[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 33 (Tuesday, February 27, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H1914-H1919]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING ANN RICHARDS' EXTRAORDINARY CONTRIBUTIONS TO TEXAS AND 
                          AMERICAN PUBLIC LIFE

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 42) recognizing Ann Richards' 
extraordinary contributions to Texas and American public life.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H. Res. 42

       Whereas Dorothy Ann Willis Richards, the First Lady of 
     Texas politics, an American icon and patriot, who touched the 
     lives of Texans and Americans across the Nation, passed away 
     September 13, 2006, after a valiant fight with esophageal 
     cancer;
       Whereas her political philosophy was one of government 
     openness and she was a forceful champion for economic and 
     social justice for all Americans, opening Texas government to 
     all Texans, including African Americans, Hispanics, women, 
     and the disadvantaged;
       Whereas, before her service ended, of her nearly 3,000 
     appointments, 46 percent were female, 15 percent were black, 
     20 percent were Hispanic and 2 percent were Asian American;
       Whereas her service to Texas and the Nation included 
     teaching Texas schoolchildren, serving as County Commissioner 
     in Travis County, serving 2 terms as Texas State Treasurer, 
     and finally serving as the Governor of Texas;
       Whereas Richards raised 4 incredible children, and 8 
     ``almost perfect'' grandchildren and touched the lives of 
     countless friends throughout her life;
       Whereas Governor Richards revitalized the Texas economy, 
     yielding 2 percent growth when the United States economy was 
     shrinking; she streamlined Texas's government and regulatory 
     institutions for business and the public; she revitalized and 
     positioned Texas's corporate infrastructure for the explosive 
     economic growth it experienced later in the decade, and she 
     saved Texas taxpayers more than $6 billion;
       Whereas Richards reformed the Texas prison system by 
     establishing a substance abuse program for inmates, reducing 
     the number of violent offenders released, and increasing 
     prison space to deal with a growing prison population;
       Whereas Richards instituted the Texas lottery to supplement 
     school finances and she sought to decentralize control over 
     education policy to districts and individual campuses, 
     instituting site-based management;
       Whereas Richards inspired an entire generation of young 
     women, admonishing them with the words ``well-behaved women 
     rarely make history'';
       Whereas, in 1989, with co-author Peter Knobler, she wrote 
     her autobiography ``Straight from the Heart'', inspiring 
     Texans with her personal story and folksy humor;
       Whereas, in 2004, she authored ``I'm Not Slowing Down, 
     Winning My Battle with Osteoporosis'' and became an 
     international spokesperson for women battling the disease;
       Whereas, after her diagnosis with esophageal cancer, 
     Richards inspired all of us with her determination to win 
     against all the odds, and her fearless battle until the very 
     last day in her beloved Austin, Texas;
       Whereas her sense of humor, delivery, and understanding of 
     Texas's ``old boy'' politics was legendary, charming, and 
     disarming; and
       Whereas Governor Dorothy Ann Willis Richards was an 
     American original, an irreplaceable public servant, a patriot 
     who loved the Nation and its expansive land, ideas, and the 
     Constitution: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives recognizes and 
     commends Ann Richards' extraordinary contributions to Texas 
     and American public life.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Davis) and the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.


                             General Leave

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their 
remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Illinois?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
might consume.
  Mr. Speaker, at the memorial service of Ann Richards, the former 
mayor of Dallas, Texas, Ron Kirk, the mayor's lifelong friend said, 
``Ann Richards was as fierce a warrior and advocate for justice as any 
public servant I've ever known. She embraced every person she met, no 
matter their station in life, with dignity, and love, and compassion.''
  The former Governor of Texas was a witty, flamboyant and outspoken 
homemaker who captured the hearts and minds of the people of Texas, as 
well as the Nation. She burst into national prominence as a keynote 
speaker to the 1988 Democratic National Convention when she uttered the 
famous line about the wealthy, then-Vice President George H.W. Bush, 
and she said, ``Poor George, he can't help it; he was born with a 
silver foot in his mouth.'' The speech set the tone for her political 
future as the first woman elected to treasurer, a statewide office, in 
Texas in 50 years.
  In 1990, Ann Richards won the Democratic gubernatorial nomination 
against attorney general and former Congressman Jim Mattox and former 
Governor Mark White. Her Republican opponent was multimillionaire 
rancher Clayton Williams, Jr. The campaign between the two was brutal, 
but Richards prevailed in the election on November 6, 1990, by a margin 
of 49-47 percent.
  As Governor, Ann Richards wanted a more inclusive Texas. She called 
it the ``New Texas,'' where she made nearly 3,000 appointments, 46 
percent were female, 15 percent were African American, 20 percent were 
Hispanic and 2 percent were Asian Americans. Among Governor Richards' 
appointment of firsts are: the first African American to the University 
of Texas regent; the first crime victim to join the State criminal 
justice board; the first disabled person to serve on human services 
board; and the first teacher to lead the State board of education. 
During her tenure, she oversaw the fabled Texas Rangers pin stars on 
their first African American and female officers.
  Richards implemented an economic revitalization program to address 
the Texas economy that was in a slump since the mid-1980s, compounded 
by a downturn in the U.S. economy. Her policy initiatives yielded a 2 
percent growth in 1991 for the Texas economy, while the U.S. economy as 
a whole shrank.
  Ann Richards reformed the Texas prison system by establishing a 
substance abuse program for inmates in prison and reduced the number of 
violent offenders released back into society. She was a supporter of 
proposals to reduce the sale of semiautomatic

[[Page H1915]]

firearms and cop killer bullets in the State.

                              {time}  1530

  She vetoed legislation that would allow people to carry concealed 
handguns and automatic weapons inside public establishments without the 
owner's permission. Some political analysts believe that this veto cost 
her her reelection bid for Governor in 1994. Richards lost her 
reelection bid to George W. Bush. After her unsuccessful bid for 
reelection, someone asked her, ``What would you have done differently 
if you knew you would be a one-term Governor?'' Richards grinned and 
said, ``Oh, I would probably have raised more hell.''
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my fellow Members of Congress in 
recognizing Dorothy Ann Willis Richards' really extraordinary 
contribution to Texas and to American public life.
  A steadfast political activist who first entered the political arena 
as a student at the University of Texas, Ann Richards rose through the 
political ranks first as a volunteer in State and local political 
campaigns and ultimately to a national figure.
  A feminist icon, Ann Richards first came to national attention to 
many as the Texas State treasurer, when she delivered the keynote 
address at the 1988 National Democratic Convention. Serving as the 
Governor of Texas from 1991 to 1995, Governor Richards was widely 
acknowledged as an inspirational national leader, civil rights 
advocate, and role model. Her political philosophy was one of 
government openness and was noted for her unprecedented appointments of 
women and minorities to important positions.
  Throughout her life, Governor Richards had a particular interest in 
social interests such as advancing women's rights and equality for all 
groups and individuals. She believed, if given a chance, all women 
could perform as well or better than men, and I would emphasize she 
probably thought better than men. She once offered a memorable salute 
to the achievements of women by reminding her audience, and I love this 
quote, ``Ginger Rogers did everything that Fred Astaire did. She just 
did it backwards and in high heels.''
  Always willing to use her upbringing as an example for others, she 
once said that, ``Where I grew up, there wasn't much tolerance for 
self-importance, people who put on airs,'' and she lived by that 
philosophy.
  During her tenure as Governor, she not only expanded the State's 
economic base through a program for economic revitalization, but 
created one of the most inclusive and representative governments in the 
history of Texas.
  Soon after becoming Governor, she sought government efficiency by 
authorizing comprehensive audits of every State agency, that ultimately 
saved the taxpayers of Texas reportedly $6 billion.
  As a result of her interest in law enforcement and her own personal 
battles with alcoholism, Governor Richards reformed the Texas prison 
system by establishing a substance abuse program for inmates, 
decreasing the number of violent offenders released, and increasing 
prison space.
  Governor Richards was always tireless in her efforts on behalf of 
children and education. While Governor, she instituted the Texas 
lottery as a means of supplementing school funding.
  After leaving office, in her final year of life, the Austin 
Independent School District announced, ``The Ann Richards School For 
Young Women Leaders.'' Opening in the fall of 2007, this institution 
will serve as a college preparatory school for girls in grades 6 
through 12. The curriculum will focus on math, science, and technology. 
This initiative is one of many lasting tributes to Governor Richards' 
all-encompassing devotion to the citizens of Texas.
  Sadly, Ann Richards passed away from cancer on September 16, 2006. 
She was 73 years old, leaving behind a legacy of political achievement 
and a record of championing equality and justice.
  I ask all Members to join by supporting this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is now my pleasure to yield 3 
minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Texas and the author of 
this legislation, Representative Solomon Ortiz.
  (Mr. ORTIZ asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, today we are here to pay tribute to the life 
of the late Governor of Texas, Dorothy Ann Willis Richards. And I want 
to thank Chairman Waxman, the majority leader, and my good friend, 
Danny Davis, for bringing this bill to the floor, and my colleagues for 
taking time from their busy schedule to do what we are doing today.
  America and the State of Texas both suffered a great loss on 
September 13, 2006, when Ann Richards met our Maker after a brave 
struggle with cancer.
  Growing up as the son of migrant workers in segregated South Texas, I 
was painfully aware of the power dynamics in place that placed those of 
privilege high above the working poor. Ann Richards sought to turn that 
tide around. During her service as Governor of Texas, she appointed 
more females and minorities than any Governor by far.
  It was Ann's spunk and her dedication to the people of our beloved 
State, all the people, that earned her love and admiration of millions 
of Americans.
  Following her philosophy of life in public service, ``well-behaved 
women rarely make history,'' Ann's charm and passion for life propelled 
her far in the history books.
  A lifelong public servant, Ann began her career as a Texas school 
teacher. She later served in Austin as Travis County Commissioner and 
Texas State Treasurer prior to being elected State Governor in a 
historic campaign.
  During her entire public service career, Ann remained a teacher, 
teaching Texans that the advantage of working together benefited the 
economy of our State. Even today she still teaches us.
  Ann Richards is remembered today and always not only for her 
accomplishments, but also for the way she carried them out. Her 
disarming wit and wisdom won opponents time and time again. Her big as 
Texas hair, hearty laugh, piercing blue eyes, and smiling face are 
unforgettable. She was one of those people you just couldn't help but 
like, and today I am so happy that they gave us time to honor a great 
American, a great Governor, and a great friend, Ann Richards.
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 3 
minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas with whom I had the good fortune 
to spend Saturday with at Paul Quinn College where we were discussing 
the issues related to African American males, Representative Eddie 
Bernice Johnson.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay 
tribute to the legacy of an exceptional public servant, the late 
Governor Ann Richards.
  When Governor Richards passed away in September, I not only lost an 
esteemed colleague, but a dear and trusted friend. I am proud to say 
that our friendship endured for more than 40 years.
  First, we are from the same hometown. But I didn't meet her there, I 
met her in Dallas, Texas when she lived there in the 1960s. And then 
she moved to Austin, and the first thing that she did, she always 
helped in everybody's campaign, but the first thing she did in Austin 
was manage Sarah Weddington's campaign for the Texas House, and we won 
at the same time. Sarah Weddington is the young lawyer that defended 
Rowe v. Wade before the Supreme Court.
  As women in politics, and especially Ann, we shared some of the same 
views and many of the same colleagues, and I did encourage her that she 
had come to her time that she can maybe serve in elective office 
herself. And we knew that Texans were not that supportive of women 
running for office, but she ran for the County Commissioner's Court and 
won.
  She was not afraid to be herself, and she really listened to people 
and she was supportive of people. Her independent spirit and charm not 
only won

[[Page H1916]]

her votes, but it really generated a great deal of respect. And she 
often used humor to get her point across, but she did get her point 
across. People respected her, and they knew that she would work hard on 
their behalf and there was never a question about that.
  She took pride in her accomplishments as Governor. First she won as 
Treasurer, and I had the pleasure of running her campaign in Dallas 
County during that time. But when she won as Governor, it was a very 
male-dominated situation, and she right away appointed more women and 
minorities to important boards than anyone else ever had done in 
history.
  For the first time there were women and minorities on the board of 
regents of Texas universities all over the State and many other women 
positions that was on the medical examiners board. Those medical 
examiners didn't know what had taken place. But she was not afraid to 
do it.
  She utilized the latest technology as Texas Treasurer. When she came 
into office there was a big deficit, and she hired a consultant to come 
down and help, and that consultant was Franklin Raines. That is when I 
first met him.
  We did so much together. And when she was in office and was able to 
see how to get through those many problems, she earned the support of 
the business community, which was mostly white men of course. Ann broke 
her way from the mold.
  I rise today to pay tribute to the legacy of an exceptional public 
servant, the late Governor Ann Richards.
  When Governor Richards passed away in September, I not only lost an 
esteemed colleague, but a dear and trusted friend.
  I'm proud to say that our friendship endured for more than 40 years.
  I first met Ann Richards in the sixties when she lived in Dallas and 
was running for Travis County Commissioner.
  As women in politics, Ann and I shared many of the same views and 
also many of the same challenges.
  Texas in the 1970's wasn't very supportive of women running for 
political office, so you really had to earn each and every vote.
  Ann wasn't afraid to be herself, and she compelled people to listen 
to her.
  Her independent spirit and charm not only won her votes, but it 
garnered respect.
  People respected her, and they knew that she would work hard on their 
behalf.
  Ann took pride in her accomplishments in the male dominated Texas 
politics. She had hoped that her success may serve as inspiration to 
young women.
  She certainly served as inspiration to me.
  In 1982 Ann successfully ran for Texas State Treasurer.
  As State Treasurer she utilized the latest technology to transform 
the Texas Treasury into a modern operation.
  Along the way, Ann earned the respect of the business community who 
appreciated her foresight and vision.
  In 1990 Ann became the first woman Governor of Texas elected in her 
own right.
  Ann broke away from the mold of previous Governors. She wasn't afraid 
to shake things up and speak her mind.
  In her tenure as Governor she was adamant about appointing minorities 
on state boards and commissions.
  Ann wanted the Texas Government to reflect the diversity and culture 
of the people of the State.
  Ann was a hands-on Governor, and she didn't let much get by her.
  She did her best to eliminate inefficiency and waste within the 
government.
  She demanded that the Texas government fully serve the people, and 
she did everything in her power to realize that.
  She had a strong will for justice and fairness for all.
  Governor Richards was one of the finest of Texans that I've ever 
known.
  She dedicated herself to the State and the people of Texas.
  She broke down barriers for women, and made us believe that anything 
was possible.
  She was truly an original, and her absence is immensely felt.
  The recognition she is receiving today is very well deserved.
  Her many contributions to the State of Texas and to America will not 
be forgotten.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure now to yield 3 
minutes to an individual who had the good fortune to be a close 
neighbor of Governor Richards, Representative Lloyd Doggett of Texas.
  Mr. DOGGETT. I thank the gentleman and my colleagues for this 
resolution honoring our friend, Ann Richards.
  Despite the great sense of loss that so many of us continue to feel, 
I must say that the wonderful gathering that we had last year in Austin 
for Ann Richards was about the most joyous memorial service that I have 
ever participated in. There was so much to celebrate about this person, 
about this life.
  Ann came to Austin in the 1970s. She was a true life force. She 
became our County Commissioner and our State Treasurer before becoming 
Governor. And during most of my tenure in Congress, I had the good 
fortune to have her as a next-door neighbor.
  She had a quick wit, but she also had a very warm smile. And it was 
her smile, her warmth, and her sense of humor that could win over even 
the most ardent foe.
  She believed in straight talk. Her candor about her personal life 
enabled her to tell hard truths in her political life. And in her 
waning months, she faced her battle with cancer with the same fighting 
spirit and the same sense of humor that defined her life.
  I think that there are two places not often the focus of reflecting 
on Ann Richards' life where her effect is particularly notable. One is 
in our schools. Until January, I represented Ann Richards Middle School 
in La Joya, Texas. I could see how those young people from a poor 
economic area were enriched by their contact with Ann Richards and the 
inspiration that she provided them with her continued participation 
long after she completed her tenure as Governor. And, now in Austin, we 
are starting the Ann Richards School For Young Women. Its purpose is 
one that Ann devoted much of her personal life to--inspiring and 
serving as a mentor for young women. And now, in this school, many 
middle school girls will find that they too can fulfill their dreams 
and fully participate in all sectors of our society.

                              {time}  1545

  A former teacher, Ann knew what a difference quality public education 
could make in the lives of young women and young men, and these 
institutions serve to remind us of what she accomplished.
  But the second place is with her family. She has two daughters, two 
sons, who are active participants in the life of our community and of 
our country. I think that they speak volumes about the kind of mother 
and the kind of family person that Ann Richards is, and they continue 
to live the legacy that she established.
  She set high standards and inspired countless Americans to do the 
same. Her loss means that all of us who share her values must redouble 
our efforts.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 2 
minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Lampson).
  Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have been able to call Ann 
Richards a friend of mine and of my family. Just like she inspired 
millions of young women in Texas and across this Nation, she inspired 
my oldest daughter, Hillary, who I often took along with me to meetings 
in Austin.
  At one meeting with the Governor, Hillary pulled out this yellowed 
copy of Ann's keynote address to the 1988 Democratic National 
Convention and proceeded to quote lines back to her. Hillary's favorite 
line from that speech was one that Ann had popularized in her famously 
wry tone: ``Ginger Rogers did everything that Fred Astaire did. She 
just did it backwards and in high heels.'' To me, that line epitomizes 
Ann Richards: skillful, determined, and equal to any man's task.
  She was a woman in what had been a man's rough and tumble world of 
Texas politics, but she never let anything or anyone hold her back. She 
believed education was the great equalizer. She believed redemption was 
possible, and she believed that a woman's place was in the dome. She 
aimed to create a new Texas; and when she broke through that glass 
ceiling, she reached her hand out to pull women, minorities, and the 
disadvantaged up with her.
  Like the yellow rose of Texas, Ann was a beautiful and classic lady. 
She could also be thorny, though. She told you exactly what you needed 
to hear, using wit and candor to make her point. Her presence and her 
laughter could fill a room, even if all you could see was that big 
white hairdo peeking above the crowd.
  Dorothy Ann Willis Richards is a Texas giant, and I am proud that my

[[Page H1917]]

daughters grew up knowing such a strong, independent, and caring woman.
  I want to leave you with some words from Ann, words that all of us 
here today should take to heart.
  She said: ``The public doesn't like you to mislead or represent 
yourself to be something you're not . . . They don't ask their public 
officials to be perfect. They just ask them to be smart, truthful, 
honest, and to show a modicum of good sense.''
  Ann, we'll miss you.
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Texas 
(Mr. Burgess).
  Mr. BURGESS. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, it will come as no great surprise that on any issue of 
policy Ann Richards and I were probably 180 degrees out of phase; but 
last year, when she received her diagnosis, I sent her a little note 
telling her that we were thinking about her and praying for her. She 
sent me a little note back, and I wanted to share that with the House 
today.
  She said: ``Thank you for being so thoughtful.
  ``For someone who has cancer, I'm in great shape. Patience has never 
been my long suit, but I am learning. I am in my third week of 
treatment and am taking it one day at a time. The M.D. Anderson 
Hospital is fabulous. It's a whole lot like `Star Wars' with more 
interesting machines than Buck Rogers ever imagined.
  ``Thanks a lot for thinking of me and praying for me. With all that 
energy directed toward my recovery, how can we miss?''
  Mr. Speaker, there wasn't much that Ann Richards and I did agree on, 
but we both agreed on our love for Texas, and we both agreed we only 
wanted the best for our State. Texas is proud to have had a Governor 
like Ann Richards. Although oftentimes we were on opposite sides of the 
issue, she will be missed in my home State of Texas.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time 
I have left.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Illinois has 5\1/2\ 
minutes. The gentleman from Connecticut has 15 minutes.
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I would ask unanimous consent to transfer 10 
minutes over to my colleague, if there is need to use that time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Connecticut?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I want to thank the gentleman from 
Connecticut.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume.
  Mr. Speaker, all of us come in contact with individuals who have a 
way to connect one way or another. Sometimes it is from near, and 
sometimes it is from afar. I shall never forget the speech that 
Governor Richards made at the Democratic convention in 1988. You know, 
speeches are things that you hear a lot of when you are involved in 
public activity and public office, and you don't always look for 
anything special when you see another one coming. I mean, sometimes, it 
is another speech.
  But the amount of wit and charm that Ann Richards had and her ability 
to convey it in such a way that she could make a humorous point that 
was not always so humorous, but you still got the humor out of it, and 
whoever it was directed to and at didn't necessarily view it as being 
offensive, she had the ability to do that.
  We have heard speaker after speaker talk about the fact that she 
appointed this large number of individuals to boards and commissions 
and made regents out of people and gave them positions that people just 
didn't sort of expect, because it had not been done before.
  Then she took on a real tough question that some people feel caused 
her to lose an election, but she probably knew the risk that she was 
taking, because it had to do with the right of individuals to keep and 
bear arms, dealing with semiautomatic weapons that the normal average 
person wouldn't necessarily carry.
  I mean, you wouldn't walk around, even if you wanted to go hunting, 
with a semiautomatic weapon to shoot rabbits or deer or whatever it is 
that you would shoot, although I have never believed in shooting that 
many things any way, unless they were shooting back. Therefore, I was 
never much of a hunter, because the animals didn't have anything to 
shoot back with. That was about the only way that I would see myself 
shooting at them.
  But she knew the great political risk that she was taking, and not 
withstanding that risk, held to her guns, held to her position, did not 
waver, did not back up. That is what real leaders are made of. They 
don't take positions just to get elected or just to be in office. But 
they take them based upon principles upon which they believe, ideas and 
ideology that govern their lives.
  That was the kind of woman that Ann Richards was, and that is why I 
think she was able to mean so much to so many people, not only in 
Texas; but she was a great advancement for the women's movement, for 
enticing more women to run for public office, and, of course, to be 
elected to public office, and to reach another level of equity, another 
level of having arrived at a point in history where a woman, a little 
girl growing up, can believe that she has the possibility of moving not 
only to Governor of the State of Texas, but to Speaker of the House of 
the United States House of Representatives.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as she might 
consume to our distinguished Speaker, Nancy Pelosi.
  Ms. PELOSI. Thank you very much, Congressman Davis, and thank you for 
bringing this opportunity to the fore for us to sing the praises of the 
great Governor of Texas, Ann Richards. I am proud to join you today, 
Mr. Davis, in honor of Ann Richards, a true pioneer and one of Texas' 
great daughters.
  Ann Richards expanded the realm of what is possible for women. As she 
loved to say: ``A woman's place is in the dome.'' She is certainly 
smiling down on us today. As more women than ever rise to elective 
office, we owe a great debt to Ann Richards for helping to blaze the 
trail.
  So important was she to the women in Congress who serve here now, as 
part of my swearing-in festivities, I had a tea honoring Ann Richards 
in which we reviewed a film of her life in which her beautiful 
granddaughter, Lily, made a presentation about her grandmother, from 
which we all drew strength and inspiration about this woman, a true, 
true pioneer. Ann Richards will be remembered for her devastating wit 
and gigantic heart, which led her to make real and lasting improvements 
for all Americans.
  From health care, to education, to opening the doors of government to 
all, Ann Richards was one of our Nation's most fierce champions for 
expanding opportunity. Just as Ann was an advocate for all of America's 
children, she was particularly proud of her own. Ann's daughter Cecile 
Richards was an essential member of my team when I became leader and 
has since become President of Planned Parenthood of America. I know Ann 
was equally proud of her three children, Daniel, Clark and Ellen, and 
her eight grandchildren, I mentioned Lily. She was proud of all of 
them.
  I hope it is a comfort to her entire family that so many people here 
in the Congress, indeed in the country, remember Ann with great 
enthusiasm and are grateful for her leadership. She has been gone a 
number of months now, but it is a loss that we sorely feel. It is a 
memory that we greatly cherish of a great woman, a leader in our 
country, and a person.
  As I say to all of us in Congress or in elective office, all of us 
owe Ann Richards a great debt of gratitude. She is the gold standard 
for statesmanship, man or woman. Again, we are especially proud of the 
leadership she provided as a woman leader in our country.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. I want to thank the distinguished Speaker for 
her remarks.
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, all Members on this side of the aisle have a 
tremendous appreciation for this great lady, and we are happy to honor 
her and are grateful the House is, in fact, honoring her.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in proud support, and 
as an original co-sponsor of H. Res. 42. This resolution is offered by 
the Texas Democratic Delegation in the House, chaired by Congressman 
Ortiz,

[[Page H1918]]

and recognizes the extraordinary contributions of Ann Richards to 
public life in Texas and the United States. It is both fitting and 
proper that the People's House pay this tribute to a pioneering and 
path breaking woman who devoted her life to serving the people.
  Mr. Speaker, this happy moment stands in stark contrast to that 
sorrowful morning of September 14, 2006, when I informed the House from 
this podium of my sad duty to report that an American original and the 
First Lady of Texas politics, the great Ann Richards, had lost her long 
and valiant battle with throat cancer.
  Mr. Speaker, Dorothy Ann Willis Richards began her career in politics 
in the early 1970s after having raised four children. A Democrat, she 
served as County Commissioner in Travis County, Texas from 1977 to 
1982. Richards was elected to the first of two terms as Texas State 
Treasurer in 1982. We who knew and loved her will remember her always 
as a forcefully articulate and an amusingly folksy speaker. She first 
gained national prominence with her keynote address at the 1988 
Democratic National Convention. In 1990 she was elected governor of 
Texas, the first woman chief executive of Texas in more than fifty 
years.
  Dorothy Ann Willis was born in Lakeview, Texas. She grew up in Waco, 
Texas, and graduated from Waco High School in 1950, participating in 
Girls State. She received a bachelor's degree from Baylor University 
while on a debate scholarship. She married her high school sweetheart, 
David Richards, and moved to Austin, Texas, where she earned a teaching 
certificate from the University of Texas at Austin.
  After graduation, she taught social studies and history at Fulmore 
Junior High School in Austin, Texas from 1955 to 1956. She had also two 
daughters and two sons in the following years, and she campaigned for 
Texas liberals and progressives such as Henry B. Gonzalez, Ralph 
Yarborough, and Sarah Weddington. One of her daughters, Cecile Richards 
became president of Planned Parenthood in 2006. Throughout her life Ann 
Richards was a forceful champion for economic and social justice for 
all Americans, especially women and the disadvantaged.
  In 1976, Richards ran against and defeated a three-term incumbent on 
the Travis County, Texas Commissioner Court, holding the position for 
six years. She then was elected State Treasurer in 1982, becoming the 
first woman elected to statewide office in more than fifty years. In 
winning the Democratic nomination for treasurer, Richards ended the 
career of a Texas politician with the same name as a president (but no 
relation), Warren G. Harding. In 1986, she was re-elected treasurer 
without opposition.
  Ann Richards delivered the keynote address to the 1988 Democratic 
National Convention, a move which put her in the national spotlight 
with the line ``Poor George [H.W. Bush], he can't help it . . . He was 
born with a silver foot in his mouth.'' The speech set the tone for her 
political future; she described herself as a real Texan (in supposed 
contrast to George H.W. Bush), established herself as a feminist, and 
reached out to African-Americans and Hispanics. In 1989, with co-author 
Peter Knobler, she wrote her autobiography, Straight from the Heart.
  In 1990, she sought and won the Democratic gubernatorial nomination 
besting such venerable vote getters as Texas Attorney General James 
``Jim'' Mattox and former governor Mark White. In the general election 
she defeated multi-millionaire rancher Clayton Williams after a brutal 
campaign and was inaugurated the 45th governor of Texas in January 
1991.
  The Texas economy had been in a slump since the mid-1980s, compounded 
by a downturn in the U.S. economy. Governor Richards responded with a 
program of economic revitalization, yielding growth in 1991 of 2% when 
the U.S. economy as a whole shrank. She also streamlined Texas's 
government and regulatory institutions for business and the public. Her 
efforts helped to revitalize and position Texas's corporate 
infrastructure for the explosive economic growth it experienced later 
in the decade. Her audits on the state bureaucracy saved Texas 
taxpayers more than $6 billion.
  Governor Richards reformed the Texas prison system, establishing a 
substance abuse program for inmates, reducing the number of violent 
offenders released, and increasing prison space to deal with a growing 
prison population (from less than 60,000 in 1992 to more than 80,000 in 
1994). She backed proposals to reduce the sale of semi-automatic 
firearms and ``cop-killer'' bullets in the state.
  The Texas Lottery was also instituted during her governorship--
advocated as a means of supplementing school finances; Ann Richards 
purchased the first lotto ticket on May 29, 1992. However, most of the 
income from the lottery went into the state's general fund rather than 
specifically to education, until 1997, when all lottery net revenue was 
redirected to the state's Foundation School Fund, which supports public 
education. School finance remained one of the key issues of her 
governorship and of those succeeding hers; the famous Robin Hood plan 
was launched in the 1992-1993 biennium which attempted to make school 
funding more equitable across school districts. Richards also sought to 
decentralize control over education policy to districts and individual 
campuses; she instituted ``site-based management'' to this end.
  In March 2006, Governor Richards announced that she had been 
diagnosed with esophageal cancer and will be seeking treatment at M.D. 
Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. The disease has a five-year 
survival rate of 25 percent. Despite the statistics, Governor Richards 
vowed to beat her illness and battled valiantly until the very last 
day, when she finished her journey on earth and ascended to the 
heavens.
  None of us who knew and loved Ann Richards will ever forget her or 
the way she brightened the lives of all the people she served. She was 
one in a million and she will be deeply missed. She will never be 
replaced. She was an American original. She was my friend.
  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Res. 42, recognizing Ann. Richards extraordinary contributions to Texas 
and American public life.
  Ann Richards and I worked together when I served in Texas State 
Senate in 1991 and 1992 before I was elected to the House of 
Representatives in 1993. At that time, she was serving as the Governor 
of Texas. During our tenure in the state house we worked together to 
support stronger environmental laws for our district and Texas.
  Governor Richards was a teacher who started out in politics as a 
volunteer on the campaigns of Sarah Weddington, Henry B. Gonzalez, and 
Ralph Yarborough. She began her own political career in 1976 when she 
was elected to serve as a County Commissioner in Travis County.
  Six years later in 1982, she was elected Texas State Treasurer and 
served two terms. Ann made history by becoming the first woman elected 
to statewide office in Texas in fifty years.
  In 1990, Ann ran for governor and promised to increase the role of 
minorities and women in state government as part of her plan for a 
``New Texas.'' When Governor Richards was elected she made it a 
priority as governor to appoint more women and minorities to state 
boards and commissions and followed through on her promise.
  During her tenure, Governor Richards had many accomplishments 
including revitalizing the Texas economy, reforming the prison system, 
and instituting the state lottery. Once she left public office, Ann 
continued to be an inspiration to us all when she bravely battled 
osteoporosis and esophageal cancer.
  Ann wasn't only the governor of one of the greatest states in 
America, but she was one of America's greatest governors in terms of 
her personality, sense of humor, and trailblazing accomplishments. 
Governor Richards was the First Lady of Texas politics and her 
extraordinary accomplishments make her not only a Texas hero, but also 
an American hero.
  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 42 offered by 
my colleague and neighbor Congressman Solomon Ortiz. Governor Ann 
Richards was a woman of incomparable spirit, wit, intelligence, and 
heart. She was a trailblazer who opened the world of public service and 
politics to women and minorities in her beloved home state of Texas, as 
well as throughout the country.
  I remember her most for her commitment to my constituents in South 
Texas. In 1993, Governor Richards signed the bill to create South Texas 
Community College, now South Texas College.
  Without Governor Richards' direct insight and involvement in granting 
us a three year waiver in not requiring a taxing district, the creation 
of the school simply would not have been possible. Today, the college, 
with 17,000 students, is responsible for contributing to our local 
economy through workforce and job training programs, has directly 
contributed to the drop in the region's unemployment rate, and extends 
education opportunities for so many students. She also helped to 
streamline the state's government and helped create programs and 
opportunities for Texas' economy to flourish at a time when the 
country's languished.
  It is incumbent upon all of US to continue the legacy started by Ann 
Richards decades ago. We need to lend voice to the disadvantaged and 
disenfranchised; give americans a leg-up, not a hand-out; and, create 
opportunities for all to participate in their government. It is a 
legacy she was proud of, and one I will not forget. She will be missed 
by so many, and especially by me.
  I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation honoring such 
a great lady.
  Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, Ann Richards was a true Texas treasure. We 
shall miss her

[[Page H1919]]

dearly, but her spirit will live on to inspire generations to come. She 
made a positive difference for Texas and for our nation. In my book she 
represented the very best of political leadership.
  In an era when the good ol' boy system denied opportunities to women 
and racial minorities, she broke down barriers to ensure that public 
service would be open to all. In an era when self-important politicians 
too often took themselves too seriously, she used good humor to keep 
our feet on the ground, even as we were rolling in laughter.
  As Governor of the state she loved, her accomplishments were many, 
whether in improving education or health care or job opportunities. 
Yet, like the best of political leaders, her greatest legacy will be 
having inspired others to be their best, to reach for their dreams, and 
to make life better for our neighbors.
  I have no doubt that after all of us in this House are gone and 
forgotten, the legacy of Ann Richards will be carrying on through the 
countless lives of those who were inspired to public service by the 
touch of this great American.
  On a personal note, it was an honor for me to know Ann Richards, 
especially since she graduated from Baylor University and her parents 
lived in my hometown of Waco, Texas. It was back in Waco, often outside 
the limelight of the press, that I admired Ann Richards' deep love and 
respect for average working families. She understood that they are the 
backbone of our nation.
  Those of us honored to call Ann Richards our friend, and those of us 
whose lives were touched by her commitment to equality and public 
service know that there will never be anyone quite like her. That is 
why we miss her so.
  Somehow, I just have to believe that Governor Richards wanted to 
witness from a heavenly seat the swearing in of Speaker Pelosi as the 
first woman Speaker of the U.S. House. Or, perhaps the Good Lord just 
wanted Ann Richards to be by His side when that history was made.
  Either way, I have no doubt that heaven is a little funnier place 
with Ann Richards there and that our nation is a better place because 
of her time here on earth.
  To the Richards family, I want to express a heart-felt ``thank you'' 
for sharing your special loved one with all of us for so many years. 
Our memories of her will inspire us to be better, to do more for years 
to come.
  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 
42. Anne Richards's devotion to the state of Texas deserves our highest 
honor and commendation. Her work to promote the rights of women in 
politics, devotion to equality and her never-failing drive to better 
the lives of her constituents made her an iconic figure in Texas 
politics.
  Governor Richards began her political career in the 1970's fighting 
for equality. As an advocate for female politicians, she managed Sarah 
Weddington's successful bid to become a member of the Texas State House 
of Representatives. She then joined State Representative Weddington as 
a legislative assistant in 1974, during this time she also participated 
in Wilhelmina Delco's campaign to become the first African-American to 
represent Austin in the state legislature. Not content to rest there, 
she provided training sessions across the state for female candidates 
and managers. She would continue this fight for equality for the next 
20 years.
  In 1982 she was elected to the post of state treasurer becoming the 
first woman elected to state-wide office in more than 50 years. She 
devoted herself to the modernization of the state treasury and to 
earning the greatest possible interest for the state of Texas. 
According to one estimate, the treasury earned 1.8 billion dollars 
under her leadership, representing a huge improvement over her 
predecessor. During her tenure she displayed the incredible wit that 
made her such a powerful public speaker and one of the most popular 
figures in Texas politics.
  After two terms as state treasurer she was elected Governor of the 
state of Texas in 1990. What she accomplished in her four years as 
Governor was nothing short of amazing. Among the achievements for which 
we are honoring her here today, she revitalized the Texan economy, 
achieving growth during a period of national economic decline. She 
revamped the Texas prison system to improve rehabilitation for inmates 
and to better protect the citizens of Texas by establishing a substance 
abuse program for inmates, working to expand capacity and reduce prison 
overpopulation, and reducing the number of violent offenders released. 
The Texas Lottery was also instituted during Governor Richards' time in 
office as a means to supplement school financing
  Education and school financing were focal points of her Governorship. 
She worked tirelessly to make school funding more equitable across 
districts and championed ``sitebased management'' programs to 
decentralize school administration.
  Of her nearly 3,000 government appointments, 46 percent were female, 
15 percent were black, 20 percent were Hispanic and 2 percent were 
Asian American. I rise today to honor her commitment to diversity, her 
battle for equality, and her lifetime of service to the state of Texas 
and the United States of America.
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of our time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Mr. Shays for his 
accommodation and would urge passage of H. Res. 42.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 42.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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