[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 128 (Thursday, October 3, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1747]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     EXPRESSING SORROW FOR THE PASSING OF REPRESENTATIVE PATSY MINK

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 1, 2002

  Mr. HOLT. 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 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 issues 
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 and children. She was the 
kind of public servant we all want to emulate.
  Patsy 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 percent of medical degrees, 43 
percent of law degrees, and 44 percent of all doctoral degrees. In 
1972, women received only 9 percent of medical degrees, 7 percent of 
law degrees and 25 percent 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 in sports 
activities. And, more women are entering the corporate world and 
holding management positions. Representative Mink's leadership in 
enacting Title IX will continue to make a difference for young women. 
This is why today in the Education and the Workforce Committee we 
passed a bill to name Title IX after Patsy Mink. 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.