[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 184 (Thursday, December 17, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1813]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF BARBRA STREISAND IN RECEIVING THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL 
                               OF FREEDOM

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                             HON. TED LIEU

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 17, 2015

  Mr. TED LIEU of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a 
constituent of California's 33rd Congressional District who is one of 
our nation's most gifted artists, and compassionate humanitarians. 
Barbra Joan Streisand, who was recently awarded the Presidential Medal 
of Freedom by President Obama.
  In the sixth decade of her career, Streisand has captivated 
generations of music and movie lovers, young and old alike. Through her 
creative work, Ms. Streisand has received countless honors including 
two Academy Awards, four Peabody Awards, eight Golden Globes, and the 
National Medal of Arts and Kennedy Center honors. Further, the three 
films she has directed to date have received 14 Oscar nominations. In 
1984, Ms. Streisand became the first woman and only woman to win a 
Golden Globe for Best Director, which she won for the film Yentl.
  A long time record setter as a recording artist, her 1963 album 
entitled The Barbra Streisand Album amassed six nominations for Album 
of the Year and five for Record of the Year--more than any other female 
artist in history. Since then she has won a total of 10 Grammys and 
released 52 gold albums, 31 platinum albums and 18 multi-platinum 
albums, topping the list of album sales by a female singer.
  Yet Ms. Streisand's most enduring legacy is her tireless activism and 
generous philanthropic mission. Established in 1986, the Streisand 
Foundation has brought millions of dollars to ensure the legacy of 
numerous organizations promoting voter education, civil rights, higher 
education, veterans' assistance, and the preservation of our 
environment. Ms. Streisand's work on the crucial issues of climate 
change and healthcare have been exceptional, raising and contributing 
money to fight AIDS and heart disease, as exemplified by the recent 
naming of the Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center at Cedar Sinai 
Hospital in Los Angeles.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Ms. Streisand and her extraordinary 
achievements.

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