Congressional Record, Volume 147 Issue 81 (Tuesday, June 12, 2001)

[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 81 (Tuesday, June 12, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H3019-H3025]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

RECOGNIZING CONTRIBUTIONS, ACHIEVEMENTS, AND DEDICATED WORK OF SHIRLEY
ANITA CHISHOLM

Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 97) recognizing the enduring contributions,
heroic achievements, and dedicated work of Shirley Anita Chisholm.
The Clerk read as follows:

H. Res. 97

Whereas Shirley Anita Chisholm has devoted her life to
public service;
Whereas Shirley Anita Chisholm served in the New York
Assembly from 1964 to 1968;
Whereas Shirley Anita Chisholm became the first African
American woman to be elected to Congress in 1968;
Whereas Congresswoman Chisholm was a fierce critic of the
seniority system in Congress, protested her assignment in
1969 to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives, and won reassignment to a committee of the
House of Representatives on which she could better serve her
inner-city district in Brooklyn, New York;
Whereas Congresswoman Chisholm served as a Member of
Congress from 1968 until 1983;
Whereas Congresswoman Chisholm proposed legislation to
increase funding for child care facilities in order to allow
such facilities to extend their hours of operation and
provide services to both middle-class and low-income
families;
Whereas in 1972 Congresswoman Chisholm became the first
African American, the first woman, and the first African
American woman to be a candidate for the nomination of the
Democratic Party for the office of President of the United
States;
Whereas Congresswoman Chisholm campaigned in the primaries
of 12 States, won 28 delegates, and received 152 first ballot
votes at the national convention for the nomination of the
Democratic Party for the office of President of the United
States;
Whereas Congresswoman Chisholm has fought throughout her
life for fundamental rights for women, children, seniors,
African Americans, Hispanics, and other minority groups;
Whereas Congresswoman Chisholm has been a committed
advocate for many progressive causes, including improving
education, ending discrimination in hiring practices,
increasing the availability of child care, and expanding the
coverage of the Federal minimum wage laws to include domestic
employment;
Whereas in addition to the service of Congresswoman
Chisholm as a legislator, Congresswoman Chisholm has worked
to improve society as a nursery school teacher, director of a
child care facility, consultant for the New York Department
of Social Services, and educator; and
Whereas it is appropriate that the dedicated work and
outstanding accomplishments of Congresswoman Chisholm be
recognized during the month of March, which is National
Women's History Month: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes the enduring contributions and heroic
achievements of Shirley Anita Chisholm; and

[[Page H3020]]

(2) appreciates the dedicated work of Shirley Anita
Chisholm to improve the lives and status of women in the
United States.

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
Maryland (Mrs. Morella) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella).

General Leave

Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their
remarks on H. Res. 97.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from Maryland?
There was no objection.
Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have the House consider House Resolution
97, which recognizes the enduring contributions, heroic achievements,
and dedicated work of Shirley Anita Chisholm.
I want to thank my distinguished colleague, the gentlewoman from
California (Ms. Lee), for introducing this legislation which gives us
an opportunity to honor Ms. Chisholm's achievements.
Shirley Chisholm has brought honesty, integrity, and compassion to
her lifetime of public service. In 1959, Ms. Chisholm joined the New
York Department of Social Services and the Department of Day Care.
There, the living conditions of poor and minority women and children
were a constant concern that became a priority for the rest of her
life.
She was elected to the New York Assembly, where she served from 1964
to 1968. In 1969, she still spoke for the less fortunate in our society
when a 3-1 margin of victory made Ms. Chisholm the first African
American woman to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.
House Resolution 97 reflects the extensive accomplishments and
inspired activism of Ms. Chisholm as a Representative of the Bedford-
Stuyvesant District. Ms. Chisholm was determined to make the system
work for those who needed it most.
In addition to all her accomplishments, Ms. Chisholm was a pioneer
and an idealist. Not only was she the first African American woman to
serve in Congress but she was also the first woman and the first
African American woman to seek her party's nomination for President of
the United States.
As one of the first candidates to address the issues of young adults,
Chisholm has always and continued to reach out to students and youth as
a professor at Mount Holyoke College after choosing not to run for
reelection in 1982.
In fact, Shirley Chisholm never ceased to find new ways to serve her
district, her State, and her Nation before, during, and after her time
as a Member of the House.
The same issues that propelled Shirley Chisholm into office are the
same issues she addressed each year while in office. Ms. Chisholm
helped pass the Adequate Income Act of 1971, which guaranteed a minimum
income for impoverished families. She helped convince Congress to
override President Ford's veto of the bill which finally provided
support for State day care agencies.
She tirelessly worked to protect programs that supported minority
children; and even after holding office, Ms. Chisholm continued her
fight for minority rights by establishing the National Political
Congress of Black Women. All of these efforts in and out of office are
manifestations of Shirley Chisholm's dedication to improving poor
living conditions and the rights of women and minorities.
Great gains have been made since Ms. Chisholm's first term in the
House. There are now 62 female Members of the House. Of these 62 women,
15 are African American. And we just added one the other day, the
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson) to replace our very
distinguished Mr. Dixon, who I am sure is looking down with great
favor.
While this statistic is encouraging, we can do more to honor Ms.
Chisholm's legacy. She broke down the barriers of race and gender
relative to congressional representation, and we have to continue in
her footsteps. As a pioneer, an idealist, she reminds us of what true
public service and political leadership could be and should be.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 97.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join in support of this resolution. In
1968, a court-ordered reapportionment of New York's Congressional
District created a new 12th district centered in the Bedford-Stuyvesant
section of Brooklyn. Shirley Chisholm, the daughter of immigrants, won
the election in that district.
As the first black woman to serve in Congress, Shirley Chisholm is
quoted as saying at that time ``tremendous amounts of talent are being
lost to our society just because that talent wears a skirt.'' Shirley
Chisholm's advocacy on behalf of her constituents and the examples she
has set for the women that have followed her have not been lost on this
body, as is evident from this resolution.
When Shirley Chisholm arrived in the House of Representatives from
her inner-city district, the Democratic members of the Committee on
Ways and Means assigned her to the Committee on Agriculture. Shirley
Chisholm, already a critic of the committee system and its emphasis on
seniority, appealed to her party caucus for reassignment to a committee
of greater relevance to her district.
She then received a seat on the committee on Veterans Affairs,
followed by several terms on the Committee on Education and Labor and
the Committee on Rules. Throughout her service in Congress, Shirley
Chisholm fought to extend or protect the same kind of social programs
that were at the center of her State and local activism.
Among her efforts to aid families were her proposed funding increases
to extend the hours of day care facilities and open such facilities to
the children of working mothers of low-income and middle-income groups.
She sponsored the Adequate Income Act of 1971, which guaranteed an
annual income for families; and her defense of the Office of Economic
Opportunity against the Nixon administration's efforts to eliminate
that agency will always be remembered.
On January 25, 1972, Shirley Chisholm declared her candidacy for the
Democratic Presidential nomination. She campaigned extensively and
entered primaries in 12 States, winning 28 delegates and receiving 152
first ballot votes at the convention.
Shirley Chisholm was indeed a role model as an elected official and
an activist. I am pleased to join in support of this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to yield the balance of my time
to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee) for the purposes of
controlling time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Illinois?
There was no objection.
Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis),
for yielding the time to me and for allowing us this time today and for
his assistance and in pushing this resolution forward to honor a great
human being.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 97, a bill that
recognizes the enduring contributions, the heroic achievements, and the
dedicated work of my friend and mentor Shirley Anita Chisholm.
I am honored to sponsor this bipartisan resolution, and I want to
thank the gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella) for being here with
us today in celebrating the numerous accomplishments of a dynamic woman
who has devoted her life to public service and who broke many glass
ceilings.
Ms. Chisholm is now retired but continues to touch the lives of many
individuals. I would like to recognize Ms. Chisholm for her courageous
leadership as an African American pioneer, a heroic woman, and an
outstanding American.
Ms. Chisholm became the first African American woman elected to
Congress in 1968. And today, as the gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs.
Morella) just indicated, we have 15 phenomenal

[[Page H3021]]

African American congresswomen who serve the Nation in an amazing way.
Shirley Chisholm was elected during a time when there were few women
elected officials, as well as few ethnic minority women in public
office.
The gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) outlined the many committees
that Congresswoman Chisholm served on. He mentioned the powerful
Committee on Rules. She knew how to exercise power for the good of the
country and she exhibited remarkable political skills, clarity on the
issues, and tough love as she masterfully engaged in the legislative
process.
Ms. Chisholm worked hard to get elected to Congress as a woman and as
an African American and as an American. While in office, she stood up
for the principles she was guided by, despite the numerous battles she
faced in office.
She fought the fight for what she believed in, despite the struggles
she faced as a woman and as an African American. She represented the
voice of minorities, women, and children while in public office and
worked hard to make sure that their issues were addressed and
incorporated in all aspects of public policy.
Ms. Chisholm was really a woman far ahead of her time. She was truly
a visionary. I was so proud and amazed each time I heard her speak
fluent Spanish. She is proudly bilingual.
One of Ms. Chisholm's slogans used in her campaign was a catalyst for
change. That indeed she was. Her extraordinary work has inspired and
empowered many, many women to become active citizens by engaging in the
political process.

{time} 1500

Mrs. Chisholm inspired me through her wisdom and vision to strive for
success and stand up for fundamental rights. She was my role model and
convinced me that I could achieve anything if I work hard for it even
in a white male dominated society.
I have so many personal, wonderful and inspiring memories of Shirley
Chisholm, but just for a minute let me just mention one. Imagine a
young woman on public assistance raising two small boys as a single
mother, trying to get through college. One day, this young woman meets
an inspirational and brilliant African-American Congresswoman from New
York who was running for President. She was really in awe.
Yes, that young woman way back there in 1972 was me. That powerful
woman was Mrs. Shirley Chisholm, Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm,
Candidate Shirley Chisholm, who visited my college at Mills College in
Oakland, California to convince students to become organized by getting
involved in her campaign.
I reflect upon this today because I see so many young girls and women
who need role models and mentors to encourage them to develop their
potential.
Shirley Chisholm's courage and wisdom enabled many women to enter
careers that were really nontraditional. Her mission to incorporate
women, children, African Americans and all minorities into public
policy opened the door to a whole new debate that was lacking in
Congress during her time.
Mrs. Chisholm was truly unbought and unbossed.
Through her example, she encouraged me, like many, to believe in
myself and work hard in our mission to expand women's rights and
minority rights as an African American.
In 1972, Mrs. Chisholm wanted to incorporate her ideals and beliefs
into a larger scale. So, as we know, in 1972, she became the first
African American, the first woman, the first African-American woman to
be a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination.
I was proud to have been part of her campaign. In fact, that was the
very first political endeavor of my entire life.
Like so many young people, I was not sure that politics could make a
difference in my life or the lives of my communities. But she convinced
me to take a chance. She told me first that I better register to vote,
and then she encouraged me to become more involved.
So I want to congratulate Mrs. Chisholm for her great accomplishments
and take this time to celebrate her courage, her wisdom and her
strength.
I thank Shirley Chisholm for giving me a glimpse of the grand
possibilities that public service really does provide individuals, and
I thank her for her challenging life's work as well as for her kind and
gentle spirit.
Each time that I speak with Shirley Chisholm, I am inspired to go
back to the drawing board, to regroup, to bounce back with a new-found
sense of passion, fire and enthusiasm until of course that there is
liberty and justice for all.
For these reasons and for many more today, I want to just thank
Shirley Chisholm. Like so many others, I deeply love, respect and honor
her.
I urge my colleagues to join me in celebrating the accomplishments of
Mrs. Chisholm by supporting this resolution. I reserve the balance of
my time.
Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 4 minutes to
the distinguished gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters).
Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs.
Morella) very much for allowing me to take these 4 minutes to speak
about my friend Shirley Chisholm. I thank the gentlewoman from
California (Ms. Lee) for organizing us around this special recognition.
I am delighted to join with my colleagues here today as we recognize
the accomplishments of someone who has been truly a leader, a role
model, and my friend. Shirley Anita Chisholm is one of the most
inspirational women that I have ever met, and this is a woman with an
impressive legacy.
Early on, she spoke out on behalf of the people who most needed a
voice. She spoke out for children, minorities and women. To this day,
her commitment to the underrepresented has never failed.
In 1964, Shirley Chisholm won by a landslide a seat on the New York
State Assembly. There one of her initiatives was to author legislation
that instituted a program known as SEEK, a program providing college
funding to disadvantaged youth.
Four years later, Shirley Chisholm made history. She became the first
woman, the first African American and the first African-American woman
to be elected to Congress. Mrs. Chisholm served seven terms as a Member
of the House of Representatives.
During that time, Shirley Chisholm advocated not only for the rights
of blacks, but also for the rights of other people of color, including
Native Americans and Spanish-speaking migrants. She would not stand for
discrimination of any kind.
In her congressional office, Ms. Chisholm went against tradition of
the time that paid men higher wages than women. In addition, she broke
down barriers that prevented women from being promoted to certain
positions.
While in Congress, Shirley Chisholm continued the struggle for
equality, leading the drive to expand the coverage of minimum wage
legislation to include domestic workers. She also was a leader in the
effort to end forced sterilization of mental health patients.
The woman we honor today took other bold steps as well. In 1972, she
broke boundaries by campaigning for the Democratic presidential
nomination. Her efforts opened the door to later campaigns.
Shirley Chisholm has been involved in numerous endeavors. She has
written two books, including the one that we will hear discussed most
when people talk about Shirley Chisholm, ``Unbought and Unbossed,'' her
autobiography to 1970. From 1983 to 1987, she held the Purington Chair
at Mount Holyoke College.
In 1984, Shirley Chisholm and I joined with a group of 34 African-
American women leaders to form the National Political Congress of Black
Women. Ms. Chisholm later served as the first chair of that
organization. That organization is still going strong today with C.
Dolores Tucker as its leader.
Shirley Chisholm's efforts must not be forgotten. The fact that they
are so extraordinary provides us with a clear sign that we have not yet
done enough. It is my hope that by honoring her today, we are taking
one more step to the justice and equality we need in this country.
Mr. Speaker, I heard the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee) talk
about how she was inspired by Shirley

[[Page H3022]]

Chisholm. I think that all of us as women Members of Congress could
not help but be inspired by Shirley Chisholm no matter on which side of
the aisle we serve. Certainly we all knew about her, and certainly we
all aspire to be like her.
There is one thing that I would like to have said about me, is that I
am as feisty as Shirley Chisholm and that I too am unbought and
unbossed. If I could get that said about me, that would be worth
everything.
Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, let me just say to the gentlewoman from California (Ms.
Waters) I vividly remember the day I met her, and it was at an event
for Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm in Los Angeles. That is a testimony
to, I think, the type of people that Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm
brought together all over our country, men, women, minorities, people
of conscience throughout our country.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from the District
of Columbia (Ms. Norton), a woman who serves with distinction the
Washington, D.C. area, our Washington, D.C., the home of all of us, and
a woman who serves in the tradition of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm.
Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentlewoman from
the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).
Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from California for
her generosity, and I thank her for her prescience for bringing this
resolution to the floor.
I also thank the gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella), my good
friend, who characteristically has come forward for a woman pioneer. I
use the word ``pioneer'' here in its literal meaning. I know the term
is used loosely. But I mean to avoid cliches here. This woman gives
real meaning to the word ``pioneer'': first woman, first African-
American woman in the House of Representatives, first African-American
woman to run for President, first African-American woman to found a
national political women's organization, the National Political
Congress of Black Women, now with C. Dolores Tucker as chair.
I was one of the co-founders with the gentlewoman from California
(Ms. Waters) and a number of others, but the leader of that group was
the woman who was chief in charge of us all; and that was Shirley
Chisholm.
Just think of it. A little over 30 years ago, there was not a single
black woman who had ever served in this body. Now there are 13 of us.
That means that we are coming up on being almost half of the
Congressional Black Caucus and over a quarter of the women in the
Congress.
I am telling my colleagues, it took guts and intelligence and all the
other characteristics that one can think of to be the first one to step
up here and say I am coming. Nobody has come before, but here I come.
For me, it is almost like for the gentlewoman from California (Ms.
Lee), Shirley Chisholm is not simply a distinguished African-American
woman who I admire as a role model. This is a woman who has been a
friend since the days when she and I both served in New York, she in
the State Assembly, me as New York City Commissioner on Human Rights. I
saw this woman rise in the State Assembly, and I saw her rise to the
Congress, and I saw the characteristics that made that happen.
Every woman in this body is personally indebted to Shirley Chisholm
because of how she made women count in America. When she stepped
forward, one did not have to be her color to be proud.
Shirley Chisholm was a leader in giving feminism a black face. For
that, I am personally indebted. This was a prominent black woman who
was unafraid to step up and say, hey, listen here, I am black and I am
a woman and I am proud of both, and I do not want to hear about how you
are not supposed to be a woman if you are black.
She made it safe to be a black feminist. She cleared the way for all
of us who regard ourselves as feminists. She was not turned back by the
notion of matriarchy or words of that ilk.
She of course came to Congress out of her work with women and
children in the social services department in New York, seeing the
hardships of women and children. She became the special advocate of
women and children for her entire life. It was her lifelong mission:
minimum wage for women in the New York State Assembly, minimum wage for
women right here in this country, minimum wage for domestic workers in
the New York State Assembly, minimum wage for domestic workers in the
House of Representatives, affordable child care.
Child care for poor women, sure. But Shirley Chisholm stood up and
said, you know what, the average woman needs child care, too, the
average middle-class woman; and she needs it for all day because those
are the workdays.
Shirley Chisholm of course never stayed in her place. She did not
know how to stay in her place. So she did not just stop with her women
and children, her lifelong mission. She was there up in front for the
all-volunteer army, for the prohibition on arms sales to South Africa
before that became an issue in this body, for consumer protection.
She was one of the few Members to become a national figure as a
result of her service in this place. She became a national
Congresswoman. She represented Bedford Stuveysant and Bushwick. If my
colleagues know anything about Brooklyn, they know that is a tall
order.
But millions of Americans of every color thought of Shirley Chisholm
as their Congresswoman. Some of us are especially indebted to Shirley
Chisholm for countless contributions to the African-American community
and to black women in particular. But the United States of America
itself is indebted to Shirley Anita Chisholm for 15 years of pioneer
service to her country.
I want my last words to be understood because I spoke of her service
to African Americans and to black women in particular. But I want it to
be understood that I believe the United States of America itself is
indebted to Shirley Chisholm for 15 years of pioneering service to her
country in the House of Representatives.
Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from
Minnesota (Ms. McCollum), whose life has been touched in many ways by
Shirley Anita Chisholm.
Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for arranging this
and yielding me time today.
Mr. Speaker, in 1972, Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm announced her
candidacy for President. She said, ``I stand before you today as a
candidate for the Democratic nomination of the Presidency of the United
States. I am not the candidate of black America, although I am black
and proud. I am not the candidate of the women's movement, although I
am equally proud of being a woman. I am not the candidate of any
political bosses or special interests. I am the candidate of the
people.''
I was 18 years old when Shirley Chisholm announced her candidacy and
became one of my political role models. Her passion, her commitment for
Democratic ideals, justice and equality continue to offer me guidance
and inspiration as I serve the people of Minnesota.
This past November, I became only the second woman elected to
Congress since Minnesota became a State in 1858. Just as my election
has been important to the young women in Minnesota, Shirley Chisholm's
service in Congress and outspoken leadership for racial and gender
equality inspired millions of Americans, including me.
While introducing the Equal Rights Amendment in 1969, Congresswoman
Chisholm said, ``a woman who aspires to be the chairman of the board,
or a member of the House, does so for exactly the same reasons as any
man. She thinks she can do the job and she wants to try.''

{time} 1515

And in this year, 2001, 32 years after its original introduction, I
am proud to work with others to continue Shirley Chisholm's struggle
for equality as an original cosponsor of this most recent equal rights
amendment.
Congresswoman Chisholm, you did the job well, and today I honor you
and I thank you; and I once again thank both the gentlewomen for making
it possible for me to speak today.
Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from
California (Ms. Watson), our newest Member of Congress, our newest
woman

[[Page H3023]]

here in the United States Congress, our newest member of the
Congressional Black Caucus, a person who I served with for many years
in the California legislature; and I believe that today is probably her
actual first speech on the floor since her swearing-in speech last
Thursday.
Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from
California (Ms. Lee). It is a pleasure and a delight to be here joining
her in her commendation to Representative Shirley Chisholm, a woman
that I met too many years ago to really account for.
In meeting Shirley Chisholm, it was an experience. And when I say an
experience, she was a teacher and a mentor, and there is never a time
when you meet with Shirley Chisholm that you do not feel her
inspiration, that you do not hear her wisdom, that you do not notice
how profound she really is. Shirley Chisholm serves as a major role
model for all women and all Americans. As has been said here before,
she did not only focus on African Americans and women, but all
Americans. She showed those of us who were young and aspiring how to
get the job done. She was knowledgeable almost in every area that one
could raise with her.
She tells the story of how she was called on in New York to train a
young man who was a labor leader to prepare himself to run for elected
office. And she told him that she did not have much time because she
was teaching, but she would take on a new project. This new project was
so enamored with her, so touched by her warmth, her knowledge, and her
concern for him, that at the end of their session he asked to marry
her. She eventually married him.
He prepared her for life alone, and the story really brings tears to
your eyes. He discovered that he was a cancer victim. And rather than
let her know, he said he was going to work on a private job every
Wednesday. He was preparing for his departure and trying to get affairs
ready so Shirley could take over after he had passed on and be able to
run things on her own. He did pass on, and Shirley took on a new life.
And I tend to think of that new life as enjoying life as he would have
enjoyed it with her as he had lived.
These are the kinds of stories that one heard often from Shirley. Not
only did she advise you on how to work through the political arena, but
she advised you on how to live life. And I think we all owe a great
debt of gratitude to Shirley Chisholm, because whoever met her learned
a little more about life and how to live life more successfully and
beneficially.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Whitfield). The gentlewoman from
California (Ms. Lee) has 1 minute remaining, and the gentlewoman from
Maryland (Mrs. Morella) has 11 minutes remaining.
Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, does the gentlewoman from California seek
any time from this side?
Ms. LEE. Yes, I would like to yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from
Hawaii (Mrs. Mink).
Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from
Hawaii (Mrs. Mink).
Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, the
gentlewoman from Maryland, for yielding me this time; and I thank my
colleague, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee) for setting up
this opportunity for us to remember someone who was truly an
illustrious individual who served in the Congress of the United States.
I believe, Mr. Speaker, that I am the only one who served with her,
and so I have great occasion to celebrate this moment and to tell my
colleagues what a wonderful person Shirley Chisholm was. There was
something about her, her gate, her mannerism, the smile that went
across her face. It just sort of electrified the House when she took
the well to express some disgruntled feeling about this Chamber that
was not doing its job. And everyone took it with good cheer and
responded by doing what we were supposed to do.
I recall very vividly when Shirley first came to the House and she
was assigned to the Committee on Agriculture. It was with great dismay
that she felt she was being more or less relegated a position on a
committee which was of no interest to her. She took the well,
castigated the leadership on her side for having made this appointment,
and then proceeded to take charge of that committee, and soon found out
that food stamps was in the House Committee on Agriculture and just
sort of revolutionized the whole approach of helping poor people with
the food stamp program.
That is an example of where Shirley Chisholm took every occasion to
fight for the things that were important not only to her and her
district but to all people throughout the United States. I consider her
truly one of the really outstanding persons, women, that I had the
privilege of serving with in the House.
Her most outstanding contribution to America was the fact that she
was the one who decided that it was time for America to have a new face
on the political ballot for the Presidency, and so she declared that
she was going to run, and she campaigned really vigorously all over the
country. Shirley Chisholm made headlines all over the newspapers,
making a real impression on young people that here was a woman willing
to stand up against all odds to make her point that America was for all
people and that women should consider the opportunity to run for
President.
So I am so proud to have had a chance to serve with Shirley, to
understand what a remarkable person she was. She took on every occasion
to present the issues as we would want them presented by this wonderful
champion.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my strong support for H. Res. 97,
recognizing the enduring contributions, heroic achievements, and
dedicated work of Shirley Anita Chisholm.
I am fortunate enough to have served with Shirley Chisholm when she
began her fourteen year tenure in the House. From day one, Shirley
spoke out for her constituents. After being assigned to the Committee
on Agriculture, Shirley protested, rightfully claiming that this
committee assignment would not allow here to fully serve the members of
her inner-city Brooklyn district.
Shirley, first and foremost, is an educator. She began her career as
a nursery school teacher and eventually became educational consultant
for New York's Division of Day Care. She realized early on the benefits
of quality early childhood education and proposed funding increases to
extend the hours of child care facilities. She later led the fight to
override President Ford's veto of a bill that would assist states in
meeting minimum day care requirements.
In 1972 Shirley declared her candidacy for the Democratic
presidential nomination. As the first African-American woman elected to
Congress, Shirley knew her presidential candidacy was going to be an
uphill battle. But she entered primaries in 12 states, won 28
delegates, and received 152 first ballot votes at the Democratic
convention.
She has inspired many women to enter the political arena, and once
said, ``At present, our country needs women's idealism and
determination, perhaps more in politics than anywhere else.''
I urge unanimous support for this resolution, which recognizes a true
pioneer and a true friend to women, children and minorities.
Mr. Speaker, I thank again my colleagues on both sides for yielding
me this time.
Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to once
again thank all my colleagues for sharing this time this afternoon with
us. I think it is so important that America, our young women, our
girls, all of America understand who this great woman was. Fortunately,
we will have the Congressional Record now. Fortunately, her legacy will
be recorded. We just heard a glimpse of that today in terms of her
life's work.
One thing I want to mention in closing is that I remember very
vividly Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm working in a bipartisan fashion.
I know the gentlewoman from Hawaii (Mrs. Mink) served with her, as she
indicated; and I know she knows how effective Congresswoman Chisholm
was in working across the aisle. I think she also has taught us all a
lesson that we probably need to look at and study at this point in our
work here in the United States Congress.
So I will close now by thanking once again all of our cosponsors on
this resolution. I want to once again honor and thank Congresswoman
Shirley Chisholm for everything that she has done and say that not only
should Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm be celebrated and honored during
black history or women's history, but she should go down in American
history as one of the greatest human beings who ever walked the face of
this Earth.

[[Page H3024]]

Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to
reiterate my thanks to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee) for
introducing this resolution, and note the number of people who have
spoken and those who will be putting statements into the record. It
reflects how all of us feel about this extraordinary woman, Shirley
Anita Chisholm, an extraordinary public servant, a woman who dared and
a very caring human being.
I urge all of our colleagues to support this resolution.
Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in
praising the achievements of a former member of this body, the
Honorable Shirley Anita Chrisholm. I am particularly pleased to lend my
support to this resolution because Congresswoman Chisholm represented
sections of my Brooklyn district for 16 years before her retirement in
1982. She served as a role model for aspiring politicians like myself
in New York; and she became an inspiration for thousands of young
people throughout this nation and around the world.
Not only did Shirley Chisholm make history with her election in 1966
as the first Black woman to serve in Congress, she set a standard of
legislative achievement in the area of education and advocacy for the
disadvantaged. Minimum wage for domestic workers, bio-medical education
programs for junior high students, an endowment fund for historically
Black colleges, and freedom and justice for Haitian refugees were just
a few of their stellar legislative accomplishments.
Before Shirley's run in the '72 Presidential election, neither women
or Blacks were considered viable candidates for the nation's highest
office. In her usual trailblazing fashion, here Presidential run
changed those political dynamics forever and our nation is the better
for it. Today, no one hesitates to consider the possibility of a woman
or a Black candidate on a national Presidential ticket.
I want to thank my colleague, the gentlelady from California for
introducing this resolution to honor one of New York's and Brooklyn's
finest, the Honorable Shirley Chisholm.
Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise in support of House
Resolution 97 honoring the great achievements and exemplary record of
public service of Shirley Anita Chisholm. A consummate and ardent
supporter of women and minorities in our society, Representative
Chisholm is truly deserving of this honor.
Shirley Chisholm was a pioneer in many ways. She was the first
African American woman ever to serve in Congress and not only the first
African American woman to run for President, but also the first woman
to run for the nation's highest office.
Shirley Chisholm was born to immigrant parents in Brooklyn, New York
in 1924. She attended public schools and graduated from Brooklyn
College with a degree in Sociology in 1946. She also went on to receive
a masters degree in child education from Columbia University in 1952.
Her service to our nation did not start with public service however.
With a belief that a better future can be achieved through the proper
education of our children, Shirley Chisholm dedicated herself to the
education and development of young children in New York. She first
worked as a nursery school teacher until she received her master's
degree; in which she then served as the director of various child care
centers in New York City. Her tremendous abilities and desire to serve
continued to open up greater opportunities for her to serve as she
entered her last job in the educational sector as an educational
consultant for the New York Department of Social Services.
In 1964 she decided that she could serve a broader segment of the
population by entering politics and was elected to the New York State
Assembly while campaigning for domestic workers to be included in the
minimum wage laws. In 1968 she ran against a strong candidate and won a
seat in the House of Representatives where she served with distinction
until 1983. While in the House, Representative Chisholm developed into
a strong opponent and critic of the seniority system and the Vietnam
War. As an active member of the Black Caucus she became a champion of
the downtrodden in our society. She sponsored or worked on types of
legislation that sought to further combat discrimination in hiring
practices, increase the availability of child day care to low and
middle income families, and set up a national commission on consumer
protection and safety. She also authored two books entitled Unbought
and Unbossed and The Good Fight.
Typical of Shirley Chisholm though, she decided that she could be of
even greater service to the American people by running for President of
the United States. She announced her candidacy in January of 1972 and
thus became the first African American and first woman ever to run for
the nation's highest office. Though she did not win the nomination, she
did win twenty-eight delegates and received 152 first ballot votes at
the Democratic Convention of that year.
When she retired from serving in the House, she went back to her
original field of work and accepted a teaching position at Mount
Holyoke College in Massachusetts where she taught until 1987. She
continues to remain active in politics however, as she helped to found
the National Political Congress of Black Women and serves on the
advisory board for the National Organization of Women.
Mr. Speaker, clearly Shirley Anita Chisholm was a dedicated servant
to our nation and to the people who needed a voice the most. She once
said this about herself, ``When I die, I don't want to be known as the
first black woman who was elected to the Congress, although I am. I
don't want to be known as the first woman, who happened to be black, to
make a serious bid for the presidency, although I am. I want to be
known as a woman who lived in the 20th century, who happened to be
black, and was a major catalyst for change for women. That's how I want
to be remembered.'' She certainly will be remembered for all those
things and more. Let us do the right thing to honor and give our thanks
to Shirley Chisholm and pass this resolution.
Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay
tribute to an innovator, trailblazer, and contributor to the
advancement of African Americans, Shirley Chisholm, who in 1968 became
the first Black woman elected to Congress. During her seven-term
career, Chisholm worked diligently on several committees including
Agriculture, Veterans' Affairs Committee, Rules, Education, and Labor.
The Brooklyn native has truly touched the lives of her fellow
Americans.
Chisholm is truly an exceptional person for many reasons. Her
positive impact on issues involving healthcare, education, and daycare
has implemented changes throughout various areas of the community. In
1976 she urged the House to over-ride President Ford's veto of a $125
million bill to assist states in meeting federal health, safety and
personnel standards for day care centers. Her fight to tougher fair
housing legislation is a continuum in America today. Because of her
victory in this fight, today millions of children spend their days in
safe and decent daycare facilities.
Her conscientious efforts have truly left indelible imprints upon
society. Mr. Speaker, Chisholm's contributions to society and this
institution were truly spectacular. As an African American woman in
this Congress, I stand on her shoulders and hope to honor and continue
her legacy.
Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pride and honor to
rise today in support of H. Res. 97, a resolution to recognize the
invaluable contributions and the monumental achievements of Ms. Shirley
Anita Chisholm. I would like to commend my colleague, Representative
Barbara Lee, for taking the leadership in this effort.
As the first African American woman to be elected to Congress in
1968, Ms. Chisholm blazed the trail that opened many doors for women of
color, particularly in the political arena. It is because of Ms.
Chisholm that I, along with the other fourteen African-American
Congresswomen, have sought elected office and dedicate our lives to
public service. Ms. Chisholm gave women the courage, fortitude and
inspiration to say, ``Women can do it too.'' She fought throughout her
life for fundamental rights for women, children, seniors, African
Americans, Hispanics, and other minority groups.
First and foremost, Ms. Chisholm was an educator. She worked to
improve our society as a nursery school teacher, director of a
childcare facility, consultant for the New York Department of Social
Services, and educator. Ms. Chisholm then used this experience and
knowledge as a platform for her advocacy to improve education and
increase the availability of childcare. In addition, Ms. Chisholm also
served on many progressive causes. She was indeed a visionary.
Ms. Chisholm is, perhaps, most remembered for becoming the first
African American, the first woman, and the first African American woman
to be a candidate for the nomination of the Democratic Party for the
office of the President of the United States. She has truly created a
legacy.
Mr. Speaker, achievements and contributions such as those made by
Congresswoman Shirley Anita Chisholm should never be forgotten or go
unrecognized. I thank Ms. Chisholm for being a role model to me and the
many little girls and women across the nation who aspire to make a
difference in our society. I would also like to thank Ms. Chisholm for
choosing the district that I represent, the U.S. Virgin Islands, as one
of her homes. We hope that the beauty and warmth of our territory will
bring you the peace, serenity and comfort of home away from home.
Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Shirley
Anita Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to Congress.
Ms. Chisholm was elected in 1969, and

[[Page H3025]]

continued to serve in the House of Representatives for fourteen years.
Shirley Chisholm paved the way for African-American women in
Congress. The daughter of a domestic worker, she grew up believing that
women needed their voices to be heard and that women should have more
flexibility to enter the workforce. While serving in Congress, Ms.
Chisholm founded the National Women's Political Caucus, to ensure that
the role of women in Congress was clear.
Ms. Chisholm never compromised her beliefs. She sponsored legislation
to establish a national commission on consumer protection and product
safety. She fought for the rights of minorities by calling for the end
of British arms sales to South Africa. She believed that day care
programs should be improved and the hours extended so mothers could go
to work. She also supported expanding the minimum wage to include
domestic workers.
Shirley Chisholm set an example for everyone to follow. Throughout
her terms in Congress, she remained an outspoken advocate of women's
rights, labor, and minority rights, and held steadfast to her dreams.
In 1972, she became the first woman to run for president.
Congresswoman Chisholm, thank you for following your goals, and
fighting for minorities and working women's rights. It is with great
pride today that I commend Ms. Shirley Anita Chisholm, for all of her
achievements and accomplishments.
Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in honor of a true pioneer
and a pathbreaker for women in politics: Shirley Chisholm. I commend
Congresswoman Lee for bringing this resolution forward.
In 1968, Shirley Chisholm became the first African-American woman to
win a seat in the United States Congress, joining 8 other African-
American House members. Three decades later, 39 African-American
members belong to this body, including 15 women. This is a clear sign
of progress, but we have a long way to go to achieve full
representation for women and people of color.
In 1972, Shirley Chisholm became the first black woman to run for
President, saying later, ``I knew I wouldn't be president, but somebody
had to break the ice, somebody with the nerve and bravado to do it.''
At each bold step in her career, she was regularly told, ``You've
just committed political suicide,'' But she carried on. She said,
``Service is the rent that you pay for room on this earth.'' Thank you
for the opportunity to honor Shirley Chisholm for her achievements and
her indomitable spirit, and for paving the way for other people of
color--and for women of all ethnic backgrounds--to serve in public
office.
Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella) that the House suspend the
rules and agree to the resolution, House Resolution 97.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of
those present have voted in the affirmative.
Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.

____________________