[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 113 (Monday, July 16, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1525]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  STATEMENT HONORING THE LIFE OF CLAUDIA TAYLOR ``LADY BIRD'' JOHNSON

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                             HON. AL GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 16, 2007

  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate the life 
and outstanding works of Claudia Taylor ``Lady Bird'' Johnson, the 
former First Lady of the United States.
  Lady Bird Johnson was born on December 22, 1912, to Thomas Jefferson 
Taylor and Minnie Lee Patillo. As a child, Lady Bird was a tremendous 
student who expressed great love for classical literature before going 
on to earn degrees in art and journalism from the University of Texas 
in 1933 and 1934. She married Lyndon Baines Johnson on November 17, 
1934.
  When Lyndon Johnson became the 36th President of the United States, 
Lady Bird showed groundbreaking leadership in developing new 
opportunities for our First Ladies. Lady Bird conceptualized and 
secured congressional support for the Highway Beautification Act, which 
President Johnson signed into law on October 22, 1965. This important 
piece of legislation ordered the removal of certain junkyards and 
overly intrusive advertising along our nation's highways. She also 
championed the creation and strengthening of the Head Start program, 
which has helped ensure that all children have access to vital early-
childhood education, regardless of their parents' income.
  After her time as First Lady, Lady Bird continued to show leadership 
in the causes dear to her, especially the preservation of our wildlife. 
In 1970, she published her diaries of her time as First Lady, White 
House Diary, which detailed her pioneering accomplishments and inspired 
young women across the country. In 1982, Lady Bird founded the National 
Wildflower Research Center, which works to expand the sustainable use 
and conservation of wildflowers and plants. She also served as National 
Geographic Society trustee emeritus and Kennedy Center Honorary Chair.
  As a result of her numerous good works, Lady Bird Johnson earned the 
Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 and the Congressional Gold Medal 
in 1988. These honors were well deserved and serve as testament to the 
exemplary life of Lady Bird Johnson.
  Mrs. Johnson's passage yesterday is a tremendous loss for the Johnson 
family and for our country. It is with great sadness that I pass on my 
condolences to Lady Bird Johnson's family and friends, but with great 
pride that I honor her incredible life and accomplishments.

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