Pelosi Floor Remarks Honoring Former Congressman Don Edwards
"Thank you very much, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, the Chair of the House Democrats of California, for calling us together on this special order to honor a truly great man. I want to associate myself with the remarks that have gone before and to say to Sam Farr: thank you to you and to Shary for the love and affection and care that you gave not only to Don Edwards but to Edie Wilkie for such a long time. We all talked about how much we loved them. You were there for them all the time and we're completely and entirely in your debt. Thank you for the love that you gave them. And thank you, again, Zoe, the entire California delegation, for orchestrating this special order hour.
"Tonight, Mr. Speaker, we honor an august statesman who labored with dignity, led with integrity and lived with courage. Congressman Don – well, his real name, William Donlon, otherwise known as Don Edwards, who passed away last month at the age of 100 years old. His life was a gift to the nation. He protected our communities through his service as an FBI agent. He protected our country through his service in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He moved our country forward through his service as a U.S. Congressman. Service, leadership, patriotism: Don Edwards.
"Don reminded us that how we live our values matters; so he fought for fair pay, becoming the father of the Equal Rights Amendment. He stood with the Freedom Riders at a time when they were written off as troublemakers and agitators. He championed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and fought to protect freedom of speech. He spoke up for workers, for our environment, for the resources needed to improve our country, and for future generations.
"As Chair of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights, for more than 20 years, Don became the conscience of the Congress and strived to ensure that all Americans enjoyed equality of opportunity. He took great pride in the fact that he was the floor leader for the Equal Rights Amendment, that he managed that bill.
"During his 32 years in the House, Congressman Edwards helped change the course of history, so significant was his leadership. Oddly enough, Don won his first election to any office in 1950, when he was elected President of the California Young Republicans. Throughout his life, Don's ability to respect all he viewpoints made him a remarkable leader, respected by Members on both sides of the aisle. When he was 88 years old, Don reminded us that the world works better when we get along and that's what we owe everybody.
"In California, we hold a special place of honor for Congressman Edwards, the long-time dean of the California Democratic delegation, the beautiful, pristine Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge serves as a tribute to his efforts to preserve our environment and our ideals for future generations. In fact, he, as a modern-day man and a Member of Congress, with his love of nature and all living things, was probably as close to a model of Saint Francis of Assisi as we have ever seen.
"Don Edwards, a gentle, beautiful man – Don Edwards never stopped serving our country, and his achievements will stand forever as a living monument to his determined vision and legendary ability. But, it wasn't just about that – it's how he encouraged others. I can tell you, when I came to Congress 28 years ago, there were only 23 women in the House [of Representatives]. Out of 435 – 12 Democrats, 11 Republicans. To say that we weren't always paid full attention to would sound almost [as] complaining, but it was a fact. Nobody ever asked you, ‘What do you think?' to any of the women Members. I mean, we made our voices heard, of course, but nobody ever said, ‘What do you think?' except Don Edwards. Don Edwards would say, ‘What do you think of this?' to each of us. Especially when he was dealing with issues that related directly to us – but, even well beyond that – whether we were talking about national security, economic growth – whatever the subject – Don would always say to us, ‘What do you think?' I can remember hearing him say, ‘Nancy, what do you think?' And I said, ‘Don, do you know how unusual that is to hear you say that?' And he'd say, ‘Why do you say that?' I said, ‘Because not many people around here – of the 400 and something versus the 23 – come up and ask the few of us who are here – the few women who are here – what we think.'
"But, he was always about encouraging people to reach their fulfillment and to see what their contribution could do for the common good. Sadly, we lost Edie Wilkie a few years ago. As Sam Farr mentioned, she predeceased Don by a number of years. He worshipped Edie, and they were real team for equality, for peace, for disarmament, for protecting the environment, for promoting opportunity and fairness. They were such a team. So, I hope it is a comfort to his now – his children, his grandchildren, all he loved – that so many people throughout the world – certainly in our country – mourn the loss of a consummate public servant, proud Californian and proud American. May his legacy long endure in this House and may it challenge all of us to do more and do better on behalf of America's working families. Thank you, again, Congresswoman Lofgren, for bringing us together."
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Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren. Thank you, Madam Leader, and it is wonderful to be able to – for those who served with Don Edwards and those who knew him by reputation, those who worked for him…
Leader Pelosi. Would you yield for just a moment?
Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren. Certainly.
Leader Pelosi. I would like to say how proud he was and thrilled he was that Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren was going to succeed him in the Congress. He made that well known to all of us. So, his service continues, his leadership, in your excellent service and leadership in the Congress.