[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 148 (Friday, August 21, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E774]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF CLAIRE SHULMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GRACE MENG

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 21, 2020

  Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, l rise today to honor the life of Claire 
Shulman for her tireless work in leading the people of Queens.
  Claire was the first woman to serve as the Queens Borough President. 
As borough president, she fought to champion a quality life for all 
people in Queens. Claire made sure we had access to good jobs, quality 
infrastructure, safe housing, and so much more. Her work had a 
tremendous impact on the lives of countless individuals and she 
continued to improve Queens beyond her capacity as the Borough 
President. Claire Shulman was nothing short of a trailblazer.
  Not only was Claire impactful to Queens, she was an outstanding 
mentor and friend to me as well. She believed strongly in empowering 
women and fighting for our representation in public service and 
leadership--before it was popular to do so. Claire believed in me, and 
I am forever grateful for her encouragement and kindness.
  I was fortunate to speak to Claire recently. The last thing she said 
to me was, ``I want to thank you for your excellent work in Washington 
and tell you how proud I am of you.'' I cannot explain how touching it 
was to hear these words from an amazing woman like Claire, who fought 
for the lives of every one of my constituents. I hope we can all learn 
a lesson from the empathy and care she exhibited every day.
  Claire was born in Brooklyn in 1926 and graduated from Adelphi 
University on Long Island. She worked as a registered nurse and met her 
husband, the late Dr. Melvin Shulman, at Queens Hospital Center. While 
living in Bayside in the 1960s, she led both Community Board 11 in 
Bayside and the Queens Community Boards. Claire passed away this week 
from pancreatic cancer, surrounded by her family.
  Claire's leadership undoubtedly made Queens a better place. I urge my 
colleagues to rise with me to celebrate the life of Claire Shulman.

                          ____________________