[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 87 (Friday, May 25, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E735]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                      AMBASSADOR FAITH WHITTLESEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD NORCROSS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 25, 2018

  Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of the 
late Ambassador Faith Whittlesey, a distinguished public servant and a 
native of New Jersey. I have also been asked to express the condolences 
of my colleagues Congressmen Don Beyer, Joaquin Castro, Charlie Crist, 
Bill Huizenga and Alex Mooney as well as Senator Barrasso, whose lives 
have all been touched by the work of Ambassador Whittlesey.
  Ambassador Whittlesey was the U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland for 
nearly five years during both 1981-1983 and 1985-1988, and during the 
Reagan Administration she served as the Director of the Office of 
Public Liaison.
  Her many roles in public life included time as the Chairwoman and 
President of the American Swiss Foundation in New York, and her service 
as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
  During her influential career, Ambassador Whittlesey was a pivotal 
figure in building and developing Swiss and American relations, both 
domestically and abroad.
  Ambassador Whittlesey was a graduate of Wells College and received 
her Law Degree from the University of Pennsylvania, earned a Ford 
Foundation Grant to attend the Academy of International Law in The 
Hague, The Netherlands.
  During her career, she received honors such as the Reagan Revolution 
Medal of Honor, the Congress of Racial Equality Public Service Award, 
the Christian Freedom International Freedom Award, the Stratton Prize, 
and the William Tell Award. A book written by Thomas Carty centered on 
her career, entitled ``Backwards, in High Heels: Faith Whittlesey, 
Ronald Reagan's `Madam Ambassador' in Switzerland and the West Wing''. 
Lastly, the Ambassador had the ``Faith Whittlesey rose'' named in her 
legacy.
  These awards are a mere testament to Ambassador Whittlesey's 
commendable dedication and leadership on behalf of our nation and the 
Swiss-United States relationship.
  Mr. Speaker, we have lost an extraordinary, devoted person in 
Ambassador Faith Whittlesey. I invite you to join me in thanking her 
for many contributions to our country.

                          ____________________