[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 17677]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  REMEMBERING GOVERNOR ANNE ARMSTRONG

  Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart for the 
loss of one of Texas' strongest, most influential women, Anne 
Armstrong. More importantly, I rise today to honor and commemorate her 
incredible service to Texas and the Nation as a whole.
  To understand what kind of a woman Anne Armstrong was, you first need 
to understand where she came from. A valedictorian graduate of Vassar 
in 1949, Anne's career started out, not in politics, but on a ranch in 
southern Texas' Kenedy County with her husband Tobin.
  Although she was born in Louisiana, Anne quickly took to Texas life, 
and enjoyed working on one of Texas' historic ranches, settled in the 
19th century. Owning a ranch taught Anne to be tough when necessary, 
and always polite. She also learned how to talk politics with her 
husband and his friends, and quickly proved to have a sharp insight 
into the issues facing our country.
  Although her family always came first, Anne's passion for politics 
led her to become the Kenedy County Republican Party chair. From there 
she took off, serving next as Texas Republican Party chair, and 
eventually as the first woman ever to cochair the Republican National 
Committee.
  One year later Anne made history again when she became the first 
woman ever to deliver a keynote address to a national party convention.
  But Anne's service was never about the notoriety, it was about 
improving the government of America. In a time when a woman in politics 
was almost unheard of, Anne Armstrong forced herself into the game, and 
proved that she belonged there. She became the first ever woman to hold 
a Presidential Cabinet Position, serving as an adviser to Nixon and to 
Ford.
  When President Ford joked at her swearing-in that his wife was 
``always needling'' him to appoint women to higher positions, Anne 
quickly retorted ``I have the feeling Abigail Adams would have been 
just as excited as Betty Ford and I.''
  In her role Anne worked to further advance the roles of women in 
America. She established the White House Office of Women's Programs, an 
office dedicated to recruiting and assisting females in obtaining 
political appointments and high level government employment. Her work, 
as well as her example, helped lay the groundwork for countless women 
who have followed her. I know that my colleague, Senator Hutchison, 
attributes much of her success to Anne's example and mentorship.
  After serving in the White House, Anne again made history as the 
first female Ambassador to the United Kingdom. During that time, Anne 
Armstrong nearly became the first woman on a Presidential ticket, as 
she was considered by President Ford for the vice presidency.
  In what would be her last national position, Anne served at the 
request of President Reagan on the President's Foreign Intelligence 
Advisory Board. She served as the first and only female chair to that 
board, and served under both Presidents Reagan and Bush.
  Utimately, Anne Armstrong was an adviser to four different 
presidents, a mentor to many of today's prominent politicians, and a 
beloved friend to all who had the pleasure of working with her. In 
1987, recognizing her distinguished service, President Reagan awarded 
Anne with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
  But as passionately as Anne Armstrong worked in politics, nothing 
could take priority over her family. After serving in national politics 
for roughly 20 years, Anne returned home to her ranch and her family in 
Kenedy County.
  Even after such a remarkable career in politics, Anne Armstrong could 
not resist the call to serve her community. When she passed away on 
Wednesday, Anne Armstrong was still serving as the county commissioner. 
At the age of 80, battling cancer, Anne Armstrong continued to serve 
her beloved community, her home of Texas.
  Whether as a mother, a wife, a rancher or a politician, Anne 
Armstrong's commitment and dedication was unmatched. Without a doubt, 
Texas, and the Nation as a whole, is richer for her service.
  Anne's legacy is survived by her 5 children and 13 grandchildren--as 
well as the countless others whose lives she touched. That is why I 
have come today to introduce a resolution honoring the life and service 
of a pioneer of women in politics, and a great Texan, Mrs. Anne 
Armstrong.

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