California Congressman Pays Tribute to Grateful Dead's Bob Weir on House Floor

Rep. Jared Huffman goes barefoot during speech honoring the late rock legend

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Rep. Jared Huffman, a Democratic congressman from California, delivered remarks on the House floor on Wednesday to honor the life and legacy of Grateful Dead founding member Bob Weir. Huffman paid tribute to Weir, who was a constituent and friend from the North Bay area, by delivering the speech barefoot in honor of the rock icon.

Why it matters

Bob Weir was a beloved figure in the North Bay community, known for his music, generosity, and creative spirit. Huffman's tribute on the House floor highlights Weir's enduring impact and the way his life and work helped define the identity of the region.

The details

During his remarks, Huffman noted that Weir had made his home in Marin for decades, raised his family there, and helped build the vibrant local music scene. Huffman said Weir's 'music, his generosity, [and] unmistakable creative spirit helped define the identity of the North Coast.' The congressman concluded his tribute by stating that he was delivering the remarks barefoot 'in honor of Bobby Weir' because he believed Weir would have appreciated the gesture.

  • Bob Weir died on January 10, 2026 at the age of 78.
  • Huffman delivered his tribute speech on the House floor on February 6, 2026.

The players

Rep. Jared Huffman

A Democratic congressman who represents the Marin County area of California, where Bob Weir lived.

Bob Weir

A founding member of the Grateful Dead and member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, who was a longtime resident of Marin County, California.

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What they’re saying

“Bob was more than a musical icon, he was a neighbor, a friend and a beloved part of our North Bay community. For decades, Bob made his home in Marin, raised his family there. Opened his doors to other artists and helped build the vibrant local music vibe that so many of us cherish.”

— Rep. Jared Huffman, U.S. Congressman (sanilacbroadcasting.com)

“Bob's music, his generosity, unmistakable creative spirit helped define the identity of the North Coast. His legacy will endure every time a kid picks up a guitar. We are grateful that he made our community part of his life. And we send our love to his family, his friends and all my fellow Deadheads across the world.”

— Rep. Jared Huffman, U.S. Congressman (sanilacbroadcasting.com)

“And Mr. Speaker, let the record reflect I delivered these remarks barefoot in honor of Bobby Weir. I think he would appreciate that.”

— Rep. Jared Huffman, U.S. Congressman (sanilacbroadcasting.com)

What’s next

The House of Representatives is expected to formally recognize Bob Weir's contributions to music and his local community in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Congressman Huffman's tribute to Bob Weir on the House floor underscores the lasting impact the Grateful Dead co-founder had on the North Bay region of California, where he was a beloved figure known for his music, generosity, and commitment to the local arts and music scene.