[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 96 (Thursday, June 14, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1289]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 LORRAINE MILLER'S HISTORIC APPOINTMENT

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                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 14, 2007

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I stand today to acknowledge the 
significance of Lorraine C. Miller's appointment as Clerk of the U.S. 
House of Representatives for the 110th Congress. Her accomplishment as 
the first African American and the first woman of color to serve as 
Clerk of the House is unprecedented. As a member who has admired her 
work, respected her professionalism and considers her a friend, I am 
honored to acknowledge her historic appointment.
  Although Ms. Miller has served the U.S. House of Representatives for 
nearly 20 years, her passion for public service began long before she 
came to the Hill. After graduating from Texas State University in 1975 
with a Bachelor's degree in political science, Ms. Miller returned to 
her home town in Fort Worth, Texas to work in the public school system 
as a high school teacher. While Ms. Miller appreciated the value in her 
position as an educator, she possessed a strong desire to work in 
government. For 10 years she consistently sent written requests to work 
in Congressman Jim Wright's office. Her persistence availed and she 
worked with Congressman Wright for over a decade, gradually working her 
way to being his executive assistant when he became Speaker of the 
House. Ms. Miller has also worked as a facilitator with House Speaker 
Tom Foley; as senior advisor to Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi for the past 
6 years; and with various federal agencies and initiatives. She is also 
an active member in her church and has been President of the Washington 
Branch of the NAACP since 2004.
  Ms. Miller has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to public 
service and leadership in legislative responsibilities. While her 
recent appointment as Clerk of House is an addition to her many 
accomplishments, it is truly a monumental and historic occasion. Since 
the inception of the Office of the Clerk in 1789, no African American 
or woman of color has ever possessed its title and responsibilities. 
Under Congresswoman's Pelosi's recommendation, Ms. Miller has broken 
through barriers and has set new standards for women and people of 
color. It is a privilege for me to recognize her achievement.

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