[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 142 (Tuesday, September 9, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1731-E1732]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




EXPRESSING THE CONDOLENCES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON THE DEATH 
 OF THE HONORABLE STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES, A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE STATE 
                                OF OHIO

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2008

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, history will remember Stephanie 
Tubbs Jones as a trailblazer. News reports about her death are littered 
with firsts: first black woman to represent Ohio in the House, first 
black woman on Ways and Means, first woman and first African-American 
prosecutor in Cuyahoga County.
  Those who worked with her will remember her electric smile, the kind 
of smile that made you feel like everything would be alright. We will 
remember her warmth, how she could hug somebody and give them a piece 
of her high spirits. She had that uncanny ability to make everybody she 
encountered--from presidents to homeless constituents--feel like they 
had known her for years. Her gift was to connect with people on a 
purely human level. No pretense. When confronted with immensely 
powerful men and women, she would treat them

[[Page E1732]]

with the same casual kindness that won her the love of her constituents 
back in Cleveland.
  Most importantly, we will remember her courage. Stephanie was never 
intimidated by anybody or anything. When she saw injustice, she did 
something about it, even when the battle would be difficult and victory 
uncertain. She spoke for those in need of a champion. In her career, 
she transcended the barriers of race, class and gender that continue to 
undermine the great American creed of equal opportunity. In her work, 
she helped ensure that those barriers will not stop future generations 
of Americans from achieving their potential.
  Stephanie loved warm words, but she preferred strong actions. Let her 
example help us to speak truth to power and stand up for justice. The 
best tribute we could offer to so passionate and committed a public 
servant is to continue her work.

                          ____________________