[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 47 (Tuesday, March 25, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E436]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SUPPORT OF WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH AND THE ECONOMIC AGENDA FOR WOMEN

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                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 25, 2014

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 
support of Women's History Month and specifically, the Economic Agenda 
for Women. While our women leaders in history have paved the way for 
our success, we must continue to fight for justice, rights, and values.
  The facts are staggering; women continue to earn only 77 cents for 
every dollar that a man makes, the poverty rate for women is at its 
highest in two decades, and family and medical leave protections do not 
cover nearly half of full-time employees. Each March, we celebrate our 
progress through Women's History Month. But we must not forget what 
more we can do for our future. When Women Succeed, America Succeeds is 
an agenda that each town, city, county, and state must adopt so that we 
can continue the work to provide women with economic security and 
opportunities.
  There are so many women that can legitimately be acknowledged during 
these days of Women's History Month. Women have been at the forefront 
in every community in every worthy cause. Today, I would like to call 
attention to a few extraordinary women that I have had the pleasure of 
sharing my congressional experience who have completed their earthly 
journey with care, skill, and commitment. Cardiss Collins was the first 
African American woman to represent Illinois in Congress and chaired 
the Congressional Black Caucus with leadership and skill. Julia Carson 
was the first woman and the first African American to represent the 7th 
District of Indiana and lead the House measure to award the 
Congressional Gold Medal to Rosa Parks. Juanita Millender-McDonald 
represented the 37th District of California and was the first African 
American woman to chair the House Committee on House Administration. 
Stephanie Tubbs Jones was the first African American woman to be 
elected to Congress from Ohio and served as the Chairwoman of the House 
Committee on Standards of Official Conduct during the 110th Congress.
  There are three outstanding former members who have retired back to 
their home areas who served with distinction as well. Carrie Meek was 
elected to Congress in 1992 after fourteen years in the Florida 
legislature. Meek, who retired at the end of her term in 2003, served 
as the first African American lawmaker elected to represent Florida in 
Congress since Reconstruction and faced the difficult task of helping 
her district recover from the devastation of Hurricane Andrew. Eva 
Clayton was the first African American woman, with Congressman Mel Watt 
being the first African American, to serve in the House of 
Representatives from North Carolina. When Clayton retired in 2003, the 
United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization appointed her 
Assistant Director-General. Diane Watson, who recently retired after 
the 111th Congress, represented the 33rd District of California and was 
appointed by President Bill Clinton to be the U.S. Ambassador to 
Micronesia. I applaud these African American women who truly are 
history makers.
  Though we see gains in leadership and in Congress for women each 
year, we are far from done. Hardworking, responsible American women are 
depending on us for leadership in policy. With smart economic policy 
changes, we can achieve even more. I urge my colleagues to think of the 
women who have shaped our history and to help support the women who 
have the potential to shape our future.

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