Floor SpeechUrgent2026-01-08

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DEACON ANDREW WASHINGTON

TaxesEnvironment

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On 2026-01-08, Representative Danny K. Davis (D-IL-7) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DEACON ANDREW WASHINGTON" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered the environment.

Full Text

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DEACON ANDREW WASHINGTON

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E17-E18] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DEACON ANDREW WASHINGTON ______ HON. DANNY K. DAVIS of illinois in the house of representatives Thursday, January 8, 2026 Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my dear friend, brother in Christ, and fellow servant of the community, Deacon Andrew Washington, who departed this life on November 14, 2025. Andrew was a man whose presence, spirit, and service touched countless individuals across Chicago's West Side and far beyond. Born on February 12, 1942, in Dublin, Mississippi, Andrew was raised in a family guided by faith, wisdom, and resilience. After the untimely passing of his mother, Ruthie Lee Washington, his father, Reverend Bernard Washington, remarried, and through perseverance and hope the family made their way to Chicago in 1955. That journey--rooted in survival and aspiration--shaped the character of a man who would come to embody strength, compassion, and unwavering commitment to others. In Chicago, Andrew attended Crane High School before becoming a certified electrician through Coyne Electrical School. A multi-talented man, he studied music, beauty, welding, and much more, mastering skills that allowed him to support his family, build small businesses, and establish himself as someone who could fix, create, inspire, and lead. Andrew accepted Christ at an early age and served faithfully as a deacon at Ruth Memorial M.B.C. and later at New Galilee Missionary Baptist Church. I had the privilege of serving alongside him, and I know firsthand that he took his calling seriously--offering care, counsel, and comfort to God's people. Mr. Speaker, Andrew Washington was known for many things--his impeccable dress, his sharp wit, his strong opinions, and his ability to make something out of nothing--but what stood out above all was his deep and unwavering commitment to helping others. And I want to highlight two stories that reflect the true measure of this remarkable man. First, Andrew would not let a week pass without calling me--not for himself, but on behalf of someone else. He would say, ``Danny, I've got somebody I need you to help.'' Never once did he call to ask for anything for himself. In all the years I knew him, he never sought favor for his own benefit. His thoughts were always on the needs of others--young people, families in crisis, neighbors struggling with illness, joblessness, or hardship. I can personally attest that he helped hundreds of people, and he did so with a quiet humility that never sought recognition. Second, I recall vividly the time of President Barack Obama's first inauguration. Tickets were scarce--scarcer, I admit, than even a Member of Congress might like. Yet Andrew--resourceful as ever--managed to get tickets and drove his well-known pickup truck all the way from Chicago to Washington, D.C. At the very last minute, he called me: ``Danny, I need a room. I've got my granddaughter with me--and some family and friends. We need a place to stay.'' I thought it would be impossible to find accommodations so close to the inauguration date. But somehow, through God's grace and a bit of determination, we found a room big enough for them all. Andrew's joy in that moment reflected the pride so many of us felt witnessing history. And in true Andrew fashion, the trip wasn't about himself--it was about creating memories for his loved ones. Mr. Speaker, Andrew Washington was a man of faith, family, community, and conviction. He raised children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren who loved him dearly. He worked hard his entire life, retiring from Ryerson Steel after decades of service. He built businesses, guided neighbors, supported churches, and anchored his community with generosity, wisdom, and love. He was a storyteller, a counselor, and a living example of what it means to give more than you receive. He taught lessons using props, pictures, and humor. He brought people roses, and through them, messages of hope. He attended events across the city, spreading faith and fellowship wherever he went. Mr. Speaker, Andrew Washington lived his life with purpose. He gave more than he took. He stood tall, spoke truth, walked boldly, and served faithfully. His legacy is one of service, compassion, resourcefulness, and unshakable faith. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Deacon Andrew Washington and in extending heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife, Leola Washington; his children, grandchildren, great- grandchildren; and the entire Washington family. May they be comforted in knowing that this good and faithful servant has finished his course, kept the faith, and left a legacy that will continue to bless generations. [[Page E18]] ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DEACON ANDREW WASHINGTON Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E17-E18] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DEACON ANDREW WASHINGTON ______ HON. DANNY K. DAVIS of illinois in the house of representatives Thursday, January 8, 2026 Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my dear friend, brother in Christ, and fellow servant of the community, Deacon Andrew Washington, who departed this life on November 14, 2025. Andrew was a man whose presence, spirit, and service touched countless individuals across Chicago's West Side and far beyond. Born on February 12, 1942, in Dublin, Mississippi, Andrew was raised in a family guided by faith, wisdom, and resilience. After the untimely passing of his mother, Ruthie Lee Washington, his father, Reverend Bernard Washington, remarried, and through perseverance and hope the family made their way to Chicago in 1955. That journey--rooted in survival and aspiration--shaped the character of a man who would come to embody strength, compassion, and unwavering commitment to others. In Chicago, Andrew attended Crane High School before becoming a certified electrician through Coyne Electrical School. A multi-talented man, he studied music, beauty, welding, and much more, mastering skills that allowed him to support his family, build small businesses, and establish himself as someone who could fix, create, inspire, and lead. Andrew accepted Christ at an early age and served faithfully as a deacon at Ruth Memorial M.B.C. and later at New Galilee Missionary Baptist Church. I had the privilege of serving alongside him, and I know firsthand that he took his calling seriously--offering care, counsel, and comfort to God's people. Mr. Speaker, Andrew Washington was known for many things--his impeccable dress, his sharp wit, his strong opinions, and his ability to make something out of nothing--but what stood out above all was his deep and unwavering commitment to helping others. And I want to highlight two stories that reflect the true measure of this remarkable man. First, Andrew would not let a week pass without calling me--not for himself, but on behalf of someone else. He would say, ``Danny, I've got somebody I need you to help.'' Never once did he call to ask for anything for himself. In all the years I knew him, he never sought favor for his own benefit. His thoughts were always on the needs of others--young people, families in crisis, neighbors struggling with illness, joblessness, or hardship. I can personally attest that he helped hundreds of people, and he did so with a quiet humility that never sought recognition. Second, I recall vividly the time of President Barack Obama's first inauguration. Tickets were scarce--scarcer, I admit, than even a Member of Congress might like. Yet Andrew--resourceful as ever--managed to get tickets and drove his well-known pickup truck all the way from Chicago to Washington, D.C. At the very last minute, he called me: ``Danny, I need a room. I've got my granddaughter with me--and some family and friends. We need a place to stay.'' I thought it would be impossible to find accommodations so close to the inauguration date. But somehow, through God's grace and a bit of determination, we found a room big enough for them all. Andrew's joy in that moment reflected the pride so many of us felt witnessing history. And in true Andrew fashion, the trip wasn't about himself--it was about creating memories for his loved ones. Mr. Speaker, Andrew Washington was a man of faith, family, community, and conviction. He raised children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren who loved him dearly. He worked hard his entire life, retiring from Ryerson Steel after decades of service. He built businesses, guided neighbors, supported churches, and anchored his community with generosity, wisdom, and love. He was a storyteller, a counselor, and a living example of what it means to give more than you receive. He taught lessons using props, pictures, and humor. He brought people roses, and through them, messages of hope. He attended events across the city, spreading faith and fellowship wherever he went. Mr. Speaker, Andrew Washington lived his life with purpose. He gave more than he took. He stood tall, spoke truth, walked boldly, and served faithfully. His legacy is one of service, compassion, resourcefulness, and unshakable faith. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Deacon Andrew Washington and in extending heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife, Leola Washington; his children, grandchildren, great- grandchildren; and the entire Washington family. May they be comforted in knowing that this good and faithful servant has finished his course, kept the faith, and left a legacy that will continue to bless generations. [[Page E18]] ____________________