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“TRIBUTE TO SENATOR DANIEL PATRICK MOYNIHAN” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Labor was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1587 on Sept. 25, 2000.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO SENATOR DANIEL PATRICK MOYNIHAN
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speech of
HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ
of new york
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, September 19, 2000
Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to the great senior Senator from New York, Daniel Patrick Moynihan. Although words can not do justice to his many contributions over his decades of public service, I wish to offer my thanks for everything he has done on behalf of the people of New York State and the entire nation.
Senator Moynihan gave truth to the cliche of being a gentleman and a scholar. After receiving his bachelor's degree (cum laude) from Tufts University, he studied as a Fulbright Scholar at the London School of Economics. He then returned to the states and completed his studies at Tufts University's Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, where he received his M.A. and Ph.D. Before coming to the Senate, he served as a valued member of four consecutive administrations, starting with the Kennedy Administration and serving through the Johnson, Nixon, and Ford Administrations, holding various positions within the Department of Labor. His lifelong dedication to public service was only enhanced by his time in the private sector when he was a Professor of Government at Harvard University in the mid sixties. He served the Nixon and Ford Administrations as U.S. Ambassador to India from 1973 to 1975 and U.S. Representative to the United Nations from 1975 to 1976.
Born and raised in New York City, Senator Moynihan decided to pursue elected office. Upon leaving his position at the United Nations, he was elected U.S. Senator from New York in 1976. His many accomplishments in that office have been well documented. He has served as a strong advocate for welfare reform by promoting the creation of opportunities to increase self-sufficiency, while also maintaining a strong safety net. He has fought to preserve social security and modernize our nation's transportation system, just to name a few.
However, a listing of his legislative accomplishments can not do justice to many of the crucial and intangible qualities he brought to the Congress. Throughout his career, Senator Moynihan's high ideals and great dignity have served as an exemplary model for his colleagues, constituents, neighbors and friends. In a time of increasing partisanship, his wisdom is recognized and sought across party lines. He stands firm for what is right, despite the ever changing political winds. His graciousness and his steadfast reliance on his principals have been an inspiration to all of us who are lucky enough to know him.
New York State, and the entire nation, are better because of his public service. He will be greatly missed, but I hope that he will continue to serve as a voice for the people of the country and a conscience for those of us who represent them.
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