[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 142 (Tuesday, September 9, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1743-E1744]
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. LINDA T. SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2008

  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my 
most sincere condolences on the death of the Honorable Stephanie Tubbs 
Jones.
  I was extremely saddened to hear the news of Congresswoman Jones' 
passing. Since 1999, she has proudly and honorably served Ohio's 
eleventh district.
  Stephanie Tubbs Jones was the daughter of an Airport skycap. She grew 
up in Cleveland and graduated from college and law school at Case 
Western. She began her life of public service when she went to work as 
a local government lawyer and went on to serve

[[Page E1744]]

8 years as a judge on the Court of Common Pleas of Cuyahoga County. As 
the first African American woman elected from Ohio to serve in 
Congress, she brought a fresh energy and new perspective to the House. 
No one was surprised when she quickly rose to a position on the 
powerful Ways and Means Committee.
  I got to know Stephanie in my first term in Congress because my 
office was next door to hers. She was never too busy to help a freshman 
member in whatever way she could. Her energy was boundless, and I will 
sorely miss her smile--it could light up a crowded room. Those who had 
the good fortune to know this incredible woman know what I am talking 
about.
  During her four terms in Congress, she was a champion for the people 
of the eleventh district. She worked tirelessly to create equal 
opportunities for all people in this country as she fought to increase 
the minimum wage, to increase funding to public schools, and to create 
affordable and accessible healthcare.
  The people of Ohio have lost a great political leader, and we have 
lost a beloved and respected colleague. We will all miss her friendly 
smile and her passion for her fellow man.

                          ____________________