[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 77 (Tuesday, May 19, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H5765-H5766]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING KAREN BASS FOR BECOMING THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMAN 
            ELECTED SPEAKER OF THE CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY

  Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that 
the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from 
further consideration of House Resolution 49 and ask for its immediate 
consideration in the House.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Massachusetts?
  There was no objection.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                               H. Res. 49

       Whereas Karen Bass made history as the first African-
     American woman to serve as Speaker in a State legislative 
     body in the United States;
       Whereas Karen Bass was sworn in as the 67th Speaker of the 
     California State Assembly on May 13, 2008;

[[Page H5766]]

       Whereas Karen Bass was elected in 2005 to represent 
     California's 47th Assembly District;
       Whereas Karen Bass represents Culver City, West Los 
     Angeles, Westwood, Cheviot Hills, Ladera Heights, the 
     Crenshaw District, Little Ethiopia, Baldwin Hills, and parts 
     of Korea Town and South Los Angeles;
       Whereas Karen Bass in her first term was appointed to 
     Majority Whip;
       Whereas Karen Bass in her second term was elevated to the 
     post of Majority Floor Leader, making her the first woman to 
     hold the post and the second African-American to serve in the 
     position;
       Whereas Karen Bass founded and operated Community Coalition 
     before becoming an elected official, which is a community 
     based social justice organization in South Los Angeles 
     empowering people to make a difference in the community;
       Whereas Karen Bass graduated from Hamilton High School, 
     California State University at Dominquez Hills, and the 
     University of Southern California's School Of Medicine; and
       Whereas Karen Bass was raised in the Venice/Fairfax area of 
     Los Angeles with her parents DeWitt and Wilhelmina Bass: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) honors Karen Bass for becoming the first African-
     American woman Speaker of the California State Assembly; and
       (2) expresses support for the California State Assembly as 
     it welcomes Karen Bass as its 67th Speaker.

  The resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________