[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 134 (Friday, October 11, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1834]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MILDRED JEFFREY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 10, 2002

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, October 15, the Michigan's 
Women's Foundation is honoring a phenomenal woman and I would like to 
take a moment to also pay tribute to her. Mildred Jeffrey is a dear 
friend and a wonderful example to us all. I thank her for all her hard 
work and her drive to make the world a better place over the years.
  Millie, now 90, was born before women could even vote. Throughout her 
life she has fought successfully for a number of causes which workers 
in our community, and around the world, have benefited from.
  Millie began her career with the UAW, another engine of social 
change. She became Walter P. Reuther's assistant and protege, 
eventually assuming the role of Director of the UAW's Women's 
Department. It was through the UAW that Millie traveled the globe 
organizing exchange programs among international labor women.
  It goes without saying that Millie's fight led her into the realm of 
politics. In 1960 she cochaired the Michigan Campaign Committee for 
John F. Kennedy, she is founder and President of the National Women's 
Political Caucus and has been involved in numerous local and state 
campaigns. President Kennedy appointed Millie to the Youth Employment 
Commission, and President Carter appointed her to the International 
Year of the Woman Commission. Just two years ago, Millie was awarded 
the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, 
by President Bill Clinton.
  Mr. Speaker, the things I have mentioned barely scrape the surface of 
Millie's extraordinary life. She is a role model for all Americans and 
I would ask my colleagues to take a moment to salute Mildred Jeffrey.

                          ____________________