Gregory Meeks

Mr. MEEKS of New York

Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall vote number 110 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted aye.

Mr. MEEKS of New York

Mr. MEEKS of New York. Mr. Speaker, thank you. The first feeling that I have is: God is good. God is good. He has truly blessed me, and but by His grace am I here today. He has blessed me for an individual who grew up in public housing and a product of public education to be able to go on and receive a degree at the great institution known as Howard University School of Law, which I am proud of; to be blessed with individuals who are really responsible for me being here. Mr. Speaker, it started with my mother, who is not with us any longer, but she is with us. She gave me the strength, the support, and the upbringing so that this day could be possible. She gave me the vision and the determination to make things happen, and I will be so ever thankful to God who blessed me with her as a mother. I want to thank my dad, who is here, who always was behind me and taught me the lessons of life and family. I want to bless and thank my wife, Simone-Marie, who gave her energy, her time, and gave me her permission to seek the office of the United States House of Representatives. My sisters, Rosalyn and Janella, who are here, who worked diligently day and night on this campaign, thank you. And the Lord blessed me with two beautiful daughters who I am so proud of for all that they are doing and how they are growing up. That is Ebony and Aja. And, as indicated, my mother is not with me, but the Lord blessed me with a great mother-in-law, Miss Eleanor Sing. Mr. Speaker, let me say thank you, particularly, to my political godfather, Bob Simmons, and all of the individuals who are up in the balcony who are responsible for that huge victory on February 3. I will never forget them, for they are why I am here to represent the constituency and the people of the 6th Congressional District. I know that I have very big shoes to fill, and I can say that I am not Floyd Flake. I am Gregory Meeks. I am going to do the best I can. I believe that Floyd Flake was on the right path, the same path of many of the Members of this hall that I have admired for a long time. The path of Barbara Jordan who sat here. The path of Shirley Chisholm. The path of Adam Powell. The path of Brother Dellums. The path of Charlie Rangel. The path of Thomas Manton. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with you. I look forward to trying to make a difference in the lives of the people of this great country. I look forward to living the dream that Dr. King had that all of us will be able to walk together, talk together, live together under this big tent and this great Nation. Thank you very much.