[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 142 (Tuesday, September 9, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1735]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE STEPHANIE TUBBS 
                                 JONES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2008

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and 
contributions of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Stephanie was a 
good friend of mine, and I am still in shock by her sudden passing. She 
brought energy and enthusiasm, brilliance and dedication to this 
Congress, and her presence is already sorely missed.
  In the weeks since her passing, I have been reflecting on her many 
contributions to her constituents, her state, and her country, not only 
most recently in the House of Representatives but also in a lifetime of 
service. She broke barriers, and in the process elevated the lives of 
those she touched, both professionally and personally. The first 
African-American woman elected to Congress from the state of Ohio, 
Stephanie has set the bar incredibly high with her dedication and 
devotion, and paved the way for future generations to follow. As an 
attorney, judge, and Member of Congress, she worked tirelessly on 
behalf of reducing poverty, ensuring access to education and affordable 
health care, and advocating for the rights of minorities nationwide. 
Stephanie and I saw eye-to-eye on many important issues, whether it was 
fighting to ensure affordable housing, or for greater protection for 
Haitian and other refugees, or for the simple notion that every vote 
should be counted. In the 110th Congress alone Stephanie introduced 
legislation to revitalize low-income communities, protect and ensure 
voting rights, curtail predatory lending, and provide greater resources 
for uterine fibroids research, a personal commitment of hers that I 
know she has carried for many years.
  Stephanie and I have similar backgrounds as lawyers, judges, and of 
course Members of Congress, and thus I have always thought that she and 
I shared a kinship that went beyond just our professional 
responsibilities. I hold her in the highest degree of respect and 
admiration. Since her untimely passing, I find myself recalling her 
personal inspiration as she and I and so many others in this body 
continue to fight for a better, more equal, and more prosperous 
society. She is the very definition of a role model.
  Mr. Speaker, Stephanie's presence will not be easily replaced, if it 
ever can. The country should value her service; and I, for one, also 
value her friendship.

                          ____________________