[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 139 (Tuesday, October 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1893-E1894]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSWOMEN SCHROEDER AND COLLINS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM (BILL) CLAY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 1, 1996

  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, when the 105th Congress convenes next year, 
this body will regrettably be absent two of its most dedicated and 
distinguished public servants, the Honorable Pat Schroeder and the 
Honorable Cardiss Collins. It is with mixed feelings of pleasure and 
sadness that I rise today in tribute to these two extraordinary 
leaders.
  Congresswoman Schroeder and Congresswoman Collins have served the 
Congress longer and with greater dedication than few others. Among 
women Members, their longevity is virtually unmatched. As cofounders of 
the Congressional Women's Caucus they have shared in the historic 
mission of elevating this body's awareness and understanding of 
legislative issues of greatest concern to women. Both have served 
selflessly and tirelessly in the struggle for social justice and 
equality.
  Pat Schroeder and Cardiss Collins represent very different 
constituencies. Their legislative styles are distinct and they speak in 
somewhat different voices, but they have consistently spoken in unison 
on behalf of those who have been traditionally under-represented in the 
halls of Congress. The achievements of these two legislative giants are 
too numerous to recount and too phenomenal to address adequately in 
these few minutes. They each leave a legacy of achievements fulfilled. 
Pat has performed some miraculous feats as a member of the National 
Security Committee while Cardiss has left her signature on the business 
of the Commerce Committee. And both of these great Members of Congress 
has left her personal imprimatur on issues like health care, education, 
employment security, environmental protection, consumer safety, and 
civil rights and humanitarian causes.
  These two gentlewomen have made countless personal sacrifices and 
enormous contributions to this body and to the Nation. No truer 
advocates of peace, justice, and equality I have known in my 28 years 
in Congress. Congresswoman Cardiss Collins acts from the heart and 
steadfastly nurtures policies of fairness and virtue. Congresswoman Pat 
Schroeder speaks eloquently from her soul and illuminates the path to 
truth and justice.
  Mr. Speaker, the Congresswoman from Denver and the Congresswoman from 
Chicago have played magnificent roles in redirecting our future. They 
have moved our Nation closer toward realizing those principles of 
freedom and equality of which our Nation's founders paid lip service 
but to which they failed miserably in their shameless defense of racism 
and sexism. Our Nation and this institution have changed for the better 
by the dedicated contributions of these exceptional legislators.
  Representatives Schroeder and Collins have demonstrated the kind of 
faith and dedication that inspire the best in others. I will Pat's 
humor and I will miss Cardiss' determination, and I will especially 
miss their generous support and friendship. My memories of

[[Page E1894]]

service with Pat Schroeder and Cardiss Collins are long and fond. I 
wish them each good health and good fortune as they leave us and move 
on to new challenges. I know they will continue to spread the faith. 
May triumph and victory be with them on the path that lies ahead.

                          ____________________