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




      HONORING REPRESENTATIVE PATRICIA SCHROEDER OF COLORADO AND 
               REPRESENTATIVE CARDISS COLLINS OF ILLINOIS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 1, 1996

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to add voice to those who want 
to recognize two wonderful public servants and truly special people, my 
colleagues Pat Schroeder and Cardiss Collins. It has been an honor for 
me to serve with these two distinguished Members, who have worked hard 
to help the people of Colorado, Illinois, and the United States. Their 
dedication, passion, and commitment to the betterment of our country 
will be missed.
  For 11 terms, Pat Schroeder, my friend from Colorado, has been an 
active and influential leader on behalf of women's and children's 
issues, health care, educational opportunity, constitutional rights, 
and foreign and military policy. In doing so, she has shaped 
legislation that has affected every American and has earned the respect 
of legislators on both sides of the aisle.
  By holding strong to her convictions and by keeping an unwavering 
commitment to help America, Pat Schroeder has become one of the best-
known Members of this body. To many Americans, Pat Schroeder has become 
synonymous with women's rights, and rightfully so. Allies on important 
issues are always thankful to have Pat fight on their behalf, while 
foes on issues fear her powerful voice.
  Pat Schroeder's legislative accomplishments are countless. Some of 
her most recent bills that are now law include the Violence Against 
Women Act, the Economic Equity Act, the Breast and Cervical Cancer 
Prevention Act, the Child Support Responsibility Act, and the National 
Child Care Protection Act.
  Pat Schroeder has won recognition from a wide range of groups because 
of her dedication, including the National Women's Hall of Fame. We'll 
all remember Pat, though, for some of the every day things she does, 
like the smiley faces in her signature, the bunny suits and her flair 
for language and the art of debate. As I told her earlier this year, 
without Pat we never would have know whether Presidents were Teflon or 
Velcro, or which hawks were really chickens in disguise.
  My colleague from Illinois, Cardis Collins, also has had a most 
distinguished career of service to her constituents, and significant 
legislative contributions during her tenure here. Since arriving in 
1973, Cardis Collins not only has been a remarkable congresswoman, but 
has been a leader. Cardiss Collins has led the charge on minority, 
women's, children's, and safety issues. By doing so, she has enhanced 
equality and helped our Nation become stronger and safer.
  I have had the honor to serve with Cardiss on the Commerce Committee, 
where I was able to witness her hard work and commitment to not only 
the people of Illinois, but to all Americans.
  During her tenure as chair of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer 
Protection, and Competitiveness, Cardiss Collins was instrumental in 
enacting the Child Abuse Prevention Act, the Child Safety Protection 
Act, the Gender Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act, and many, many 
other bills. She also conducted investigations which helped triple the 
number of child care centers in the General Services Administration.
  Cardiss Collins' tireless efforts have also resulted in increased 
safety standards for America's airline passengers, tougher safety 
standards in the transport of toxic materials, and an increased 
African-American participation in advertising. She has led a dedicated 
staff both in the Government Reform Committee, and before that in the 
Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and 
Competitiveness. It was on this panel that Chairwoman Collins led 
hearings on gender equity, insurance redlining, and deceptive practices 
in the sale of life insurance.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have served with such noble individuals. 
Pat Schroeder and Cardiss Collins will not be forgotten. America owes 
them both a debt of gratitude. I urge all my colleagues to salute Pat 
and Cardiss for their exceptional accomplishments as Members of the 
House. They both will be greatly missed, but I know they will both find 
great satisfaction in their future endeavors.

                          ____________________