[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 10 (Wednesday, February 1, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO JESSIE TEHRANCHI

 Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, Jessie Tehranchi was a passionate 
advocate for improved public transportation and universal health care 
from my State of Alabama. Jessie dedicated her time to helping others 
as she worked to advocate on behalf of the issues that shaped her life.
  Jessie's passion was personal; diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 
1987, she spent much of her adult life confined to a wheelchair. Faced 
with seemingly insurmountable odds, Jessie used her experience to 
better the lives of many others with similar handicaps. A fixture in 
transportation activist groups, she spoke across the country on behalf 
of her causes.
  Jessie testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, 
Housing, and Urban Affairs in 2002 at a Housing and Transportation 
Subcommittee meeting. Jessie emphasized the need for effective public 
transportation and cited her own experiences as a person unable to 
drive. Her testimony was powerful and useful as the Senate worked on 
the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century.
  Jessie was optimistic, energetic, and passionate. I am proud of her 
efforts, and I am grateful for her dedication to this important cause. 
I know that she will be missed not only by her husband, Jim Tehranchi, 
and two sons, David and Michael, and her many friends, but by the many 
people whose lives she touched through her devotion to public 
transportation.

                          ____________________