[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 140 (Tuesday, August 29, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E800-E801]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIFE OF JANET AMEND CARVER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 29, 2023

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life of my dear 
friend Janet Amend Carver, a dedicated public servant who passed away 
on July 23, 2023, at the age of 90.
  Born January 7, 1933 near San Jose, California, Janet graduated from 
high school in 1949 from Immaculate Heart High School in Hollywood. In 
1954, she graduated from the University of Redlands with a Bachelor of 
Arts degree in Far East history. While at Redlands, she was the editor 
of the college newspaper and a stringer for the Los Angeles Times. 
Janet then pursued graduate studies at the University of Oslo on a 
scholarship from the Storting (Norwegian Parliament).
  Janet moved to Washington, D.C., where she joined the U.S. Foreign 
Service in 1955 and in 1957 joined the staff of Senator Thomas H. 
Kuchel (CA). Later, she served as the district manager for most of 
Northern Virginia for the 1980 Census and ended her working career as a 
staff member for Mount Vernon Supervisor Gerry Hyland.
  In 1963, Janet embarked on an admirable career as a volunteer with 
many different Virginia Democratic Party organizations. Her tireless 
efforts earned her widespread recognition. Janet joined the Fairfax 
County Democratic Committee in 1965, campaigning for progressive 
candidates in opposition to the then ruling Byrd Machine. She held 
numerous positions over the years, including member of the Virginia 
Democratic State Central Committee; First Vice Chair of the 8th 
Congressional District Democratic Committee (CDDC); First Vice Chair of 
the 11th CDDC; and 3-time chair of the Springfield Democratic 
Committee. In 2002, she received the 8th CDDC's Eagle Award for 
outstanding lifetime achievements in civil rights and public service. 
In 2008, she was elected to represent Virginia's 11th Congressional 
District in the Electoral College where she cast her vote for then-
candidate for President Barack Obama.
  Beyond her professional achievements, Janet was an avid traveler, 
camper, and bird watcher. She visited all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, 
and many countries in Europe, Africa, and South America.
  Janet instilled in her children their civic duty and sacred right to 
vote in every election. Her kindness and lively spirit touched the 
lives of many, leaving a mark on those who knew her.
  Janet leaves behind her beloved husband of 65 years, John; her 
cherished children and their spouses, Wendy, Ted (Mary), and Andy 
(Terri); her treasured grandchildren, Elisabeth, Derek, and Annemarie; 
her dear sister and brother-in-law, Carole and Ernie Labastida; nieces 
and nephews, cousins, and friends.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and 
legacy of Janet Amend Carver. Her leadership and commitment to public 
service was inspirational, and she will be missed by all who knew her.

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