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.
“TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSMAN CHARLES S. JOELSON” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E241 on March 8, 2000.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSMAN CHARLES S. JOELSON
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HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.
of new jersey
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, March 8, 2000
Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the deeds of a distinguished gentleman and the former Representative from my district, Charles S. Joelson of Paterson, New Jersey. It is only fitting that we recognize him, for he epitomizes caring and generosity of spirit.
Charles Joelson was a man of diverse talents. In his early years he demonstrated scholarship. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelors of Arts degree from Cornell University in 1937. Later, he graduated from Cornell Law School in 1939.
Charles had always been an active and involved leader. He was an Ensign in Naval Intelligence during World War II. Furthering his belief in civic participation, Chuck mastered the Japanese language. The time spent in the Navy instilled in Charles the attributes necessary for him to become a stellar force in the community. It was the small steps in the beginning of his career that taught him the fundamentals that would make him a role model to the people that he served.
Known for a questioning mind and an ability to get things done, Chuck Joelson returned to law and politics after the war. First he served on the Paterson City Council. Then he became Deputy Attorney General of New Jersey. During the fifties he specialized in criminal law, and became a Prosecutor in Passaic County. Eventually, he became the Director of Criminal Investigation in the State Department of Law and Public Safety in Trenton. In 1960, Chuck led a successful campaign to become the United States Congressman for New Jersey's Eighth District.
His Congressional tenure lasted for nine years. During his final term, he decided to leave Washington, so he asked Governor Hughes to appoint him to the Superior Court. The Governor quickly appointed him, and Charles spent fifteen years on the bench. He held a judicial position in the Chancery Division, as an assignment Judge in Passaic County. He then served his final years as a justice on the Appellate Division in Hackensack, New Jersey, where he demonstrated his writing skills before retiring in 1984.
As the inheritor of the Joelson family legacy, Charles followed his father and Uncle into public service. His father, Judge Harry Joelson, was an advocate for the working people. His Uncle, Dr. Samuel Joelson, exemplified generosity and the love of humanity.
Chuck continually touched the lives of the people around him. He championed needs in education, civil rights and legislation in the workplace. One of the five term Congressmen's greatest achievements was a 1969 piece of legislation that saved thousands of school libraries. His legislation appropriated $1 billion for public school libraries, remedial programs and guidance counseling.
Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, Chuck's family, friends and the State of New Jersey in recognizing the outstanding and invaluable service to the community of Charles S. Joelson.
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