lifelong goal to work on achieving criminal justice reform in Kansas City. After seeing how substance abuse impacted children in the juvenile court system, he was elected President of the Kansas City Community Center. Fueled by his unwavering belief that people could change for the better and improve their lives when given the opportunity, Gene promoted drug rehabilitation and treatment services throughout his tenure. As an Adjunct Professor in the Criminal Justice Department at the Metropolitan Community College, he mentored the next generation of advocates and prepared them to engage our community in discussions on crime prevention and justice reform. As a member of the Jackson County Community Backed Anti-Crime Tax (COMBAT) Commission, he worked tirelessly to ensure Kansas City residents could live free from the dangers of illegal drugs and violent crime through the use of prevention, education and treatment services. And as the Parliamentarian and Ward 4 Committeeman for the Jackson County Democratic Committee, he whole-heartedly supported candidates and elected officials dedicated to reforming a system that incarcerates too many and rehabilitates too few--costing us too much money and too many lives.
Public service has long been a family affair for Gene and his wife, Judy, who currently serves as the State Representative for the 24th district in Jackson County. During fifty years of fruitful and devoted marriage, Gene cheered Judy on as she taught and counseled students in the Kansas City Public School District. When Judy decided the best way to continue serving others was through elected office, Gene served as her campaign manager and treasurer, always by her side lending his steadfast support.
While he was an active participant in politics, attending countless community events and helping elect candidates across our city and state, Gene never lost sight of the central reason he decided to dedicate his life to public service. It was the same reason--the same motivational force--that drove him out of bed every morning with the verve and optimism to find success in the face of adversity. That reason, as anyone who knew him will tell you, was his enduring love for the people he served. When working the room at a committee meeting or greeting guests at a fundraiser, he always took an extra moment with each person to ask them questions about their personal lives. He asked these questions not to pry or feign sincerity, but because his passion for service was fueled by an unwavering desire to empathize and help people rise above the adversity in their lives. If Gene heard you were struggling or facing a problem, he was the first to lend a helping hand and a shoulder to lean on. After learning of his death, countless friends, family, and colleagues came together to share anecdotes about how Gene had positively impacted their lives. A common thread, woven through each person's happy memory of Gene, was his presence in their lives as a ``true friend.'' This is a title earned through years of continuously looking out for others.
Back in May, Judy was on her way back from Jefferson City after honorably representing her constituents when she received the phone call that too many families are familiar with, especially during the on-going public health crisis. Gene was experiencing pain and on his way to the Emergency Room. Judy was able to visit with him for a brief period of time, before leaving pursuant to COVID-19 precautions. When informing supporters and friends of his condition, Judy explained that while she was physically unable to be with him, her ``thoughts [were] only with Gene.'' Judy spent the next five months as she had spent the previous fifty years--providing unconditional love and care for Gene. Sadly, his condition worsened until October 9th, when his brave battle with cancer came to an end. While we mourn Gene's death, we find solace knowing that in the waning months of a life well-lived he was never alone, as his beloved partner in life and in service was with him in person and spirit until his final moments.
Today, the thoughts of Kansas City, the Metropolitan Community College, and the Jackson County Democratic Committee are with Judy, their daughter Courtney, their son-in-law Robert, and their grandchildren Alex and Olivia, as they celebrate and remember the life and legacy of Gene Morgan. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Gene's legacy and offering heartfelt condolences to his family. In his passing, Gene leaves behind a family that is more cohesive because of his contribution, a city that is stronger because of his service, and a union that is more perfect because of his presence.
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