[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 31, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E533]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       THE PASSING OF FORMER MEMBER HON. BELLA ABZUG OF NEW YORK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 31, 1998

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise to note 
the passing of a former Member who, in fact, was a noteworthy Member of 
the Congress.
  When Bella Abzug was first elected to the Congress in 1970, she had 
the distinction of becoming the first Jewish woman to serve in this 
chamber. She soon became a household word not only in her own 
Congressional District in Manhattan, but throughout the nation.
  On her very first day in Congress, she introduced legislation 
requiring the immediate withdrawal of all American forces from 
Southeast Asia. Although her resolution was defeated, it served notice 
to the Congress, the White House, and the nation at large that here was 
a Congressperson who was willing to make waves on behalf of her 
beliefs.
  Soon, Bella Abzug was famous for introducing the resolution which 
forced the White House to make public the so-called ``Pentagon 
Papers.'' As an ardent supporter of the Equal Rights for Women 
Amendment to the Constitution, she is credited with coining the well 
known phrase: ``A woman's place is in the House--and also the Senate!''
  Although at the time Bella Abzug had a reputation for abrasiveness, 
in fact she paved the path for many other women who followed her into 
this chamber, and for this we owe her a tremendous debt.
  In 1976, Bella Abzug conducted an unsuccessful campaign for U.S. 
Senate, in which she was defeated by Daniel Patrick Moynihan, who 
continues to serve to this day. A year later, she was an unsuccessful 
candidate for Mayor of New York City. Although never again elected to 
public office, she remained a force for the causes she espoused until 
her death earlier today due to complications from heart surgery at the 
age of 77.
  Bella survived her husband, Martin, an attorney, by 12 years. Those 
of us who knew Bella and Martin will never forget that dynamic team 
whose dedication was to a better life for all of us.
  Bella Abzug will be buried at a private funeral on Thursday, with a 
public memorial at a time and location to be announced later.
  To her daughters, Isobel and Eve Gail, and to her sister, Helen 
Alexander, we extend our heartfelt condolences. The world is a better 
place because of Bella Abzug.

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