[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 134 (Wednesday, September 25, 1996)]
[House]
[Pages H11218-H11219]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RETIRING WOMEN MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from Texas [Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson] is recognized for 5 
minutes.

[[Page H11219]]

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 
recognition of our seven retiring women Members of Congress, women who 
have diligently served their constituents and paved the road for many 
women ahead.


                            cardiss collins

  First, I wish to recognize Congresswoman Cardiss Collins, the longest 
serving African-American woman in Congress. Congresswoman Collins has 
worked to improve the quality of health care for women and minorities.
  She has authored legislation which expanded Medicare coverage for 
mammographies and Pap smears which detect cervical and uterine cancers.
  In addition, the Congresswoman was the guiding force for legislation 
which established a permanent office on minority health within the 
National Institutes of Health.
  Not only has Congresswoman Collins forged the way for women and 
women's issues, she has also made significant strides in other 
legislative areas.
  As chair of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and 
Competitiveness, she enacted the Child Abuse Prevention Act and the 
Child Safety Protection Act.
  The Congresswoman's efforts also led to the adoption of the Aviation 
Security Improvement Act.
  Congresswoman Collins has been the first in many of her endeavors, 
including:
  First woman and African-American to be Democratic whip-at-large;
  And, first woman and African-American to serve as chair of two 
subcommittees: (1) the Government Operations Subcommittee on Manpower 
and Housing, and;
  (2) Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and 
Competitiveness. And the list goes on.
  Our working together in Congress has been great, but it does not 
surpass our social and personal relationship that has grown over the 
years.
  I met Cardiss shortly after she came to the Hill, and I was one of 
her sponsors for membership in both Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., 
and the Links Inc.--two organizations that are near and dear to my 
heart.
  I have enjoyed sharing my family with her family. She knows that my 
door is always open to her, and vice versa. I have always been greeted 
with open arms and enjoyed her home-cooked meals * * * and there is 
nothing better than Cardiss Collins home-cooked rolls!
  There is no doubt that I, along with your constituents and other 
Members of Congress will miss the wisdom and energy you brought to the 
House.
  Congresswoman Collins, please know that we appreciate all that you 
have done and what you symbolize. I know that you have inspired other 
women to fulfill their leadership potential.


                           Patricia Schroeder

  As the longest-serving woman in the House, Congresswoman Schroeder's 
outspoken and independent voice will be greatly missed by all of us.
  Through the years, Congresswoman Schroeder has worked tirelessly and 
has demonstrated leadership in the areas of foreign and military 
policy, arms control and disarmament, as well as women's economic 
equity and health, and educational opportunity.
  From 1979 until 1995, Congresswoman Schroeder cochaired the 
Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues.
  Under her leadership, the Caucus launched an effort to improve 
women's health policies by submitting a comprehensive legislative 
package entitled the ``Women's Health Equity Act.'' During the 103d 
Congress, several bills from this act were signed into law.
  On a more personal note, I was a part of your audience during your 
brief pursuit for the office of the Presidency.
  I have no doubt that with all of the knowledge and leadership 
abilities that you possess, we will definitely see you again in the 
political arena.
  Congresswoman Schroeder, tonight I join with my colleagues in 
commending you for your many hard fought battles on behalf of the women 
and children of the world.


                          barbara rose collins

  As a fellow Congressional Black Caucus member, I would also like to 
wish Congresswoman Barbara Rose Collins well in her retirement.


                        blanche lambert lincoln

  Congratulations also to Congresswoman Blanche Lambert Lincoln, my 
classmate from the neighboring State of Arkansas.
  Congresswoman Lincoln, you are a bright and rising star. Good luck as 
you take your sabbatical to share your time with your family.
  Finally, though I have not had long acquaintances with the other 
retiring Members, I hear that there is life after office.
  I hope that you will have positive and fruitful experiences whether 
you choose to focus on family or continue to serve the public.
  Best wishes all.

                          ____________________