[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 114 (Thursday, July 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1128]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     A CAREER OF SERVICE TO OTHERS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RICHARD M. NOLAN

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 2016

  Mr. NOLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ruth Flower, the 
2016 recipient of the Coalition on Human Needs' Hero award for her 
outstanding work fighting against poverty and for peace and justice.
   As a Human Needs Hero, Ruth is joining an esteemed group of 
individuals who go above and beyond to fight for the dignity and 
quality of life of all people. In her numerous interactions with my 
office, it was clear Ruth has a passion for helping others, and is a 
truly extraordinary advocate for those in need.
   During Ruth's career as Associate Executive Secretary for 
Legislative Programs at the Friends Committee on National Legislation 
(FCNL), Ruth enjoyed meeting with lawmakers from both sides of the 
aisle and with a wide array of viewpoints. She would leave no stone 
unturned in her efforts to find the necessary resources for those who 
needed them most.
   For example, in my Congressional District, Ruth's worked with me to 
dramatically improve the lives of students attending the Bug-O-Nay-Ge-
Shig school, which is in desperate need of renovation. Ruth's advocacy 
helped build support in Congress and the Administration for funding for 
a new school. I am so pleased to say that after years of tireless 
efforts by many, including yours truly, students from the Leech Lake 
Reservation will no longer have to attend class in a drafty, unsafe, 
and hazardous pole building.
   In addition to advocating for Native American concerns, Ruth led 
efforts to address a wide range of our shared priorities, including 
health care reform, affordable housing, federal budget priorities, 
civil liberties, campaign finance reform, and the challenge of poverty 
in the U.S.
   Mr. Speaker, please join me and others in congratulating Ruth on her 
receipt of the Human Needs Hero award as we thank her for her tireless 
work at FCNL to improve the lives of all-too-often underrepresented 
segments of our society.

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