Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-01-08

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF WILLIAM WOLPERT HARRIS

TaxesTradeCrime & Justice

Context

On 2026-01-08, Representative Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT-3) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF WILLIAM WOLPERT HARRIS" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered trade policy, crime and justice.

Full Text

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF WILLIAM WOLPERT HARRIS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E14] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF WILLIAM WOLPERT HARRIS ______ HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO of connecticut in the house of representatives Thursday, January 8, 2026 Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with the heaviest but most grateful of hearts that I rise today to pay tribute to the life and legacy of my dear friend, William Wolpert Harris. Bill was an extraordinary person who dedicated a lifetime to improving the quality of life of every child in every community. Today family, friends, and colleagues will gather to share stories and their memories of Bill, highlighting the incredible impact his good work had on countless lives. Bill graduated with a bachelor's degree in liberal arts from Wesleyan University in 1961 and later earned a Doctor of Philosophy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He worked for several years in the private sector and served as a visiting lecturer and adjunct professor at several universities. However, it was in 1981 that Bill founded what would become his lifelong passion and ultimate legacy, KidsPac, a group that helped to focus legislators at every level of government on the importance of early childhood education. It was through these efforts that I was introduced to and got to know Bill. Together we worked to shape and, eventually, enact legislation that authorized and funded the United States Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. This initiative has resulted in the creation of a national network of thirty-eight centers focusing on child traumatic stress. Bill was also one of the staunchest supporters of the effort to expand the child tax credit. Over the years, his guidance and advocacy ensured that this policy remained at the forefront of discussion and debate. We were indeed kindred spirits and for more than two decades, under Bill's outstanding direction, KidsPac was a leader and respected voice in the advocacy for policies concerning childcare, prenatal health, and early education. For Bill, supporting children and enriching their early life experiences was not just a passion but a family occupation. Bill's father, Irving, founded the Erickson Institute as well as the Ounce of Prevention Fund, and was instrumental in the development of the Yale Child Study Center and Zero to Three. Bill's late wife, Robie, was a celebrated children's author, unapologetic defender of free speech, and remarkable advocate for children. Bill and Robie's activism was integrated into every facet of their lives so it is no surprise that both of their sons, David and Ben, both followed in their footsteps. David, taking a page from his Bill's work, has focused his professional life on research and advocacy for policies that address child poverty. Ben, whose interests more mirrored his mother's, is now Clinical Professor at the Psychological Center at The City College of New York (CCNY), which provides low-to-moderate-cost services to the CCNY and West Harlem communities. In this role, and throughout his career, he has worked with a socioeconomically and culturally diverse range of children and adolescents as well as adults. Bill's dedication to issues concerning children and their health and well-being extended far beyond KidsPac. In 1984 Bill founded the Children's Research and Education Institute and he served on the advisory board of the Child Development Community Policing Program in conjunction with the Yale Child Study Center. He also served on numerous not-for-profit boards and advisory committees, including the Urban League, Wesleyan University, the State Legislative Leaders Foundation's Children's Program Steering Committee and the National Science Foundation's Review Panel of the Public Understanding of Science Program. Over his lifetime he received a myriad of awards for his work on behalf of children, including the Advocacy Award, Division of Child, Youth and Family Services, from the American Psychological Association; the Dale Richmond Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics; the Leadership Award for Public Service from Zero to Three; and the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Wesleyan University. And just a few short years ago, Bill was honored alongside his son, David, by the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies with its inaugural Public Advocacy Award for outstanding and fundamental contributions to advancing social understanding of trauma. On a personal note, it has been an enormous privilege to work with three generations of the Harris family--first Irving, then Bill, and now David--to develop and advocate for policies and programs that give children and their families the foundational security they need to learn and thrive. Through their unique understanding that our young people represent the future and that we as a community and a Nation must give them the tools that they need in order to succeed. Bill Harris was a remarkable man who dedicated a lifetime to improving the lives of children. I am honored to rise and pay tribute to the indelible mark he has left. Today, I thank my dear friend, Bill, for the difference that he has made in this country, and the millions of lives that have been made better through his vision, his passion, and his kindhearted spirit. He has been an inspiration to all of us. I will forever be grateful for the friendship, humor, and generosity he bestowed upon me over the years. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his sons, David and Ben. The world is just a bit dimmer without his presence, and he will be deeply missed by all those who knew him. ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF WILLIAM WOLPERT HARRIS Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E14] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF WILLIAM WOLPERT HARRIS ______ HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO of connecticut in the house of representatives Thursday, January 8, 2026 Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with the heaviest but most grateful of hearts that I rise today to pay tribute to the life and legacy of my dear friend, William Wolpert Harris. Bill was an extraordinary person who dedicated a lifetime to improving the quality of life of every child in every community. Today family, friends, and colleagues will gather to share stories and their memories of Bill, highlighting the incredible impact his good work had on countless lives. Bill graduated with a bachelor's degree in liberal arts from Wesleyan University in 1961 and later earned a Doctor of Philosophy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He worked for several years in the private sector and served as a visiting lecturer and adjunct professor at several universities. However, it was in 1981 that Bill founded what would become his lifelong passion and ultimate legacy, KidsPac, a group that helped to focus legislators at every level of government on the importance of early childhood education. It was through these efforts that I was introduced to and got to know Bill. Together we worked to shape and, eventually, enact legislation that authorized and funded the United States Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. This initiative has resulted in the creation of a national network of thirty-eight centers focusing on child traumatic stress. Bill was also one of the staunchest supporters of the effort to expand the child tax credit. Over the years, his guidance and advocacy ensured that this policy remained at the forefront of discussion and debate. We were indeed kindred spirits and for more than two decades, under Bill's outstanding direction, KidsPac was a leader and respected voice in the advocacy for policies concerning childcare, prenatal health, and early education. For Bill, supporting children and enriching their early life experiences was not just a passion but a family occupation. Bill's father, Irving, founded the Erickson Institute as well as the Ounce of Prevention Fund, and was instrumental in the development of the Yale Child Study Center and Zero to Three. Bill's late wife, Robie, was a celebrated children's author, unapologetic defender of free speech, and remarkable advocate for children. Bill and Robie's activism was integrated into every facet of their lives so it is no surprise that both of their sons, David and Ben, both followed in their footsteps. David, taking a page from his Bill's work, has focused his professional life on research and advocacy for policies that address child poverty. Ben, whose interests more mirrored his mother's, is now Clinical Professor at the Psychological Center at The City College of New York (CCNY), which provides low-to-moderate-cost services to the CCNY and West Harlem communities. In this role, and throughout his career, he has worked with a socioeconomically and culturally diverse range of children and adolescents as well as adults. Bill's dedication to issues concerning children and their health and well-being extended far beyond KidsPac. In 1984 Bill founded the Children's Research and Education Institute and he served on the advisory board of the Child Development Community Policing Program in conjunction with the Yale Child Study Center. He also served on numerous not-for-profit boards and advisory committees, including the Urban League, Wesleyan University, the State Legislative Leaders Foundation's Children's Program Steering Committee and the National Science Foundation's Review Panel of the Public Understanding of Science Program. Over his lifetime he received a myriad of awards for his work on behalf of children, including the Advocacy Award, Division of Child, Youth and Family Services, from the American Psychological Association; the Dale Richmond Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics; the Leadership Award for Public Service from Zero to Three; and the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Wesleyan University. And just a few short years ago, Bill was honored alongside his son, David, by the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies with its inaugural Public Advocacy Award for outstanding and fundamental contributions to advancing social understanding of trauma. On a personal note, it has been an enormous privilege to work with three generations of the Harris family--first Irving, then Bill, and now David--to develop and advocate for policies and programs that give children and their families the foundational security they need to learn and thrive. Through their unique understanding that our young people represent the future and that we as a community and a Nation must give them the tools that they need in order to succeed. Bill Harris was a remarkable man who dedicated a lifetime to improving the lives of children. I am honored to rise and pay tribute to the indelible mark he has left. Today, I thank my dear friend, Bill, for the difference that he has made in this country, and the millions of lives that have been made better through his vision, his passion, and his kindhearted spirit. He has been an inspiration to all of us. I will forever be grateful for the friendship, humor, and generosity he bestowed upon me over the years. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his sons, David and Ben. The world is just a bit dimmer without his presence, and he will be deeply missed by all those who knew him. ____________________