[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 27, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E214]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO ASSEMBLYWOMAN JACQUELINE SPEIER

                                 ______


                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 27, 1996

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jackie Speier, 
Assemblywoman of the 19th District of California, an extraordinary, 
history-making public servant who has protected the rights of many, 
with special attention to women, children, and consumers.
  Jackie Speier has brought a new meaning to the word ``courage'' as 
she has overcome tragedy in her own life and dedicated herself to 
public service. In November 1978, as legal counsel for the late 
Congressman, Leo J. Ryan, she accompanied the Congressman to Jonestown, 
Guyana to investigate charges that people were being held hostage by 
cult leader Rev. Jim Jones. On November 18, cult followers shot and 
killed Congressman Ryan while Jackie Speier was struck by five bullets. 
Later that day 911 cult members died.
  Two years later, Jackie Speier became the youngest elected member of 
the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors. She served a second term and 
was chair of the board in 1985.
  In 1986, she became the first women elected to the 19th Assembly 
District of California, continuing to break new ground legislatively. 
As the chair of the Assembly Committee on Consumer Protection, 
Governmental Efficiency, and Economic Development, she led the fight to 
uncover numerous acts of inefficiency, waste, and abuse of public 
resources by State bureaucrats who subsequently resigned from office. 
She also led investigations into unfair and illegal practices of auto 
manufacturers and dealers, and championed many proconsumer laws.
  Jackie Speier's record of having bills signed into law is 
unprecedented. Among her accomplishments, she has ensured the 
advancement of women's rights and the protection of children. Some of 
her legislative achievements include the requirement of insurers to 
allow women to use their obstetrician-gynecologists as their primary 
care physicians, creating a voluntary California income tax check-off 
fund to support breast cancer research, creating the Women's Business 
Ownership Act and Council, and legislation which would deny 
professional and drivers licenses to those who fail to pay child 
support.
  Along with her extraordinary work in the legislature, she is the 
devoted and proud mother of two children. Jackie Speier made 
legislative history in 1988 when she became the first member of the 
California Legislature to give birth while in office.
  For her accomplishments, she has received a plethora of awards 
including Legislator of the Year by the California State Bar 
Association, Women Construction Owners and Executives, Leadership 
California, National Mobilization Against AIDS, California Women 
Lawyers, the National Organization for Women, and the Family Service 
Council.
  Mr. Speaker, I have the privilege of Jackie Speier's friendship and 
have had the honor of working with her as a colleague on the San Mateo 
County Board of Supervisors. Few legislators are as effective, as 
respected, and as historymaking as Jackie Speier. She is truly one of 
California's most distinguished women and I ask my colleagues to join 
me in honoring her today.

                          ____________________