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 IN MEMORY OF FORMER CONGRESSMAN HENRY B. GONZALEZ” mentioning the Federal Reserve System was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E2153 on Dec. 7, 2000.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE IN MEMORY OF FORMER CONGRESSMAN HENRY B. GONZALEZ
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speech of
HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH
of ohio
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, December 5, 2000
Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a remarkable man and true American patriot, former Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez. He passed away on November 28, 2000 at the age of 84, after 37 years of dedicated service in the House of Representatives.
``Henry B,'' as his friends affectionately called him, was first elected to Congress in 1961, becoming the first person of Mexican-
American heritage to represent Texas in the House. A well-known champion of the poor and the downtrodden, Henry B. fiercely defended his principles and was unafraid to stand up against the powerful from the moment he was sworn into office. To this day, his constituents in San Antonio and thousands of people across the country continue to reap the benefits of this courageous fight for safe and affordable housing.
An unabashed pioneer for populism, Henry B. was perhaps best known for his prominent position on the Banking Committee, and its Chairman for three terms. He used his leadership role on the committee to help repair the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., monitor the activities of the Federal Reserve System and pass numerous pieces of legislation aimed at cleaning up the savings and loan scandal.
Henry B. began his legendary political career shortly after his admirable service in World War II, when he was elected to the San Antonio City Council. In 1957, he reached the Texas Senate where he made a name for himself with a 22-hour filibuster to block legislation that would have reinforced school segregation policies. Henry B.'s reputation as a staunch defender of civil rights stayed with him throughout his career in the House, spanning nearly four decades.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my fellow colleagues to join me today in remembering the Honorable Henry B. Gonzalez. Henry B. truly set a standard by which all Members of Congress can be measured, and he will be sorely missed by everyone in this body who had the pleasure of working with him. His honor, his vision, and his passion for equality will live forever in the hearts of all those whom he touched. I would also like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt condolences to Representative Charlie Gonzalez and his family during this extremely difficult time.
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