[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 141 (Wednesday, October 8, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2013]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING ELIZABETH BIRCH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TAMMY BALDWIN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 8, 2003

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a person who 
has ably served the national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender 
community for over 8 years: Elizabeth Birch, Executive Director of the 
Human Rights Campaign.
  Elizabeth is stepping down from the helm of the Human Rights 
Campaign, but leaves with many victories won and a strong organization 
that will continue to move our country forward.
  Elizabeth is a visionary. Her ideas and conceptions are remarkable. 
She conceived the idea of the HRC Youth College--which trains dozens of 
young LGBT Americans who then work on congressional campaigns. She also 
created WorkNet, a program that documents the ever-growing number of 
businesses who understand it is good stewardship, and good business, to 
treat their LGBT employees fairly. WorkNet also assists employees who 
want their company to increase its commitment to equality. These are 
just two examples out of literally hundreds for which Elizabeth 
deserves credit.
  Elizabeth is a leader. When hired by the then-Human Rights Campaign 
Fund, she was a Californian and not accustomed to the sometimes harsh 
ways of Washington. As Executive Director, she secured her political 
footing quickly and HRC's influence continued to grow on Capitol Hill. 
Because of her leadership, HRC has helped defeat numerous anti-gay 
measures and advance policies that are based on fairness. When needed, 
she would take to the public airwaves to remind our leaders in 
Washington that Americans do not want a government intolerant to its 
own citizens.
  Mr. Speaker, my remarks cannot adequately describe the exceptional 
work and accomplishments of Elizabeth Birch. She is an extraordinary 
human being. She is my friend. I am grateful for the leadership she has 
provided, and she will be sorely missed.

                          ____________________