Honoring the Life of Don Edwards

Floor Speech

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Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Congressman Don Edwards, a champion for civil rights, a defender of civil liberties, and a tireless advocate for the residents of California.

Congressman Edwards dedicated his life to public service, from serving as a naval officer during World War II, to his time at the FBI, to his decades of work in the House of Representatives on behalf of his constituents.

Through all of the phases of his life he remained true to his principles, fighting for underserved and underrepresented communities no matter what the cost.

A San Jose native and graduate of Stanford University, Congressman Edwards entered the House of Representatives in 1962, ultimately participating in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

In the following decades, the Congressman diligently defended, and led efforts to preserve, this critical legislation so that all Americans can today better exercise their Constitutional rights. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights in the House Judiciary Committee he was dedicated to increasing legal protections for women and minorities. His work to level the playing field continued with his leadership in the House Judiciary Committee on the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which ensured that citizens with disabilities have access to the same opportunities as all Americans.

Congressman Don Edwards was also instrumental in preserving some of our greatest national treasures in California. In the early 1970s, Congressman Edwards was one of the key leaders in the creation of the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, which was later named in his honor in 1995. His dedication to environmental protection, specifically preserving urban wetlands, will ensure that generations to come will enjoy California's beautiful landscape.

During his 32 years in the House of Representatives and as the dean of the California Democratic delegation, Congressman Edwards was always guided by a sense of justice and fairness; earning the respect of his colleagues and working with both parties to get things done for the people of California and the citizens of our great nation. His legacy will continue to serve as an example for us all in Congress and he will be greatly missed.

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