[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 11, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E919-E920]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  CONGRATULATING TERRY NAGEL ON HER SERVICE AS PRESIDENT OF THE NJFRW

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARGE ROUKEMA

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 11, 1999

  Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Terry Nagel on her 
past four years of service as president of the New Jersey Federation of 
Republican Women. Terry is a stalwart veteran of the political process 
who has fought for her party's values--and promoted the values of our 
democratic system--for more than 30 years. Her leadership will be 
missed, but her many contributions will never be forgotten.
  As a secondary-school teacher before coming to Congress, I used to 
tell my students to become politically active in the party of their 
choice. Whether you are a Republican, Democrat, Independent or member 
of a minor party, it is important to find the political party that 
represents your beliefs and then become an active part of the political 
process. Terry Nagel is someone who has done just that. She is a loyal 
Republican, of course, but promotes more than just Republican ideals 
and values. She extols the values of a democratic society and knows the 
vital importance of an elected government accountable to the 
electorate. And she always emphasizes that the vote is not just a right 
but a responsibility--if you don't vote, you have no one but yourself 
to blame if you're unhappy with government.
  Terry Nagel has worked hard to promote her party's candidates--not 
just women--and has met with tremendous success. While working for men 
and women candidates alike, she has realized that all issues are 
women's issues--whether they involve career opportunities or tax rates. 
Under her guidance, the New Jersey Federation of Republican Women has 
championed the issues that count with New Jersey voters--a strong 
economy, good jobs at good wages, streets safe from crime, and welfare 
reform that works.
  The NJFRW grew significantly under Ms. Nagel's tenure, adding 
chapters in Hunterdon, Warren and Salem counties. The organization 
participated in the Get Out the Vote campaign in Washington, D.C., 
increased financial support for candidates throughout the state and 
urged the State Republican Committee to give the federation a voting 
seat on the committee. The Federation also played a major role in 
helping pass the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act.
  Ms. Nagel's involvement in politics began in 1969 as a member of the 
Women's Republican Club of Middletown, where she planned programs and 
worked as a fundraiser. She became a member of the Middletown 
Republican Committee in 1975 and served as president of the Monmouth 
County Federation of Republican Women from 1983-1985. She was named 
president of the New Jersey Federation of Republican Women in 1995 and 
became a member of the board of the National Federation of Republican 
Women the same year. She chaired former Governor Thomas Kean's 
telephone campaign in the 15th Congressional District in 1985, and has 
chaired and organized many political events over the years. She has 
been an honorary delegate to each Republican National Convention since 
1998.
  Ms. Nagel has also served on the Middletown Board of Public 
Assistance and the Middletown Recreation Advisory Committee.
  Professionally, Ms. Nagel is a former director of children's 
recreation at the Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at 
New York University. She also directed the pre-school program at 
Exxon's Bayway Community Center. She has also taught physical education 
at Mater Dei High School and owned her own dance studio. She is a 
graduate of Panzer College and holds a master's degree in education 
from New York University.

[[Page E920]]

  Ms. Nagel is also a former president and board member of the Women's 
Club of Asbury Park and a Girl Scouts camp counselor. She and her 
husband, William Nagel, live in Middletown and have three children.
  I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in 
thanking Terry Nagel for her work on behalf of our democratic electoral 
system. She has helped create a better life for New Jerseyans, our 
children and our grandchildren.

                          ____________________