[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 70 (Thursday, April 22, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E445]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN MEMORY OF FORMER CONGRESSWOMAN ELIZABETH FURSE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SUZANNE BONAMICI

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 22, 2021

  Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of 
Congresswoman Elizabeth Furse, who represented the people of Oregon's 
First District in this chamber from 1993 to 1999.
  I am privileged to have called Elizabeth a friend and a mentor. My 
first experience volunteering for a political campaign was when I made 
calls and knocked on doors working for her Congressional race for re-
election in 1994. She inspired dedication to worthy causes, including 
co-founding the Oregon Peace Institute, and embodied the traits all 
public servants should strive to uphold--to meet the needs of their 
community and drive meaningful change. Her trailblazing example helped 
shape my life and my career, and the lives of so many others.
  Elizabeth was only the third woman to represent Oregon in the House 
of Representatives, and as an immigrant she was fully committed to 
protecting the rights of all. Her start in advocacy came at a young age 
in Kenya, and in her youth she courageously participated in the 
protests against apartheid in South Africa. From there she continued to 
grow as a leader and advocate, pursuing a career path that allowed her 
to serve as a fierce champion for tribal sovereignty, social justice, 
and peace. She aided countless people during her time in Congress and 
throughout her life, and her many achievements include helping the 
Grand Ronde, Klamath, and Coquille tribes gain federal recognition, as 
well as increasing access to public transportation in our region by 
extending light rail service to Hillsboro. After leaving Congress, 
Elizabeth continued to stay involved in her community and enjoyed 
spending time with her husband John at their winery.
  Our world, and especially NW Oregon, is a better place because of 
Elizabeth's tireless devotion to improving the lives of those around 
her. Let us continue to serve others in her memory.

                          ____________________