[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 69 (Friday, April 10, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E359]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING DOLORES HUERTA

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TJ COX

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 10, 2020

  Mr. COX of California. Madam Speaker, today April 10, 2020 marks the 
90th birthday of civil rights activist and labor leader Dolores Huerta. 
A Central Valley hero and a national labor icon, she has dedicated her 
entire life to advocating for social, economic, and political justice 
for farmworkers and disadvantaged communities throughout the United 
States. Her leadership in the fight against discrimination and staunch 
advocacy for civil rights make her an example for all that seek 
economic and social justice.
  Co-founding the National Farmworkers Association with Cesar Chavez, 
Dolores Huerta fiercely negotiated with agricultural enterprises and 
spearheaded the movement towards better rights and protections for 
farmworkers. Often the only woman at the table, her strength and 
resiliency stood strong through decades of protests, advocacy, and 
positive change.
  In 1965, the United Farm Workers (UFW) union organized and 
implemented the historic Delano grape strike. With Dolores serving as 
the lead negotiator, the UFW secured workplace rights for thousands of 
farmworkers. She was instrumental in the enactment of the Agricultural 
Labor Relations Act of 1975 which was the first law of its kind in U.S. 
history, granting farmworkers in California the right to collectively 
organize and bargain for better wages and working conditions.
  In 2002, Huerta established the Dolores Huerta Foundation, ensuring a 
legacy of community activism and civic engagement for generations to 
come. The work of this organization directly benefits the communities 
of the Central Valley, providing organizing training and resources to 
rural, low-income communities and mobilizing volunteers to make a 
difference.
  In recognition of her tireless work and advocacy, in 2012 President 
Obama awarded Dolores Huerta with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, 
our nation's highest civilian honor.
  Madam Speaker, we wish Dolores Huerta a happy 90th Birthday and thank 
her for her tireless work and countless contributions to the United 
States. ``Si Se Puede'' will always echo in my ears as we work together 
in Congress and in our communities to protect and promote the rights of 
farmworkers and workers everywhere.

                          ____________________