[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 40 (Thursday, March 21, 1996)]
[House]
[Pages H2654-H2655]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        WOMEN IN PUBLIC SERVICE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLAURO) is recognized for 5 minutes.


                             General Leave

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks on the subject of my special order.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Connecticut?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to join Congresswoman Lucille 
Roybal-Allard tonight in kicking-off this series of special orders 
recognizing women from around the Nation for their accomplishments in 
public service. Congresswoman Roybal-Allard and myself organized this 
series of special orders this evening with the Women's Caucus in 
celebration of Women's History Month. Due to the overwhelming 
participation in this event, I will keep my remarks brief. I thank all 
of my colleagues who will be speaking this evening in recognition of 
the tremendous accomplishments and contributions of women in public 
service.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to announce the names of two extraordinary 
women from the third Congressional District of Connecticut who have 
been selected for acknowledgement during Women's History Month 1996. 
These women were selected by a committee I organized, comprised of over 
20 women leaders in my district. The committee included members of the 
business community, civic organizations, cultural, and religious 
groups. The Women of the Year for Women's History Month 1996 are Mrs. 
Anne Calabresi and State Senator Toni Harp.
  Anne Calabresi is a cornerstone of community life in New Haven. She 
has been active in the organization of major city initiatives and 
events like the World of Difference Project. Sponsored by the Anti-
Defamation League, the World of Difference Project has been working to 
end discrimination and forge community understanding in New Haven for 
the past 4 years. Anne works with the Special Olympics, which brought 
thousands of athletes and spectators to New Haven last year and also 
serves as the chairwomen of the Leadership Education and Athletics in 
Partnership [LEAP] program. Presently, she is serving as the vice-
president of the International Festival of Arts and Ideas which will be 
held in New Haven this June. This festival attracts the best of 
international, national, regional, and local performers and artists. In 
addition to the educational and cultural benefits, the festival spurs 
tourism and economic development in New Haven. Whatever the endeavor, 
Anne's peers applaud her enormous energy, enthusiasm and love for the 
city of New Haven. She is indefatigable and is a source of information 
for all.

[[Page H2655]]

  I am also proud to recognize State Senator Toni Harp tonight. State 
Senator Harp is a strong community leader and eloquent advocate for the 
needs of New Haven residents at our State Capitol. She is the ranking 
member on the Connecticut State Legislature's Public Health Committee. 
Toni is praised by her peers for her ability to balance out her 
professional duties at Hill Health Center in New Haven, her legislative 
duties in Hartford and her love and devotion for her family. On the 
State and Federal level, she has been a strong advocate for women, 
seniors and children, and working families. She is described as an 
excellent listener and someone who is not afraid to stand up and be 
heard on issues including affirmative action, child welfare and the 
advancement of women. Toni presently serves on the Board of Directors 
for the Connecticut Student Loan Foundation and as the treasure of the 
Legislative Black and Puerto Rico Caucus.
  I thank Anne Calabresi and State Senator Harp for their tireless 
efforts and countless contributions to our community. I am proud to 
acknowledge them during Women's History Month. Both women are true 
rolemodels for young women and girls.
  At this time, I am happy to yield the remainder of my time to the 
coordinator of this series of Special orders, Congresswoman Roybal-
Allard.

                              {time}  2100

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.
  Although I am going to be speaking later, I just wanted to take this 
opportunity to thank my colleague the gentlewoman from Connecticut [Ms. 
DeLauro] for joining me in sponsoring this event and for helping to 
make this tribute to women possible. She is to be commended for her 
deep commitment to helping to elevate the status of women in this 
country.

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