[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 194 (Tuesday, December 18, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2595]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO LATE CONGRESSWOMAN JULIA CARSON

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 17, 2007

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is with great 
sadness that I recognize the life and passing of colleague 
Congresswoman Julia Carson of Indiana's 7th District. I have known this 
extraordinary person for a long time. She was a woman of principle who 
unabashedly championed the issues in which she believed. Her 
constituents and the Nation have lost a great legislator and an 
outstanding leader.
  Congresswoman Carson made history in 1996 by becoming the first woman 
and the first African-American Indianapolis has ever sent to Congress. 
And she came to Congress with one mission--to improve the lives of the 
people of her community. Even as she rose to a position of prominence 
in this body, she never forgot the people she was sent here to serve. 
She truly dedicated her career to them--and for that, earned the 
respect and gratitude of all Americans.
  Since her days in the Indiana State Senate, Congresswoman Carson has 
been committed to helping seniors live with independence and dignity as 
they age. Throughout her career, she has provided exceptional 
leadership and devoted service to America's senior citizens.
  Congresswoman Carson was also a strong proponent of civil rights 
movement, scaling the barriers imposed by poverty and sexism. She was a 
leader in advocating for voting rights, and worked diligently for the 
health and income needs of people experiencing homelessness and 
families at risk of homelessness. As a member of the Committee on 
Financial Services and the Committee on Transportation & 
Infrastructure, Congresswoman Carson worked to address the most 
pressing needs of her constituents and this Nation.
  In the 108th Congress, Congresswoman Carson was the sponsor of the 
largest Amtrak reauthorization bill, the National Defense Rail Act, 
which provided the rail passenger system with over $40 billion in funds 
to develop high-speed rail corridors and aid in the development of 
short distance corridors between larger urban centers.
  Madam Speaker, Indiana has lost a powerful legislator. The Nation has 
lost a great leader. The Congress will mourn Julia Carson for her 
enormous intellectual ability and her huge heart. I will miss an 
irreplaceable colleague and friend.
  And yet, I know that while her loss will be deeply felt, the memory 
of her kindness and the recollection of her good deeds will transcend 
into future generations.

                          ____________________