[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 131 (Tuesday, October 8, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1780]
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. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 1, 2001

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of our colleague, 
Patsy Mink. I was extremely saddened by the news of her death this 
weekend. Yet I am comforted by the fact that her story will serve to 
inspire young men and women all over the nation to serve their country.
  Patsy's life was one of constantly overcoming barriers. As a student 
at the University of Nebraska, Patsy worked to end the policy of 
housing desegregation. Patsy wanted to be a medical doctor but was 
prevented from doing so because medical schools did not, at that time, 
accept women. She then applied to law school, graduated from the 
University of Chicago, only to be blocked from getting a job as a 
lawyer because of her gender. Never allowing barriers to stand in her 
way, Patsy started her own law practice in Hawaii.
  As a member of Congress, Patsy worked tirelessly to fight for civil 
rights, our nation's children, the environment, and equal opportunity. 
Furthermore, as a member of the House Education and Workforce Committee 
she led the fight for Title IX which mandated gender equality in any 
education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. 
Today's great female athletes, such as Mia Hamm, owe their success in 
part to Patsy. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to serve with 
someone who fought so indefatigably for economic and social justice for 
all Americans.
  I am proud to have called Patsy Mink a friend and a colleague. She 
will be sorely missed.

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