[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 67 (Thursday, April 16, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S1818]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    REMEMBERING CYNTHIA M. FERGUSON

  Ms. ALSOBROOKS. Mr. President, I am honored to celebrate the life and 
legacy of Cynthia M. Ferguson, a distinguished public servant, 
accomplished attorney, dedicated advocate for environmental justice, 
and fellow Marylander, who unfortunately passed away on March 12 at the 
age of 58.
  Ms. Ferguson dedicated more than 25 years to serving the American 
people at the U.S. Department of Justice with dedication and integrity. 
A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and the Chicago-Kent College 
of Law at the Illinois Institute of Technology, Ms. Ferguson rose from 
honors trial attorney within the Environment and Natural Resources 
Division to leading the Department's first-ever Office of Environmental 
Justice during the Biden administration. In this role, she led efforts 
to ensure that all communities, particularly those historically 
overburdened by pollution, receive fair and equal protection under 
environmental laws.
  Ms. Ferguson understood that environmental justice is not an abstract 
concept but a lived reality for families concerned about the air they 
breathe and the water they drink, and she dedicated her career to 
addressing those concerns. Her efforts and leadership made a meaningful 
difference in communities across the country and helped shape a more 
equitable approach to environmental protection.
  I extend my condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues. Ms. 
Cynthia M. Ferguson's legacy of service, integrity, and commitment to 
justice will endure, and she will be greatly missed.

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