[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 130 (Monday, October 7, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1770]
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

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. CYNTHIA A. McKINNEY

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 1, 2002

  Ms. McKINNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to remember our colleague, 
Representative Patsy Mink.
  It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of my friend 
and colleague, Congresswoman Patsy Mink this weekend.
  I offer my deepest condolences to Patsy's family, her constituents, 
and the State of Hawaii. Her passing is a loss to us all.
  Patsy was a leader on many issues during her 23-year tenure in 
Congress, and I believe that she truly did do what many, if not all 
Representatives seek to accomplish here in Washington, DC--she made a 
difference.
  Patsy was the co-author for Title IX of the Education Amendments Act 
of 1972, which mandated gender equality in education. Thanks to her 
work, millions of women were afforded greater access to education, 
school grants and scholarships, and athletic opportunities.
  Patsy was also a leader on an issue that is close to my heart, the 
Freedom of Information Act. In 1971, Patsy filed suit along with 32 
other Members of Congress to force disclosure of reports on underground 
nuclear attacks in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. This case was later 
cited as precedent by the U.S. Supreme Court in its ruling for the 
release of the Watergate tapes.
  Patsy Mink was also an advocate for the protection and conservation 
of the natural resources of our Nation, and of Hawaii. A former 
assistant secretary of state for Oceans and International, 
Environmental and Scientific Affairs, where she helped strengthen 
protection of whales and regulations of toxic dumping and ocean mining, 
Patsy brought her advocacy back to Congress with her. In the 107th 
Congress, she introduced legislation to create the East Maui National 
Heritage Area, to expand the Pu'uhonua Honaunau National Historic Park, 
and to establish the Kalaupapa National Historic Park. Further, Patsy 
was involved in the successful effort to reform laws permitting strip 
mining. It is fitting then that Patsy was a recipient of the Friends of 
the National Parks Award from the National Parks Conservation 
Association.
  On these, and many other fronts, Patsy was a dedicated and devoted 
leader and champion. I consider it a privilege to have served with 
Patsy, and I believe that Congress has lost an important and respected 
Member.




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