[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 98 (Monday, June 20, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E951]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONDEMNING THE MURDER OF JO COX, MEMBER OF BRITISH HOUSE OF COMMONS, 
        WHO DEDICATED HER LIFE TO DEMOCRACY, EQUALITY AND PEACE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 20, 2016

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn the senseless 
murder of Jo Cox, Member of the British House of Commons who was 
tragically taken from us on June 16, 2016.
  Jo Cox was murdered in the street, while fulfilling her duties as a 
representative of the people.
  I join in adding my voice to that of the civilized world in 
condemning this act of political violence.
  I mourn Jo Cox's death and offer my deepest condolences to her 
family--particularly her husband and two children--as well as her 
friends and constituents.
  Today, and far into the future, I will remember Ms. Cox, and honor 
her dedication to women's empowerment in the United Kingdom and across 
the globe.
  Jo Cox was a tireless advocate for gender equity and human rights, 
even in one of the world's most challenging environments.
  She carried this passion through at Oxfam, and later in Parliament.
  Jo Cox chaired the Labour Women's Network, which works to engage and 
encourage women to run for political office.
  She also founded UK Women, a research institute dedicated to better 
understanding the views and needs of women in the United Kingdom.
  In what is a perfect testament to her spirit, one of Jo Cox's last 
acts in Parliament was to sign a motion recognizing and celebrating the 
early campaigners for women's suffrage.
  Mr. Speaker, tragically, the loss of Jo Cox mirrors the experiences 
of women and girls all over the world, who are more likely than their 
male counterparts to be targets of violence in politics and elections.
  This violence and intimidation has a real impact on women's 
participation as voters, candidates, election officials, activists and 
political party leaders, and therefore threatens the integrity of 
global political processes, as well as the commitment of governments to 
a credible democratic process.
  This senseless act of violence perpetrated upon Jo Cox must 
strengthen our collective resolve to champion an authoritative effort 
to reduce and prevent violence against women in elections.
  When public and private violence and intimidation does occur, 
resources must be available to help women access formal justice 
mechanisms as well as support informal efforts to resolve conflict, 
especially in local communities.
  The fear of participation for all people must be taken out of 
politics.
  Today, in honor and in memory of Jo Cox, I reaffirm my commitment to 
empowering women and girls all over the world to participate safely in 
political and public life.
  I hope my colleagues will stand with me today to fight violence 
against women and girls, this month and for all the months to come.
  I request that the House observe a moment of silence in honor of Jo 
Cox.

                          ____________________