[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 79 (Wednesday, May 30, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E896-E897]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING DELORES HUERTA FOR BEING AWARDED THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL 
                               OF FREEDOM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 30, 2012

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Delores 
Huerta for being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. As you 
know, Mr. Speaker, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation's 
highest civilian honor and I cannot think of anyone in this country 
more deserving of this distinction than Delores Huerta.
  A lifelong labor leader and civil rights activist, Delores Huerta's 
activism has helped redefine the way laborers in California and across 
the country are treated. From fighting to ensure safer working 
conditions to negotiating better salaries, Delores Huerta's influence 
extends far beyond California's San Joaquin Valley. Her unparalleled 
drive and dedication embody the spirit of activism that keeps our 
country moving forward.
  In 1962, Delores Huerta co-founded the United Farm Workers Union with 
labor legend Cesar Chavez. As part of their struggle to ensure that 
farm workers receive a fair wage and

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safe working conditions, the UFW led a worldwide grape boycott that 
helped secure farm workers a seat at the table in contract 
negotiations.
  In 1963, Delores Huerta was successful at securing Aid for Dependent 
Families and disability insurance for farm workers in California. 
Delores Huerta's hard work and determination also paid off in 1975 when 
the California State Legislature enacted the Agricultural Labor 
Relations Act, which gave farm workers in California the right to 
organize and bargain for better pay and safer working conditions.
  At the age of 82, Delores Huerta continues to fight for social 
justice, giving a voice to the working poor throughout the country. 
Through the Delores Huerta Foundation, a non-profit she established in 
2002, Ms. Huerta is helping to train a new generation grassroots 
organizers who are committed to the same ideals and principles she has 
fought for throughout her lifetime.
  Mr. Speaker, not only is Delores Huerta a role model to a new 
generation of civil rights activists, but she remains an inspiration to 
those who grew up in the '60s and '70s, myself included.
  I urge my colleagues in joining me to congratulate Delores Huerta for 
being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

                          ____________________