Massachusetts Delegation Moment of Silence to Remember Former Members John Olver and Brian Donnelly
Floor Speech
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Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I join with my Massachusetts colleagues to mourn the passing of two of our former colleagues, Congressman John Olver and Congressman Brian Donnelly.
John Olver, an MIT-trained chemist, dedicated his life to public service, working as an educator at the University of Massachusetts before beginning his political career. He spent 12 years in the Massachusetts Legislature prior to his election to Congress.
Over the course of his 22 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, John was an effective leader and a steadfast advocate for the people of western and central Massachusetts.
His approach to policymaking was a good lesson for all. It wasn't about tweeting or texting or cable TV appearances. He lacked any malice whatsoever, and he always had the purest of intentions, focusing solely on delivering for the people he felt privileged to represent. In addition, I don't know anybody who mastered the details of public life and complicated policy more than John Olver.
He was a devoted husband to his wife, Rose, of 55 years and a loving father to their children.
Madam Speaker, we send our best wishes to them at this difficult time.
Madam Speaker, I likewise rise to honor our former colleague Brian Donnelly, a close personal friend of mine for the years that we served together in this institution.
He was a steadfast public servant, a son of Massachusetts, and, perhaps more importantly, a son of Dorchester.
From his days in the Boston Public Schools to the State legislature to the hearing rooms of the Ways and Means Committee, Brian lived the American Dream.
I will forever be grateful to him for his retirement plan that opened up a seat on the Ways and Means Committee for me, understanding that for 70 years, Massachusetts, in straight order, has had a seat on the Ways and Means Committee.
He grew up in a working-class, Irish-American household. He never forgot his ancestral roots in Galway, and he used his time in Congress to advocate for Irish nationals both in Ireland and the United States.
Thousands of young immigrants secured visas through what is known as the Donnelly visa program, giving countless families the opportunity to live out the same American Dream that he knew so well.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Donnelly family during this difficult time, and I appreciate, Madam Speaker, you providing us the time for a moment of silence.
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