[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 131 (Tuesday, November 16, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1981]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING JUDY LICHTMAN FOR THIRTY YEARS OF LEADERSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 16, 2004

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend and a 
Washington legend, Judith Lichtman, who recently stepped down as 
president of the National Partnership of Women & Families after 30 
years at its helm.
  Judy has been at the forefront of the women's movement for more than 
30 years, and used her considerable talents as a lawyer and a strategic 
mind to transform the National Partnership, originally the Women's 
Legal Defense Fund from a small volunteer group to a national 
organization with thousands of members and a reputation for taking on 
the tough issues and delivering results.
  Judy's vision, and the National Partnership's strength and direct 
leadership, led to the passage of some of the most important legal 
protections for American women and families, including the Pregnancy 
Discrimination Act of 1978 and the Family and Medical Leave Act, FMLA, 
of 1993. In 1996, the National Partnership helped shape key provisions 
of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, HIPAA, that 
make it easier for women and their families to get and keep health 
coverage. More recently, Judy led efforts to promote patient 
protections and to bring paid family and medical leave to California. I 
am proud to have worked with her in drafting the Healthy Families Act, 
which will ensure that Americans have at least seven days of sick leave 
a year.
  Judy has been recognized by civic and legal organizations, business 
and labor leaders, and others for her strategic abilities, political 
savvy, effectiveness in creating powerful and diverse coalitions, and 
most importantly, her tireless commitment to building a truly just 
society. Judy has always been a great support to me in drafting 
legislation to improve women's economic security, and I could also rely 
on her for creative ideas and sage advice.
  The National Partnership for Women & Families will now be in the very 
able hands of Debra Ness, with Judy serving as a Senior Advisor. The 
lives of men, women and children across this nation have been enriched 
by Judy's work over the last three decades, and I know her change in 
title will not change her commitment to the cause. I wish Judy the best 
of luck in this new phase of life, and thank her for her dedication 
over the years.

                          ____________________