[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 8]
[House]
[Pages 11054-11055]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING FORMER STATE SENATOR CONSTANCE WILLIAMS

  (Mr. SESTAK asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. SESTAK. Madam Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the fortitude, 
forbearance and intelligence of former State Senator Constance 
Williams, who brilliantly represented the 149th Legislative District of 
Pennsylvania from 1997 until 2001. She then was victorious in a special 
election and was elevated to Pennsylvania senator, serving with 
distinction the 17th Senatorial District of Pennsylvania from 2001-
2008.
  Connie, a leader who chose to devote her energies to political life 
in support of her district's citizens, served in that post until she 
retired at the peak of her powers and abilities just last year.
  Throughout her career in public life, Connie always led by example 
and

[[Page 11055]]

never lost sight of the fact that political leaders are, first and 
foremost, public servants. She was a tireless and revered champion of 
so many issues, from women's rights and equality to strong public 
schools, and her embrace of the principles of honest, good governance 
earned her respect and admiration throughout the community and across 
the political spectrum.
  When asked about her life in politics, Connie had the best and, 
perhaps, the only appropriate response: ``I love working with and for 
people,'' she said.
  Senator Constance Williams remains a vibrant figure in Pennsylvania 
politics today, and is a deserving example of future leaders to 
embrace.

                          ____________________