[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 66 (Tuesday, April 24, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E847]
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

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CANDICE S. MILLER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 23, 2007

  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I wish to join my colleagues 
in expressing my sorrow over the passing of Juanita Millender-McDonald, 
the representative of California's 37th Congressional District. My 
thoughts and prayers go out to her constituents, her friends, and her 
family.
  Madam Speaker, I had the opportunity to get to know Juanita during 
the 109th Congress when we both served as members of the Committee on 
House Administration. While some might view oversight of election law 
and the day-to-day functions of the House as relatively uninteresting, 
I know that I do not, and I know that Juanita, who served as ranking 
member at the time, did not think them trivial either.
  Whatever topic was before the committee, Juanita was dedicated to 
assuring that things were done fairly, properly, and effectively. She 
was vigorous in guaranteeing the integrity of the Federal elections 
process and was committed to ensuring that every eligible voter had 
free and unfettered access to the voting booth. Likewise, in her 
oversight of managing the House, she wanted to ensure that everyone on 
Capitol Hill had a safe and secure place to work or visit, while 
preserving the grandeur of the Capitol and the surrounding buildings.
  This tenacity was something she demonstrated throughout her life, not 
just during the decade she spent in Congress. After raising her five 
children, she continued her own education, earning a bachelor's degree 
at the age of 40. She followed that up with a master's degree in 
educational administration. She was no stranger to hard work, and she 
was not afraid to take on a challenge.
  One of Juanita's most notable accomplishments occurred earlier this 
year. In January, she became the first African-American woman to chair 
a committee in the House of Representatives. It was something that made 
many Members of the House very proud, and it was a tremendous 
accomplishment for a woman whose life was full of monumental 
achievements.
  I think it speaks volumes of Juanita's dedication that she was here 
voting in this House, representing her constituents, until less than a 
month before cancer took her life. In fact, almost none of her 
colleagues were aware of her illness and how serious it had become 
until the week before she passed away. And through it all, she held a 
warm spirit and a kind smile.
  Madam Speaker, I join my colleagues in sorrow for Juanita's passing, 
and I again express my condolences to Juanita's family, friends, and 
constituents.

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