[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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