[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 30 (Thursday, March 4, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E310-E311]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            ELIZABETH SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 4, 2010

  Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 
lifetime accomplishments of my good friend, Ms. Elizabeth (Liz) Smith, 
who retired last week from the American Federation of Teachers, AFT.
  Bringing opportunity and respect to working men and women across 
America was the driving force in Liz's more than 4 decades of public 
service. And this commitment never waned. Workers fighting for fair 
wages, high-quality healthcare and a secure retirement always had a 
strong ally in Liz Smith. She fought for them every day.
  Liz began her professional career working for two of my colleagues in 
the House of Representatives. She served as chief of staff to 
Representative James O'Hara of Michigan, and later as legislative 
director to Representative Dale Kildee of Michigan; both benefited 
greatly from her energy and commitment. In those positions, Liz worked 
tirelessly to ensure that the voices of constituents were heard in

[[Page E311]]

Washington and that the federal government responded to their needs.
  Deciding to leave the Congress she loved was a tough choice for Liz. 
But it was a natural progression to join the labor movement. She knew 
that her next assignment as legislative and political director at the 
Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union was in keeping with her 
values and unwavering commitment to the men and women of the American 
labor movement. In this position, Liz worked with passion and moved 
with dispatch to ensure that the interests of the country's clothing 
and textile workers were fully represented not only before the U.S. 
Congress and Executive Branch, but internationally as well.
  In 1995, Liz accepted a position as political director at the 
American Federation of Teachers in what would become the final and 
perhaps most important stop in her accomplished career. During her 15 
years there, Liz's work on behalf of the more than 1.4 million members 
of the AFT included many accomplishments and milestones. She carried 
with her an intimate knowledge of the important work performed by AFT 
members and an ability to advance with unmatched skill and grace the 
causes she cared about most.
  Liz is a true leader, always doing the right thing in a manner that 
is respectful of others and in turn earning others' respect. She is a 
wonderful woman and will be missed dearly by all of us who have had the 
pleasure of working with her. I wish Liz all the best in the years to 
come.

                          ____________________