Congressional Record, Volume 148 Issue 126 (Tuesday, October 1, 2002)

[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 126 (Tuesday, October 1, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H6886-H6904]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

EXPRESSING SORROW OF THE HOUSE AT THE DEATH OF THE HONORABLE PATSY T.
MINK, MEMBER OF CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF HAWAII

Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I offer a privileged resolution (H.
Res. 566) and ask for its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:

H. Res. 566

Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of
the death of the Honorable Patsy T. Mink, a Representative
from the State of Hawaii.
Resolved, That a committee of such Members of the House as
the Speaker may designate, together with such Members of the
Senate as may be joined, be appointed to attend the funeral.
Resolved, That the Sergeant at Arms of the House be
authorized and directed to take such steps as may be
necessary for carrying out the provisions of these
resolutions and that the necessary expenses in connection
therewith be paid out of applicable accounts of the House.
Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to
the Senate and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the
deceased.
Resolved, That when the House adjourns today, it adjourn as
a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased.

The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Goodlatte). The gentleman from Hawaii
(Mr. Abercrombie) is recognized for 1 hour.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that at the end
of the allotted time, the House rise for a moment of silence out of
respect for the Honorable Patsy T. Mink.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Hawaii?
There was no objection.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I take this action. The
hearts of all of us here go out in sympathy to Patsy's husband, John,
and her daughter, Gwen; to her brother, Eugene; to her staff in
Washington and in Hawaii; and to her large family of friends and
admirers.
Mr. Speaker, I am devastated by her loss. Patsy Mink was more than my
friend and my colleague; she was a true daughter of Hawaii. She was a
person of enormous spirit and tenacity and inner strength. I will miss
her terribly. I will especially miss her wisdom, her energy, her
readiness to fight for principle. She fought all her life for social
and economic justice.
Throughout nearly 50 years of public service, she championed
America's most deeply held values: equality, fairness, above all
honesty. Her courage, her willingness to speak out and champion causes
that others might shun resulted in tremendous contributions in the
fields of civil rights and education. She has earned in my estimation
an honored place in the history of the United States House of
Representatives as the co-author of title IX, which guarantees equality
for women in education programs.
Every single woman in this Nation who today has the advantage of the
capacity to command equal opportunity in education, and by extension in
virtually every other field of endeavor, owes the impetus to that in
modern times to Patsy Mink. She was one of the pioneers who transformed
Hawaii and transformed this Nation. Her legacy will live on in every
campus in America and in the heart of every American woman who aspires
to greatness. Most profoundly, it lives on in my estimation in hope,
hope for the millions of lives that she touched.
Mr. Speaker, it is difficult for me to realize that I am standing
here this evening paying my respects to the memory of Patsy Mink
because my first memories of her go back to when I was a student at the
University of Hawaii involved in one of her first campaigns, not for
elective office because she did that when Hawaii was still a territory.
She came back to Hawaii from her early plantation days, running
around as a little kid in the plantation ditches over in Maui,
encouraged by her family, most particularly her father, to reach for
her star in the Hawaii firmament.
She was turned down for medical school, discriminated against because
she was female, because she was Japanese, because she came from an
unknown territory out in the Pacific. That is why she went to law
school, fought her way into law school so that she could achieve a
degree that would enable her to fight against the discrimination she
had suffered.
She was a champion then. We all recognized it. She was smart and she
was tough and she was articulate and she would not quit. She was an
inspiration then and now.
Whenever any of us felt some sense of discouragement, whenever any of
us felt some sense of despair or feeling that we could not succeed, it
was only required for Patsy to come in the room to change the
atmosphere.

{time} 1945

Patsy Mink had the capacity to make dead air move. Patsy Mink, this
little lady from Hawaii, was a giant in her heart and in her
commitment. With every breath that she took, she championed those who
had no one to stand up and speak out for them. A little lady with a big
heart, a lioness. We will not see her like again. Someone will take her
place here in the House, that is the way of it in our democracy, but no
one will replace her in the hearts of the people of Hawaii. No one will
replace her in the role that she played in this House of
Representatives. No one was more beloved than Patsy Mink in this House.
Mr. Speaker, as an expression of the gravity of the feelings of the
Members of this House, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from Ohio
(Ms. Kaptur), whom I think has an opportunity for Members of the House
to be able to express in a more concrete fashion the feelings that we
all have for Patsy.
Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the distinguished
gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie), now the senior Member
representing that great State here for our Republic in the House, and
rise in support of his Resolution with all of our colleagues on both
sides of the aisle to honor our friend and colleague Congresswoman
Patsy Mink, as this beautiful, beautiful poster indicates, a woman of
hope.
Patsy's service, now 24 years, places her among the longest-serving
women in the House, certainly currently. She was honest and
intelligent, gifted and dedicated, and leaves behind a stellar record
of accomplishments. For almost half a century, she was a devoted
advocate for her constituents and her native State of Hawaii. She
served America with distinction. She will be deeply missed.
She was a trailblazer. Her career embodied a series of firsts. She
was the first Asian American woman to practice law in Hawaii, and the
first Asian American woman to be elected to the Hawaii Territorial
Legislature. And then in 1964 she became the first, in her own words,
woman of color ever elected to the United States Congress, an Asian
American woman of Japanese American heritage from the then new State of
Hawaii.
She transcended race and gender throughout her life. She was a leader
on women's rights, social and economic justice, health care and child
care, and no one here knew more about education. She came to this House
at the beginning of the 88th Congress in 1965, served until 1977, and
then again from 1990 until her untimely passing this past Sunday.
When Patsy first began her career in this Congress, she was one of
only 11 women serving in the House. She watched as Members came in the
1980s and began to double the number of women to 24, up to the current
? level of 62 with 13 women now in the Senate.
I agree with my colleagues that Patsy viewed as her most important
achievement passage of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
She, as the gentleman from Hawaii indicated, had experienced race and
gender discrimination. She often said her life experiences challenged
her to lead the

[[Page H6887]]

fight for women and girls to have equal access to education and
athletic opportunities. Title IX has torn down barriers for women and
girls in America. Title IX has had a dramatic impact on women's access
to higher education opportunities, especially medical and law school,
in addition to the more publicized impact on girls' and women's
athletics.
Throughout our Nation, millions of girls participate in sports
programs today, and millions of girls and women have more opportunities
available to them because of Congresswoman Patsy Mink. She stood up for
them and for us. Her legacy will survive in every classroom, every
school and every campus. In celebrating the 30th anniversary of Title
IX, Patsy stated her belief that ``we must rededicate ourselves to the
continued pursuit of educational opportunities for girls and women.''
Her leadership on a wide range of issues, the environment, poverty,
civil rights, helped shape a stronger America.
Patsy will live forever in our hearts and in this great institution.
She truly remains America's daughter for all time, a woman of hope.
In that regard, Mr. Speaker, I would like to place on the record and
ask my colleagues to sign a letter being sent to the Speaker from all
of us that asks the Speaker to work with the membership as the Speaker
deems appropriate to commission a portrait or sculpture of
Congresswoman Mink to memorialize her contributions to our Nation. We
would expect that the costs of this effort would be privately financed,
working with an appropriate nonprofit entity, and that following the
completion of this work of appropriate artistic quality, we would like
to have it placed in a fitting public space here in the Capitol,
perhaps in the new Capitol Visitors Center, so that her story can
continue to inspire the millions of visitors who come to Washington to
learn more about our democratic system, which she strengthened every
day of her service to our country and indeed the world.
Mr. Speaker, the text of the letter is as follows:

Congress of the United States,

Washington, DC, October 1, 2002.
Hon. Dennis Hastert,
Speaker of the House, U.S. House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Speaker: Appreciation for the diversity and
accomplishment of our nation's leaders throughout our history
strengthens people's understanding of freedom's legacy and
potential. This is a key reason why so many of us have urged
that the artwork displayed in the public spaces of the House
be more representative of this rich history of
accomplishment, including correcting the underrepresentation
of women in the current collection on display.
The passing of our beloved colleague, Patsy Takemoto Mink
of Hawaii, offers us the opportunity to both improve our
representation of women who have contributed to this
institution and our nation, as well as pay proper recognition
to a woman whose path-breaking efforts have shaped a more
optimistic future for generations of Americans.
Congresswoman Mink's life embodied a series of firsts.
She was the first Asian-American woman to practice law in
Hawaii, and was the first Asian American Women to be elected
to the Territorial House before Hawaii became a State in
1959, and she was one of the pioneers that advocated for
Hawaii's statehood.
In 1964, she became, in her words, the first woman of color
ever elected to the U.S. Congress. As the first Asian
American woman of Japanese-American heritage elected, she
served with distinction twelve terms in the House of
Representatives for two 12-year periods.
Congresswoman Mink transcended race and gender
discrimination throughout her career. Her life experiences
challenged her to lead the fight for women and girls to have
equal access to education and athletic opportunities. She
played the leading role in the enactment of Title IX of the
Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibited for the first
time gender discrimination by federally funded institutions.
That law has become the major tool for women's fuller
participation not only in sports, but also in all aspects of
education.
Patsy's leadership on a wide range of issues as the
environment, poverty, education, and civil rights shaped a
stronger America. During her tenure in Congress Mrs. Mink
helped write environmental protection laws safeguarding land
and water, and communities affected by coal strip mining.
For these reasons, Mr. Speaker, we respectfully request the
opportunity to work with you and other officials of the House
whom you deem appropriate to commission a portrait or
sculpture of Congresswoman Mink to memorialize her
contributions. We would expect that the costs of this effort
would be privately financed, with an appropriate nonprofit
entity being designated for the receipt of any contributions.
Following the completion of this work of appropriate artistic
quality, we would like to have it displayed in a fitting
public space of the House, including possibly the new Capitol
Visitors' Center, so that her story can continue to inspire
the millions of visitors who come to Washington to learn more
about our democratic system which calls for the inclusion of
all Americans, regardless of race, gender, or origin.
We look forward to this opportunity to work with you.
Sincerely,
Neil Abercrombie,
Marcy Kaptur,
Robert A. Underwood,
Diane E. Watson,
Michael M. Honda,
Robert T. Matsui,

Members of Congress.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Florida (Mr. Mica), who was Representative Mink's chairman in the 107th
Congress.
Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time, and I
also extend my condolences to the Hawaii delegation and especially to
John Mink, to John and his daughter Wendy.
It is hard to believe that Patsy Mink is gone. Patsy Mink was truly
an American icon. I had the wonderful privilege and opportunity to
serve with Patsy. She was my ranking member as I chaired the
Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy and Human Resources.
Sometimes in this body we get to know folks from a distance, but
sometimes when you work with them as I worked with Patsy, you get to
know them as a friend.
This House and this Nation and certainly Hawaii just received a
tremendous legacy from her service. This lady served in this Chamber as
a role model for young women, for Asian Americans and for all
Americans. I remember Patsy because of her conviction, because of her
determination, because of her caring and love for people truly in her
heart, and I honestly cannot believe she has left us. Not only will she
be remembered for her public service in local government, in the
territory of Hawaii and in the State of Hawaii, but for all she has
done for so many people. She worked with me on our national drug
policy, and the education program that we now have nationally is a
legacy from Patsy Mink.
Again, her heart, her trust, and her love was with the people that
she represented. So I salute her on her years of service. I will miss
her from the bottom of my heart. As I came to the Capitol, I saw the
flags flying at half mast, and how proud she would be that we honor her
today for her service, which she so richly deserves. She was a great
American and a great colleague, Patsy Mink, the gentlewoman from
Hawaii.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman
from California (Mr. Matsui).
Mr. MATSUI. I thank the gentleman from Hawaii for yielding me this
time.
Mr. Speaker, first I would like to offer my condolences to John,
Patsy's husband, and Wendy, Patsy's daughter, and obviously her staff
both in Hawaii and in Washington, for the wonderful job that they have
given her and the people of her State over the past 24 years. And this
goes from the time she was in Congress, from 1964 to 1976, and from
1990 until she passed away last Saturday.
It is somewhat unique when a colleague of ours dies. I remember when
Walter Capps, the member from California, passed away. We had a chance
then to look at his accomplishments over the years, and we began then
to realize what a great human being he really was. We see our
colleagues on the floor every day, and we obviously know them, we like
them, we have friendships, but until they leave us do we really have an
opportunity to really look at their careers. Unlike Members of the
other body and unlike Governors in statehouses, we do not have an
opportunity to view our colleagues as we do Patsy Mink today.
Her political career went over 46 years. If one really thought about
it, she was the first Asian American, she was the first woman of color
to enter the House of Representatives. I had not known that until this
week. I think many of my colleagues did not know that. She was the
first Asian American woman to be admitted to the Hawaii bar, and she
had to do it by challenging the residency requirements because her
husband was from Pennsylvania, and in those days she had to take the
residency of her husband, and so she was

[[Page H6888]]

first not admitted. But at the age of 26, Patsy Mink challenged the
Hawaii residency requirements in respect to admission to the bar, and
her life was like that.
I think the gentlewoman from Ohio stated that Patsy was the one who
made an amendment through the Higher Education Act, Title IX, back in
1972. Because of her, young elementary schoolgirls can say that they
want to be like Mia Hamm. A young woman in college now can aspire to be
a professional player in the WNBA. She has just done so much.
Two things stick out in my mind about Patsy, if I may just say this,
and I know there are so many speakers that want to talk about Patsy.
When she came back in 1990, Bill Ford was the chairman of what was then
known as the Committee on Education and Labor. Bill said, ``Patsy Mink,
she's coming back. I'm going to get her on my committee. She's just a
great Member.''
I said, ``Yeah, I know.''
He said, ``No, no, you don't understand. Patsy Mink is a great
legislator. She knows how to bring people together, she knows how to
develop a consensus, she knows how to use words that are words of art.
She is a legislator's legislator.'' I think all of us that have worked
with Patsy know that.
Last, let me just say that I have worked with Patsy on welfare and on
a number of issues. I have never seen anyone in this body, or in any
body, any more impassioned, any more committed to the forgotten people,
the people that perhaps do not have the chance that many of us have,
for people that really want to aspire in America. That is what Patsy
Mink means to me and to all of us. She is truly a role model not just
for Asian Americans or women, but for all Americans.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
New York (Mr. Gilman).
(Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Hawaii for
bringing this resolution to the floor and for yielding me this time.
Mr. Speaker, on days such as this, we sadly woe the present but
nostalgically reflect upon the past. Hawaii and the Congress has lost
one of its great leaders this week, a Congresswoman whose life and her
24-year congressional career have been nothing short of amazing. The
passing of Congresswoman Patsy Mink is felt not only by her family, her
husband John and daughter Wendy, and those close to her, but also by
her constituents and all of us in the Congress who had the privilege to
serve with Patsy.

{time} 2000

I served with her on the Committee on Education years ago. Known for
her strong, sincere demeanor, Patsy Mink has been an outstanding asset
to Hawaii's Second Congressional District. She achieved significant
support for the people of Hawaii. In those respects, Patsy was close to
us all. Mrs. Mink was one of our Nation's strongest proponents of
women's equality, pushing feminism from a fringe cause to an important
rallying cry. Her sense of what was needed to be done to help her
native Hawaiians and immigrant citizens alike has marked her as a
sympathetic and caring congressional Member. She championed important
reforms in education, such as smaller class sizes, passage of title IX,
and more spending on special education and school construction, and the
need to provide more assistance for Impact Aid, for which I had the
honor and pleasure of working with Patsy.
All of Patsy's work in education demonstrates her desire to improve
the future of our children who one day will be our Nation's leaders.
This Congress will sorely miss Patsy Mink. She will be remembered for
her leadership, her concerns, her compassion, for her positive aspects
and the efforts she has undertaken to make Hawaii a strong political
force in our Nation. May it be of some consolation to her husband,
John, to her daughter, Wendy, that the people of Hawaii and so many
others across the country will not forget our outstanding colleague,
Congresswoman Patsy Mink.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to
the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Tierney).
(Mr. TIERNEY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. TIERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my condolences on the
death of the Honorable Patsy Mink.
Mr. Speaker. I rise this evening to join my colleagues in
commemoration of the remarkable life and tremendous achievements of the
woman who served with great distinction in the House of
Representatives, Patsy Mink. I offer my condolences to the Mink family,
especially her husband John and daughter Wendy, and to the people of
her district who have lost a leader and a friend.
From age 4 when she insisted on joining her brother at school to her
service as the first Asian-American woman to practice law in Hawaii,
and to her election as the first woman of color to Congress, Patsy
broke down barriers--first for herself, and then for others. Patsy left
a legacy for millions of working families she helped lift out of
poverty with education and job training programs ranging from the War
on Poverty to Welfare Reform, and the generation of female student
athletes for whom she drafted, passed and implemented Title IX, the 30
year anniversary of which we just commemorated this June.
I was proud to serve with Patsy on both the House Education and the
Workforce Committee and the Government Reform Committee, where she gave
a voice to the voiceless every day that she served.
Patsy provided vision, courage and leadership--speaking out on all
the vital issues of the day and inspiring us, her colleagues, with here
fiery oratory on the House Floor and policy negotiations that combined
her mastery of education, labor and economic issues with the persuasive
power of Hawaiian chocolate-covered macadamia nuts.
Mr. Speaker, the Members and staff of this great institution mourn
the loss of a valued friend and colleague whose distinguished service
to the House made a difference in the lives of millions of Americans.
We will miss her dearly.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to
the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Brown).
(Ms. BROWN of Florida asked and was given permission to revise and
extend her remarks.)
Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would just make a quick comment
to the family. My favorite scripture is ``To whom God has given much,
much is expected.'' Our colleague has given much to this country on
women's issues and on education. She has done her work. We have to
carry on the legacy.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman
from California (Mr. George Miller).
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman
for yielding me this time, and I thank him for bringing this together
this evening to be able to express ourselves about Patsy and the
wonderful person she was.
Patsy had a wonderful sense of urgency about being a Member of
Congress. She was so clearly aware that she had been given a gift by
the people of Hawaii, and she was so clearly aware that it was not to
be wasted and not a moment was to be wasted as long as she was in this
body.
When I first came here in 1974, she was a very senior member of the
Committee on Natural Resources and of the Committee on Education and
Labor, and I was the most junior member. When Patsy came back, I was
one of the most senior members of those two committees, and she was the
junior member of those two committees. The relationship never changed
from the first day in 1974. I admired her skill on the Committee on
Natural Resources as we argued mining law, public lands issues, forest
issues, law of the sea. I asked her once, How do you do it? How do you
do it? She was so engaged in the debate, and that is when debate really
took place in the House of Representatives. She said, Read the bill and
make them defend it. Make them defend it. And she did. She read every
word in the legislation. And in those committee hearings, you had to
defend your amendment; you had to defend your bill. And if you could
not, she was not with you.
No matter what the topic was, whether it was title IX or pay equity
or natural resources or mining law, the issues that she was involved in
span the globe, but the reason was always the same: economic and social
justice. She never waivered. It did not matter if it was welfare reform
or water reform. She wanted to know what the

[[Page H6889]]

implications were for economic and social justice, who was getting and
who was giving.
She never waivered from that, and for that she made many of us
uncomfortable, as we thought we could waiver; and she would reach out
and grab you and say, you cannot do that. You cannot be for this. You
cannot vote for this. She said it to me when I was her chairman, and
she said it to me when I was her ranking member; and she said it to me
when I was a freshman member. That little woman that the gentleman from
Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie) described was so full of commitment that she
was compelling in all of our lives. There are so many firsts in her
history.
But her sense of urgency and her sense of justice were her guiding
stars. I think that when I came here at the end of a war, and here we
are on possibly the eve of yet another war, and of those battles inside
of the democratic study group which basically amends organization, and
this woman went at it toe to head to toe to head on the arguments of
ending the war.
I also think tonight that we send Ben Rosenthal and Bella Abzug and
Phil Burton a great companion in heaven.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman
from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald).
Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to highlight the legacy
of one of the most distinguished and honorable women of this august
body, my friend, my colleague, Congresswoman Patsy Mink.
I shall remember her as a giant who spoke in gentle tones, but very
fierce and very deliberate, whose frame towered with her ability to
rise above the fray and get to the substantive issues at hand. In a
career that began before territorial Hawaii became a State in 1959,
Patsy Mink, with authority, wit, and clear perspective, became one of
the best-known women politicians in these United States and, of course,
as everyone has said, the first woman of color.
I stand today to celebrate the role that Patsy played in the life of
this great Nation. Her career spanned over 24 years of service in this
House of Representatives; and Patsy concentrated upon the removal of
negative factors, social, economic, and educational restrictions which
had been directed against minority groups, and which prevented the full
development of an individual's ability and dignity.
It is hardly possible to stand here today to recapitulate on the
extraordinary career of Patsy Mink, except to point out that a
succession of legislative victories are owed to her tireless work.
Later on next week, the women of the House will highlight the many
legislative victories that this great woman has brought to the
forefront, like improved opportunity in education, elimination of much
overt discrimination, and modifying environmental policies which were
part of the hallmark of her career.
Her persistent and passionate campaign for equity for women is
credited as a centerpiece for the Democratic Party today. I can recall
a couple of months ago when Patsy celebrated 30 years of the passage of
title IX, and I came on the floor to talk with her and I asked Patsy, I
said, Patsy, are all of the States in compliance with this law? She
says, Juanita, I don't know, but why don't you get on that? And Mr.
Speaker, I have begun to get on that. I thank her so much for giving me
the courage and tenacity to move forward on title IX.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Wisconsin (Mr. Obey).
Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, until last Saturday, Patsy was one of the
three people left in this House who was here when I first came. At that
time, she was one of a handful of progressives who would gather each
week to discuss ways that we could prod our own party into being more
aggressive in pushing for education and health and retirement needs of
working people. I learned oh, so much from her. She was one of the best
debaters in this House. She was a superb legislative craftsman; and
above all, she had steel, and she had something else. She had a passion
for justice, for women, for minorities, and the poor. She had a sense
of rage about the opportunities that this House misses every day to do
more for the people who have no other resource. We respected her, we
loved her, this tiny woman with that giant heart. We were very lucky to
have her as long as we had her. She made us all better than we ever
expected to be.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson).
Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in paying
tribute to an outstanding United States Congresswoman. I am saddened,
like the rest of my colleagues, by the loss of a tireless advocate for
civil rights for women and minorities, especially native Hawaiians.
First elected in 1965, Patsy Mink was a pioneer for women across this
country. As the first minority woman elected to Congress, Patsy has
always been an inspiration to me as an elected official. On the path of
good policy, Patsy Mink never backed down and she never gave up. Patsy
was a true champion for American values and ideals. Early in her first
term, she lent her unyielding support to the creation of Medicare. I
first became directly involved with Patsy and her work when title IX
was passed 30 years ago. Back then, as a member of the Los Angeles
Unified School Board, I was charged with implementing a title IX plan
for the Los Angeles Community College system. I have followed and I
have had admiration for Patsy's work and for her public service career
ever since then.
Now as a Member of the 107th Congress, replacing another strong
public servant prematurely taken from us, Julian Dixon, and one of the
highlights of my short time here so far has been the opportunity to
work with Patsy on welfare reform. In the fast-moving world of
Congress, I was able to spend some quality time with Patsy after going
on a trip to Sacramento to collect the data on our welfare reform
program. We worked together to compile information for legislation. We
might have been unsuccessful; but in working with her, I knew I had
someone who really understood what we were trying to achieve.
Mr. Speaker, although our most recent attempt for meaningful change
was rebuffed in committee, I want my colleagues to know that Patsy,
that working with her, she leaves a legacy that we can all model after.
Her dedication, her strength, her principled and hard-working self will
remain with us forever. Patsy, thank you for what you have done for all
of us, especially women.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Connecticut (Mr. Shays).
Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this
time.
Patsy Mink was a thoughtful, passionate, kind, strong, gentle, and
lovely person who bravely and courageously fought and spoke out for
those who could not always do it for themselves. She fought undeterred
for social and economic justice in our country and around the world,
and she never gave up. She is, in my eyes, Winston Churchill's ideal
model when he spoke to a group of young men, young boys during the war,
the Second World War, and told them ``Never, give up. Never give up.
Never, never, never give up.''
She was a giant. I did not even know that she was small in figure.
She always, to me, was a giant, a champion and someone I wanted to know
better. I loved her passion, but I loved more understanding why she
felt so passionate. She wanted to make a difference in this place. I
want her family to know her efforts were worth every minute. She did
make a difference, a huge difference. I loved, no, I want to say I love
Patsy Mink.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Virginia (Mr. Scott).
Mr. SCOTT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a
distinguished legislator and an amazing activist and a wonderful
person, Patsy Mink. President Kennedy once said, ``A nation reveals
itself not only by the men it produces, but also by the men it honors,
the men it remembers.'' Because of Patsy, both from her example and her
legislative teachings, we know that quote needs to be amended, for a
Nation is revealed not only by its men, but also by the women produced,
honored, and remembered.

{time} 2015

As we know from working with her, Patsy made sure that, as a Nation,
we

[[Page H6890]]

honored and remembered those who might otherwise be pushed aside and
forgotten. Patsy was a voice, loud and strong, for those who had no
voice, or those whose voices were in danger of being drowned out.
As the author of Title IX, she drew attention to women's educational
needs and abilities. When we consider that over 80 percent of women in
senior executive positions today report having participated in
organized sports after grammar school, we can know that Patsy Mink's
work has changed the face of the Nation.
Through her years in the House, she tirelessly fought for women, for
the poor, for immigrants, for children, for workers. She fought for
civil rights, for health care, education, child care, teachers'
professional development.
I had the honor of knowing Patsy for the last 10 years. We were on
the Committee on Education and the Workforce, where I had the privilege
of watching her at her best.
Although we mourn the loss of Patsy, I will always honor the
privilege of having served alongside such a tenacious and thoughtful
legislator. The legacy of her life and accomplishments are great
lessons to us all. We owe many thanks to her work and her memory, and
that has revealed a lot about this Nation. So today we are better for
honoring and remembering the gentlewoman from Hawaii, the Honorable
Patsy Mink.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to
the gentleman from California (Mr. Farr).
(Mr. FARR of California asked and was given permission to revise and
extend his remarks.)
Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak of the
gentlewoman from Hawaii, Patsy Mink, and especially to her daughter, my
constituent, Wendy.

General Leave

Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend
their remarks in support of the pending resolution.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Platts). Is there objection to the
request of the gentleman from Hawaii?
There was no objection.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman
from Florida (Mrs. Meek).
Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, my dear departed friend and
colleague, Patsy Mink, was a big girl. She was slight and small in
stature, but great in spirit and heart.
I think God thought about Patsy and decided he needed somebody in the
Congress who could reach out to everyone, who could make laws, who
could extend her hand to everyone. God needed a very strong person. He
needed a woman who would stand up against everybody and bring a voice
to this Congress for the voiceless people.
That is what he did: He chose Patsy. She came in and broke down
barriers. She opened doors. She did everything God would have her do.
In terms of race, color, gender, she had nothing to stop her.
Patsy was a woman of great honor, and we come here tonight to honor
her, because God chose Patsy. She spent a lot of her time working for
all of us. Every woman in this country stands now on the shoulders of
Patsy Mink. I feel much stronger and taller because of what Patsy left,
the legacy she left to us. She was a tireless advocate for her
constituents in Hawaii. She was a great leader. She was a great model.
I remember the many things, being one of the older women here in the
Congress, of the work that Patsy did: Equal pay for equal work; all of
it. There is a litany of things that Patsy did which I will put in the
Record.
She was a great friend and kindred spirit. She used to send me candy
on my birthday; and I had plenty of those, Mr. Speaker. She would send
me whatever those nuts are that they grow in Hawaii.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, will the gentlewoman yield?
Mrs. MEEK of Florida. I yield to the gentleman from Hawaii.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I will keep on doing that for the
gentlewoman.
Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Good. I hope the gentleman will keep it up.
Patsy Mink was the first woman of color admitted in Congress, and the
first Japanese woman admitted to the bar in Hawaii.
So I say, I stand on her shoulders, Mr. Speaker, and I pray that each
of us here would take a pattern from Patsy, because she was a great
leader who gave service to God for the space she occupied.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman
from California (Mrs. Davis).
Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, with real sorrow I come to the
podium today to honor a truly memorable colleague, the Honorable Patsy
Mink. As a freshman Member, it has been so inspiring to serve on a
committee with a role model who has made a real mark on our society
through her lengthy service in the House of Representatives.
It was an honor for me to join her at this podium on June 19 in the
commemoration of the 30th anniversary of Title IX. Seldom does one get
to join forces with one of the original sponsors of legislation that
was not only landmark legislation for our country, but was so formative
for my children's generation.
When I was a local school board member, I remember how hard we had to
work to change the culture of our society to implement the equality
embodied in this bill. She lived the battle for equal opportunity that
that bill codified.
I was so touched that she thanked those of us who spoke honoring this
legislation by presenting us with the T-shirt that I wear very, very
proudly today.
The comment has already been made: We know how giving Patsy was,
because whenever we did something that she liked, she showered us with
macadamia nuts so we would have a taste of Hawaii.
I thank my colleague, the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie),
for bringing us all together this evening. No one will easily fill the
chair of Patsy Mink, but we were all privileged to call ourselves her
colleague, and we will rekindle the commitment she made to the issues
which empowered her life: working for children, their education, their
homes, and their health care. I thank her for showing us the way.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Just before I go on, Mr. Speaker, I most deeply want to thank
everyone who has spoken so far. There are many more people to come, as
we can see, Mr. Speaker, but the depth and the breadth of what Patsy
accomplished I think is now going on the Record here in the 107th
Congress. It will be there for all to see and view, and I know it will
be an inspiration.
I am very, very grateful, as are the people of Hawaii, to all who
have appeared so far and are yet to come for letting everyone know of
Patsy's legacy.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Indiana (Ms.
Carson).
Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank the honorable gentleman
from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie) for yielding time to me.
Mr. Speaker, I want to first include for the Record comments from my
predecessor, the Honorable Congressman from Indianapolis, Mr. Andy
Jacobs, who was in the class of the honorable gentlewoman from Hawaii,
Mrs. Mink. He wrote a letter to the family, John and Wendy, which
simply says: ``I hurt, dear God, do I hurt. You are in my prayers and
in my heart, Andy Jacobs.''
The letter referred to is as follows:

Congressman Andy Jacobs (Ret.)

D--Indiana.
To John--Wendy,
I hurt, Dear God do I hurt.
You are in my prayers and in my heart.
Andy Jacobs.

Mr. Speaker, in the greatest book ever written, in the most
universally read book of all times, it is worth recalling in this most
special period in the U.S. House of Representatives an inscription in
the book of Ecclesiastes.
It says: ``For everything there is a season, and a time for every
purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to
plant, and a time to pluck up that which has been planted.''
Representative Patsy Mink represented her seasons and her purpose

[[Page H6891]]

under heaven. She planted great, eternal seeds in her season, and
certainly fertilized them well.
Often when I would see Mrs. Mink fight for a cause on the floor, I
was reminded of a cliche that we often used when we were coming up
describing Patsy Mink: She was a little piece of leather, but well put
together.
Today I am filled with sorrow over the passing of Congresswoman Patsy
Mink. She was a remarkable, extraordinary woman, and certainly a
wonderful friend. Perhaps I can shed a few of those pounds that I kept
saying that I was going to do now that she is no longer here. The
gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie) promised he was going to bring
some to us.
Congresswoman Mink had on her Web page a quote from a 1973 news
article. She said: ``It is easy enough to vote right and be
consistently with the majority, but it is more often more important to
be ahead of the majority, and this means being willing to cut the first
furrow in the ground and stand alone for a while if necessary.''
So please know, to the Mink family, her husband John and daughter
Wendy, her many loyal constituents, they are all in my thoughts and
prayers these days. I extend to all of them my heartfelt appreciation
for loaning us Patsy, even if it was just for a little while, and
something called the chicken pox came through and decided that she
needed to do work elsewhere.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee).
Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me,
and for bringing this resolution honoring our colleague, the
gentlewoman from Hawaii, and our dear friend.
First I want to begin by extending my deepest and most heartfelt
condolences to Patsy's family, to John, Wendy, friends, and
constituents, and to the entire State of Hawaii. My thoughts and
prayers are with them during this very difficult period.
In the words of our Secretary of Transportation, Norm Mineta, Norm
said: Patsy Mink spoke for the forgotten, the disenfranchised, the
poor, and worked unceasingly to remind the Nation of its obligations to
those whom it sometimes forgets.
Patsy spoke not only for the forgotten, the disenfranchised, the
poor, but also to the conscience of all Americans. The leadership that
Patsy commanded on the welfare reauthorization debate this year really
exemplified her values and her character.
During that debate and during our work on that bill, Patsy Mink
authored a fair and compassionate bill that would have helped women
provide for their families and enhance their futures through education.
Although that bill was not voted out of the House, it was really the
right bill, and many of my colleagues, myself included, supported it.
We were determined to stand by Patsy through this. I am glad we did.
She was right.
I also appreciate her passion for peace. Patsy was an early opponent
of the Vietnam War, and accompanied another great woman, Bella Abzug of
New York, to Paris to participate during the Vietnam-era peace talks.
In 1967, right here on this floor, and I want to quote this, because
Patsy spoke of peace instead of war, she said right here, ``America is
not a country which needs to punish its dissenters to preserve its
honor.'' Patsy said, ``America is not a country which needs to demand
conformity of all its people, for its strength lies in all of our
diversities converging in one common belief, that of the importance of
freedom as the essence of our country.'' Patsy said that in 1967 right
here.
Of course, I have thought long on this issue, and truly respect Patsy
for her courage and her fortitude.
She was tremendously supportive of me on many tough issues and truly
was an inspiration. Patsy had a brilliant intellect, yet a big heart
and a lot of soul. As a leader and advocate on so many issues, she
always took the time to say thank you, as we heard earlier. Sometimes
she sent candy or flowers or nuts or coffee from her home State as a
token of her appreciation and her friendship.
To know Patsy was really to love her. Many of us, myself included,
have benefited from Patsy's warm hospitality when visiting her
beautiful home, the State of Hawaii. She happily shared information and
knowledge about her home, and wanted her friends to experience it to
its fullest, and to really feel at home.
Mr. Speaker, let me just say, I will miss Patsy. She was a woman
whose wisdom and genius really helped us make a better world. May she
rest in peace.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Georgia (Mr. Lewis).
Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding
time to me. I know this is a very hard and difficult time for the
gentleman and for all of us, and for the people of Hawaii.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution remembering
the life and the work of our colleague, the gentlewoman from Hawaii,
Patsy Mink. Patsy was beautiful and smart. I loved this woman. I loved
Patsy Mink. Sometimes on this floor when Patsy was sitting here, I
would just walk over and say, hello, Patsy, how are you? What are you
thinking about?
I first met Patsy when she was a keynote speaker at a Democratic
convention during the 1960s. Patsy was one of the most liberal and most
progressive Members of this Congress.

{time} 2030

When Patsy spoke, she spoke from her soul. She spoke from her heart.
She had the capacity to get our attention and hold our attention when
she stepped in the well of this House. She spoke with passion.
Determined, dedicated and committed, Patsy was a fighter. She fought
for civil rights, social justice and equality. She was a champion of
education. Patsy stood by her convictions. She would not yield to the
prevailing wind. She did not put her fingers into the air to see which
way the wind was blowing.
Patsy will be forever missed. We will miss her as a Nation and as a
people. We will never be so lucky, not so blessed to see her likeness
again.
Mr. Speaker, when the Master created Patsy Mink, he threw away the
mold. May the mercy and the grace of God be with her family and with
all of us.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/4\ minutes to the
gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro).
Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Hawaii for
bringing us together to acknowledge our dear and loved colleague.
It is a sad day for the House of Representatives. We mourn the loss
of a great American, not only a friend whom we loved but a dedicated
public servant who loved her country, and through the course of her
life literally changed the course of history. How many people can we
say that about?
We all come to this institution with the hope in trying to make a
difference. Patsy Mink made a difference, whether it was fighting
poverty, standing up for civil rights, for education, for women's
rights or her passionate and articulate opposition to the Vietnam War.
Patsy Mink was there in the forefront fighting for the causes she
believed in and for the people she believed society had forgotten. She
gave voice to those who did not have a voice. Her legacy was about more
than issues. Patsy Mink personified the fight for social change, for
social justice, and for equality among all people, no matter their
race, religion or gender. Patsy may have been small in stature, as we
have said; but she was a giant when it came to fighting for the causes
that she believed in. There would be no title IX without Patsy Mink.
She was the mother of title IX. And when we look at those soccer fields
with those little girls in their uniforms or when we watch the UCONN
women Huskies play that game, we know who was responsible for making
that happen. And only just 3 months ago, we honored her and her 30th
anniversary on title IX, perhaps her greatest triumph in a large and
distinguished career. But when you also think about education, less
than one in five young women completed 4 or more years of college 30
years ago, but by the middle of this decade women are expected to earn
more than half of all bachelors degrees.
Patsy Mink made a difference. That we have come so far is Patsy's
legacy. She knew what it required to put our country on a path to
social justice. She knew how to make her case, to bring

[[Page H6892]]

people together, and make us a better and more understanding Nation for
it.
Pushing against the social norms is what trail blazers do, and Patsy
Mink was a trail blazer to her core. Patsy changed so many lives during
her time here. We will miss her passion and her voice; but what we will
most miss is her spirit, her easy-going sense of humor, her laughter,
and her eyes crinkled up when she laughed. She was a good friend to me,
a kind soul, reliable, and profoundly decent. We loved her and we will
miss her more than words can say.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman
from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson).
Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay
tribute to my dear friend and colleague, Congresswoman Patsy Mink.
Patsy spoke for the women of the world, children of the world, and
really broke so many barriers that she also was a role model for women
and children of the world. She was an aggressive fighter for what was
best for citizens of the second district in Hawaii, but also for the
Nation and for the whole world.
She was a tireless supporter of the Congressional Black Caucus and
its agenda. She was a disciplined and focused advocate for the
voiceless, and she was my dear friend. As heaven gains another angel,
we in Congress mourn our unfortunate loss. May God be with the Mink
family.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay final tribute to my dear friend and
colleague, Congresswoman Patsy Mink.
Congresswoman Mink was able to break through racial and gender
barriers to attain goals that others thought were impossible. Her
career was a series of firsts: the first woman of color elected to
Congress, the first Asian-American woman to practice law in Hawaii, the
first Asian-American woman to be elected to the Territorial House.
Representative Mink entered this world as a fighter for equality.
Born in Maui in December of 1928, from her earliest years, she was
encouraged to excel in academic courses. As a four year old, she
recalled how she hung onto the shirt of her older brother, demanding,
and eventually winning the right to accompany him to the first grade.
As Patsy Mink grew up in Hawaii, she saw her life change overnight
with the bombing of Pearl Harbor. She turned 14 the day before the
bombing of Pearl Harbor. At that time, anyone who was looked up to in
the Japanese community was seen as a threat; this included her father.
He was taken away for questioning but returned to the family. Patsy
realized that anyone could be arrested for no reason except that they
were Japanese.
Mink attended Maui High School, where she played basketball at a time
when girls played half-court because, as Mink put it, ``they said it
was too strenuous for us.'' When she ran for student body president
during her junior year in high school and won that campaign, she began
her unofficial political career. In 1944 she graduated as high school
class valedictorian.
Representative Mink went on to attend college at the University of
Hawaii, but transferred to the University of Nebraska where she faced a
policy of segregated student housing. She arrived at the campus and was
housed at the international house. When she found that this housing was
for the ``colored'' students, she was outraged. Patsy wrote a letter of
protest and sent it to the local newspaper. The accompanying protests
and objections resulted in the University changing its policies.
However, Patsy was not able to enjoy the changes she had caused to be
made because she became very ill and had to return to Hawaii where she
finished her baccalaureate degree.
She returned to the University of Hawaii to prepare for medical
school and graduated with a degree in zoology and chemistry. However,
in 1948, none of the twenty medical schools to which she applied would
accept women.
She decided to study law and was accepted by the University of
Chicago because they considered her a ``foreign student.'' Choosing not
to inform the University that Hawaii was an American territory, she
obtained her Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1951.
Getting a job in the legal field was not easy for a woman at that
time, but that did not deter Patsy. No one was willing to hire her,
even as a law clerk. She worked at the University of Chicago Law School
library until the eighth month of her pregnancy. Six months after
giving birth, she, her husband John and baby daughter Gwendolyn moved
to Hawaii.
When she found no law firm that would hire a woman, she decided to
start her own firm. She became the first Japanese-American woman lawyer
in Hawaii. She also taught at the University of Hawaii.
In 1965, Patsy Mink was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives
and began the first of six consecutive terms in the House of
Representatives. Again, she was the first woman of color to be elected
to Congress.
Mink's ability to build coalitions for progressive legislation
continued during her tenure in Congress. She introduced the first
comprehensive Early Childhood Education Act and authorized the Women's
Educational Equity Act.
Mink believed one of her most significant accomplishments in Congress
was Title IX of the Education Act, which she helped authored in 1972.
It mandated gender equality in any education program or activity
receiving federal financial assistance. Title IX has become the major
tool for women's fuller participation, not only in sports, but in all
aspects of education. The law promotes equality in school athletics.
Scholarship money for women increased from $100,000 in 1972 to $179
million in 1997, but was equally important in opening academics.
Representative Mink was an early opponent of the Vietnam War and
accompanied fellow Representative Bella Abzug, D-N.Y., to Paris to talk
to participants in the Vietnam War peace talks. She supported women's
rights, was against the death penalty and had as her spending
priorities education, housing and health. Mink's strong liberal stands
led conservative opponents to dub her ``Patsy Pink.''
Her career included an appointment by President Jimmy Carter as
Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans, International, Environmental
and Scientific Affairs from 1977 to 1978.
Patsy Mink returned to Washington, DC in 1991 and has been here ever
since.
Congresswoman Patsy Mink was an aggressive fighter for what was best
for citizens of the second district in Hawaii, as well as this nation
as a whole. She was a tireless supporter of the Congressional Black
Caucus. She was a disciplined and focused advocate for the voiceless.
And she was my dear friend. As Heaven gains another angel, we in
Congress morn our unfortunate loss. May God be with the Mink family.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
(Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise
and extend her remarks.)
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I cannot thank the
distinguished gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie) enough for
bringing us together for this very special tribute. Might I also add my
deepest sympathy to Patsy's husband and daughter.
I cannot recall when I last saw John with Patsy, but I can assure you
I have never seen such a bond, such a sense of connection and
friendship, such a joy of being together. And I hope that as he mourns
the loss of his dearly beloved wife, he will remember her with the
wonderful memories that so many of us saw.
This past summer I had the opportunity to speak in Hawaii, and I took
time to visit in and about the area and mentioned Patsy's name
frequently to those I would meet. And interestingly enough, as I called
her name Patsy, it is not out of disrespect. It is because those who
lived there, they would say, That is our Patsy. That is how we know
her. That is how we vote for her. That is how she comes to us. That is
our Patsy.
That is the way the Congresswoman was to her colleagues as well,
caring and nurturing; and I stand here this evening just to thank the
gods, if you will, to have allowed me to not be in that time frame
between 1977 and 1990 but to come to this House when Patsy came back to
this House.
We deal a lot now with 9-11 issues and there is fear in America, but
Patsy stood above that fear. And I want to pay tribute to her ancestry,
which is a noted classic story of immigrants seeking and determined to
live a better life in America for themselves and their families. Her
four grandparents immigrated from Japan in the late 1800's to work as
contract laborers in Maui's sugar plantations. That is why she was a
person who believed in lifting the boats of all others. And if there
was ever any legislation to join, if you knew Patsy had authored it,
you needed to be on it. You needed to be on her welfare reform
legislation because she was ready to fight against those who did not
understand the need for child care and transportation and training.
And then, of course, if you just take a moment, just a second of
quietness, you can see Patsy running to the front, coming to this mike,
and then speaking in a booming voice on her beliefs and causes.

[[Page H6893]]

Thank you, Congresswoman Mink for title IX because I knew what it was
like when I grew up; but what joy as I watch the Olympics time after
time after time to see young women rising because of you.
I close briefly because I know time draws nigh to simply say this in
Patsy's words. She was asked what she wished someone had said to her
when she started and she said.

When I was in high school and college I wanted to become a
medical doctor. I wish someone had told me then that medical
schools in the U.S. did not admit women students except for
one all-female school. I wish someone had told me about sex
discrimination and about how deeply embedded it is and about
how every day would be a struggle to overcome it.

Patsy, they may not have told you, but you were a fighter. May you
rest in peace.
I would like to express my heart-felt condolences to the many
colleagues, constituents, friends, and relatives of Congresswoman Patsy
Mink of the 2nd Congressional District of Hawaii. A coalition builder
for greater understanding, the Honorable Patsy Mink served in the House
of Representatives for twelve terms as the first woman of Asian descent
to serve in the U.S. Congress.
Representative Mink was the first woman of an ethnic minority elected
to federal office and had been a member of the House for 24 years over
two different stretches. She won re-election two years ago by a nearly
two-to-one margin, and has been considered a sure winner in the
November 5 general election.
Her ancestry has been noted as a classic story of immigrants seeking
and determined to live a better life in America for themselves and
their families. Her four grandparents emigrated from Japan in the late
1800's to work as contract laborers in Maui's sugar plantations.
She supported women's rights, was against the death penalty and had
as her spending priorities: education, housing and health. Among her
legislative involvement and victories are the first comprehensive Early
Childhood Education Act and the enactment of Title IX of the Higher
Education Act Amendments, prohibiting gender discrimination by
federally funded institutions. Her legislation has served both as a
catalyst and a major tool for women's fuller participation both in
sports and in all aspects of education.
From her scholastic accolades to her congressional achievements,
Congresswoman Mink accomplished much in sustaining the American spirit.
This very truth was exhibited throughout her earlier academic years as
a student government representative and on through her political
career. As she galvanized individuals to unite for the common good, I
am reminded of her leadership and keen ability to build coalitions for
progressive legislation throughout her tenure in Congress.
When asked, ``What advice do you wish you had when you started?,''
she responded by saying:

When I was in high school and college, I wanted to become a
medical doctor. I wish someone had told me then that medical
schools in the U.S. didn't admit women students--except for
one all-female school. I wish someone had told me about sex
discrimination--about how deeply embedded it is and about how
everyday would be a struggle to overcome it. I wouldn't have
lived my life differently. But I wish I had known that
opportunities would not come easily and that to excel in my
work. I also would have [fought] discrimination, not only for
myself, but for and with others (Rep. Patsy Mink).

Toward this end, she shall be remembered life-long advocate for equal
opportunity.
Further, while we mourn her death, we are greatly appreciative and
shall be ever mindful of the legacy that she has left for many
generations to follow. Let it be said that she was a champion for the
rights of all human beings and that she was bold in the face of
adversity.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to
the gentleman from New York (Mr. Houghton), one of Patsy's oldest and
dearest friends.
Mr. HOUGHTON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to tell you a story. There
was a man called Robert Fulghum and he wrote a book called ``Everything
I Ever Learned I Learned In Kindergarten.''
He was in college and there was a Greek immigrant called Dr.
Papaderos and at the end of one of the courses he said, What is the
meaning of life, Dr. Papaderos? And everybody laughed. And Dr.
Papaderos took this thing very seriously. He said, I will tell you a
story. When I was a little boy in Greece I ran across a German
motorcycle and there was a glass on the ground, a mirror. And I did not
have any toys to play with and I picked up the glass and I ground it
and I ground it. Soon it was perfectly circular. It was a wonderful
play thing for me, but as I grew up and went into life, I realized it
was sort of a metaphor for what we were all about. When I used to shine
this mirror into dark places, it would light up and I could see things.
And he said, One of things that it taught me is that we are not the
light, we are not the source of the light; but through our own lives,
we can shine certain pieces of material, in this particular case it was
the glass, so that we can illuminate an issue.
This is the thing I think that Patsy did more than anything for me on
the other side of the aisle. She was able to illuminate and humanize
issues in a way I will never forget.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/4\ minutes to the gentleman
from North Carolina (Mr. Etheridge).
Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Hawaii (Mr.
Abercrombie) for yielding and thank him for this special evening for a
very special lady that all of us appreciate.
Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to join my colleagues in honoring the
passing of a great Member of the U.S. House, Congresswoman Patsy Mink,
and offer my condolences to her family and to the members of her staff
and her many friends.
As others have noted, Representative Mink was a trail blazer whose
career in Congress spanned 4 decades and whose service has left our
country a far better place.
I want to focus my remarks very briefly on the work that Patsy and I
had an opportunity to do just on education; it was a passion of hers
and certainly is one of mine.
Prior to my service in this body, I served as the State
superintendent of schools in my home State of North Carolina; and when
I came here in 1996, I was appointed as co-chair along with Patsy and a
number of others to the Democratic Caucus Task Force. I wanted to thank
Patsy tonight for looking after the children of North Carolina as I did
many times.
She was a long-time champion of the efforts to help our public
schools, and she fought when others were not willing to fight. And as
task force co-chairs, Patsy and I worked side by side with our other
colleagues here in Washington on some very positive progressive
policies to strengthen public education in this country.
We may have seemed something like an odd couple. Me, a tall lanky
Southerner and Patsy a little short lady from Hawaii, but she was tough
as a leather knot, as we say in North Carolina, and a good Hawaiian
lawyer and we made a good team along with others.
Together with the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa), the gentleman
from Indiana (Mr. Roemer), the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr.
Menendez), and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Owens) and a number of
others, we repeatedly fought back the efforts to cut education, against
private school vouchers and other anti-education items. We pushed our
message so successfully and Patsy was out there hammering so hard, that
the other party's Presidential candidate borrowed our message and used
it to talk about improving quality public education in this country.
Patsy would be proud of that tonight, as she is. Indeed, she made a
difference. The list of her accomplishments have been listed already.
And I thank Patsy for title IX and my daughter thanks her. All the
daughters of America thank her. She made a difference in this country,
in the title I children that would not have had a chance, the poor
children, and all the others. I could not go through the list. Others
have gone through them. I will not read them.
But most importantly, Patsy Mink was a leader whose country will
forever owe her a great debt of gratitude, and there is a bright star
burning in heaven tonight.

{time} 2045

Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, Patsy was so moved by the gentleman
from North Carolina's (Mr. Etheridge) remarks that she let him know
what she thought about it. She is our guardian angel here tonight. She
makes her presence known.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/4\ minutes to the gentleman from California
(Mr.

[[Page H6894]]

Honda), who I might say could also look Mrs. Mink eye to eye.
Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I think this is what she has done a lot is
draw the podium down to her height.
I thank the gentleman from Hawaii for yielding me the time and for
putting this session together, and I also would like to share my
deepest sympathies with Patsy Mink's family, John Francis, her husband,
her daughter Wendy and her brother Eugene Takemoto. I also want to
share my sympathies to the people of Hawaii.
Many things have been said here this evening, and as a child growing
up I remember reading about her. I remember hearing about her in the
community, her accomplishments, Patsy Mink, and this session, my first
session, I had the privilege to get to know her, sit next to her
through the debates and through different issues that came up on the
floor, but what everybody said here this evening was new to me. So I
appreciate the Members sharing.
I appreciate her life. I also appreciate the accomplishments and the
work that she has done because although we say here tonight of her
work, there would be many people and future generations who will not
know of her work, but will be touched by her work. To her, I thank her
for that.
Many quotes were given that she had said on the floor. Many thoughts
were shared by them of her, and I had not had the fortune of being able
to work with her through many issues on the floor and in this body, but
I am the recipient of her work. I am the recipient of her toil.
One thing I did learn listening to people tonight is that many people
did say, I did not know that she was the first woman of color here. I
learned that, too, and I think there will be many people in this
country who will learn and do well by the lessons that she has done
through her life.
When I hear other people talk, I understood that she took her private
and personal life and converted that into public policy that would
affect this country.
Let me close with a quote that she has left behind. Many things,
people have been memorialized by statutes and by the inscription of
their sayings. Here is one I would like to share with my colleagues
that she said, and it is especially poignant today because of what we
face as a Nation: ``If to believe in freedom and equality is to be a
radical, then I am a radical. So long as there remains groups of our
fellow Americans who are denied equal opportunity and equal protection
in the law, we must remain steadfast to all shades of man we stand
beside in dignity and self-respect, to truly enjoy the fruits of this
great land.''
Hawaii was found by Polynesians following the stars. Tonight in the
skies of Hawaii there is another star to lead the islanders.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters).
Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, when the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr.
Abercrombie) said to me last week he was concerned about Patsy, that he
thought she was at risk, I could not grasp what he was saying to me. I
could not think about her being at the kind of risk that would cause
her death.
My sincere condolences to John and to her family. Patsy was my
friend. I knew her long before I ever came to the Congress of the
United States. Patsy was on the cutting edge of the women's movement.
Patsy was there when all of the great strategies were formed, when all
of the great organizations got started. Patsy was there with Bella
Abzug and Gloria Steinem and women who dedicated their lives so that
women could have justice and equality in America.
She was there for ERA. She was there for pay equity, and certainly it
has been mentioned time and time again that she cosponsored Title IX,
women's educational equity.
It was just a few months ago that I sat at the WNBA All Star Game
where Patsy was honored for 30 years' recognition of Patsy's work. As I
looked at all of those strong, tall women out there playing and my dear
child, Lisa Leslie, who won the All-Star honor that evening, I thought
it was a short, little woman that caused this tall, big woman to be
able to realize her dreams, to be able to hone her talents. What a
wonderful moment that was.
We are going to miss her because she was a woman of impeccable
integrity. She was not about misleading anybody. She did not do a lot
of small talk. She was a passionate woman, a brilliant woman, who was a
passionate and articulate debater and debate she could. When Patsy took
the floor and she decided to let anybody have it, she really could do
it.
Let me just say, Patsy was an expert on any number of subjects and
certainly on education, but the mark of this woman was the fact that
this brilliant woman devoted her time to poor women. Many people get
very sophisticated and want to talk about other kinds of subjects once
they have served in the Congress of the United States, but she stayed
with poor women.
She was an advocate for poor women. She fought for poor women to have
a safety net as we debated welfare reform, and people tried to make it
something else. She simply talked about the need for poor women and
their children to have a place to live and food to eat.
We love you, Patsy. We will miss you.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the
gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).
Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend and classmate the
gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie) for yielding me the time, and I
remember that Patsy was here a few months ahead of us in the special
election. She got the jump on us in seniority. Actually she had been
here 25 years ahead of us. Patsy had a second coming, and the House is
all the better for it, but the heart of the House is broken today.
Historic woman, first woman of color, came here 4 years before even the
great Shirley Chisholm, the first African American, came to the House.
She is known for two signature issues among the many issues that are
around her name, education and equality. Patsy, of course, is the
mother and the godmother and the protector and the fighter for Title
IX. I think she would want this memorial to serve a purpose, especially
today when Title IX is under attack.
I remember 2 months ago when she came to this floor to commemorate
Title IX, and she said this: We have heard much about the many
successes of Title IX, particularly in athletics. Most do not know of
the long, arduous course we took before the enactment of Title IX and
the battles that we have fought to keep it intact. And as we remember
her tonight, remember, we are fighting a battle to keep it intact
tonight.
She recounted some of those battles. She talked about 1975 when there
was an amendment to keep then HEW from promulgating regulations under
Title IX. That is how deep it got. Even after Title IX was passed, she
had a way of piercing to the truth, when they said there is no Title
IX. It took four men to summarize what she said on the floor, 2 months
ago, that reductions in men's sports are due to choices made by college
administrators in favor of the big-budget, revenue-generating programs
such as football and basketball. She told it like it was. She could not
help it.
Let us remember as we commemorate and celebrate Title IX and
celebrate Patsy's life what we are going through today. There is an
administration task force. With all her being, Patsy opposed to fix
what is not broken, Title IX, 30 years later when we go from 32,000
female athletes to 150,000. Instead of commemorating, the
administration is fixing. Leave Title IX alone. Let it stand. Let it
be. Do it for women, and do it for Patsy Mink.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman
from New York (Ms. Velazquez).
Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, the mark of an American hero is a person
who created reality and shaped the values that we take for granted
today. Patsy Mink is one such American hero. Each time we look around
at what America is today, we should think of Patsy Mink because our
Nation is a better place due to the contributions she made throughout
her life on education, immigrants' rights, health care, and protecting
the poor.
She fought for civil rights in an era of segregation. She was an
advocate for Asian Americans after the internment policy of World War
II. She opposed a

[[Page H6895]]

war before it made headlines. She fought to provide every child with a
quality education, and she created opportunities for girls to play
college sports, sparking a revolution for an entire generation that is
now the envy of the world.
She was the first in so many things, the first female student body
president, the first Japanese American woman to practice law in Hawaii,
the first woman of color to serve in the United States Congress, all
things we take for granted today. We should always remember it was
Patsy who fought to get us here, especially women.
Perhaps Patsy herself could sum up her life and legacy best when she
said, my career in politics has been a crucible of challenges and
crises where in the end the principles to which I was committed
prevailed.
We should all strive to be as dedicated to our process and as
passionate in our arguments as Patsy was to hers. For the many causes
she championed, there was no fiercer advocate than Patsy Mink. I will
miss her friendship, her spirit and her sense of humanity.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to extend the
debate time on the resolution honoring Patsy Mink by 30 minutes and
that this time be controlled by the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur).
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Rehberg). Is there objection to the
request of the gentleman from Hawaii?
There was no objection.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\3/4\ minutes to the gentleman
from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews).
(Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Hawaii for yielding
me the time.
I rise in sincere remembrance of a gentle soul and a good friend,
Patsy Mink. I offer my condolences to her husband John, daughter Wendy,
and my thanks to the service that the entire family has given by
permitting their wife and mother to serve this Nation.
Patsy has gone from our lives, but she will touch the lives of so
many people tomorrow whose names she will never know. Tomorrow there
will be welfare mothers who will get up and have a first-rate child
care center to take their sons and daughters to because Patsy Mink made
sure that would happen. Tomorrow there will be young women who will
have a chance to learn math or science or go on to engineering careers
because Patsy Mink helped lead the fight to let little girls know that
they could be anything they wanted to achieve in any discipline through
her work on women's equity in education.
A few hours ago on the east coast, and Mr. Speaker, right now across
the country, young women are coming home from sports practice, from
soccer and field hockey and all the other sports that young women play.

{time} 2100

And the most talented ones know that they have a chance to compete
now at the intercollegiate level because Patsy Mink wrote title IX and
made sure it stuck.
Patsy Mink will touch my life for years to come. My two greatest
achievements are 9 years old and 7 years old, my two daughters; and I
take comfort at this time of great loss from the fact that they will
live in a world where they can be anything they set their minds to,
reach any heights to which they aspire, because in large part this
firebrand of a woman stood on this floor and served this country.
It is my honor to call her a friend. My great expression of
condolences to her family. May God rest her soul.
Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I would like the record to show that I am assuming this
responsibility for the next 30 minutes only in that the rules do not
allow the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie) to remain on the
floor for more than 1 hour. He is present in the Chamber and right here
at my side. We will continue paying tribute to our beloved friend,
Congresswoman Patsy Mink, and send our sympathies to her precious
family.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California
(Ms. Lofgren).
Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, this is a very sad day. I remember when I
first met Patsy and saw Patsy. It was in 1970, and I was on the staff
of then-Congressman Don Edwards, and I thought this was really
somebody, this was really somebody; and I watched her and I watched her
on the ERA, and I never dreamed that many years later after she had
gone back to Hawaii and come back to the House that I would get to
serve with her, and I really value the years I served with Patsy. I
knew her really as just a tireless champion for the underdog. She
believed in the power of education, and she fought to make sure that
every person had the opportunity to do more in life because they had an
education.
I remember participating in a Special Order with Patsy before the
August recess, and we think about title IX rightly about sports; but
really Patsy and I were talking about the other aspect of title IX when
there were limits, there were quotas on how many women would be
admitted to a college, and there were courses of study that women were
not allowed to take. So I know I benefited personally from what Patsy
did on title IX and my daughter still benefits from what Patsy did.
Patsy made her mark and she changed America. There are not very many
women in the House who are lawyers. Patsy was one of them, and she had
a fine legal mind. She was someone who I always listened to when she
had advice to give. She was not afraid to lead. And petite as she was,
she was always big enough to share the limelight. How someone could be
so tough and so firm and yet be also warm and kind is a wonder. She was
funny, smart, brave, a visionary. She helped teach all of us, and we
are in her debt.
I give thanks to her husband, John, and her daughter, Wendy, for
sharing her with us and thanks to the people of Hawaii for sending her
to the Nation. People of Hawaii have no idea how she and Neil would
stand up and fight for them whenever they needed them to do so. So I
know I am not alone in finding it hard to reconcile myself to her
absence. I miss her and America is profoundly improved by her gift of
time, energy, and pure goodness.
Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes on behalf of the gentleman
from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie) and myself to the gentlewoman from
California (Ms. Solis).
Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, buenos noches, America. Today we stand here
in celebration of a dynamic woman, this woman here, this face that many
of us here in the House have come to know, and I as a new Member am
proud to say I that was able to witness her intelligence, her tenacity,
her wherewithal, a true steel magnolia, a true profile in courage,
someone who fought even the last few days that we were arguing about
welfare reform, how important it was for us to decide upon providing
women with the ability to have child care because if they chose to go
to work and could find work, the only way they were going to escape
poverty was to be able to get child care. And she fought tooth and nail
even sometimes against our own leadership, and many of us stood with
her.
I learned a great deal from her, her compassion, and she did shower
us with support and friendship. And as a new Member here in the House,
she was someone I looked up to in our Committee on Education and the
Workforce, always moving me, pushing me along: ``Hilda, keep going. Do
not give up. Stand up to those people. Do not let people make you turn
your back.''
She taught us a powerful lesson. She is the first in many categories
in her own State and somebody who should be given the dignity and honor
to stand with us forever, and that is by paying tribute to her and in
either having a commissioned portrait or a statue, a woman to represent
us, so proud, and throughout the world.
I am proud to know her and her family and to have worked with her
staff and someone that we have to somehow undertake the courage that
she had to continue the fight because Patsy is watching us and Patsy is
going to hold us accountable, and she is going to say, My work was not
done in vain because I have helped to lift so many people out of
poverty and give them hope.
And I know she has given us that. I have heard many here speak about
her attributes and everything that she gave so unselfishly; and I too,
like my colleagues, join the world in praying for her because she is a
wonderful, wonderful role model for so many of us. I

[[Page H6896]]

thank this House for the opportunity to be able to pay tribute to her
tonight.
Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from
California (Ms. Woolsey).
Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr.
Abercrombie) for making this possible for all of us to come here to
honor our colleague, Patsy Mink, with the resolution and with memories
that say so very much about this woman that we loved so dearly. But as
everyone has heard, no words can capture the great loss that we feel.
The Congress, our country, and the rest of this world have lost a most
remarkable woman. I knew of Patsy Mink from Hawaii by reputation for
many, many years before I met her. In fact, Patsy is one of the reasons
I decided to run for the House of Representatives. I was convinced that
I would be a help to her in her work for civil rights and economic
justice; but once I was elected and sworn in in 1993, I think I was
more work to Patsy than I was help for her because she became a mentor,
a mentor to me, and through her I learned so very much about standing
up for my beliefs even when they were not always popular, knowing and
trusting my constituents, remembering that those were the people that I
work for and passionately fighting for those who are less well off who
need a hand up.
Women and minorities in our country have benefited greatly because of
Patsy Mink. She has taught us all so very much. Patsy Mink will never
be forgotten, and she will always be honored.
Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes and 15 seconds to the
gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Mrs. Christensen).
Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr.
Abercrombie) for bringing us together.
I rise to join our other colleagues to pay tribute to Patsy Mink's
outstanding legacy which spanned more than 24 years. Though small in
stature, as many of us have made reference to, the death of our dear
friend, colleague, and leader on so many important issues has left a
very large void in this body. Our hearts and prayers go out to her
husband, John; daughter, Wendy; brother; and other family members and
the community that she loved and served so well.
I consider myself privileged to have had the wonderful opportunity to
have worked with her on a number of issues. I have been particularly
grateful for her tenacity in our work to eliminate health disparities
for women and people of color. Just this past spring, Patsy joined me
in a forum on improving health care quality for minority Americans. As
ranking member on the Subcommittee on 21st Century Competitiveness of
the Committee on Education and the Workforce, the gentle lady from
Hawaii used her position to influence and improve education and work
opportunities for all.
This summer we were all fortunate to be able to follow her leadership
as she worked to craft commonsense welfare reform legislation which
would not only prepare those on welfare for work but lift them out of
poverty and give them the opportunity to improve their status and the
status of their families. She was always sensitive to the unique issues
of my district and the other offshore territories.
Congresswoman Mink is most remembered for her work on title IX of the
education amendments of 1972 to eliminate sex discrimination in all
educational institutions receiving Federal funds. Patsy Mink displayed
a thirst for justice, a drive to convince others that it is in the best
interest of all that women be treated equally, a zeal to ensure that no
young girl would ever be told that she could not achieve her goals, and
a disdain for any antiquated approaches which would leave women behind.
By challenging discrimination both at home and in the Nation at
large, she helped this country to better live up to its obligation to
improve the health and well-being of all its residents and to close the
wide gaps in service and status for women and people of color.
Patsy gave herself generously. She was a warrior who never shied from
the challenge when the cause was just; and by her life, her service,
she has lifted us all. I am, we are all honored by having had the
opportunity to know her, to serve with her, and partake of her wisdom,
her warmth, and her friendship.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to join our other colleagues to pay tribute to
Patsy Mink's outstanding legacy which spanned more than 24 years.
Through small in stature, the death of our dear friend, colleague and
leader on so many important issue, has left a very large void in this
Body. Our hearts and prayers go out to her husband, John, daughter
Windy, brother, other family members, and the community she loved and
served so well.
I consider myself privileged to have had the wonderful opportunity to
work with her on a number of issues. I have been particularly grateful
for her tenacity in our work to eliminate health disparities for women
and people of color.
Just this past spring, Patsy joined me in a forum on improving health
care quality for minority Americans.
As ranking member on the education and workforce subcommittee on 21st
century competitiveness, the gentle lady from Hawaii used her position
to influence and improve education and work opportunities for all.
This summer we were all fortunate to be able to follow her leadership
as she worked to craft common sense welfare reform legislation which
would not only prepare those on welfare for work, but lift them out of
poverty and give them the opportunity to improve their status and the
status of their families. She was always sensitive to the unique issues
of my district and the other offshore territories.
Congresswoman Mink is most remembered for her work on the title IX of
the education amendments of 1972 to eliminate sex discrimination in all
educational institutions receiving Federal funds.
Patsy Mink displayed a thirst for justice, a drive to convince others
that it is in the best interest of all that women be treated equally, a
zeal to ensure that no young girl would ever be told that she could not
achieve her goals, and a disdain for antiquated approaches which would
leave women behind.
By challenging discrimination both at home and in the Nation at
large, she helped this country to better live up to its obligation to
improve the health and well-being of all of its residents and to close
the wide gaps in service and status for women and people of color.
It is her legacy that allows the women of Congress to walk these
hallowed halls with sure footing. I thank Patsy Mink for her grateful
heart, her strong spirit, for breaking down barriers, and for leading
the way as the first woman of color in the Congress of the United
States. Through her presence and her determination, she set the stage
to ensure that all issues--that minority issues and womens' issues are
also American issues.
To her family, staff and constituents, I express my sincere
condolences and that of my constituents of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Patsy gave of herself generously. she was a warrior who never shied
from a challenge when the cause was just, and by her life, and her
service she has lifted us all.
I am, we all, are honored by having had the opportunity to know her,
serve with her, and partake of her wisdom, her warmth and her
friendship.
Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from
North Carolina (Mrs. Clayton).
Mrs. CLAYTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms.
Kaptur) for yielding me this time. I thank the gentleman from Hawaii
(Mr. Abercrombie) for organizing, introducing the legislation allowing
us to reflect on Patsy Mink's life. I think all of us have a sense of
loss and especially those of us who feel that somehow we just did not
take seriously that she was that ill and we just felt that we will have
the rejoicing of her coming back and to feel that somehow we did not
understand that. But perhaps it was wise that we did not. I was back
there when the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie) mentioned that
too.
I want to extend my sympathy to the family, John and her daughter. I
got to travel on three occasions with Patsy, and I also got to feel
that I knew her husband. And I remember Patsy sharing with me why I had
wanted to be a doctor and missionary, and she shared with me she wanted
to be a doctor and she had been discriminated against. She could not
be. I shared with her the reason I did not become a doctor was because
I did not do that well in organic chemistry. And graduating from the
University of Chicago as a woman in 1971, an honor student, and she
told me she could hardly find a job as a clerk and the difficulty they
gave her in her birthplace to even pass the bar.
I also went to law school and I did not finish. I had four kids, but
I understood what it meant when she was denied the right as a person, a
resident of

[[Page H6897]]

Hawaii not to be allowed to take the bar other than through her
husband. That was a way of discriminating even among her own natives. I
will remember Patsy for a lot of reasons, for all the legislative
reasons that my colleagues know even better; but one thing I remember
about Patsy is that she was a little person but had a loud voice and a
very forceful voice. And the 58th chapter of Isaiah says this, and I am
reading from the English version. It says: ``The Lord says shout as
loud as you can, tell my people Israel about their sins.''
Patsy spoke loudly but clearly, eloquently, about the injustice,
inequality, and she also is known not for what she passed in
legislation but what she was willing to fight against. So we remember
Patsy with passion and dignity, and we pray that her life will be a
shining life for the rest us to carry on in the same way.
Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from North Carolina
(Mrs. Clayton) for those eloquent words.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Wu).
Mr. WU. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our friend and colleague, Patsy
Mink. I was honored to serve with her on the Committee on Education and
the Workforce, and I am proud to be one of her successors as Chair of
the Asian Pacific American Caucus.
Patsy was an absolutely wonderful, wonderful person from a wonderful
place. Mr. Speaker, I can share with my colleagues that the first time
I was ever recognized on this floor, I was recognized as the gentleman
from Hawaii, and I had to resist the temptation then, representing my
wonderful folks, the sensible folks from Oregon, from saying yes, yes,
I am the gentleman from Hawaii.

{time} 2115

Mr. Speaker, Hawaii is a wonderful place, a great culture, good
people and fine Representatives here in the United States Congress. It
has a wonderful language, words like ohana and aloha. Sometimes we
wonder whether they found too much use for consonants, but a wonderful,
beautiful language; and those words embody for me what Patsy and her
service here was all about, community. Communities where children,
where every child would have a chance to build a better future, where
all of us will go forward together rather than divided against each
other.
Aloha, the spirit of aloha where Patsy was so helpful to us freshmen
and junior Members. She was like a gentle Hawaiian breeze, but we all
knew about her issues; she could storm up like a typhoon. I had the
misfortune to follow her on a podium once, and after my rather tepid
remarks, she pounded home her views and she was Olympian in her
stature, and it was like thunderbolts were coming from her forehead.
There is a time when God calls us all home; and I have to say, Patsy,
you are fortunate that God has called you home to Hawaii. We will miss
you.
Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from
American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega).
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise
to participate in this Special Order to share with my colleagues of the
House and with the American people the tremendous loss to our Nation
and the good people of the State of Hawaii, the recent passing of the
gentlewoman from Hawaii, Patsy Takemoto Mink.
Patsy was more than a friend to this Member. She was my mentor, my
teacher, my senior advisor on the nuances of this institution. She was
my champion fighter on any issues taken by this body on anything
relating to the rights and lives of millions of American women,
children, minorities, and last but not least, the poor and the needy.
Some of my colleagues have outlined a listing of so many of the
accomplishments of Patsy's career in public service. So as not to be
repetitious, I want to share with my colleagues and our Nation how I
feel about Patsy Mink as a person.
Patsy did not share much with me concerning her early youth, born of
a humble family and grew up on the Island of Maui, graduated from high
school on Maui, and then enrolled at the University of Hawaii. But as I
can remember, remember and well imagine the hardships Patsy had to
endure, especially after the sudden attack of Pearl Harbor by Japanese
war planes that Americans of Japanese ancestry immediately, herded like
cattle and placed in what was then described as relocation camps but I
consider them as concentration camps, I have no doubt that Patsy and
her family were severely affected socially and psychologically.
How a Nation can unilaterally terminate the constitutional rights of
its citizens solely on the basis of race, their lands and properties
were confiscated, and some 100,000 American citizens, men, women and
children, who happened to be of Japanese ancestry were placed in these
so-called relocation camps throughout the United States. Despite all
this, at the height of racism, hatred and bigotry placed against
Japanese Americans during World War II, some 10,000 Japanese Americans,
like Senator Dan Inouye and the late Senator Spark Matsunaga among
them, nevertheless volunteered to fight against our Nation's enemies in
Europe. That was part of Patsy's early youth and the legacy that was
given under the 100 Battalion 442nd Infantry and what they did when
they fought against enemy forces in Europe.
Mr. Speaker, this was the kind of atmosphere that Patsy grew up with.
The irony of it all is that Patsy Mink wanted very much to be a doctor,
a healer. I guess after personally witnessing the horrors of war during
her youth, Patsy wanted to enter a profession that would save lives
rather than destroy them.
Mr. Speaker, I want to convey my sincere aloha pumehana and my
sincere condolences on behalf of our Samoan community living in the
State of Hawaii to Patsy's dear husband and my friend for many years,
John Mink, and their daughter, Wendy, and her brother, Eugene Takemoto,
and to Joan Manke, her administrative assistant, and members of her
staff.
Patsy Takemoto Mink, may you have a successful journey.
Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from
New York (Mrs. Maloney).
Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for
yielding me this time, and I thank the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr.
Abercrombie) for his leadership on this and so many important issues
before this body.
It is with great sadness that we come to the floor this evening to
honor the legacy and hard work of my good friend and colleague, Patsy
Mink. She was a champion for women's rights, education, civil rights,
and America's workers. She was a tireless advocate for our Nation.
I have a long list of firsts where Patsy was the first person to do a
particular job or make a particular gift to this Nation, and I would
like to enter this into the Record.
In fact, she told me she never intended to come to Congress. It was
her dream to be a doctor. Like many very talented and intelligent
women, she applied to medical school, and every single one of them
turned her down. She told me that she faced great discrimination in her
life, yet she turned adversity into a positive life of working to help
improve the lives of women, children, minorities, and the equality of
all people.
One of the things that I loved about Patsy, there was never an issue
that was too large or too small for her to champion and for her to work
extremely hard on. Unlike many of us, she was able to see the fruits of
her hard work. As one of the principle authors of title IX, she saw the
benefits of a whole generation of young women, including my two
daughters, who have benefited from the equality in treatment of women
in education and sports.
When I first came to Congress, I would sometimes call one of my
friends and mentors from New York, Bella Abzug, and Bella would always
end the conversation by saying, ``Carolyn, why in the world are you
calling me when you could talk to Patsy Mink on the floor?''
Patsy told me that many of her colleagues would call her in Hawaii,
and because of the time difference, they would wake her up at 2, 3 in
the morning; yet she would always wake up and be there to help.
It is impossible to name all of Patsy's great accomplishments, but

[[Page H6898]]

tonight we can take the baton on one that is tremendously important.
Patsy authored the Women's Educational Equity Act, and I call upon
Members to name this important act for Patsy. I am circulating a letter
which builds on Patsy's work. Patsy was working to restore the funding
for the Women's Educational Equity Act, which has zeroed out; and the
letter calls upon our President to restore the $3 million and to name
this important act after our beloved friend and colleague, Patsy Mink.
Patsy did so much and I am saddened tonight, and I am going to close
by saying I am saddened for many reasons, and one is that I can no
longer pick up the phone and call Patsy and say, ``Let me pick your
brain.'' She would always have an idea. She would always have a
strategy, and she was always helpful. We will build on her work, and we
will succeed on the issues Patsy cared about because for over 150 years
women have fought against much larger odds than the ones we now face in
Congress. We will succeed because Patsy Mink succeeded before us and
because of those who succeeded before her.
Patsy the great, I am honored to have known her. She will always be
an inspiration to me and to women around the world. My condolences to
her family and her constituents.

Congress of the United States,

Washington, DC, October 1, 2002.
Hon. George W. Bush,
President of the United States, The White House, Washington,
DC.
Dear President Bush: We have stood together many times with
Representative Patsy Mink to help the women and girls of this
country. As you may know, Mrs. Mink was the strongest
proponent of the Women's Educational Equity Act (WEEA) and
worked very diligently in Committee to succeed in getting
WEEA on the list of authorized programs. Unfortunately, your
Administration zeroed out the funding for this very important
act.
Mr. President, in honor of the memory of Representative
Mink, we ask that you fully fund the $3 million for the
Women's Educational Equity Act. We cannot think of a better
way to commemorate the work and dedication Mrs. Mink offered
to this body and to the people of this country.
As you know, the purpose of WEEA is to promote equal
educational opportunities for girls and women by providing
funds and assistance to help educational agencies and
institutions to meet the requirements of Title IX of the
Educational Amendments of 1972. WEEA provides grants and
contracts for the development, implementation, and evaluation
of a broad range of programs at the community, state, and
national levels. WEEA grantees have offered leadership for
inclusive education reform and many of the participants and
beneficiaries of WEEA projects are at the core of the
development of equity initiatives in education, work, and
public life.
Mr. President, on behalf of all girls and women in America,
and in memory of Representative Patsy Mink, we request full
funding of $3 million for the Women's Educational Equity Act.
Sincerely,
Carolyn B. Maloney, Zoe Lofgren, Lynn C. Woolsey, Nydia
M. Velazquez, David Wu, Jan Schakowsky, Lynn N. Rivers,
Eni Faleomavaega, Robert E. Andrews, Neil Abercrombie,
Corrine Brown, Michael M. Honda, Eddie Bernice Johnson,
Sheila Jackson-Lee, Bob Etheridge, Eleanor H. Norton,
Maxine Waters, Donna M. Christensen, Marcy Kaptur.

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi).
Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this
time and for joining the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie) for
having this resolution on the floor tonight.
My condolences go to Patsy's family; and our condolences, of course,
go to the people of Hawaii who have suffered a great loss.
For almost a generation, anyone who served in this House of
Representatives has had the privilege of serving with Patsy Mink, has
had the honor of calling her colleague. Anyone who knew her, worked
with her on a daily basis, had his or her day brightened by the
communication from Patsy. She was a patriotic, committed, dedicated
American.
She was enthusiastic about America's children. She worked her heart
out for them. She literally gave her life ministering to their needs,
visiting a clinic for poor children where she contracted chicken pox.
It just does not seem real that we have lost such a valuable, valuable
person on this Earth.
I know it was intended by the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie)
and the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur) for this to be a resolution
with an hour of time, but the people of Hawaii should know because of
the outpouring of love for Patsy Mink, it has not turned out to be an
hour of debate on a bill, but a vigil in honor of a beloved Member of
Congress.
We all know how much the people of Hawaii thought of Patsy Mink. We
want them to know how much Members of Congress revered her, respected
her as a person, and are mourning her leaving us so deeply.
I am sure colleagues have spoken about her incredible leadership on
title IX. She conceived this idea and worked very hard for its passage,
and then an accident that harmed her dear daughter, Wendy, called her
away from the floor on the day of the vote, and the bill lost by one
vote. True to her family values, she left immediately to go to her
daughter's side. Patsy did something so incredible. She came back to
Congress at a future time and persuaded the speaker, then-Speaker Carl
Albert to bring the bill up again. That was not the normal regular
order, but he did, and it then passed. And now generations of young
women in our country can tear down the ``no girls allowed'' sign off
the school locker rooms and, in fact, corporate board rooms, because it
started momentum for women and girls.
I thank Patsy for being a mentor to so many of us, a joy in our
lives. Even when Patsy was fighting in her toughest time, and she would
be fighting as hard as she possibly could, she always did it with a
smile. She always did it with a smile. So she attracted people to her.
She attracted people to her point of view. She attracted people to her
State, which she loved; and some of us will be talking about Patsy for
a long time to come. We will never forget her. We will always be
inspired by her, and we know that although she is no longer with us
physically, that Patsy Mink lives.
She lives in the spirit of young girls playing sports all over
America. She lives in the school rooms of America for all she did for
America's children. She lives in the spirit that she leaves us with as
she departs in such an untimely fashion.
Again, many of us will be going on Thursday, returning Friday night.
The plane leaves at the close of business. I hope many Members will
join those of us who are going to Hawaii to bid to our dear Patsy Mink,
aloha.

{time} 2130

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank all of those who have
participated this evening and give special regard and thanks to the
gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie), who has brought us all
together, and who has been with us on the floor working to design this
resolution and to assure that all Members had an opportunity to speak
this evening.
Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman
from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie) for the next proceeding.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. As we draw the discussion for the passage of this
resolution to a conclusion, I would ask, Mr. Speaker, that at the
appropriate time if you could indicate to the House that perhaps we
could rise and observe a moment of silence in honor of Patsy Mink with
the passage of the resolution, I would be very appreciative, and I
think it is the appropriate way to finish our commemoration.
Let me conclude my remarks, then, Mr. Speaker. I had not intended to
speak much further because of the eloquent, articulate, certainly
comprehensive manner in which the Members tonight have discussed the
great contributions of Patsy to this body and to the Nation. But all
through this evening, Mr. Speaker, I have been unable to avoid looking
at the picture that has been down by the podium on the floor. That
picture of Patsy really captures the essence of this tiny giant. You
can see her steadfastness, her sense of perseverance, the stalwart
person that she was on behalf of all those who had no hope.
Mr. Speaker, it never occurred to me in my youth that I would have
the honor and privilege of serving in the people's house, the House of
Representatives. I look around the floor at my colleagues here. I see
my dear friend Dana Rohrabacher and others here on

[[Page H6899]]

the floor; Nancy Pelosi, who has just finished speaking of her
friendship and love for Patsy, and I understand what it was that I knew
intellectually so many years ago when I worked on Patsy's first
campaign as a college student at the University of Hawaii when she
first came here to the House of Representatives. I understood
intellectually what it was to serve in the House of Representatives.
But I am sure, Mr. Speaker, you know, as all of our colleagues do here
in the people's house, that those of us who have sworn an oath to
uphold and defend the Constitution in this house of freedom know what
it means to have had the presence of someone like Patsy Mink.
Surely, Mr. Speaker, there is no other people so fortunate as we,
free men and women, in the freest country on the face of the Earth, in
the history of the planet. No one has embodied more the spirit of this
House than this gentlewoman from Hawaii, a true daughter of Hawaii who
celebrated in herself and in her service the true spirit and meaning of
aloha.
Aloha means that our diversity defines us rather than divides us. In
this world of adversity and pain and terror and cruelty and horror,
Patsy Mink was able to stand for those who could not speak for
themselves and was the living embodiment of what aloha meant not just
for our Rainbow State, not just for our multicultural, multiethnic,
multiracial people, but it gave the message of aloha to this House, to
this Nation and to this world.
Aloha, Patsy.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that the time is appropriate to call for an
expression of assent to the resolution before us, and if I could ask
for that to be in the form of Members rising, Members and those present
to rise with a moment of silence not only in commemoration of Patsy
Mink, but to constitute passage of the resolution.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise
to participate in this special order to share with my colleagues of the
House, and with the American people--a tremendous loss to our nation,
and the good people of the State of Hawaii--the recent passing of the
gentle lady from Hawaii--Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink.
Patsy was more than a friend to this member. She was my mentor, my
teacher, my senior advisor on the resources of this institution. She
was my champion fighter when this body takes up issues that affect the
rights and the lives of millions of Americans who are women, children,
minorities--and last but not least the poor and the needy.
Mr. Speaker, some of my colleagues have already outlined a listing of
so many of the accomplishments of Patsy's career in public service. So
as not to be repetitious, I want to share with my colleagues and to our
Nation--how I feel about Patsy Mink the person.
Patsy did not share much with me in her early youth--born of a
lovable family and grew up on the island of Maui--graduated from high
school in Maui and then enrolled at the University of Hawaii.
But I can well imagine the hardships Patsy had to endure especially
after the sudden attack of Pearl Harbor by Japanese war planes--that
Americans of Japanese ancestry immediately herded like cattle and place
in what was then described as ``relocation camps,'' but I consider them
as concentration camps. I have no doubt Patsy and her family were
severely affected socially and psychologically--how a nation can
unilaterally terminate the constitutional right of its citizens solely
on the basis of race. Their lands and properties were confiscated, and
some 100,000 American citizens--men, women and children who happen to
be of Japanese ancestry were placed in these so-called relocation camps
throughout the United States.
And despite all this, Mr. Speaker--at the height of racism, hatred
and bigotry placed against Japanese Americans during World War II--some
ten thousand young Japanese-American men--Senator Dan Inouye and the
late Senator Spark Matsunaga--among them--nevertheless volunteered to
fight against out nation's enemies in Europe.
This was the kind of atmosphere Patsy grew up with--and the irony of
it all, Mr. Speaker, Patsy Mink wanted very much to be a doctor--a
healer--and I guess after personally witnessing the horrors of war
during her youth--Patsy wanted to enter a profession that would save
lives, rather than destroy them.
Things did not get any better--after submitting applications to
medical schools, Patsy soon realized that she was denied admission for
two reasons: her ethnicity and because of her gender.

Patsy's attention turned to law--and thanks to one of our more
progressive law schools in the country, she was admitted to attend the
University of Chicago Law School.
With a law degree from the University of Chicago, and after gaining
admission to practice law in Hawaii, Patsy Mink started her law
practice, but eventually ended up in the state senate and elected as a
Member of Congress.
It was in this institution that Patsy made her mark not only as an
outstanding legislator to her constituents in Hawaii, but to our Nation
as well. As a senior member of the House Education and Labor Committee,
Patsy's commitment to provide greater educational opportunities for the
less fortunate--the protection of the rights of women and children
throughout our nation was women and children equal no compromise!
synonymous with the name of this great lady from Hawaii--Congresswoman
Patsy Takemoto Mink.
I want to convey my aloha punehana sincere condolences on behalf of
our Samoan community living in Hawaii, to Patsy's dear husband and my
friend for years--John Mink and their daughter, Wendy, her brother
Eugene Takemoto, and Joan Manke her Administrative Assistant and
members of her staff--Patsy Takemoto Mink--Ia manuia lace faiga malaga
(May you have a successful journey).
Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, Patsy Mink will be remembered with a broad
array of accolades. She was a warm compassionate colleague, civil and
generous even to the opponents who angered her the most.
For me, she will be remembered as my friend, mentor and personal whip
on the floor. At the door of the House Chamber she would often meet me
with instructions: ``We'' are voting No or ``We'' are voting Yes on
this one. I consider it an honor to have been invited to function as an
ideological twin to Patsy Mink.
In the Education and Workforce Committee as well as on the House
Floor, I was always inspired by Patsy's convictions. She was always an
independent spirit and she pursued her causes with total dedication.
She was not just another advocate for education, for women, for job
training, for welfare mothers. Patsy Mink was forever a fiery and
intense advocate on these issues. She frequently exuded an old-
fashioned righteous indignation that seems to have become extinct. For
Patsy there were the right policies and laws which she pushed with all
the zeal she could muster. And there were wrongheaded, hypocritical,
selfish and evil policies which had to be confronted and engaged to the
bitter end. When colleagues spoke of bi-partisan compromise
negotiations, Patsy would quickly warn Democrats to beware of an ambush
or a trap.
Her profound wisdom on all matters related to education and human
resources resulted from her long years of service on the Education and
Labor Committee which later became the Education and Workforce
Committee. Too many of us have forgotten the value of the institutional
memory. While the House is filled with members who speak as experts on
education, Congresswoman Mink was among the few with hard earned
credentials. She was a part of the development and nurturing of Title I
to the point where it has become the cornerstone of federal education
reform. Title IX as a landmark reform to end the gender gap in school
athletics was conceived and defended by Patsy right up until the recent
skirmish in this 107th Congress. In this Congress, Patsy also declared
war on the oppressors of welfare women. No one was more incensed and
outraged that the member from Hawaii when the so called welfare reform
program of President Bush threatened greater burdens and smaller
subsidies for welfare recipients. All of Patsy's proposals in the House
were voted down. But briefly Patsy Mink stirred up a long dormant
conscience among Democrats which produced a continuing debate in the
Senate. That fight still goes on.

Patsy Mink was a role model for decision-makers of this Congress and
for the future. Compassion and righteous indignation are still vital
qualifications for the leaders of a great nation. Patsy Mink was a
great leader for this great nation.
Mr. GREEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to remember my colleague of these past
ten years, Representative Patsy Mink, who passed away this weekend.
During my first years in Congress, I worked closely with Patsy when
we both served on the Education and Labor Committee.
Patsy was a wonderful person who believed in the power of education.
She wanted to ensure that all Americans, especially women, received a
quality education.
She was a tireless warrior for women and education, authoring the
Women's Educational Equity Act of 1974, which provided funding for
schools attempting to eliminate inequities and discrimination against
women as required by Title IX.
She worked to increase Impact Aid to Hawaiian public schools, which
helps offset the cost of educating the children of Federal employees
and military personnel.
But Patsy did not limit herself to only education issues.
She was also a champion of all working Americans, fighting to protect
the landmark

[[Page H6900]]

Davis-Bacon Act, which requires federal contractors to pay local
prevailing wages.
She lead efforts to protect the Legal Services Corporation, which
provides needy individuals nationwide with legal assistance.
In short, Patsy was a champion of the forgotten--the poor, the
homeless, those who needed financial assistance for college, those who
were without health insurance, and those who were unemployed.
And like the best Members of Congress, Patsy fought hardest for her
people at home.
She was a champion for native Hawaiians, and actively sought to make
sure their interests were protected at the Federal level.
I have a special affinity for Patsy, for personal reasons as well.
When my son, Chris, graduated from college, he went to Hawaii to work.
I could always count on Patsy to occasionally check on Chris, and
tell me how he was doing when we both came back to Washington the next
week.
Mr. Speaker, Patsy Mink, has been part of the Hawaiian political
landscape since before statehood, and has served as a mentor to
generations of young Hawaiians.
Her presence will be missed, both here in Washington, but even more
back home. This institution will miss her greatly.
Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Speaker, Patsy Mink was my friend and my colleague
and I am deeply saddened by her death.
Patsy fought hard every day for the values and ideals that make our
nation great. She worked to ensure access to good public schools for
every American child. She stood out as a leading voice for women's
rights, civil rights and labor unions devoted to raising living
standards and providing opportunities to all Americans. And Patsy Mink
never lost her passion for righting the economic and social injustices
in Hawaii and across America.
Patsy Mink blazed a trail unlike few members in the history of the
House. She was the first Asian American woman admitted to the Hawaii
bar, the first Asian American woman elected to the state legislature
and the first woman of color to win national office in 1964. She knew
first-hand the sting of discrimination as a young Asian-American woman
growing up in Hawaii, and she had the ability to use her experience to
lift up the hopes and dreams of other human beings. I will always
admire her willpower, courage and faith in her country and in her
fellow Americans.
Through sheer force of her personality, Patsy breathed life into the
values and ideals enshrined in our Constitution. While she had many
legislative accomplishments, her leadership on Title IX deserves
special recognition for opening doors to women's achievements in
athletics and beyond. As a woman of color advocating for economic and
social justice as a leader of America, Patsy Mink demonstrated that one
person, fighting for what's right, respecting every person, can make a
difference in the lives of her fellow citizens.
I will miss her progressive voice and aggressive leadership on issues
important to the American people. I hope and pray that this House will
dedicate itself to working in her extraordinary spirit in the important
days and months ahead.
Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker--I rise in sorrow to express my sadness at
the loss of the Hon. Patsy Mink, a distinguished colleague and great
public servant.
She was a great lady, a superb legislator, an idealist who loved her
country and her fellow Americans. She believed in the Congress and our
system of Government, and she worked hard within the institution for
its protection and for the betterment of our people.
She knew she was here to serve, and to serve those who have the least
and need the most. She knew our system is good, but that it could be
made better, and she worked to make it so, and to make it better serve
those who most need the help of our country to realize their full
potential as valuable, productive and happy citizens.
Patsy worked for the young, for the health, education, for their
nutrition and training.
Patsy used her place in Congress to better the lives of the young
with legislation which helped them to achieve their real value in our
society.
Every program to help people with greatest need enacted by this
Congress during her career bears the mark of her character, her
leadership, and her goodness.
Her labors for the poor, downtrodden, the sick are her shining
monument. Her compassion, her energy, her dedication and decency are
her hallmark, and made her a leader for those who needed her most.
She is properly loved, will be long remembered for her goodness and
work. She will be missed, and never will be replaced. We love her, we
honor her memory and her labors and accomplishments.
We pray for her soul, we know God will receive her lovingly. We know
He greeted her warmly, with the statement, ``Well done, good and
faithful servant. Welcome home. You have earned your place here in
Heaven.''
Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, the gentlewoman from
California, Ms. Millender-McDonald, for organizing this tribute to a
giant in the House of Representatives.
Patsy Mink was a fighter. She fought every day of her public service
for the inclusion of women at every level of government and society.
She was an inspiration to so many people: women, Pacific Islanders,
mothers, children, and the working poor.
Patsy was my neighbor in the southeast corner of the Rayburn building
for several years. We often walked back and forth to votes together. We
rarely found ourselves on the same side of political issues, but we
always marveled that our party was big enough to include both of us.
Patsy always spoke candidly, and never strayed from the business at
hand. Her office brightened our corner of the hallway with beautiful,
fresh exotic flowers from Hawaii every week.
Through her life, and via her work in Congress, Patsy redefined the
possibilities for generations of women to come. She forced educational
institutions to find equity in education between men and women through
her work on Title IX.
Patsy's championed her vision of equality and justice in the
Congress. From her support of Medicare in her first term of service in
the House--to her work in education, labor, and Hawaiian agriculture--
Patsy's legacy will live on in classrooms, union halls and farm fields
in Hawaii and around the nation.
Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today saddened by the
death of a dear friend and colleague, the Honorable Patsy Mink.
Throughout her public service career, she was a tremendous force in
breaking gender and racial barriers by being the first Asian-American
woman to be elected to Congress, and the first woman of color. Her
dedication and drive had a major impact both at state and national
levels.
One of Patsy's most influential pieces of legislation, Title IX,
which she co-authored in 1972, is credited by many with changing the
face of women's sports and societal attitudes about women, and bans
gender discrimination in schools that receive federal funding.
During my 6 years in Congress it was both an honor and a joy to work
with Congresswoman Mink on the Education Committee. I will always
remember her as a strong, compassionate woman who was not only a
superior colleague but also a great friend.
Not only will I miss her intelligence and her wit, but I will also
miss her generosity. Congresswoman Mink's generosity was famous here in
the House because of the delicious chocolate covered macadamia nuts she
brought to late night sessions. Her passing not only leaves a void in
Congress, but also the district and the state she represented so
proudly and honorably. We will all miss her.
Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise
to express my deep sadness upon he passing of my fellow congresswoman
and friend, Patsy Mink.
I had the privilege of knowing Patsy and of serving with her in the
House of Representatives for many years, specifically on the Budget
Committee and in the Congressional Women's Caucus.
Patsy was a trailblazer, a fighter for the rights of women and
minorities, and a role model for women and people of color everywhere.
Long before becoming the first Asian-American woman elected to the
U.S. House of Representatives, Patsy was breaking barriers, refusing to
let society's unfair and discriminatory practices sand in the way of
achieving her goals.
When Patsy was told she could not live in regular student housing but
had to live at the segregated ``International House'' for minorities at
the University of Nebraska, she successfully lead the effort that
changed the university's policies.
When no law firm in her home state of Hawaii would hire her because
she was a woman, Patsy opened her own practice and became the first
Japanese-American woman lawyer in Hawaii.
After losing her first race for Congress, being a woman of
determination and perseverance, Patsy ran again, in 1964, became the
first Asian-American woman and woman of color elected to the U.S. House
of Representatives.
Patsy Mink will be remembered as a Member of this House who dedicated
her career in Congress to opening doors of opportunity for others. For
example, Patsy played a key role in the enactment of Title IX--landmark
legislation that ensures equal educational opportunities for women and
girls in our country.

[[Page H6901]]

Mr. Speaker, Patsy will be sorely missed in this House, but she will
be fondly remembered as a woman who used her success and talents to
tear down barriers and provide fairness and equal opportunity for
others, particularly women and minorities. Her hard work, perseverance,
and dedication to the principles of equality will serve as an enduring
model to us all.
I join with my colleagues and send my sincere condolences to Patsy
Mink's family and friends, and to the constituents she represented so
well.
Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor
and say goodbye to our good friend and colleague Congresswoman Patsy
Mink. For 24 years, Congresswoman Mink served as a strong and
courageous voice for those who are not always heard in our political
process. She was an unwavering champion and tireless advocate for
women's rights, including authoring the landmark Title IX section of
the Education Act. Among her many accomplishments, we should never
forget her ardent and selfless struggles to promote equal opportunity
for all races, to improve the current education system across the
nation and to protect our environment.
As impressive as her legislative accomplishments were, the personal
and professional barriers that she had to overcome in her life were,
equal, if not more, impressive: she was the first Asian-American woman
to practice law in Hawaii; the first Asian-American woman elected to
her state legislature and the first Asian-American woman elected to
Congress. The courageous choices she made in her life made her a unique
role model and afforded countless others the opportunity to follow in
her amazing footsteps.
Make no mistake about it, what Patsy may have lacked in physical
stature, she more than made up for with a heart that could fill this
room and the courage and tenacity to match it.
Robert F. Kennedy once said, ``It is not enough to understand, or to
see clearly. The future will be shaped in the arena of human activity
by those willing to commit their minds and their bodies to the task.''
To the end, Congresswoman Mink embodied those attributes and served
as role model and beacon in the fight for social and economic justice.
I am humbled to have had the opportunity to work closely with her.
Congresswoman Mink received her law degree at the University of
Chicago. Although there is no doubt she would have made enormous
contributions to our city, Patsy was destined to return to Hawaii,
where her devotion and dedication to public service helped shape the
state and also our nation.
Our hearts and prayers go out to Patsy's husband, John, and daughter,
Wendy.
Congresswoman Mink was a true star from heaven, who walked among us
and touched our lives in countless ways.
She will be greatly missed.
Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to honor one of my esteemed
colleagues, Congresswomen Patsy Mink of Hawaii, who passed away this
weekend, on September 28, 2002. This is a very sad day for me and for
all of Congress as we mourn the loss of a colleague, a patriot and a
friend.
While Patsy's death does bring deep sadness to this Congress and the
state of Hawaii, this is a day for us to reflect on the wonderful
legacy that she has left behind. I would like to state first and
foremost that Congresswoman Mink was indeed a true pioneer and a
maverick. I am honored to have served on the House Education and
Workforce Committee with her during my tenure here in Congress. She
served as a great example of someone who believed in her causes and
would stop at nothing to bring her dreams and those of her constituents
to fruition. Patsy will be remembered as a champion of minority
education, especially Title IX legislation that mandated equal
financing for women's athletics and academics at institutions receiving
federal money. She will also be remembered as someone who defended
worker's rights and fought for a welfare system that truly helped
people receive the training and child care services they need to move
into the workplace.
Patsy had the great distinction of being the first Asian American
woman elected to Congress. Most of her career was spent in politics,
where her focus was on education, childcare, the environment and equal
opportunity. Her dedication and drive resulted in a significant impact
on politics at both the state and national levels.
Patsy Mink grew up in Hawaii. After graduating as valedictorian of
Maui High School, she went on to the University of Hawaii in Honolulu
with hopes of becoming a doctor. After the end of the war, Patsy had
planned on going to medical school. Luckily for us in Congress, for
those in her district and for the United States, Patsy instead was
accepted at the University of Chicago School of Law, married and
returned to Hawaii. She became the first Japanese-American woman lawyer
in Hawaii. Since no law firm would hire her because she was a woman,
Patsy decided to open her own practice. She also taught at the
University of Hawaii. She became increasingly involved in politics, and
she started the Oahu Young Democrats and then the Hawaii Young
Democrats. From there, Patsy worked on the 1954 elections. She decided
to run for Congress and easily won a seat in the Territory of Hawaii
House of Representatives in 1956. In 1959, she became a member of the
Territory of Hawaii Senate. When Hawaii became a state in 1959, Patsy
ran for Congress but lost to Daniel Inouye. In 1960, she attended the
Democratic National Convention and was chosen to give the speech for
the civil rights plank. In 1962, she returned to the campaign trail and
easily won a seat in the Hawaii State Senate. In 1964, she ran for U.S.
Congress once more. This time, she won and was sworn in on January 4,
1965. She had worked long and hard to win that seat, and she served 12
non-consecutive terms.
Recently, Congresswoman Mink and I had worked closely on H.R. 1, the
``No Child Left Behind Act'' which passed both houses of Congress and
the President signed into law. Patsy served as a key negotiator during
our Committee's consideration of that bill. I will always admire her
for being the first Member of the Education Committee to stand by my
side when I called for a boycott over the manner in which the Majority
was organizing the Education Committee this Congress. Because of her
determination and courage, all of the Democrats stood beside us.
Consequently, we won the fight, and jurisdiction over Hispanic Serving
Institutions now resides in the Subcommittee on 21st Century
Competitiveness where it belongs. What is truly unfortunate for us here
in Congress is that Congresswoman Mink will be unable to play a key
role in the upcoming reauthorization of the higher education
reauthorization act. Her institutional knowledge of the subject is
irreplaceable.
Again, Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my sadness at the loss of a
great person in Patsy Mink. I wish to express my sympathy to her family
and to her constituents. This Congress, Hawaii and this nation have
lost a truly wonderful person. History will be kind to her.
Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, Patsy Mink was a wonderful person with a
compassionate heart and a warm and loving spirit. She was tireless and
forceful in her advocacy for civil rights, for justice, for the
environment, and for adequate health care and education for the
disadvantaged.
Throughout her distinguished legislative career, her work was
characterized by great skill and a straightforward approach that
instilled confidence and won her a reputation for being forthright and
honest. She was known for her ability to build coalitions for
progressive legislation.
Hawaii was not yet a state when Patsy started down the path of
political activism. As the first Asian-American woman elected to
Congress, indeed the first woman of any ethnic minority elected to
Congress, she took very seriously her responsibilities as a role model
and mentor. She fought fiercely against words, actions, and policies
that she saw as unfair or intolerant. She spent her life breaking down
barriers and dedicated herself to fighting for equality.
For me, Patsy was not only a talented professional, but a friend and
I will miss her greatly.
Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and
remember the works of a great mentor, friend, colleague, and champion
in Congress, Representative Patsy Mink.
I am saddened by the sudden loss of such a great leader and heroine.
She inspired many of us through her tireless work, commitment, and
dedication throughout her tenure in Congress. I send my love and
condolences to Representative Mink's family, Mr. John Francis Mink, her
husband, and Gwendolyn Rachel Mink, her daughter. You are in my
thoughts and prayers.
Congresswoman Mink was the first Asian American woman to serve in
Congress. During her time in Congress she championed many issued
including women's rights, education, the environment, equal opportunity
for all citizens, and Title IX of the Education Act. She will always be
remembered as an outspoken advocate for women, children, the under
represented and humanity. She was the kind of public servant we all
want to emulate.
She left a lasting legacy behind that has inspired us to continue her
work. She touched the lives of many individuals, particularly women
through her work on Title IX, which mandates gender equality in any
education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.
Title IX has been instrumental in prohibiting discrimination on the
basis of sex in educational programs and sports activities that receive
federal funding. Before Title IX, many schools saw no problem in
maintaining strict limits on the admission of women or simply refusing
to admit them. Since the passage of Title IX, this has changed
dramatically. In 1994, women received 38% of medical degrees, 43% of
law degrees, and 44% of all

[[Page H6902]]

doctoral degrees. In 1972, women received only 9% of medical degrees,
7% of law degrees and 25% of doctoral degrees.
Female participation in sports, like receiving a college education,
has had unexpected benefits for women through Title IX. Studies have
shown that values learned from sports participation, such as teamwork,
leadership, discipline and pride in accomplishment, are important
attributes as women increase their participation in the workforce, as
well as their entry into business management and ownership positions.
More and more women are entering and graduating from college and
graduate school. More women are entering and excelling sports
activities. And, more women are entering the corporate world and
holding management positions. Representative Mink's leadership is
enacting Title IX will continue to make a difference for young women.
Thanks to her courage and foresight the country is better as women have
the opportunity to achieve their full position.
Her work enabled many young women to enter the field of sports,
medicine, law, and business. Women today have been empowered to reach
as far as they want because of the work Representative Mink championed
in Congress.
Representative Patsy Mink's dedication and perseverance will be
admired. She will be forever known as a strong, intelligent, and
inspirational woman. She left a legacy behind that motivated and
touched me deeply. Her work has allowed women to accomplish and reach
for any dream they desire to achieve. Thank you, Patsy Mink.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, as we gather in the House chamber with
tremendous sadness over the passing of our dear friend and colleague,
the Honorable Patsy Mink of Hawaii, I want to take this opportunity to
pay tribute to the career of a distinguished public servant who
dedicated her life to the people of Hawaii and the United States.
Patsy graduated valedictorian of her Maui High School class and
received a bachelor's degree in zoology and chemistry from the
University of Hawaii and a law degree from the University of Chicago,
graduating as only one of two women in a class of 200. She practiced
law and turned her sights to public service while mobilizing the
Democratic party to take control of the Hawaii territorial government
in the mid-1950s. From that time, Patsy served as an elected
representative in the territorial and state legislatures, a city
councilwoman, a federal official, and a Member of Congress.
In Congress, as a member of the House Education and Workforce
Committee, she consistently championed legislation that would improve
education, child care, welfare, and gender equality. Patsy was an
especially fierce advocate for women's issues and was instrumental in
the creation of Title 9 of the federal education act, which has opened
many opportunities for women athletes in schools and colleges across
America.
Patsy also cared deeply about the men and women who serve in our
nation's military. The State of Hawaii and its citizens play an
instrumental role in advancing U.S. national security presence
throughout the Pacific region. As a representative from Hawaii Patsy
recognized the important military function in her state, and promoted
the welfare of our troops and their families.
As members of the House pay tribute to the legacy of this
stateswoman, we should also take a moment to thank Patsy's staff in
Washington and in Hawaii for their hard work and dedication. Because
Patsy's office neighbors mine in the Rayburn building, I have seen her
staff members burning the midnight oil on more than one occasion. With
several time zones between Washington and Hawaii, they have often
worked long hours to get the job done.
Mr. Speaker, Congresswoman Patsy Mink was a remarkable person who
always stood for what she believed. She was a strong, brave American
who is a role model for women throughout the nation. Most importantly,
however, Patsy was a dear friend, and I will miss her. My wife Susie
and I offer our condolences to Patsy's husband, John, and to their
daughter Wendy.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. Speaker, for those who knew her, Patsy
Mink was a tiny woman physically. But don't let appearances fool you--
Patsy Mink was a giant. This Nation has lost a great public servant and
a true crusader for social justice. For 74 years, every time she came
to a door that was slammed tightly closed--for no good reason--she used
those tiny feet of hers to kick it open--and to let others follow
behind her.
And those who benefited from her tenacity have not forgotten Patsy
Mink's pioneering steps. The National Organization for Women, in its
tribute to Representative Mink, wrote ``Girls and women . . . lost one
of their most valiant and steadfast champions. Every woman today who is
enjoying the fruits of her education and job opportunities, and every
girl who has a chance to play sports in school, owes a nod of thanks to
Mink who unremittingly and dauntlessly challenged old stereotypes about
`women's place' and helped engineer the steady progress for women over
the last four decades--parallel to Mink's career in politics.''
Patsy Mink was born in Maui, Hawaii, in December 1927, and began her
political career when she ran for and won the election for student body
president during her junior year in high school--she was the first girl
to run. She later went on to graduate as the class valedictorian of
Maui High School--but her academic achievement became less important
than her race and sex when she set off to college. She attended Wilson
College, in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and then the University of
Nebraska, where she faced segregated student housing. Patsy Mink worked
with others to end this discriminatory policy. She returned to finish
her studies in chemistry and zoology from the University of Hawaii in
1948, with full intentions of attending medical school. However, 20
medical schools rejected her--obviously, it was not because of her
grades, but because they would not accept women.
She then decided to go to law school, and graduated with her J.D.
degree in 1951 from the University of Chicago. Ironically enough, she
was accepted into the school because they hadn't realized that Hawaii
was an American territory at the time, and she was accepted as a
foreign student!
Armed with her law degree, Patsy Mink returned to Hawaii and became
the first Asian American woman to practice law, the first Asian
American woman elected to the Territorial House of Representatives, and
then the first Asian American woman to serve in the U.S. House of
Representatives. For 24 years over two different periods she served in
this body, and was re-elected two years ago by two-to-one margin.
Incidentally, when she arrived in Congress, she wasn't allowed in the
House gym because it was a male-only venue.
As a champion for civil rights, family rights, education, civil
liberties, and equal rights and opportunities, Rep. Mink will be
remembered for many things. She wrote the Women's Educational Equity
Act, sponsored the first Early Childhood Education Act, and was a
passionate advocate for poor families, supporting measures to provide
education and skills to assist families. However, her most crowning
achievement was Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 to the
Civil Rights Act of 1964. By prohibiting schools that receive Federal
funding from discriminating because of sex, Title IX has singularly
been credited with changing the face of education and sports for
American women--and opening up many of those closed doors. There are
many who believe we would not have seen such a rise in women's
athletics were it not for Title IX.
Rep Mink said of Title IX: ``It's rare as a legislator that you fight
for legislation you believe in and stay around or live long enough to
see it come to fruition . . . To be frank, I thought this was great, a
beginning statement of policy and intent. At the moment we were doing
it, we didn't think it would have this fantastic momentum and the
enforcement of the courts.''
I think The Honolulu Advertiser summed it up right when it said: ``In
a day when politics appears driven by polls and focus groups, Mink
stood out as a politician who was true, first and foremost, to herself
and the people she served.''
I will truly miss working with Patsy Mink, but I am honored to have
served with her. She set the standard for public servants, and leaves
some very big shoes to fill.
Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a treasured
colleague, Congresswoman Patsy Mink, whom has passed. I would also like
to extend my heartfelt sympathy to her family and to her staff.
Congresswoman Mink leaves this Earth as a great leader of her
community, a dynamic Member of Congress and as a strong woman. Most
importantly, she leaves a legacy of work that will continue on after
her passing. Patsy Mink spent a life in public service working to
improve the lives of her constituents, her beloved state of Hawaii, the
environment, the rights of minority communities and the equality of
women. She broke barriers. She opened doors of opportunity. She gave a
voice to causes and people once silenced in political arenas.
Congresswoman Mink's life was a series of firsts. She was the first
female student body president at Maui High School where she went on to
become the class valedictorian months later. She was the first Asian-
American woman to practice law in Hawaii and the first to be elected to
the Territorial House. And Congresswoman Mink was the first woman of
color to be elected to the United States House of Representatives.
One of Congresswoman Mink's most important legislative victories
opened the doors of collegiate sports to women. She coauthored the
trailblazing Title IX of the Higher Education Act Amendments in 1972
which prohibited gender discrimination by educational institutions
receiving federal funds. Thirty years after

[[Page H6903]]

the passage of this remarkable legislation we can look back at a great
legacy of American women's athletics and forward to its future; a
future made possible by a Congresswoman's desire to see that women be
treated equally on the playing field.
I join with my colleagues in Congress mourning the passing
Congresswoman Patsy Mink--a trailblazing political leader, a champion
of civil rights, a strong woman and a great friend whom will be missed.
Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, this House, the State of Hawaii, and the
nation lost a powerful figure on Saturday. Sadly, our colleague,
Congresswoman Patsy Mink, passed away in her home state of Hawaii. My
condolences, thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
Patsy spent more than four decades advancing civil rights, expanding
educational and health care opportunities, and combating poverty. Her
particular efforts in promoting women's rights and equality have helped
change the face of this country for the better. My daughters, and my
granddaughter, have had and will have greater opportunities to achieve
their dreams in this great country, thanks in part to the efforts of
Patsy Mink.
Earlier this year, Patsy played a key role in a joint retreat of
Members of the Congressional Black, Hispanic and Asian-Pacific
Caucuses, contributing her enthusiasm to strengthening bridges that
unite Americans of different backgrounds. As the current Chair of the
Congressional Hispanic Caucus, it has been a pleasure and inspiration
to work with her on important issues such as providing assistance to
low income families and protecting immigrants' rights.
Witnessing the energy Patsy brought to her work this year never would
have led me to believe I would have to bid her farewell so soon. A
woman of her stature, experience, expertise and dedication will be
impossible to replace. Patsy Mink will be sorely missed.
Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to Patsy T. Mink a
very special individual to me and to the entire 107th Congress. She was
truly a beloved woman.
Born December 6, 1927, Patsy was destined for greatness. She made
history as the first Asian Pacific American woman admitted the bar of
Hawaii, the first Asian Pacific American woman elected to state office
in Hawaii, and in 1964 became the first woman of color to be elected to
the United States House of Representatives. Furthermore, her vision to
change the status quo and better the livelihood of all Americans led
her to sponsor Title IX of the Education Act of 1972, paving the way
for every woman athlete in America.
Patsy represented her constituents of the 2nd Congressional District
of Hawaii, to the fullest of her ability. Before being elected to
Congress she served in both Hawaii State House of Representatives and
Senate. With more than 40 years in the political arena she possessed a
wealth of knowledge that poised her as one of the most revered Members
of Congress. She dedicated her life to serving her fellow Hawaiians
through diligently working on legislation that addressed education,
health, women and veteran issues. She was a beloved community figure
whose passionate voice spoke for every person regardless of race or
gender.
Patsy is survived by her husband John and daughter Wendy. My prayers
and condolences are with her family and friends as they have lost a
great, loving, and kind woman. She will be greatly missed.
And so Mr. Speaker, I submit this loving memorial to be included in
the archives of the history of this great nation, for women like Patsy
T. Mink are unique in their generous contributions to this country.
Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I join with my colleagues in expressing
profound sorrow over the loss this weekend of our esteemed colleague,
Congresswoman Patsy Mink of Hawaii. While her passing saddens me
immensely, I find myself reflecting this evening not so much on the
loss of a respected colleague and dear friend but rather on the
remarkable life of Patsy Mink, one of the most courageous and inspiring
women I have ever known.
I had the great privilege of serving on the Committee on Education
and the Workforce with Congresswoman Mink, whose political journey
began in 1956 in the U.S. territory of Hawaii, where she was elected to
the Territorial House of Representatives. She had originally intended
to become a medical doctor, but in 1948 few opportunities existed for
women wishing to pursue a career in medicine. Patsy Mink applied to
twenty medical schools, and was rejected by all of them--not because of
her academic record, which was highly commendable, but rather because
of her gender. She did not abandon her dream of a challenging and
meaningful career, however, she simply shifted her focus. She decided
to pursue a career in law instead, and was accepted by the University
of Chicago School of Law. Upon finishing her legal education in
Chicago, she returned to Hawaii, where she became the first Asian
American woman to practice law in the territory. In 1965, Patsy Mink
became the first woman of color elected to the U.S. House of
Representatives. She would go on to serve twelve two year terms in
Congress. During her time in office, Congresswoman Mink fought
tirelessly for those issues she cared about so passionately: the
environment, poverty, civil rights and, most notably, education and
equality for women. In fact, she was a pioneer in the struggle for the
equitable treatment of women in education, authoring the Women's
Educational Equity Act. Additionally, Congresswoman Mink worked to
increase funding for research on diseases primarily affecting women and
to expand opportunities for women to become physicians. Unquestionably,
however, her greatest accomplishment came with the passage of Title IX
of the federal education act in 1972, which she co-authored.
Congresswoman Mink played an instrumental role in the passage of this
groundbreaking legislation, which prohibits gender discrimination by
federally funded institutions. This law has become the vehicle by which
girls and woman have achieved greater opportunities in the professions
and, most notably, athletics.
I know that I am not alone when I say that I will sorely miss the
extraordinary Patsy Mink, an admirable woman who bravely challenged the
status quo--tirelessly fighting for progressive legislation which has
transformed not only her home state of Hawaii but also the entire
nation.
Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the passing of
one of our own--Representative Patsy Mink was in the truest sense a
leader by example, and she will be missed.
Patsy's life is a remarkable story of achievement and bravery, of
fighting for what she believed in, and--at the end of the day--of
incredible success in improving the lives of Hawaiians and all
Americans.
I think that to understand Patsy's determination to make the United
States a nation of equal opportunity is to understand her personal
history. Patsy created opportunity for herself, and in her success, she
has helped make opportunity for all Americans less elusive.
Patsy Takemato was born to poor parents on a sugar plantation on the
island of Maui in Hawaii. An excellent student, she was elected
president of her high school class and, after graduation, attended the
University of Hawaii. Patsy then enrolled in the prestigious University
of Chicago School of Law. With her law degree, she returned to Hawaii
and became the first Japanese-American woman to hold a law license in
the state's history. As she was her entire life, Patsy remained unfazed
by doing what had not been done before--with the bravado and grace
that, as her colleagues, we all know well.
After election to the Hawaii Territorial Legislature in 1956, and the
Hawaii State Senate in 1958, Ms. Mink was elected to the House of
Representatives in 1965. Since then, she has championed causes that
mattered to her with a rare sense of determination.
I have long marveled at Patsy's ability to get things done. She was a
powerful advocate for the equal rights and fair treatment of American
women--among her many achievements in this arena, she was a leading
sponsor of Title IX funding that ensured that women's sports were
supported at equal levels as those of men. She was an eloquent voice of
caution during the unfolding debacle of Vietnam. She was an ardent
supporter of civil rights. She was, in her later terms, one of the
truly wise voices of this body.
Mr. Speaker, I believe I speak for all of us when I say that I am a
better legislator and this is a better institution because of Patsy
Mink. And I know I speak for women, minorities, and all disadvantaged
communities in America when I say that this is a better nation because
of the service of Congresswoman Mink.
I would like to take this opportunity to send my condolences to the
entire Mink family, and to all of the people who have shared in
sustaining this loss.
Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend and
colleague, Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink, beloved representative
from the State of Hawaii for over 24 years, who passed away last week
at age 74. She is survived by her husband John Mink, and their
daughter, Gwendolyn, and I extend my deepest and most heartfelt
condolences to them on their loss.
Congresswoman Mink has had a distinguished and extraordinary career,
both in the private sector and public service. After serving the Hawaii
state legislature, she was first elected to the House of
Representatives in 1965, and was the first minority woman to serve in
the U.S. Congress. However, this was not the first barrier she broke
through. Congresswoman Mink earned a law degree at the University of
Chicago in 1951, and subsequently was the first Japanese-American woman
attorney in Hawaii.

[[Page H6904]]

Her frustration at her inability to find employment due to her gender
led to her first involvement in politics. According to The Honolulu
Advertiser, Congresswoman Mink recalled that ``I didn't start off
wanting to be in politics--I wanted to be a learned professional,
serving the community. But they weren't hiring women just then. Not
being able to get a job from anybody changed things.''
Her early first-hand experience with these issues led to her vocal
championing of legislative responses to the problem--most notably the
landmark Women's Educational Equality Act, otherwise known as Title IX,
which was passed 30 years ago and mandates gender equality in any
education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.
In the years since, the athletic scholarship money available to women
has increased from $100,000 in 1972 to $197 million in 1997. However,
Title IX also has a significant impact in the fight for parity in
academic fields. One of the most important areas to reach parity in is
math and science education and access to technology and technological
training. These areas hold the key to achievement and employment for
women now and in the future. The gains we have made in each of these
areas could not have been possible without her principled leadership.
Another issue on which Congresswoman Mink led was opposition to the
Vietnam War. After being elected in the fall of 1964, she was one of
Congress' most vocal opponents of the prolonged military campaign.
Indeed, she and fellow member Representative Bella Abzug of New York
flew to Paris to talk to participants in the Vietnam War Peace Talks.
Although this position brought her scathing criticism from many
sources, including her own constituents, she always did what she felt
was right, even in the face of namecalling, as she was labeled ``Patsy
Pink''.
After leaving the House to pursue other political opportunities in
the 70's, she returned to the House in 1990. Since then, she has
continued to be a vocal leader for progressive causes, most recently as
the lead sponsor of vital legislation on welfare reform. This
legislation would have expanded educational opportunities for women
struggling to leave government assistance, and provided ample funding
for child care. Her commitment to the needs of women and children could
never be questioned. Indeed, in lieu of flowers, her family has asked
that donations be made to the Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Fund for
Low-Income Women and Children, which will be established in her honor.
What a fitting tribute to her work.
I am proud to have served with such a remarkable woman. Congresswoman
Mink will be greatly missed both in this chamber and in her home
state.I thank the Speaker.
Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my heartfelt condolences
to the family of the late Congresswoman Patsy Mink, including her
husband John and daughter Wendy, and the people of Hawaii's Second
Congressional District who share our recent loss.
Patsy Mink was a dedicated public servant and an inspiring example of
the great strides minority women have achieved in our society. She was
a fierce and courageous advocate for women rights and whose powerful
voice during political rallies and congressional debate belied her
petite frame.
I am very proud of my 12 years together with her on the Education and
Labor Committee. I always admired her compassion, insight, and
extensive knowledge of each matter considered before our committee. My
colleagues and I will miss her presence on the dais, but her spirit
will live on in the memory of her enduring contributions to her
priorities in education, women's rights, housing and health care.
I believe Patsy's greatest accomplishment was the addition of Title
IX to the Education Act, which she helped write in 1972. This landmark
measure has a proven track record for increasing scholarships for women
and promoting equality in athletics. Her contributions positively
impacted the lives of tens of thousands of young American women.
Without her leadership, the Women's National Basketball Association,
women's soccer and other athletic endeavors for women would not be
flourishing as they do today. The Women's Educational Equity Act and
Native Hawaiian Education Act were also directly shaped by Patsy's
vision of equality and opportunity.
I will always remember Patsy's friendship, collegiality and
generosity, particularly several boxes of chocolate macadamia nuts from
her native Hawaii that my family and I have enjoyed so much over the
years! My thoughts and prayers remain with her family and constituents
as we remember Patsy Mink's contributions to Congress and public
service in America.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Grucci). Pursuant to the request of the
gentleman from Hawaii, the Chair requests that all Members stand to
observe a moment of silence in memory of the late Honorable Patsy T.
Mink, a Representative from the great State of Hawaii.
Without objection, the previous question is ordered on the
resolution.
There was no objection.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the resolution.
The resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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