[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 148 (Tuesday, October 22, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1535]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      CONGRATULATING BETH HARWELL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 22, 2013

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, there's an old quote that reminds us 
women hold up half the sky. I rise today, Mr. Speaker, to honor one 
woman who holds up half the Tennessee sky and all the State House. I 
congratulate State Representative Beth Harwell as she receives the Joe 
and Honey Rodgers Leadership Award.
  Unanimously elected as Tennessee's first female Speaker of the House 
in 2011, Beth Harwell began her elected service in the state's 96th 
General Assembly. Receiving the Rodgers Leadership Award as the 2013 
Christian Civic Leader of the Year, Speaker Harwell is recognized for 
her work in areas such as preventing child abuse, lowering 
unemployment, and reforming welfare.
  Citizens have a divine obligation to serve their communities. I am 
grateful for organizations like The Operation Andrew Group and United 4 
Hope as they offer their time, talents, and treasures to the Middle 
Tennessee area. Along with her husband Sam and children Allie, Sam, and 
Tucker, I congratulate Speaker Harwell and I ask my colleagues to join 
with me in celebrating Speaker Harwell's good work, her dedication to 
serving the least among us, and her leadership in Tennessee.

                          ____________________