The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO THE HON. WALTER F. MONDALE, FORMER VICE PRESIDENT OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
______
HON. BETTY McCOLLUM
of minnesota
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise in tribute to the Honorable Walter F. Mondale, former Vice President of the United States of America, upon his death this week at age 93. Vice President Mondale was a global statesman, a national political leader, a remarkable legislator, a proud Minnesotan, a devoted husband, a wonderful father and grandfather, and a person people from all walks of life admired.
Growing up in Elmore, Minnesota, Mondale never forgot his small-town roots. Generations of Minnesotans hold him in deep affection, because of his unique ability to connect through his humor, humility and humanity--which was nurtured by his beloved wife Joan. Together from their marriage in 1955 until her death in 2014, Walter and Joan were a team who represented Minnesota and our country with grace, class and dignity.
Inspired and reinforced by Joan, Walter Mondale's life in public service was extraordinary. He served in the United States Army, was the Minnesota Attorney General, and represented Minnesota in the United States Senate. One of his most important roles was redefining the Vice Presidency of the United States as a partnership with the President. He also earned the 1984 Democratic nomination for President and broke a barrier by naming Geraldine Ferraro to be the first woman Vice Presidential candidate on a major party ticket. And while serving as Ambassador to Japan, Walter and Joan demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the power of American diplomacy.
Vice President Mondale's deep and abiding dedication to civil rights, children, health care and the environment have left a profound legacy for current and future generations of Americans. His pioneering leadership in protecting our air, land and water reflected his understanding that our precious lands and waters are the heart of who we are as Minnesotans and Americans, and that requires us to be responsible stewards of our planet.
His authorship of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act in 1968 was a watershed moment in the environmental movement, bringing much-needed attention to these beautiful but threatened rivers across the country, including the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway in Minnesota and Wisconsin. He was also among the first and most steadfast champions for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, because he understood that our biodiversity and clean water require permanent protection.
I am deeply grateful for Vice President Mondale's kind and wise counsel to me in Congress as I have worked to build on the success of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts, to ensure we are protecting our air, land and water for our children and grandchildren.
Madam Speaker, please join me in rising to honor the life of this extraordinary leader, and in extending sincerest condolences to the Mondale family. Minnesota and the United States was blessed to have Walter F. Mondale provide us with a lifetime of service.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 69
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