[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 1, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E897]
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. BOBBY L. RUSH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 23, 2007

  Mr. RUSH. Madam Speaker, on Sunday April 22, 2007, my dear friend and 
colleague Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald was called home.
  Juanita was a great woman who worked passionately for justice and 
cared deeply for mankind. She was a phenomenal Congresswoman, a loving 
wife, mother and grandmother and a dutiful friend.
  She made time for her constituents--and didn't just listen, but heard 
them, and spoke for them.
  Madam Speaker, Juanita began her tenure in Congress in 1996. She 
represented California's 37th Congressional District and was a proud 
leader in the Congressional Black Caucus where she championed the 
caucus' disparities agenda to advance economic development, expand 
access and affordability for health care, truly ``leave no child 
behind'' in our education policy and the list goes on.
  She was a true legislator. For example, she authored several pieces 
of legislation focusing on health care, specifically woman's heart 
health. Legislation such as H.R. 51, a bill to support National Wear 
Red Day, and H.R. 52 the American Heart Month which called on women to 
take action and prevent heart disease were just a few examples of her 
legislative priorities.
  Juanita was a trailblazer, becoming the first African American woman 
to chair the House Administration Committee for the 110th Congress. She 
was known as the Mayor of Capitol Hill; overseeing the operational and 
safety needs of the Capitol compound.
  She was truly a jewel and a joy to have known. In closing, I'm 
reminded of a passage from Proverbs 31:10-31 KJV, verse 10 which reads:
  ``Who can find a virtuous woman? . . . for her price is far above 
rubies.''
  Congresswoman Millender-McDonald was a great woman, epitomizing 
humanity, humility and virtue. She will truly be missed.

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