[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 5 (Thursday, January 9, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S116]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                   Remembering Jocelyn Birch Burdick

  Mr. CRAMER. Mr. President, on the day after Christmas, former Senator 
Jocelyn Burdick died in Fargo, ND, at the age of 97.
  Jocelyn served only 30 days, roughly--or 3 months, maybe, at the 
most--in the United States Senate while she filled the vacancy that was 
created by the death of her husband, the longtime United States 
Senator, Quentin Burdick. During those 3 months, Jocelyn was able to 
cast votes as her husband would have cast them and to support his staff 
after his death and through the transition to fill the vacancy in a 
special election. Jocelyn will forever hold a place in North Dakota 
history as North Dakota's first woman United States Senator.
  However, her service in North Dakota goes far beyond those 3 months 
she served in the Senate. All of us Senators know the importance and 
the incredible service of our spouses. Jocelyn stood by Quentin's side 
for 32 years while he served our State here in this important body.
  Throughout her life, Jocelyn embraced her place in public life with 
tremendous grace, dignity, and class. She demonstrated by example how 
people can be principled in their beliefs, yet friendly, cordial, even 
affectionate while having different political views. I am honored to be 
standing here using her desk--Quentin's desk. To be a part of this 
heritage is a great honor for me.
  The impact of her life well lived can be seen in countless ways, 
especially as a philanthropist, as a political and community volunteer, 
and certainly as a woman of deep faith. Jocelyn's memory will remain 
alive in the hearts of all of those who had the privilege to know her.
  Kris and I join Senator Hoeven and Mikey, and many, many North 
Dakotans in sending our condolences and our best wishes to the Burdick 
family. We pray that fond memories and the deep affection so many 
people held for Jocelyn will comfort them in these days and the days 
ahead. I pray that God will bless Jocelyn Burdick's memory.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from North Dakota.
  Mr. HOEVEN. Mr. President, today I rise, along with my colleague 
Senator Cramer, to honor former Senator from North Dakota Jocelyn 
Burdick. She was the first woman to represent the State of North Dakota 
in the U.S. Senate. My wife Mikey and I were saddened to hear of her 
recent passing, and we want to extend our sincere condolences to all of 
the Burdick family.
  As I said, I, along with Senator Cramer, have introduced a resolution 
to honor Senator Jocelyn Burdick and her service to the people of North 
Dakota and the United States in this body.
  Jocelyn was born in Fargo, ND. She attended Principia College and 
Northwestern University and began her career as a radio announcer in 
Moorhead, MN.
  On September 12, 1992, Jocelyn Burdick became the first woman from 
the State of North Dakota to serve in the U.S. Senate. She was 
appointed by then-Governor George Sinner to fill the seat of her late 
husband, Quentin Burdick, whom she served alongside during his 32 years 
in this body, the U.S. Senate. The Burdick family has a long history of 
public service.
  During her time in the Senate, she helped to establish the Quentin N. 
Burdick Indian Health Program at the University of North Dakota, 
supporting healthcare training programs for Native Americans, and 
helped to secure funding for the Federal courthouse in Fargo named 
after her late husband.
  Jocelyn was a Sunday school teacher and devoted member of the 
Christian Science Church. She served as president of the local Parent 
Teacher Association, recorded public service announcements raising 
awareness of substance abuse and drunk driving, and was nationally 
recognized for her philanthropy on behalf of the Gamma Phi Beta 
sorority.
  I knew Jocelyn Burdick, and she was a fine person. I join with the 
people of North Dakota in expressing our appreciation for her service 
on behalf of our State and our Nation.
  With that, I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Braun). The Senator from Ohio.