Congressional Record, Volume 153 Issue 65 (Monday, April 23, 2007)

[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 65 (Monday, April 23, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H3743-H3753]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

EXPRESSING SORROW OF THE HOUSE AT THE DEATH OF THE HONORABLE JUANITA
MILLENDER-MCDONALD, MEMBER OF CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I offer a privileged resolution (H. Res.
328) and ask for its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:

H. Res. 328

Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow of
the death of the Honorable Juanita Millender-McDonald, a
Representative from the State of California.
Resolved, That a committee of such Members of the House as
the Speaker may designate, together with such Members of the
Senate as may be joined, be appointed to attend the funeral.
Resolved, That the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House be
authorized and directed to take such steps as may be
necessary for carrying out the provisions of these
resolutions and that the necessary expenses in connection
therewith be paid out of applicable accounts of the House.
Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to
the Senate and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the
deceased.
Resolved, That when the House adjourns today, it adjourn as
a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased.

The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman from California is
recognized for 1 hour.
Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 minutes to the gentleman from
California (Mr. Dreier), pending which I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
Madam Speaker, I now yield 1 minute to our most distinguished
Speaker, Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I thank our dear friend, Congresswoman
Watson, for bringing us together around this very sad and necessary
resolution today.
On behalf of all Members of Congress, I rise to pay tribute to
Chairwoman Juanita Millender-McDonald, who passed away Saturday night.
I offer deepest sympathy to her family, who loved her so dearly, her
husband James McDonald, Jr., her five children and her five
grandchildren.
As the first African American to chair a committee in Congress,
Juanita Millender-McDonald was a trailblazer, always advocating for the
full

[[Page H3744]]

participation of all Americans in the success and prosperity of our
country. She was a strong defender of the right of every eligible voter
to have full access to the polls and a tireless proponent of fair
elections that ensured that every vote would be counted.
As chair of the House Administration Committee, Chairwoman Millender-
McDonald's deep commitment to diversity was manifested in her actions
when hiring and contracting within the House of Representatives. She
enjoyed her role as the ``Mayor of Capitol Hill,'' and was known for
asking tourists in elevators, ``Are you finding everything okay,'' and
listening closely to their response.
After her family, the people of California's 37th District were
always first and foremost in Chairwoman Millender-McDonald's mind and
her work here in Congress. She saw it as a priority to make sure they
had every opportunity. She worked to strengthen the economy and jobs
there, and she saw it as a priority to secure the two ports adjacent to
her district.
Chairwoman Millender-McDonald was an advocate for justice around the
world. She spoke out forcefully against the genocide in Darfur, and was
a powerful advocate for the rights of women everywhere. As a former
cochairwoman of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues, she worked
for gender equity here at home and throughout the world.
The loss of Chairwoman Juanita Millender-McDonald is a personal one
for many of us here. She was always optimistic and determined to make a
difference. The dignity with which she faced her illness was an
indication of the determination with which she always served the people
of our country.
We have all lost an effective leader and spokesperson, and many of us
have lost a dear friend. When we look around this Chamber, it is almost
impossible to imagine it without Juanita here fighting the fight, and
doing so looking magnificent. The dignity, the grace, the beauty, the
thoughtfulness that she brought to the tasks at hand were a model for
others. Young people would come to the Capitol and observe her in
action and learn from her.
We also learned from her how to have dignity at the end of life. Many
of us knew that she had had bouts with illness, but we really didn't
know how serious it was and how close she was to, as she said, her
daughter told me, going home. Valerie said to me last night, ``She said
I want to make all of these arrangements so that I can go home.''
I hope it is a comfort to Chairwoman Juanita Millender-McDonald's
family and friends that so many people mourn their loss and are praying
for them at this sad time. Many of us will travel to California to say
good-bye to Juanita, if I may speak to her in that familiar way. It has
been an honor to call her colleague, I know we all agree on that, and
for many of us it was a privilege also to call her friend.
Good-bye, my friend.
Mr. DREIER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
(Mr. DREIER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. DREIER. Madam Speaker, let me begin by expressing my appreciation
to both of my California colleagues, Ms. Watson and Speaker Pelosi, for
their very thoughtful words, and, obviously I would, as all of my
colleagues I know want to do, would associate ourselves with the very,
very thoughtful remarks offered by Speaker Pelosi.
Madam Speaker, this is a very sad time for me personally, for a
number of reasons. Juanita Millender-McDonald was my friend and my
neighbor. And she was my neighbor not only in California representing
an adjoining congressional district, but my neighbor right here on
Capitol Hill. We were next-door neighbors. So, Madam Speaker, I have to
say that I had the privilege of spending a great deal of time with
Juanita.
As Speaker Pelosi said in her statement that she released yesterday,
Juanita Millender-McDonald truly was a trailblazer. She was an
individual who showed amazing commitment throughout her entire life to
her beliefs, and I was very happy that she as a Democrat and I as a
Republican were able to work together and find areas of agreement.
I have to say one of the biggest challenges that we face in Southern
California, I know my California colleague Ms. Watson understands this
very well, is the area of transportation. The gridlock challenge, as is
the case with many metropolitan areas around the country, is
particularly bad in the Los Angeles area. Juanita Millender-McDonald
served on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and worked
tirelessly to try and focus on those challenges, the difficulties that
we faced.
There was one particular project that I was pleased to work with
Juanita on, and that was something known as the Alameda Corridor
Project.

{time} 1930

A huge percentage of all of the goods going to and from the United
States, exports and imports, come through the ports of Long Beach and
Los Angeles. Juanita represented large parts of Long Beach, and she
understood the importance of international trade. So she was one of
those in the vanguard in the quest to deal with construction of the
Alameda corridor which allowed those goods to move from the ports of
Long Beach and Los Angeles to the rest of the United States and,
similarly, goods exported from America. I am very happy to see the
distinguished Chair of the Transportation Committee, Mr. Oberstar,
nodding in agreement. He knows how important this issue is, and he
worked very closely with Juanita Millender-McDonald and all of us who
have been involved on that issue. I know she championed it with great
enthusiasm.
I also would like to say she was a very proud alumna of the
University of Redlands. She went to the University of Redlands at age
40 and got her degree from the University of Redlands. One of the
reasons I am proud to point to that is the distinguished former
chairman, now ranking member of the Committee on Appropriations, Mr.
Lewis, has specifically asked me to raise this issue.
As I said, we were neighbors. As Speaker Pelosi correctly pointed
out, while a number of us knew that Juanita had not been well, very few
knew of the seriousness of her illness. I remember standing with my two
California colleagues, Ms. Watson and Mrs. Napolitano, just last week,
and we talked about making a video that we were going to provide for
Juanita because we knew she had not been well.
So her passing has come as a great shock to every single one of us.
She is the first woman to ever chair the Committee on House
Administration. She was a trailblazer on so many issues. Her passing is
a loss to my State of California and to this institution and to the
entire country.
Madam Speaker, at this point I am going to ask unanimous consent that
my California colleague, Mr. Calvert, be able to manage the time from
this point forward, and with that I reserve the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from California?
There was no objection.
Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I call on the gentlewoman from Michigan
(Ms. Kilpatrick), the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, for 3
minutes.
Ms. KILPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from
California for yielding me this time.
Today is the first day of the rest of our lives. I stand here to pay
tribute to my friend, my sister, chairwoman, Congresswoman Juanita
Millender-McDonald. I was asked earlier by an interviewer: How would
she like us to remember her? A leader, a fighter, a mother, a
grandmother, excellence bar none, first class, no shortcuts.
To Jim and Valerie and to the rest of the family, to the
grandchildren, just know you have her blood and you can do anything. No
limits; be the best.
As chairperson of the Congressional Black Caucus, we are honored to
have had her with us and teach us and show us the way. Juanita has been
special in this body, rising from mayor, city councilperson, the first
African American woman to chair the House Women's Caucus, and over the
last 11 years serving in this body, a special friend to me personally.
We many times talked about our families.
So my sister, Juanita, as you take your rest with the spirit of God,
we know you will watch over us and make

[[Page H3745]]

sure that we do our due. We know the family knows you are with them
forever.
To Jim, it's okay, we're here for you and we always will be.
So let us continue to rejoice. He makes no mistakes. We now have
extra protection in heaven.
On behalf of the entire body of the CBC, we are both remorseful and
reflective on the life and legacy of Representative Juanita Millender-
McDonald.
We are praying with and for her family and dear friends during this
season of grief.
Representative Millender-McDonald should be celebrated for her
abounding commitment to service and advocacy. During her 7-term tenure
as the eloquent voice of the 37th Congressional District, including
Long Beach, the industrial suburbs of Carson and Compton and parts of
south central Los Angeles.
As a former educator and recipient of a myriad of distinctions,
including:
First African American woman to chair a full committee in the U.S.
House of Representatives;
First African American woman to serve on the Carson City Council;
First African American woman to render the national Democratic
response to President Bush's weekly radio address;
First to be named Honorary Curator of the Museum of Latin American
Art in Long Beach;
First Democratic Chair of the Congressional Caucus for Women's
Issues.
Representative Millender-McDonald made certain to pave the way for
her firsts to not be the last for African Americans and Americans
across the globe.
Therefore, the CBC will continue to carry on the work of
Congresswoman Millender-McDonald as we change course, confront crises
and continue the legacy.
Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I am happy to yield 3 minutes to the
gentleman from California (Mr. Daniel E. Lungren).
Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of California. Madam Speaker, I rise to speak
on behalf of our departed colleague, Juanita Millender-McDonald, with
whom I only had the privilege of serving for the last 3 years, but who
was an office mate, had the office just down the hall from me my first
2 years back here this time around; and then I had the proud honor of
serving on House Administration with her.
More than that, she represented a portion of my hometown of Long
Beach, and we would often talk about our mutual interests in some of
the people and institutions there, particularly my love for Long Beach
Memorial Hospital in my hometown.
In every conversation I had with her, in every dealing I had with
her, she was very gracious, very generous of spirit, always upbeat. I
was surprised to hear of her illness and surprised to hear of her
passing because in every conversation I had with her, she never gave an
indication that she was in pain or suffering or in any way challenged
by this illness.
She seemed to radiate a fulfillment in being in this House and the
work she did. I know she was very proud of the people she represented,
her constituents, and I know she was proud of the communities she
represented. And I know she was proud of the firsts she represented,
both here in the Congress and in the California legislature.
This place is a tough place. We battle oftentimes over ideas and we
battle over ideology, and yet the human aspect of this place is
forgotten by many who look out or look upon us from the outside, but it
is always here. And I always enjoyed every encounter I had with
Juanita. She was a pleasure to work with. She was someone who took
great pride in our State of California, and I think she will be someone
who will be sorely missed in this House.
It is my pleasure to stand here and say good-bye, Juanita. I enjoyed
working with you. You will be missed.
Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, with pleasure I yield 3 minutes to Ms.
Barbara Lee from California.
Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise this
evening to offer my condolences to the family of our beloved Juanita
Millender-McDonald, to her husband, Jim, to her children, to her
grandchildren, her sisters, and to her entire family. My thoughts and
prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
I am reminded of the very many moments we shared together and how
precious and fun and engaging they were. I met Juanita over the
telephone when I called to congratulate her for, as the underdog,
winning the primary for the California Assembly in 1993 where I was
then serving.
Even in that first phone conversation, she conveyed such a strong
sense of purpose and focus, yet a deep message of sisterhood and
optimism about the future. Of course, Juanita won the general election
and came to the California legislature where she demonstrated her keen
intellect and her bipartisan legislative abilities as Chair of the
Revenue and Taxation Committee and as Chair of the Assembly Insurance
Committee.
Juanita, her husband, Jim, and her sister participated in a
delegation which I organized to five countries in Africa. Her
commitment to the continent and to diplomacy was recognized by all.
Juanita, though, recognized the challenges which I personally faced
as the organizer and leader of a delegation, most of whose members had
never been to Africa. In the most sensitive and loving manner, she
presented me with a beautiful Nambian wallet and passport carrier to
shore me up and to help me out, and I carry it to this day. You know it
was beautiful and well-made. Juanita had a keen sense of style, if you
remember how beautiful and elegant Juanita was always dressed.
She was a woman of distinction and class which brought her many
compliments, but she was also a woman of substance, with a keen
intellect, big heart and a passionate sense of justice.
She worked on many issues relating to the empowerment of women, HIV/
AIDS, orphans, a host of issues which history will record as improving
the lives of millions. Her annual AIDS walk was a source of pride and
joy as she shared with us the dos and the don'ts on how to put our own
together so we could replicate her success in our own communities.
Juanita was a giving person who shared her wisdom with her friends
and colleagues, and I will always remember her actions during the Bill
Clinton impeachment era where she organized a group of women to go to
the White House and meet with Mrs. Clinton in a show of support. It was
moments like these when you knew you were in the presence of a risk-
taker and a giant of a woman.
Juanita was a loving wife and mother and grandmother and sister.
Oftentimes she brought her beautiful grandchildren to the House floor
to give them a sense of her work and a sense of Congress, and to show
them off. I am deeply grateful to Juanita and to her family.
As the Scriptures say, well done, thy good and faithful servant.
Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Last week, as for many of us, I first heard about Juanita's illness.
That is surprising because there is a group of us on both sides of the
aisle that fly back and forth to California every week. I know there is
a lot of talk about partisanship nowadays, but we have a pretty close
group. Many times we sit next to each other on the airplane, and we
talk about parents and children and golf or whatever. And Juanita was
always a delight to be with, always had a positive attitude, always
someone you looked forward to seeing.
I was deeply saddened to hear of Juanita's sudden passing. I was
sitting at home writing a note to her this weekend; and, unfortunately,
that note can't be delivered. But I hope she is listening right now as
we state our condolences to her family and to her friends.
It has certainly been an honor for me to have worked with her for the
last 11 years that she served in Congress. She was a faithful
representative of her district.
I worked with her specifically on the C-17 factory in Long Beach,
California, where they make the great C-17 aircraft, and she was a
champion for that. She worked for the employees that worked at that
plant to make sure that the aircraft which is doing a wonderful job for
our country continues to be manufactured in Long Beach, California. As
a matter of fact, the last conversation I had with her was about what
we can do to keep that going.
There are no words I can use to convey the sense of loss when a
colleague passes. She was a champion, and a champion for California.
Our delegation will miss her very much. We will miss her smile.

[[Page H3746]]

I join all of my colleagues in supporting this bereavement resolution
and extend my sympathies to her families and friends. Juanita
Millender-McDonald was a patriot who faithfully served her country. Her
contributions and commitment will not be forgotten.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to give 3 minutes to the
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Zoe Lofgren).
Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, Juanita Millender-
McDonald touched our lives in different ways. I chair the California
Democratic delegation, and I can tell you that our delegation is
literally heartbroken over the loss of Juanita.
We meet every Wednesday as a delegation to sort through the issues
that face us not just as a Congress but as a State. And although we
know Juanita for her leadership in the Nation, those of us in
California are very proud of the special things she did for our State.

{time} 1945

There will be an empty spot at our meeting every Wednesday.
She was a trail blazer, as has been mentioned, a first so often: the
first California African American woman to chair two committees in the
California Assembly; the chairperson of the House Administration
Committee. But when I think of Juanita, I think of someone who had
tremendous dignity, tremendous style, tremendous poise. She knew that
she was a first, and it was important to her that she accomplish these
firsts with an eye to being a role model for young people around the
country and, indeed, around the world.
As Chair of the Committee on House Administration, where I also
serve, she worked so diligently to make sure that every vote would be
counted, that all Americans would be treated fairly and without
discrimination, and she was so happy to provide that leadership as
chairwoman of the committee. It is so unfair that we have lost her from
that position so prematurely.
Today, we mourn the passing of a great American, but we also
celebrate the legacy of public service that she leaves behind. Juanita
Millender-McDonald left this Chamber as she entered it, with poise and
spirit, fighting for those who could not fight for themselves.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to her husband, her five children,
her grandchildren, and we mourn her passing, not just today but every
day.
Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my colleague from
California (Mr. Doolittle).
Mr. DOOLITTLE. Madam Speaker, I was, like many of my colleagues,
shocked and deeply saddened to hear the news about Juanita. Grace
Napolitano had just brought by a nice card for Members to sign on
Friday, I think it was, and here I realize that she has passed away. I
just had no idea.
It was my privilege to serve with her in the House Administration
Committee when she was the ranking member, and Juanita was a passionate
advocate for her ideas and her beliefs. Sometimes she and I would argue
with each other, but it was never with any personal disagreement. I
liked her, I thought highly of her, and would just like to join with my
colleagues in acknowledging her fine service here in the House of
Representatives, her dedication to California, her desire to make a
difference.
I always admired her love and devotion to family, and I join with my
colleagues in saying that I will miss her, and I am very sorry that
this has happened.
Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to the
gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Capps).
Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague Diane Watson for her
leadership in gathering us together, and I rise with my colleagues to
extend my condolences, heartfelt, from this body to the family, to the
friends, to the constituents of Congresswoman Juanita Millender-
McDonald.
This is a somber hour because we are, as my colleague, the dean of
our California delegation, mentioned, we are heartsick over this loss,
and maybe it is because Juanita was such a striking presence, so
dynamic, so poised and articulate. When she entered a room, you knew
she was there; and now, today, as we gather so soon after we heard of
her death, just yesterday, walking through the doors of the Capitol, I
thought it is not the same place now because she is not going to be
there, wearing something striking, something beautiful, and with her
elegance and grace.
We will miss her. We will always miss her. She served in this place,
as she served her community and her family and her city council and the
State legislature, with such distinction, with passion and with
dedication for the benefit of her community and with enormous
patriotism.
This talented public servant was a champion for several years,
including fighting HIV/AIDS, improving women's health, encouraging
women in business, protecting voting rights, stopping the genocide in
Darfur. As I mention these issues, I think to myself her charge to us
this evening would be to stop the sweet talk about her and get busy and
solve these problems. That is the best thing we can do in her memory,
in her name.
She knew where the challenges lay in our country, in the way we go to
the polls and the fairness of our elections, the availability of the
opportunity to vote for every single American. She was not content. It
is not solved yet and we have to do this in her honor.
The genocide in Darfur, until that is a thing of the past, we cannot
rest. We have got to do this now for Juanita.
HIV and AIDS and all of the other things she cared about, now we have
an increased motivation, and that is how we can turn our sorrow into
something positive, the way she did with her life.
We have heard from our colleagues this evening, and we will hear many
things, but in particular, I want to speak today as I follow in her
footsteps as cochair of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues.
During the 107th Congress, she was cochair of the Caucus for Women's
Issues, serving ably with Congresswoman Judy Biggert.
Under their leadership, the women's caucus initiated the first annual
Memorial Day tribute to women in the military at the Women's Memorial
at Arlington National Cemetery. Now this event, thanks to Juanita, has
become an annual tradition and highlights the caucus' strong commitment
to supporting our brave women in uniform. I know Juanita will be proud
of us as we continue in this tradition.
As cochair of that caucus, Congresswoman Millender-McDonald also
convened the first meeting between women Members of Congress and the
Supreme Court Justices Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Gingsberg in
order to discuss issues of national importance to women, especially in
the judicial area.
On a personal moment, I will never forget the first time I met with
my colleague, Congresswoman Millender-McDonald. It was during a very
difficult moment in my life after the passing of my husband Walter. The
first thing I knew she was there in my district with every single one
of her staff members to help me to succeed him in office. It was a very
rainy time, and there they all were, walking precincts in my district,
and that was how I met Juanita Millender-McDonald.
She made a special effort to reach out to me and to my family in ways
that were very meaningful to me. She shared with me that her father was
a preacher like mine was, so we had that kind of bond as well. And I
know it has been mentioned how ferociously she worked on issues like
the C-17 and the Alameda Corridor, but if you ever flew with her in her
service on the Transportation Committee, you knew very well that she
wanted that airline to work for, not her, but for all of us Members and
all of the passengers, and she made sure whatever flight we were on was
going to be on time to the best of her ability.
These are stories that I am not going to ever forget and I want to be
grateful for her kindness to me, and pledge during this very
challenging time in my life, she was there for me, and now we reach out
to her family members. All of us are going to miss our colleague and
our thoughts and prayers are with her during this difficult time.
It was just pictured, such a wonderful picture of Juanita Millender-
McDonald in her local paper, the Los Angeles Sentinel, and ironically,
it is dated Thursday, April 22, and that was when she took leave. And
who would have known on the paper in her community

[[Page H3747]]

that just a few days later she would be gone. But I think it would be
befitting her to have this entered in the Congressional Record in
memory of Juanita.

[From the Los Angeles Sentinel, April 19, 2007]

Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald Will Take Four to Six Weeks
Off To Seek Treatment for Cancer

(By Yussuf J. Simmonds)

Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald is taking a leave
of absence until May 25 in order to seek proper care and
spend quality time with her family after being diagnosed with
cancer.
It had been rumored for some time that her health was
troubling especially since she had been placed on the
``prayer list'' at her local church, Second Baptist Church in
Los Angeles. However, she has always been a fighter for the
community and now the community stands ready to return her
hard work and efforts on its behalf with prayer and best
wishes.
McDonald is currently serving her seventh term in Congress
representing the 37th Congressional District, which includes
parts of Carson, Compton, Long Beach, Los Angeles and Signal
Hill. Presently, she is the chairwoman of the House
Administration Committee, the first Black woman to hold that
position. As chairwoman, she has investigated the voting
irregularities and disenfranchisement in Ohio, which was the
first election reform field hearing in Congressional history.
Glamour Magazine recently dubbed her as ``one of the eleven
women who will change the world'' and a recent news report
cited her as one of the five most effective members of
Congress because of her ability to reach across party lines
to effectively move bipartisan legislation.
Congresswoman Barbara Lee, the vice chair of the
Congressional Black Caucus and the representative of the 9th
Congressional District of California, extended warm greetings
to her colleague and offered these words of comfort.
``Our prayers are with Congresswoman McDonald and her
family. We wish her a speedy recovery and hope that her
leadership and courage will soon be back with us in the
nation's capital,'' Lee said.
Councilman Isadore Hall of Compton's Fourth District was
touched when he received word of her health concerns.
``Right now we are holding her up in deep prayer and hoping
for a speedy recovery,'' said Hall. ``Certainly her presence
will be missed, but we know she has competent staff who will
be able to move swiftly with the agenda she has set for the
community.''
This is not the first time that McDonald has faced health
issues. In 2005, she underwent major surgery for an unknown
illness. Last year, her son, R. Keith McDonald, requested a
furlough from his 41-month prison sentence for political
corruption charges in order to see to her condition at the
time.
The judge granted him a six-month release but again, there
was no official comment from McDonald on her condition then
and there is no comment now if either incident is related to
her current situation.
Dr. William Epps, pastor of Second Baptist Church where
McDonald is a parishioner, relayed his thoughtfulness by
saying that he stays ``in touch with her weekly'' and that
``I'm keeping her in prayer for strength as she faces her
health.''
She reportedly will maintain a limited schedule
particularly in her district and this apparently will be to
expedite her recovery process. She has requested respect for
her privacy at present and all of her constituents have
offered their prayers and best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from
Michigan (Mr. Ehlers).
Mr. EHLERS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
I first met Juanita Millender-McDonald in the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure, which is a wonderful committee, and
I am sure the current Chair would agree with that. A great diversity of
tasks there, and I came to know her at that committee.
I was amazed at Ms. Millender-McDonald in a number of ways. You just
heard the previous speaker talk about her grace and elegance. That was
apparent from the moment you saw her and talked to her.
She and I became rather good friends because it happened that her
father was a pastor, and my father was also a pastor. There is a
special bond between preachers' kids or PKs as they are called, and we
used to jokingly discuss the need to develop a PK caucus in the
Congress so that we could address major issues of the times,
particularly those with a moral or human content to them.
Our friendship continued over the years, and I have to confess, I was
continually amazed at new things I discovered in Juanita Millender-
McDonald.
First of all, just imagine being born African American in 1938 in
Alabama and becoming the first African American woman to chair a
committee in the Congress. That is a long and difficult road, and she
traversed that road, once again, with elegance and grace.
After having five children, she went back to school, received a
bachelor's degree and then became a teacher. She later went back to
school again and obtained a master's degree, showing amazing
persistence and drive to do that. She then entered the political arena,
became the mayor of the city in her district, and then later the State
Assembly, and then the Congress.
So she had considerable drive and interests in serving others, and
that stood out from the moment you first met her.
But I found it interesting, too, on a personal relationship, she was
a good friend of mine but a very private person, and I was dismayed
recently to find out that she had cancer because she had never
discussed this with me and never alluded to it in our discussions. I
knew something was wrong, but I did not know what. I wish I had known
so I could have offered her more comfort and help.
We have had our amusing moments as well. One time she insisted in
talking far past her limit in our committee when I was chairman, and I
gaveled her out of order, which she refused to admit and kept talking.
So I gaveled louder and she kept talking, and I gaveled louder yet,
until she could no longer speak. She was not pleased with that. But
when she became the chairwoman, I called her to congratulate her and I
said, now, I fully expect you to gavel me out of order every
opportunity you get, and that was the type of relationship we had.
In spite of our differences of party, in spite of occasional
differences in perspective and differences on how we should accomplish
things in this Congress, we remained good friends throughout. And I
think because of that, together, we were able to accomplish a great
deal in that committee this past year, and we were continuing to do
that this year under her leadership.
We have lost a good friend. We have lost a good compatriot. We have
lost a good Member of Congress. It is not easy to deal with that type
of loss, and our comfort is that she is in a better place, that she has
served our country well. She has served her people well. I am sure as a
teacher she served her students well. I think she has left the Congress
a better place because of her having been here and with the example
that she set for us.

{time} 2000

Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to Mr. Oberstar of
Minnesota.
Mr. OBERSTAR. Madam Speaker, it was shortly after the election in
which Juanita Millender-McDonald was elected to the Congress, she
called on my office. I was the ranking member on the Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee.
She came to see me about service on our committee. I had learned a
little about her background, and I was surprised. I thought she would
be more interested in Judiciary or International Relations, but when I
asked why she wanted to serve on this nuts and bolts committee, she
said, well, I have the Alameda Corridor in my district. And if I heard
Alameda Corridor from her once, I heard it 50 times. It was incessant,
it was a refrain, it was a passionate advocacy. I, of course, did
support her candidacy for the committee.
Then, when the assignments were given out, she came calling again,
said, I want to know more about what this committee does. What are all
these responsibilities? What does this subcommittee's work mean on
public buildings and grounds and economic development?
When I laid out the picture that this committee has jurisdiction over
367 million square feet of Federal civilian office space, she was
excited. Well, there are things we can do here.
It was just such an enlightenment and so exciting to see a new Member
enthused about the work of the committee and wanting to understand it
and grasp and understand it.
The other thing that I have observed over the years, I have watched,
as many of our colleagues have, as have the gentleman from Michigan and
the

[[Page H3748]]

gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier) who spoke so warmly and touching
earlier, I see Members come in and they scratch and claw to get a
committee assignment. Then they get on a committee, and they scratch
and claw to get their subcommittee assignments. Then when you are there
presiding or working, for so many years as the ranking member, you turn
around, where are they? You don't see them again. Juanita Millender-
McDonald showed up for work, every time.
What was also touching was when another committee assignment
conflicted, she would come in, sit down, be checked in, look at the
committee agenda and the information, then she would come over and say
would you please hold me excused, I have to go to another committee
because something else is happening. You don't see that happening very
often, the conscientiousness that she displayed about her service in
the Congress. She took it seriously, learned it well.
When we were crafting the Tea-21 legislation, she wanted to be a part
of shaping the minority business enterprise provisions. She was on the
floor to advocate for them. Her whole career was one of dedication to
service, but she was a person, a mother, a wife, a human being, warm
and caring. When she walked into a room and offered that smile, clouds
parted, lights went on and Juanita Millender-McDonald was there for us.
She will always be in my heart, in our hearts.
Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to my colleague from
American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega).
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I thank the distinguished gentleman from
California, my colleague, for extending me time from his part and
recognizing the fact that we have so many on this side of the aisle to
offer their remarks, especially in honoring Ms. Juanita Millender-
McDonald.
Madam Speaker, like all my colleagues in attendance this evening in
this Chamber, we were all surprised and shocked to learn of the
untimely death of our distinguished gentle lady from the great State of
California, Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald.
Some of you may be surprised to know that when I was serving as
Lieutenant Governor some 24 years ago, I knew Juanita. She was a dear
friend, but she was serving at that time as a member of the city
council in the city of Carson, California. We collaborated often in
addressing the economic and social needs of the members of my Samoan
community living in the cities of Carson, Compton and even Long Beach.
Next thing I learned, Juanita was elected as a member of the California
State Assembly, and then finally she was elected as a Member of
Congress.
Juanita was passionate about the needs of the poor and the destitute.
I know our Samoan community throughout the Los Angeles area all mourn
the loss of this great and gentle lady. She truly was a dear friend to
me, and members of the Samoan community are going to feel the loss of
her presence. She lived life to the fullest. I know we are here to
celebrate her life, although we also mourn her absence from the Halls
of this great institution.
On behalf of our Samoan community throughout the Los Angeles area, we
convey our deepest sympathies and condolences to Juanita, her husband,
and all the members of her family. I recall the Good Book, and it is my
sincere hope that they may all be comforted with our Savior's promise,
blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
I may also say in our Samoan culture, when someone passes away, we
don't say that the person has died. We just simply say, be well in your
voyage. And I would like to say this in my language, Juanita, ia manuia
lau faigamalaga. God bless.
Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlelady from
Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 additional minute to the
gentlelady from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman from Texas is recognized for
3 minutes.
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank the distinguished gentlelady from
California (Ms. Watson) for her dedicated commitment and Mr. Calvert,
two Californians who have come together on this sad but really
commemorative time.
Madam Speaker, I want to lift my voice a little bit, because there
are some things that we say in the church about home-going services or
memorials, is that they are, in fact, a celebration of life. I clearly
believe that as I have listened to my colleagues, and as I will
continue to listen to my colleagues, we really are celebrating Juanita
Millender-McDonald's life. We are celebrating our friendship and how we
care for her, how she cared for us.
My first remarks are that our mayor has fallen, the mayor of our
city, the City of Congress, the comings and goings of Members and
staff, traffic and various personnel, law enforcement. This was her
love, as she first started as a ranking member of the House
Administration Committee and then had the honor of being appointed by
the new Speaker of the House, a woman, to be the chairwoman of the
House Administration Committee.
But I do want to say, before I comment further, that Juanita had a
bigger smile when she was around her husband, Jim, her five children
and her grandchildren. She sparkled when she brought her grandchildren
to the floor of the House and made sure that everybody knew those
beautiful and lovely children who, in fact, seemed to have a very
strong and proud bond with their grandmother. They were proud of this
regal woman who came to the floor of the House as a Member of the
United States Congress.
Juanita was a doer, and she used to often speak of her beginnings
with a Baptist father, preacher, a close-knit family, and her deep
roots in Birmingham, Alabama, knowing what a segregated South was all
about, a segregated America. Though she fought against it, she didn't
let it bring her down, discourage her. Off she went to California, and
she became a true daughter of California, with all of the attributes
that great State allows you to have.
She did things to make life better. She had a great sense of hope and
spirit about her women's march against AIDS, and each year the numbers
kept growing up and up and up. She would tell me, coming back,
thousands of women marched against HIV/AIDS to find a cure, to stop the
devastation in women. We were so proud when, for the first time, she
was able to bring us together around women in the military.
The last time I was there, the curator of that museum said, you know,
Juanita started this. We now have become so important because of
Juanita.
Then, of course, she worked with the library and those workers over
there. Juanita was someone who believed in getting things done, not for
herself, but for others.
As I close, let me thank Marcy Kaptur for giving this very special
commemoration that has Nancy Pelosi's name on it, the votes that Nancy
won by, Marcy's name as an elector or counter, tally person, and there
is Juanita Millender-McDonald, who had, as her final work, the true
integrity and transparency of elections all over America. Truly, we
want to thank her, we love her. We love you, Juanita. This is a
celebration of your life.
Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, may I inquire how much time is remaining
on both sides.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from California has 12 minutes
remaining. The gentlewoman from California has 12\1/2\ minutes
remaining.
Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
California (Mr. Baca).
(Mr. BACA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, yesterday the House of Representatives, the
State of California, and the Nation, lost a leader and a good friend of
ours, Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald. We certainly will miss
her. My wife, Barbara, and I extend a heartfelt condolence to her
family, friends, staff, children, her five grandchildren and to Jim.
Today we pay tribute to a real trailblazer, a pioneer, the first
African American woman to chair a committee, a positive role model, a
person who created hope for many individuals, a person who was a well
liked and well respected individual.
In a role as a public servant, she touched the lives of many
individuals.

[[Page H3749]]

Here in the House, I have heard many individuals talk about how she was
a nice person and how she was well liked.
As Chair of House Administration she worked closely with the
Congressional TriCaucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and the
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus in trying to obtain the
fairness and equality for all of us. She was pleasant to work with. I
have had the opportunity to work with Juanita and served with her in
the California State Assembly prior to coming to Washington, DC.
She has always been a strong advocate for the poor, the disadvantaged
and those that were underrepresented. I know that she spent much time
going into my district and speaking to a lot of the poor and
disadvantaged in San Bernardino, in the Inland Empire, because she
cared about the poor, not only in that area, but she cared about equal
representation. She wanted to ensure that we had the numbers or bodies
of people who represent us here in Congress. She worked for me in my
campaign when I first ran out there.
She worked with me also in a variety of areas, but one of those that
has been mentioned tonight has been the Alameda Corridor. She really
took it to heart because she knew the Alameda Corridor and what it
meant was a lifeline to California, to Southern California, in the area
of transportation, not only to the L.A. International Airport, but
Ontario International Airport that is also affiliated with that area.
Juanita really believed, because she knew the infrastructure and the
growth and the population in the area, and she put a high priority on
transportation. She was a friend and a loyal supporter, and I am
grateful.
As a friend, she will be deeply missed, but she will not be
forgotten. She fought for justice, she fought for equality so that all
individuals will not experience the prejudice and racism that most of
us have experienced throughout our life, that she wanted life to be
better for others. She is a strong voice for many. Juanita Millender-
McDonald will be remembered for her dedication to public service,
tireless work on behalf of her constituents, and standing for the
rights of women and minorities, and, overall, her desire to make our
country a better place.
We love you, Juanita Millender-McDonald.

{time} 2015

Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
North Carolina (Mr. Butterfield).
Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I too rise this evening to honor the
life and work of my colleague and friend, Congresswoman Juanita
Millender-McDonald, who has passed from labor to reward.
Juanita was a warm and caring individual. She worked very hard in
this body to improve quality of life for all Americans. As a faithful
member of the Congressional Black Caucus she also spoke of the urgency
of eradicating poverty and eliminating disparities in education and
health care and wealth. She spoke for those who could not speak for
themselves. My constituents, the 660,000 people of the First District
of North Carolina, are grateful for the service of Congresswoman
Millender-McDonald.
I join my colleagues this evening in saying to the family of this
great woman, you had a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother. Her love of
humanity and work on behalf of disadvantaged people everywhere ensures
that she is in heaven and free of the suffering she had to endure. May
God bless the soul of this great American.
Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of our time.
Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from
California, Linda Sanchez.
Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, it is with sadness
that I join my colleagues here on the floor this evening to pay tribute
to a colleague who we lost far too soon.
I was saddened to hear the news yesterday of Congresswoman Juanita
Millender-McDonald's passing. Juanita was really a woman of many
firsts, who broke down countless barriers for women and for African
Americans.
While the history books no doubt will list the numerous
accomplishments of her long career, I will remember her best as a
champion for economic opportunity and empowerment for the people of
Long Beach and Los Angeles. I was pleased to have had the opportunity
to work with her on many issues important to the communities shared by
our adjacent districts. When workers, for example, in our communities
who assembled the C-17 aircraft, faced the prospect of their assembly
plant shutting down and losing their jobs, Juanita led the fight to
make sure that those jobs were not lost. And she succeeded, and
hundreds of people's lives are better off today thanks to her hard
work.
When I first joined Congress, Juanita took the time and made a
special effort to introduce me to many of the local leaders in the
African-American communities that straddle our districts. This was very
thoughtful of her and I will always be in her debt for it.
We here in Congress will certainly miss her insight, her experience,
and her energy. And I will most certainly miss her beautiful smile and
her unforgettable style because she truly is an unforgettable woman.
I am sure that her constituents will miss her tireless advocacy on
their behalf. They and we have lost a fine public servant, and we have
lost a tremendously fine colleague. But most of all, my thoughts
tonight are with her husband, their children and grandchildren, and
their extended family. I wish them all the strength during this
difficult time, and I want them to know that Juanita is truly an
incredible woman who shall not be forgotten.
Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the
gentlelady from Santa Ana, California (Ms. Loretta Sanchez).
Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, I thank my
colleague from California.
Juanita Millender-McDonald was my friend. I used to love coming into
the Chamber and sitting down next to her and asking, ``What's up,
what's going on,'' because Juanita knew. She knew what was going on in
the Congress. She was the mayor of Congress, if you will, being the
chairwoman of the House Administration Committee. And Juanita knew what
was going on back in California.
When I first decided to run for Congress and nobody knew, Juanita
called me up and said, ``I'm stuck on the freeway, but I'm coming down
to walk precincts with you. So let's hope the sun stays up and we get
to go and walk together.'' And we did, and that is how I met Juanita
Millender-McDonald.
When I first came to the Congress, and coming as a young woman which,
quite frankly, 12 years ago there weren't a lot of us, it was always
very difficult and hard to be accepted. It is always hard to find your
way in the Congress. But Juanita was right there. She was like a
touchstone. She was somebody that I could talk to and tell her my
frustrations or the happy points here. She really is what I would call
a friend, and to many of us here she was a friend. She is a friend back
in her district.
I wish the people of the United States really understood the work
that Juanita did. The Alameda Corridor was her dream. It was her
project. This was the project to move goods that come to this country
from the port across and through L.A. and out into the rest of the
United States. When you think of the fact that 50 percent of everything
that comes into the United States comes through the ports that were
right there at Juanita's side, you would understand how important it
was to each and every American. You see, if that cargo didn't leave
L.A., if you were an auto worker in Tennessee, building a car, and you
were waiting for inventory just in time, it wouldn't get there in time
if it hadn't been for Juanita. And last year on the very last day of
the 109th Congress, we passed the Safe Port Act. That really was
Juanita's legislation.
She will be remembered for a long time in this country and in this
Congress. Juanita, and to her family, I love her.
Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlelady from
Texas, Eddie Bernice Johnson.
Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I thank my
colleague for the time.
I rise with great sadness to remember my friend, my sorority sister
in the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and my colleague, Juanita Millender-
McDonald. And I want to extend my deep

[[Page H3750]]

condolences to her husband James, her children, friends, and loved
ones.
I was privileged to serve with her on the Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee, and her diligent service is evident in many
of California's roads, bridges, and highways. I worked with her when
she was cochair of the Congressional Women's Caucus. She did it with
such charm, grace, poise, and dignity. This body is diminished and
dismayed by her sudden absence, but we were inspired and enriched by
her presence.
Her spirit will live on. Her work will be felt by those who don't
even know she helped. We celebrate her life. It was a wonderful,
wonderful life. And we love her and her family.
Madam Speaker, I rise with great sadness to remember my friend, my
sorority sister and my colleague, Juanita Millender-McDonald. I want to
extend my deep condolences to her husband, James, her children, friends
and loved ones.
As chairwoman of the Committee on House Administration, Congresswoman
Millender-McDonald will be recorded in history as the first African-
American woman to chair a full committee of the House.
Those of us privileged to know and work with her will remember her
tireless advocacy for justice and her example of meaningful public
service.
Throughout her career, Congresswoman Millender-McDonald was a friend
to women's causes and to young people. Her work to end human
trafficking and slow the transmission of AIDS has improved countless
lives.
The results of her work--improved lives for women and girls
worldwide, expanded voting rights for the disenfranchised, greater
assistance for the sick and the poor--are a testament to her character.
From the beginning, Congresswoman Millender-McDonald was a
trailblazer:
She was the first African-American woman to serve on the Carson,
California City Council.
In her first term in the California State Assembly, she became the
first woman to chair two powerful committees.
She was the first African-American woman to give the national
Democratic response to President Bush's weekly radio address as well.
But for all her firsts, Congresswoman Millender-McDonald was also a
champion for the least and the last. She fought injustice wherever she
found it: Whether in the voting booth, the classroom, the research lab,
or the workplace.
Congresswoman Millender-McDonald rigorously investigated widespread
voting irregularities and disenfranchisement.
She was a vocal opponent of genocide around the world and a tireless
fighter for human rights.
Her Mother-to-Child HIV/AIDS Transmission Act became the President's
$15 billion African AIDS initiative.
Congresswoman Millender-McDonald also worked to increase diabetes
research in minority and female populations; she pushed the Department
of Education to improve the dismal dropout rates among minority high
school students and secured millions to reduce the backlog of Equal
Employment Opportunity complaints.
The first time voters in Ohio can feel more confident their votes
will count because of Congresswoman Millender-McDonald.
The elderly diabetics in her home State of Alabama have a better
chance of avoiding amputation because of her.
She had a hand in granting diplomas to thousands of Native American
students growing up on reservations; and countless girls in Cambodia
and Sudan have her to thank for a childhood free from kidnapping and
assault. They may never know where to direct their gratitude, but the
alleviation of their suffering stands as her lasting legacy.
Her influence is also inscribed on the physical landscape of
California's 37th district. I was privileged to serve with her on the
Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and her diligent service is
evident in many of California's roads, bridges and highways.
Congresswoman Miliender-McDonald's record of exemplary public service
includes life memberships in the NAACP and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
She served on the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Board of
Directors, and founded the League of African-American Women.
Congresswoman Millender-McDonald also founded the Young Advocates to
train young people for political leadership.
This body is diminished and dismayed by her sudden absence, but we
were inspired and enriched by her presence.
Her commitment to equal opportunity, civil and human rights will be
greatly missed.
Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Georgia (Mr. Scott).
Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. Madam Speaker, this is indeed a solemn
occasion, but it is also an occasion to celebrate.
On each of our obituaries at that time, there are three things that
are mentioned: the year you were born, the year you died, and then
there is the dash. It is what you do with the dash, what you do with
your life. And the life that we are here to celebrate, Juanita
Millender-McDonald's life, was one of greatness and sacrifice and
commitment, serving on the city council, serving in the State
legislature of California, and then in the Congress of the United
States. Traveling around the world wherever the need was, whether it
was in Africa, Middle East, in the Caribbean, she cared.
Juanita Millender-McDonald fought the good fight, she kept the faith,
and there is indeed put up for her an outstanding crown of
righteousness, and we all thank God for having Ms. Juanita Millender-
McDonald pass our way.
Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Georgia (Mr. Bishop).
Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, my wife Vivian, all of our
colleagues here in the Congress, and all of the hundreds of workers
here on Capitol Hill were deeply saddened to learn of the death of our
friend and colleague, Juanita Millender-McDonald.
Words are never adequate at a time of loss. Only one who has worn the
garment of bereavement can truly understand the pain that comes when a
family must confront the inevitable that one has been taken from its
midst. Yet, upon prayerful reflection we must all allow our tears to
melt into joy, because truly we have been blessed to have known, to
love, and to have been a part of the life of this very, very
exceptional woman.
Juanita was a lady of achievement, of service, of public distinction,
of beauty, of grace, of dignity. She was elegant and she was eloquent.
She was the epitome of refinement, but she was committed. She was
intellectual, she was a lady of principle, and she was an advocate for
justice.
Juanita was a person of great courage. She took on the toughest
fight, but she fought it with dignity. Even in her illness, she took on
that tough fight. I was happy to call her my friend, but I was happier
for her to call me friend and confidante.
The poet wrote, ``Full many a gem of purest ray serene, the dark
unfathomed caves of oceans bear; full many a flower is born to blush
unseen, and waste its sweetness on the desert air.'' We are blessed and
so happy that Juanita's sweetness was not wasted, but that we and the
world are better because she was here.
We wish Godspeed and the consolation of the Holy Spirit for her
husband, her children, and her grandchildren as we share in your loss
and bid our good friend and colleague farewell.
Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
North Carolina (Mr. Watt).
Mr. WATT. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time. I
join with my colleagues in expressing sympathy and paying tribute to
our friend and colleague, Juanita Millender-McDonald.
When you serve in a body of 435 people, you get to know some of the
Members by face, some by name, and then you get to know some close up
and personal. When you serve as chair of the Congressional Black
Caucus, as I did for the last 2 years, you get to know your members on
a close personal basis, and you get to know who will stand with you and
fight, who will support you, who will cover your back for you. And that
is how I got to know Juanita Millender-McDonald, because I knew she
would stand and fight for what she believed in and she would be a
friend.
So I remember her first and foremost as a friend and colleague, and
pay tribute to her family and express my sincere condolences.

{time} 2030

Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from
Ohio, Stephanie Tubbs Jones.
Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I want to thank my colleague,
Diane Watson, for organizing this event.
You know, when I think of Juanita Millender-McDonald, I think of this

[[Page H3751]]

piece of poetry called ``A Phenomenal Woman.'' In one of the lines in
that piece of poetry, it says, ``Does my sexiness upset you? Do you
find it awful hard that I dance like I have oil wells growing in my
back yard?'' And Juanita was like that. She danced and she walked and
she showed off, and that is what I loved most about her.
When I came to Congress, I learned that we had Alabama roots. I
learned that she was an AKA and I was a Delta. And on the floor of the
House I would wear pink, and she would say, oh, you look good in that
pink. And I would say, oh it is only faded red that I have on, because
Deltas wore red.
We talked about issues affecting women. It was as a result of her
work and that of Bob Ney that I had an opportunity to bring the
Secretary of State of Ohio before a hearing and get him to answer
questions. I thank Juanita for that, to my best.
But I think the thing that Juanita and I talked about most, and my
words are to you, Keith, that she loved you. We talked about our sons.
And African American sons are so important in the lives of mothers. And
we used to talk about you. And I used to talk about Mervyn. And she
loved her daughters, but we talked about our boys.
And I just want to say to the family, Jim and all, that we here in
the Congress will miss Juanita Millender-McDonald. But the thing that
we will always remember is she was right there on that aisle, right
there, just sitting there talking, smiling, walking, being involved.
And we thank God for Juanita Millender-McDonald.
And, God, you know, AKAs came first, but the Deltas were second. So I
will always think of her as my sister. We are from the same root.
Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, as my final speaker, I yield 3 minutes to
the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher), who has also had a
difficult week. He lost his brother this week, and our condolences are
with him, also.
Mr. ROHRABACHER. Madam Speaker, I lost two people who were very dear
to me this last week, and one was my brother, who passed away Thursday
morning, and Juanita, who just passed away on Sunday.
It is really an amazing thing as I have thought about this, just
about how similar these two people were, because my brother was very,
very active in politics, but he was really non-ideological. He was
someone who had a very good heart and was a very generous person, was
always looking forward trying to help people get something done. Does
that remind of you anybody else?
That was Juanita. I mean, there wasn't an ornery bone in her body.
And in politics, you know, we get kicked around and beat up a lot and
people lie to us, and people say bad things about us, and I never saw
Juanita ever get mean or vengeful at all towards anybody.
And we used to travel back and forth in the airplane. I see some of
my friends here who traveled on that same flight. And it was always
such a joy to be with her and to spend 4 and 5 hours at a time going
across the country. And you can't say that about everybody. Who else do
you want to spend 4 or 5 hours with?
She was a wonderful person. She had a wonderful heart.
And my brother wasn't as successful as Juanita. When he passed away,
he really didn't have a lot of professional success.
Juanita, as we have heard today, had enormous professional and
personal success in her life, being a woman who reached up to the
height here of power and authority and influence here in Washington, DC
and our Nation's Capital.
But you know what? Whether it was that or whether it was my poor
brother who passed away, both of them died of liver cancer, I might
add. Both of them died of liver cancer, just so close to each other.
But, you know, when they lay us down in our casket, no matter what we
have accomplished in the material world, it is what we have done to try
to help others, how good a heart we have, how generous we have been to
other people, not just financially, but with our time and with our love
and with our caring. Those are the things that we carry with us.
I believe my brother, he was a very accomplished and successful
person in that way. And we certainly know that today, Juanita was a
wonderful success in her life. She cared about people. She never was
captured by the meanness and orneriness that comes with politics
sometimes.
She always wanted to get things done. She worked with me. Our
districts came together in Long Beach and we worked together on so many
programs for the people of Long Beach, especially in the areas of
transportation and water and health care, and she was always there
trying to talk to me, saying what can we get done.
I am a conservative Republican and she was a Democrat, but she always
wanted to work together to try to do things to help other people. So I
am very proud tonight to stand up and say that I will miss Juanita. I
am going to miss my brother, obviously. But this world has lost two
wonderful souls, two wonderful human beings. And I am pleased to add my
voice tonight to say, goodbye, Juanita, and we are going to miss you.
You had lots of love in your heart, and we love you. Bye-bye.
Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from
California, Hilda Solis.
Ms. SOLIS. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the gentlewoman from
Los Angeles, Congresswoman Watson, for holding this special event here
for us to talk about one of our colleagues.
You know, I haven't been here very long in the Congress; but when I
came in 2001, I knew that I had a friend here. Juanita Millender-
McDonald at that time served as caucus Chair for the Women's Caucus and
led the fight in so many ways for justice for women. And particularly,
as a woman of color, she knew how deeply important it was to set
herself up as a role model for all of us.
I remember her coming back and talking to me about events she did in
her district. Every year annually she would raise funds and give grants
out to domestic violence shelters and programs, and how she would have
a big event with her community, and she kept inviting me. Hilda, you
have got to see what we are doing out in our area; and it is something
that you should take a look at.
She was there. She fought so hard for us during the Women's Caucus as
she served her tenure, helping to promote women in the military. And
she was very adamantly strongly, strongly supportive of women in the
military.
And I know that her family, right now, needs our prayers and
thoughts, and we send those from our community and from my family, from
my husband and myself, and want to thank her for all that she did to
fight for us, for our transportation funding in Southern California,
for the ACE project, which affects so many of the L.A. delegation
members, and for her strong work and advocacy for people of color
affected by HIV and AIDS.
So I want to thank her. And it is fitting to say that this evening,
because this evening, after we finish our discussions here, we are
going to talk about the uninsured. And Lord knows that our communities
of color share a heavy burden, disparate treatment, disparities that
exist with chronic illnesses, and one of those being cancer,
particularly African-American women who many, many times go
undiagnosed. We need to do more in this area. And so we think of her
today. We honor her, and we thank her family for the time that she
served with us here on Earth.
Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, may I inquire how much time is remaining
on both sides.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. You have 1 minute, and the gentlewoman has
1\1/2\ minutes.
Mr. CALVERT. I would close, Madam Speaker, by saying that we heard
many great stories about Juanita and remembrances of her life, and we
have lost a great friend, a great champion for our home State of
California, and a great champion for our country. And as we mourn her
loss, our condolences are shared with her family. Godspeed, Juanita.
Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to Ms. Marcy Kaptur
from Ohio.
Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I can say that Congresswoman Millender-
McDonald would be so happy to see Congresswoman Yvette Clarke in the

[[Page H3752]]

chair tonight. And I thank Congresswoman Diane Watson for her
compassionate service and certainly for this memorial service tonight.
And I extend deepest condolences on behalf of the people of Ohio to the
family of our beloved Congresswoman, Juanita Millender-McDonald, her
husband, Jim, her children, her grandchildren.
Having had the great pleasure of serving with her during her entire
tenure, let me say, when I think of Juanita, I think of a woman who was
resilient, who was strong, determined, refined, accomplished,
persevering and, indeed, courageous, a pioneer with a great sense of
humor and, as a minister's daughter, a boundless sense of hope.
Even today, for a woman to chair a full committee of this House is a
rarity. And for an African-American woman, she created the mold, the
first African-American woman in the history of this country to chair a
full committee in this House.
Just a few weeks ago, a new volume of ``Women of Congress'' was
published, and hers is the first name in that volume, commissioned by
order of the Chair of the House Administration Committee, Juanita
Millender-McDonald.
There are some people who teach us how to live and indeed, she did.
And many people can teach us how to die, and she has done that with her
great dignity and her courage.
Just a few weeks ago, when Nancy Pelosi of California was sworn in as
our first Speaker, I had the great honor of being one of the two
Democratic tellers. Juanita, as Chair of the House Administration
Committee, sat to my right. I shall never forget that moment, and I
think she lived partly for that moment.
May her strength comfort her family in these trying moments of
bereavement. I believe God holds close those who journey toward the
light in this Easter and Passover season. And may the angels of mercy
lift her and lift the spirits of those who love her and bring comfort
and bring peace.
Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald
was a remarkably committed legislator. As the first African-American
woman to chair a full committee in Congress, she was deeply dedicated
to the work of the House Administration Committee. Through her chair,
she was working on landmark legislation to ensure the integrity of our
voting system.
At home, Representative Millender-McDonald worked every day for her
constituents on the issues of healthcare, economic development and
housing. Representative Millender-McDonald was engaged in a serious
effort to revitalize the public housing in her district and was
involved in a series of tours and meetings with the Secretary of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Alphonso Jackson, at both Imperial
Courts and Nickerson Gardens aimed at providing better housing options
for her constituents.
Recently, we joined together to lend our voices to the chorus of
community leaders and residents in a successful effort to extend
funding for Martin Luther King Hospital.
Representative Millender-McDonald will be missed not only by her
constituents in the 37th district, but by all of the people who were
touched by her service.
Ms. HARMAN. Madam Speaker, in my office is a wonderful photograph of
Juanita and I, arms raised in victory, It was taken as I announced my
intention to run for Governor of California in 1998. She was right
there, and I was clearly buoyed by her presence. Our friendship was
forged in that tough campaign, and it remained strong.
Juanita was a popular and highly regarded Member of this House. Those
are not easy things to achieve in a very competitive workplace, so it
is worth asking how she did it.
First, she was a loyal friend. Once she decided to endorse or support
you, she never flinched--no matter how hot the heat. And second, she
was a pro. She had a clear idea of what legislators can do, and she
worked hard.
The results are obvious. Juanita Millender-McDonald served
California's 37th congressional district well.
When she came to Congress, she decided to add ``Millender'' to her
name in order to honor her mother. Surely she honored her mother. But
she also honored her constituents--and this Congress.
A good friend, superb colleague and class act, Juanita, you will be
missed.
Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy
heart as I remember my dear friend and colleague, Congresswoman Juanita
Millender-McDonald. Juanita passed away April 22nd in her home State of
California. She will be remembered as a strong woman and formidable
legislator who broke down many barriers by becoming the first African-
American woman in history to chair a committee in Congress, the House
Administration Committee, and the first African-American woman to serve
on the Carson City Council and the first to chair two committees in the
California State Assembly.
I really got to know Juanita when I co-chaired the Congressional
Caucus on Women's Issues and subsequently when she became the co-chair.
She was a strong advocate for women's and minority rights and was a
strong ally in the effort to combat human trafficking. Juanita came to
work with a passion and determination that is rarely found. She
represented the 37th Congressional District with dignity and pride,
proving to be an effective leader and caring Representative.
I especially want to extend my condolences to Congresswoman
Millender-McDonald's husband, James, and to her five children and
grandchildren. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I wish to offer my sincerest
condolences to the family of Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald.
My thoughts and prayers go out to them in their time of mourning.
Congresswoman Millender-McDonald amassed many firsts and
accomplishments during her life as a public servant by breaking racial
and gender barriers. She was the first African-American woman to serve
as Ranking Member and Chairman of the powerful House Committee on
Administration. She was also the first woman to serve on the Carson
City Council; the first to chair two powerful California State Assembly
committees--the Insurance Committee; and the Revenue & Taxation
Committee in her first term as a state legislator. She was also the
first African-American Democratic Chair of the Congressional Caucus for
Women's Issues and in that capacity she led the women on two
groundbreaking meetings: One with U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan to
talk about the plight of women globally and another with the chairman
of the New York Stock Exchange to develop strategies for increasing
women's investments and net worth.
In recognition of women who served in our military, Congresswoman
Millender-McDonald initiated the first annual Memorial Day Tribute to
Women in the Military at the Women's Memorial at Arlington National
Cemetery and she led the fight to secure $15 million for the
maintenance of the memorial. Most recently secured $50 million for
counseling services for our returning men and women serving in Iraq and
Afghanistan.
During her 6 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, her ability
to reach across the aisle and effectively move bipartisan legislation
was evident during her work on a range of issues, including ensuring
equal rights for women and minorities, improving our education system,
combating poverty, protecting voting rights, and stopping the genocide
in Darfur.
Congresswoman Millender-McDonald devoted her life to her family and
to service on behalf of her constituents in the 37th District of
California and to the Nation. Congresswoman Juanita Millender McDonald
was truly a phenomenal woman. She is a friend and colleague who will be
sorely missed.
Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my
deep sadness at the passing of my friend and colleague, Congresswoman
Juanita Millender-McDonald, a dedicated public servant, who worked
tirelessly on behalf of her constituents and her country.
I had the privilege to serve with Congresswoman Millender-McDonald on
the House Administration Committee and also previously in the
California State Assembly, and can attest to the passion, dignity, and
grace she brought to her work.
Juanita Millender-McDonald devoted much of her life to public
service. In her career she was an educator and an advisor, a member of
Carson's City Council, a California State assemblywoman and finally a
Member of Congress.
Congresswoman Millender-McDonald's passion and drive were unmatched.
She was an unwavering advocate for minority rights. She was a champion
of women's health issues. She was an adamant opponent of the genocide
in Darfur. And she was committed to securing election reform and
security for our Nation's ports.
I admired Congresswoman Millender-McDonald's leadership and fervor in
her many roles: as community leader, Member of Congress, and
Chairwoman. All those who knew her and worked with her know the void
she leaves with her passing. I extend my heartfelt condolences to her
husband, James, her children and her grandchildren. She will be missed.
Mrs. MYRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Juanita
Millender-McDonald, who bravely fought a battle with cancer

[[Page H3753]]

up until this past weekend. After a painful struggle, she's now at
peace.
Juanita and I both came to Congress in 1995. While we were on
different sides of the aisle, I always respected her passion for a host
of issues, and her willingness to work with the other side to find
solutions. At only 68 years of age, it seemed she had many more years
of public service ahead of her, and I'm sorry for the loss of a friend
and colleague.
Juanita became a good friend of mine back in 1999, when I was
diagnosed with cancer. She made a point of reaching out to me to show
her support, and I've always been grateful to her for going out of her
way to lend a kind word and a compassionate smile.
Her passing is yet another reminder of how much more work is needed
to continue our Nation's War on Cancer, in spite of the progress that's
been made so far.
Today we mourn the loss of a friend, and our thoughts and prayers go
out to her husband James, and her children and grandchildren.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time for debate has expired.
Without objection, the previous question is ordered on the
resolution.
There was no objection.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the resolution.
The resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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