[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 39 (Wednesday, March 7, 2007)]
[House]
[Page H2271]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    MOURNING THE PASSING OF FORMER ILLINOIS CONGRESSWOMAN CHARLOTTE 
                             THOMPSON REID

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a 
former member of this body and one of my personal role models, the 
distinguished gentlewoman from Illinois, Congresswoman Charlotte 
Thompson Reid, who passed away on January 25, 2007.
  At the age of 93, Charlotte Reid leaves behind an extraordinary 
legacy of faithful public service that will be remembered always by the 
people of Illinois, and especially by those in her beloved hometown of 
Aurora.
  As a young lady, Charlotte Reid attended Illinois College in 
Jacksonville and began her career as a professional singer on NBC 
radio. She was a singer under the name of Annette King on the very 
popular Don McNeil's Breakfast Club early morning radio show. I don't 
think that most of the members of this body would remember that show, 
but I remember listening to it as a child as I was getting ready for 
school.
  Following the show in 1962, after the sudden death of her husband, 
Frank, after he had won a primary and before the general election, 
Charlotte Reid was asked to step in and take his place for a seat as 
representative in the U.S. Congress for the 15th District of Illinois. 
Renowned for her hard work, gentle charm and integrity, Charlotte Reid 
won the election and went on to serve almost five distinguished terms 
in the House of Representatives. She was known for hosting events of 
singing and music at her Washington, D.C., home after hours. Legend is 
that she probably was the first woman to appear on the House floor in a 
pantsuit, an event that was noted by the minority leader Gerald Ford 
that day.
  At a time when only a dozen women had a voice in the Chamber, 
Charlotte, or ``Charlie'' as she was known to her friends, inspired not 
just me but an entire generation of women to take leadership roles in 
our communities.
  Following her time in Congress, Charlotte continued to serve her 
country in many different capacities, including as a member of the 
Federal Communications Commission, she had been appointed by President 
Nixon; the Board of Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the 
Services; and the Presidential Task Force on International Private 
Enterprise.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to take this opportunity to 
celebrate the legacy of one of Illinois' most venerable daughters. And 
to her family, I offer my heartfelt condolences and my prayers, 
especially her three children, including my good friend and former 
colleague in the Illinois General Assembly, State Representative 
Patricia Reid Lindner, her daughter, as well as her eight grandchildren 
and 13 great grandchildren.

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