[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 67 (Monday, May 4, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1048]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                A TRIBUTE TO JUSTICE SANDRA DAY O'CONNOR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 4, 2009

  Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Justice Sandra Day 
O'Connor, on the occasion of her recognition as a ``Person of the 
Century'' by the Rotary Club of Los Angeles in celebration of their 
Centennial year.
  In a year where we witnessed the first African-American assume the 
Office of the President of the United States, it is especially 
appropriate to honor a woman who shattered the marble ceiling of the 
United States Supreme Court some 28 years ago and served as an 
important role model for so many in this Nation.
  Born in El Paso, Texas in 1930, Sandra Day O'Connor spent several of 
her early years growing up on her family's ranch in Arizona. Later, in 
1950, she graduated from Stanford University with a bachelor's degree 
in economics, followed by a juris doctorate in 1952. In 1952, she 
married John Jay O'Connor, Ill, and they have three sons. After working 
for a time in both California and Germany, Sandra Day O'Connor again 
took up residence in the state of Arizona.
  In Arizona, O'Connor held positions in both law and politics, working 
as an Assistant Attorney General and serving in the State Senate, 
appointed by the Governor to fill a vacancy. After twice winning 
reelection to the State Senate, she ran for the position of Judge in 
the Maricopa County Superior Court of Arizona in 1974. While a judge 
she gained a reputation for being firm but just, and she would later be 
appointed to the Arizona Court of Appeals.
  In 1981, Sandra Day O'Connor made history after being nominated by 
President Ronald Reagan for the position of Associate Justice of the 
United States Supreme Court. She received unanimous Senate approval, 
becoming the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court.
  During her tenure on the Court, Justice O'Connor gained a reputation 
for approaching each case with an open mind and for seeking out 
practical solutions to complex legal issues. Her pragmatic and centrist 
approach had an important moderating influence on the Court, and her 
independent philosophy had an important impact on a number of seminal 
cases. In 2006, Justice O'Connor retired after serving over 24 years on 
the Court.
  Justice O'Connor and I have a shared belief in the need for an 
independent judiciary and a shared desire to improve relations between 
our branches of government. As founder and Co-Chair of he Congressional 
Caucus on the Judicial Branch, I had the distinct pleasure of hosting 
Justice O'Connor in the U.S. Capitol, just before her retirement, for 
an event designed to jointly promote these common goals.
  I consider it an honor to recognize Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and 
ask my colleagues to join me in commending her on the occasion of her 
recognition as a Rotary Club of Los Angeles ``Person of the Century.''

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