Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-02-09

TRIBUTE TO REVEREND DR. WILLIAM SAXE EPPS

TaxesHousingInfrastructureCivil Rights

Context

On 2026-02-09, Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO REVEREND DR. WILLIAM SAXE EPPS" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered housing, infrastructure.

Full Text

TRIBUTE TO REVEREND DR. WILLIAM SAXE EPPS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 27 (Monday, February 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 27 (Monday, February 9, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E118] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO REVEREND DR. WILLIAM SAXE EPPS ______ HON. SYDNEY KAMLAGER-DOVE of california in the house of representatives Monday, February 9, 2026 Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the extraordinary life of Reverend Dr. William Saxe Epps which began on June 3, 1945. Reverend Dr. Epps of Rochester, New York, lived by the principle that ''service is the price you pay for the space you occupy.'' His unwavering commitment to serving the people of Los Angeles and our Nation reminds us that privilege demands responsibility--and that faith requires action. His pastoral journey was deeply rooted in the Black freedom tradition, carrying forward a legacy of faith-driven activism and moral leadership. He served some of the most historic Black churches in America, including First Baptist Church of Winston-Salem, Calvary Baptist Church in Massachusetts, and most recently, Second Baptist Church of Los Angeles here in my congressional district. Under his visionary leadership as senior pastor for more than 35 years, Second Baptist Church of Los Angeles became both a spiritual anchor and a powerful civic force, advancing justice, education, and community empowerment for my constituents and beyond. Beyond ministry, Reverend Dr. Epps was a tireless champion of education. He worked for former Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. and later became the longest-serving Commissioner on the Affordable Housing Commission where he helped ensure that every Angeleno had a home. Reverend Dr. Epps found deep joy and meaning in art, music, literature, and culture, believing these to be essential tools for healing and human connection. With his transition on January 12, 2026, alongside his loving wife of 48 years, we have lost not only a giant in the faith and civil rights movement, but also a devoted husband, caring grandfather, and cherished friend. His legacy of service, justice, and love will endure as we continue to practice what he so powerfully preached. May he rest in peace. ____________________

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TRIBUTE TO REVEREND DR. WILLIAM SAXE EPPS Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 27 (Monday, February 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 27 (Monday, February 9, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E118] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO REVEREND DR. WILLIAM SAXE EPPS ______ HON. SYDNEY KAMLAGER-DOVE of california in the house of representatives Monday, February 9, 2026 Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the extraordinary life of Reverend Dr. William Saxe Epps which began on June 3, 1945. Reverend Dr. Epps of Rochester, New York, lived by the principle that ''service is the price you pay for the space you occupy.'' His unwavering commitment to serving the people of Los Angeles and our Nation reminds us that privilege demands responsibility--and that faith requires action. His pastoral journey was deeply rooted in the Black freedom tradition, carrying forward a legacy of faith-driven activism and moral leadership. He served some of the most historic Black churches in America, including First Baptist Church of Winston-Salem, Calvary Baptist Church in Massachusetts, and most recently, Second Baptist Church of Los Angeles here in my congressional district. Under his visionary leadership as senior pastor for more than 35 years, Second Baptist Church of Los Angeles became both a spiritual anchor and a powerful civic force, advancing justice, education, and community empowerment for my constituents and beyond. Beyond ministry, Reverend Dr. Epps was a tireless champion of education. He worked for former Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. and later became the longest-serving Commissioner on the Affordable Housing Commission where he helped ensure that every Angeleno had a home. Reverend Dr. Epps found deep joy and meaning in art, music, literature, and culture, believing these to be essential tools for healing and human connection. With his transition on January 12, 2026, alongside his loving wife of 48 years, we have lost not only a giant in the faith and civil rights movement, but also a devoted husband, caring grandfather, and cherished friend. His legacy of service, justice, and love will endure as we continue to practice what he so powerfully preached. May he rest in peace. ____________________