[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 131 (Tuesday, October 8, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1790]
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. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 1, 2001

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, during my days in grade school, the full 
participation of women in school athletics was not only discouraged, 
but also frowned upon. That all changed in 1972 when one woman 
challenged the system, changed the rules and inspired and empowered a 
new generation of young women. That woman is Patsy Mink.
  I offer my deepest condolences to Patsy Mink's family. I know that 
they will miss her, as will all of us in Congress who were fortunate 
enough to know her, not only as a colleague, but also as a leader, 
mentor and friend.
  Patsy Mink was a pioneer--she opened so many doors for a generation 
of women and for our daughters. She was the driving force behind Title 
IX, which mandated gender equality in education.
  Without this landmark piece of legislation, our daughters, 
granddaughters, nieces and young women everywhere would not have the 
opportunity to excel and display their talents in the classrooms and 
the playing fields across this nation.
  Without Patsy's unwavering efforts to implement this law, Title IX 
would have been the great idea that never came to be.
  I am honored to have served with Congresswoman Mink on the House 
Education and the Workforce Committee and feel privileged to have 
worked closely with her on the Subcommittee on 21st Century 
Competitiveness. I know firsthand her intense drive, dedication and 
devotion to her home State and her constituency.
  As the first Asian woman elected to Congress, she displayed 
unparalleled determination in fighting for human rights, civil rights 
and the rights of minority groups everywhere. We must now be vigilant 
and continue the crucial work that Congresswoman Mink undertook on 
behalf of people everywhere who felt they had no voice.
  Women, people of color and individuals throughout this nation owe a 
debt of gratitude to Patsy Mink and her trailblazing efforts. Her 
legacy of equality and integrity will live on not only in the halls of 
Congress, but on the playing fields and in the classrooms across this 
nation.

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