[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19656]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 EXPRESSING SORROW OF THE HOUSE AT THE DEATH OF THE HONORABLE PATSY T. 
           MINK, MEMBER OF CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF HAWAII

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. EARL POMEROY

                            of north dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 1, 2002

  Mr. POMEROY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a friend and 
colleague, the Honorable Patsy Mink. I have known Patsy since being 
elected to Congress nearly a decade ago, and it was with heartfelt 
sadness that I learned of her passing on September 28, 2002.
  Patsy Mink, the first congresswoman of Asian descent, was first 
elected to the House of Representatives in 1964. Throughout her career, 
she earned a reputation as a fearless and outspoken advocate for 
minorities, women, and children. Even at the age of 74, Patsy continued 
to be a stalwart for social and economic justice in the House of 
Representatives.
  In one of her proudest moments in 1972, Patsy coauthored and passed a 
landmark law prohibiting sex discrimination in federally-funded 
education programs, popularly known as Title IX. As a result, the 
number of girls participating in high school sports has exploded in 
recent decades, leading to increased opportunities for women.
  Patsy Mink's tenacity and dedication to the Civil Rights movement 
during the 1960s and 1970s shaped the Democratic national agenda, 
making the interests of women and minorities a centerpiece of the 
party's platform. During the 1990s, her ability to build coalitions in 
a divided Congress has made it possible to move much progressive 
legislation to the floor.
  All of us here in Congress--Republicans and Democrats alike--owe 
Patsy so much. She was known on both sides of the aisle for her 
determination, courage and tenacity, and was an inspiration for all of 
us in public service. We are better legislators and better human beings 
for having known and worked with this distinguished woman.

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