[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 32 (Tuesday, March 21, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S1508]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MAUREEN NEUBERGER

 Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, each of us who are 
privileged to serve in this chamber are well aware of the history of 
the Senate and the contributions of those who came before us. I am 
mindful every day that I serve in the seat held for thirty years by 
Mark Hatfield.
  Another who held this seat with distinction from 1960-1967 was 
Maureen Neuberger, who was the first woman ever to represent Oregon in 
the United States Senate, and the third woman in history to serve here. 
Mrs. Neuberger passed away last week at the age of 94, and I rise today 
to pay tribute to this remarkable Oregonian.
  Oregon is a state known for its pioneers and trailblazers, and 
Maureen Neuberger was no exception. She began her political career in 
1950 at a time when women in public office were very much a novelty. 
Upon her election to the Oregon State House of Representatives, she 
became one half of a truly historic couple. Her husband, Dick 
Neuberger, was serving in the Oregon State Senate, and they became the 
first couple in United States history to serve together in a state 
legislature.
  Maureen continued to serve in the legislature even after her husband 
was elected to the United States Senate in 1954. Upon his death in 
1960, Maureen was elected to the United States Senate in her own right.
  During her years in this chamber, Senator Neuberger earned a 
reputation as an advocate for consumer rights. She sponsored 
legislation creating warning labels on cigarette packages, challenged 
the meat-packing industry for artificially adding water to hams, and 
exposed bedding manufacturers who sold flammable blankets.
  She chose to retire from the Senate after serving one term, but 
remained active through service on presidential commissions and 
teaching at universities. Throughout her life, she also served as a 
mentor and role model to Oregon women from both political parties who 
entered the public service arena.
  As my State's largest newspaper, The Oregonian, editorialized about 
Senator Neuberger:

       Only 27 women have served in the Senate in U.S. history. 
     She was third. The ones who served after (her)--including the 
     nine who serve today--might not have been there at all if 
     Maureen Neuberger had not helped pave the way.

  I was privileged to meet Senator Neuberger during my service in the 
Oregon State Senate. I recall her as a gracious and straight talking 
person who never lost her interest in the issues of the day. Both 
Oregon and America are better for her life and service.

                          ____________________