[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 10, 2004)]
[House]
[Page H420]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN MEMORY OF MARYLN LEE McADAM

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Maryln 
Lee McAdam, a friend and advocate and a national leader. Quietly, 
behind the scenes, seeking no recognition or glory for herself, Maryln 
fought day in and day out for educational opportunities for all of 
America's young people, especially for the children of migrant and 
seasonal farm workers. Her guidance and counsel were invaluable to many 
of us.
  The Hispanic community and the education community have had no 
greater friend than Maryln McAdam. Maryln led a truly remarkable life. 
She approached life with the unshakable belief that any obstacle could 
be overcome.
  As a young girl, she was struck with polio. Although she spent most 
of her life in a wheelchair, no one who knew Maryln would describe her 
as confined to that chair. She was amazing.
  Maryln graduated in the top of her class in high school, in college 
and also in graduate school. Although her academic field of expertise 
was chemistry, she was drawn to a different specialty, political 
science.
  As with her academic pursuits, Maryln excelled. She joined Paul 
Simon's campaign team for his successful run for the House of 
Representatives and then served on his legislative staff. She then 
moved to Congressman Bill Ford's team on the House postsecondary 
education subcommittee.
  Everywhere she went she made her mark. No one understood and loved 
politics and people as well as Maryln.
  After she left the Hill, Maryln established her own business. She 
continued her work in postsecondary education and was one of the most 
respected experts on Federal higher education policy.
  But Maryln was so much more than that. She dedicated her resources, 
her energy and expertise to ensuring that the most disadvantaged 
children in America, the children of migrant and seasonal farm workers, 
had a voice in Washington, D.C.
  She single-handedly made sure that every Washington policymaker in 
Congress and in the White House understood and appreciated the value of 
Federal programs for migrant children, programs such as the High School 
Equivalency Program and the College Assistance Migrant Program, the 
Migrant Education Program and the Migrant Vocational Rehabilitation 
Program.
  As an advocate for migrant children, Maryln became an important voice 
for education in the Hispanic community. For many years she served as 
co-chair of the Hispanic Education Coalition. More importantly, she 
served as a mentor to all of us who are involved in improving education 
for Hispanic Americans.
  Maryln was truly generous. She, like a good steward, gave freely of 
her time, her money and her knowledge to all of us who shared her 
commitment to young people.
  During my first term of Congress, Maryln's counsel and wisdom helped 
me as a freshman legislator deliver for the Hispanic community during 
the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. Hispanic-serving 
institutions across the country owe her a debt of gratitude.
  Maryln was direct and honest. She could be trusted implicitly. When 
one asked for her analysis, assessment or advice, they got a straight 
answer, always polite, always diplomatic, not always what they wanted 
to hear but to the point and spin free. We could certainly use more of 
that in our Nation's capital.
  A few weeks ago, we lost Maryln Lee McAdam. She has left us with a 
legacy of service, dedication and a love for her country and the 
democratic process.
  In conclusion, I want to say that she was a leader and a patriot in 
the truest sense of these words. It was my privilege to know her and 
work with her; and I will miss her counsel, her enthusiasm and her 
friendship. I hope that we will carry on with the same integrity, 
tenacity and optimism that she demonstrated each and every day of her 
life so that all our young people are able to realize the American 
dream. May she rest in peace.

                          ____________________