[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E470-E471]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE AND WORK OF LIZ CARPENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 24, 2010

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy 
heart that I rise today to honor and remember my dear friend and 
women's rights crusader, Liz Carpenter, who passed away recently at the 
age of 89.
  When I think about Liz Carpenter, I cannot help but be reminded of 
her colorful personality and her remarkable fortitude. At a time when 
women were just beginning to tear down gender barriers, she was working 
tirelessly to prove that she was capable, even overly-capable, of the 
jobs that were assigned to her. Her tireless spirit eventually paid 
off, and it is impossible to remember her without remembering her 
countless accomplishments for women and all Americans.
  A sixth-generation Texas, Mrs. Carpenter was born in Salado, Texas. 
She went on to study at the University of Texas, and in 1942, shortly 
after graduating, she moved to Washington, D.C. where she found a job 
working at an independent news bureau. Her early years were spent 
working in journalism, and after marrying her husband, Leslie 
Carpenter, they opened the Carpenter News Service. Together they 
gathered news in Washington, D.C. and grew their business until they 
had 18 newspaper clients across the South and Southwest. With her 
husband, she had two children.
  In 1960, Mrs. Carpenter joined Lyndon B. Johnson's vice presidential 
campaign, and after the assassination of President Kennedy, she penned 
the 58 words that President Johnson spoke shortly after receiving the 
oath of office. She remained with President Johnson until 1969 when he 
decided against seeking a second term as President. She remained in 
Washington until 1976 at which time she moved to Austin where she 
lectured on journalism at the University of Texas and was involved with 
the Lyndon B. Johnson Library. In 1981, after the death of her brother, 
she took in his three children and raised them to adulthood. 
Additionally, she was the author of four books.
  A strong supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment, Ms. Carpenter 
actively worked to see the rights of women enshrined in the 
Constitution. She was a passionate feminist and was a co-founder of the 
National Women's Political Caucus.
  Madam Speaker, only 30 short days ago, I visited with Liz Carpenter. 
She was alert and well and still had as her number one interest the 
status of women. She suggested a state wide meeting on women, and was 
primarily concerned about the education of younger women. At the time, 
she encouraged me to continue the fight for more and better 
opportunities for all women across the country.
  Madam Speaker, I am saddened by the loss of Ms. Carpenter, but I am 
grateful for her work, longevity, and strength. We will miss her 
vibrant personality, and I am heartened to know the world is a better 
place because of her. I ask my fellow colleagues to join me today in 
honoring her memory and celebrating her life.

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