[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 10 (Thursday, January 25, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E104]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO THE LATE HONORABLE BARBARA JORDAN

                                 ______


                               speech of

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 24, 1996

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in 
remembrance of a wonderful woman, a former Member of Congress and a 
great Texan, Ms. Barbara Jordan. Ms. Jordan passed away on Wednesday, 
January 17, 1996, and all of Texas will miss her dearly.
  She was born into poverty during the Depression in Houston's fifth 
ward, the most segregated neighborhood in Texas. As a young politician, 
she earned and demanded respect among experienced politicians at the 
top of power in Texas which sealed their great respect for her.
  She served well in the House of Representatives and subsequently as a 
teacher at the University of Texas. Most recently, she gave much of her 
time as the Chairwoman of the U.S. Commission on Immigration. I will 
always remember her efforts to unite her community, the State of Texas 
and the Nation as a whole.
  Barbara Jordan may have been best known for her participation in the 
Watergate hearings, but she will always be remembered by Texans as a 
leader and a teacher. She was a strong proponent of teaching English 
and American history in order to bring all of us together as Americans. 
She will be remembered by many of us for different reasons. Many will 
remember her as a colleague, and many as a teacher.
  One Saturday in June 1972, Barbara Jordan was ``Governor For A Day'' 
in the State of Texas. I am still amazed at the record number of people 
of all races that converged on the State capitol that day. Also I will 
remember her close work with Oscar Mauzy, Ms. Jordan's fellow fifth 
ward of Texas resident.
  Barbara Jordan followed her conscience and did what she thought was 
right. When she spoke everyone listened, and when people spoke to her, 
she listened to them.
  She will be missed by all of us. Texas and the Nation has lost a 
friend. But her wisdom, I hope, will continue to be heard and felt in 
the halls of Congress and around the Nation.

                          ____________________