February 17, 2010

“Senator Strauss statement on passing of former US Representative Ray Browne”

WASHINGTON, DC- Senator Paul Strauss issued the following statement on the occasion of former US Representative Ray Browne’s passing.

“I was very saddened to hear about former United States Representative Ray Browne’s death.  DC has lost a powerful and sincere voice in it’s struggle for equality.  I had the privilege of working very closely with Ray during his tenure in office and knew him to be a tireless activist for all things DC; especially when it concerned the issue of D.C. Voting Rights in the U.S. House of Representatives.    I first got to know Ray when we both worked together for DC’s youth during his services as a member of the District’s Neighborhood Planning Councils (NPC #6).  We each went on to serve our community as Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner’s before joining the DC shadow Congressional Delegation.

“Ray’s continued activism and commitment to our cause is one in which all DC residents can look to with great admiration.  Although he passed before his dream of DC’s House Voting Rights could be realized, his legacy will continue serve as a catalyst for the movement.

“Ray Browne was first elected in 2000 and continued to serve two more consecutive terms.  He has the historic distinction of being the longest serving shadow United States Representative in the District of Columbia history.  He was preceded by the Honorable Thomas E. Bryant, Jr. and was succeeded by incumbent Representative Mike Panetta.  Ray Browne’s passing marks the first death of a member of the Shadow Delegation.”

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“Even without a vote, Senator Strauss has always been a strong advocate for the rights of D.C. voters — rights I will continue to protect as President.”
-Barack Obama

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DC voters have twice elected Democrat Paul Strauss as Shadow Senator to fight for our city’s rights against a hostile Congress.

He took the lead on fighting Republican attempts to impose regressive right-wing tax changes on DC. In doing so, he generated national attention to DC’s lack of voting rights and self-government.

Strauss has also fought the Bush agenda in the Senate on issues ranging from discrimination against the LGBT community, voting rights for DC residents, and a woman’s right to choose.

He’s fought for and helped win increased federal support for DC’s Courts to help fight crime. He’s been a tireless advocate for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAG), which helps send thousands of DC’s students to the college of their choice.

Strauss worked closely with House member Tom Davis (R-VA) to help move the DC House Voting Rights Act (S. 1257) through both the House and the Senate.  After passing in the House of Representatives and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, the Act remains in the senate, with a 57–42 majority approval, only three votes shy of the required 60 votes needed to approve the bill.

Strauss will use his experience and relationships to keep fighting for Democratic policies. He’ll help DC stand up to Congress when they try to trample on our rights.

As a Superdelegate for Barack Obama, Strauss will take our fight for statehood all the way to the Democratic National Convention.

“Even without a vote, Senator Strauss has always been a strong a advocate for the rights of DC voters — rights I will continue to protect as president” - Barack Obama

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