[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 131 (Friday, September 20, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11067-S11068]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         THE LEGACY OF BITA LEE

  Mr. DOMENICI. Madam President, I rise today to congratulate a woman 
from my home State of New Mexico who will be honored on November 1, 
1996, by being inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame.
  Harriet Frances Lee, better known as Bita, hails from the small town 
of San Mateo, NM. Raised on a sheep and cattle ranch, Bita embodied the 
spirit of the West. Sheep, cattle, and hard work were all a part of 
Bita's daily life. She, her twin brother Harry, and her mother and 
father, Floyd and Frances, all worked side-by-side creating and 
maintaining the American dream.
  Most people only know the old West through Hollywood movies, Louis 
L'Amour books, and history lessons. Many times, however, Hollywood, 
books, and history lessons forget to mention the cowgirls. Women like 
Bita have always been a part of the rich fabric of my State and other 
States in the West. The National Cowgirl Hall of Fame and Western 
Heritage Center's mission is to ensure that the West, its women, and 
their heritage are remembered.
  The women of the West did not just take care of home and hearth. 
These women rode horses, sheared sheep, roped steers, managed books, 
and worked day-to-day with the earth. The National Cowgirl Hall of Fame 
and Heritage Center holds the memories of

[[Page S11068]]

these women, and honors those who don't live in the past but remain a 
part of our living heritage.
  Bita died in early 1991, but her legacy lives on. Although her life 
has ended, Bita left behind her two nephews, Floyd and Harry, and 
sister-in-law Iona, to run the ranch she loved. She was the last of the 
Lees that ran the ranch during the Depression and the drastic fall of 
sheep prices, and kept the ranch operating in the days before paved 
roads, cellular phones, and four-wheel drives.
  Bita was an avid horse woman; she could ride the most surly of beasts 
and rope the most wily of steers. Often known for her breed of 
Palominos and her ability to rope, Bita was an avid worker with the 4-H 
of New Mexico and the New Mexico State Fair. She maintained a love for 
agriculture by living it and passing it on to others.
  Although Bita was not world-famous like some of her counterparts in 
the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame, she was famous in her corner of the 
world. Her neighbors knew her well and delighted in her wood-working 
ability, her keen and subtle sense of humor, and her composure. She was 
a tiny woman in stature, but she earned the respect of all her ranch 
employees, whom she managed with a firm hand and kind heart.
  Last year, my colleague Joe Skeen and I each sent letters of support 
to the Cowgirl Hall of Fame regarding Bita's nomination. Over 600 women 
are nominated each year to fill four open spots. I am pleased that the 
National Cowgirl Hall of Fame has recognized Bita's significant 
contribution to the heritage of the West by accepting her nomination. 
My sincere congratulations and best wishes to Bita's family and many 
friends.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum, Madam President.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Coverdell). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.
  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak as in 
morning business.
  Mr. STEVENS. For how long?
  Mr. GRASSLEY. For 11 minutes.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The Chair recognizes the Senator from Iowa.

                          ____________________