[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 138 (Monday, September 30, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1851-E1852]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         SALUTING THE HONORABLE PATRICIA SCHROEDER OF COLORADO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Saturday, September 28, 1996

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank our colleague, Eleanor 
Holmers Norton, for reserving time today to honor a voice of reason, 
respect, and compassion in the U.S. House of Representatives, Patricia 
Schroeder. After 12 terms in this body, Congresswoman Schroeder is 
retiring as the longest serving woman in the House of Representatives. 
In this time, Patricia Schroeder has been an effective example of how 
women can enlighten Congress to bring about much needed reform.
  Pat Schroeder has been a tremendous asset both to her colleagues in 
the House and to her constituents in Colorado's First Congressional 
District. Her commitment to public service and the progress of our 
country are noble and irrefutable. Her husband, son, and daughter will 
gain from Pat Schroeder's departure, but ultimately it will be the loss 
of the House.
  Congresswoman Schroeder, who currently sits on the House Judiciary 
Committee, has also had a distinctive and prominent history on what was 
the House Armed Services Committee. Her persistence has led to 
increased roles and sensitivity for women in our military. As a result 
of Pat Schroeder's leadership, women

[[Page E1852]]

are now allowed to fly in combat missions. Further, because of her 
advocacy against sexual discrimination and sexual harassment, policies 
and laws preventing such abhorrent acts have been in place in our 
military ranks and in the workplace. American taxpayers have also 
benefited from Patricia Schroeder's opposition to excessive military 
spending projects such as star wars, the B-2 bomber, and the MX missile 
system. Her independent streak has also advanced the prospects of peace 
and respect for human rights.
  Pat Schroeder is no less the champion of civilian women, as she has 
tirelessly fought for legislation combating domestic violence, breast 
cancer, and family and medical leave for mothers. She has also fought 
vigorously for our environment, which is particularly treasured in a 
beautiful Rocky Mountain State such as Colorado.
  A Harvard law graduate, a lawyer by trade, and a trailblazer by 
nature, Patricia Schroeder will continue to change the world. As a 
result of her arduous work in the House, women everywhere have made 
greater grains toward the equality and respect they deserve. Our air 
and water is cleaner. Our precious natural resources are better 
conserved and natural national treasures safely preserved. And as a 
result of Patricia Schroeder's work on House committee, our Nation's 
judiciary and military are more reasoned. The level of intellect and 
passion Pat brought to this body will remain her as her legacy, and I 
wish her well.

                          ____________________