[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 10 (Thursday, January 16, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E97]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING SUSAN RASKY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 16, 2014

  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
extraordinary life of Susan Rasky, former political reporter for The 
New York Times and lecturer at the Graduate School of Journalism at the 
University of California, Berkeley. Known throughout the nation as an 
accomplished reporter, Ms. Rasky has left an indelible mark on the 
national discourse. With her passing on December 29, 2013, we look to 
the outstanding quality of her life's work and the inspiring role she 
played in shaping the nature of political reporting and inspiring 
future journalists.
  Born on June 10, 1952, Susan Rasky was raised in the Los Angeles 
area. Her passion for politics grew out of discussions at family 
dinners, where it was common place for her to bring up the most salient 
political issues of the day. Her drive and enthusiasm for political 
discussion propelled her to study History at UC Berkeley, where she 
received her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1974. Ms. Rasky went on to earn 
her Master's degree in Economic History from the distinguished London 
School of Economics.
  Arriving in Washington, D.C. with an academic background in economics 
and an interest for journalism, Ms. Rasky began her career as a 
reporter. She covered issues concerning the economy and economic policy 
for different news organizations, including the Bureau of National 
Affairs and Reuters. After just five years, she began reporting for The 
New York Times as a Congressional correspondent. At The New York Times, 
she wrote more than 1,700 articles for both New York and Washington, 
D.C., exploring issues relating to the tax code and the Federal 
Reserve.
  Renowned for her insight and powerful voice, Ms. Rasky received the 
George Polk Award in 1990. Acknowledged for her coverage of the 
Congressional budget crisis, she and her colleagues shared recognition 
for this prestigious award for their critical and insightful research 
and reporting on these complex issues facing the nation.
  Later, as a UC Berkeley senior lecturer, Ms. Rasky effortlessly moved 
from the newsroom to the classroom. Ms. Rasky left an imprint on a 
generation of students, specializing in teaching political and 
government reporting. Through her mentorship, students were 
continuously inspired and challenged to ``twist the lens'' and find a 
more nuanced perspective in journalism. Her teaching was so influential 
that students began to refer to themselves as ``Rasky-ites'', 
illustrating their devotion to her and her style of political 
reporting.
  In addition to her prolific career, Ms. Rasky established and 
supervised the J-School's California News Service, offering students 
the opportunity to cover government and politics for news organizations 
throughout the country. She enjoyed being able to guide younger 
generations of journalists on how to cover presidential and other 
campaigns. Even after her students graduated, she was known to advise 
them well into their professional careers. She will be remembered as a 
distinguished reporter, a supportive leader, and a dedicated mentor.
  Today, California's 13th Congressional District salutes and honors an 
outstanding individual and stalwart journalist, Susan Rasky. As a 
constituent and UC Berkeley professor, Ms. Rasky inspired many future 
journalists and impacted so many lives throughout the nation. I join 
all of Susan's loved ones in celebrating her incredible life. She will 
be deeply missed.

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