[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14237]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING FORMER CONGRESSWOMAN CARRIE MEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 2011

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
honor a former Member of the Florida state and U.S. House of 
Representatives, Congresswoman Carrie Meek. Congresswoman Meek has also 
served in the Florida State Senate in what was a small part of a 
diverse history of public service.
  With over 24 years of combined public service on both the state and 
national level, Congresswoman Meek has a true understanding of what it 
takes to enrich the lives of others. Her service, as a teacher before 
winning her seat in the Florida State House is yet another testament to 
her public contributions.
  Congresswoman Meek had all throughout her career a reputation for 
being a strong legislator. She was the first African American woman 
elected to the Florida Senate and the first African American to serve 
there since Reconstruction. In the Florida State Legislature, she 
staunchly promoted literacy and championed minority business enterprise 
laws.
  Her career in the U.S. House was no less distinguished than it was on 
the state level. Almost immediately, the Congresswoman established 
herself as a champion of expanding federal programs to create jobs and 
providing initiatives for African American business owners. In a battle 
that is still being fought today, Congresswoman Meek passionately 
opposed cuts to social welfare programs in the 90s to prevent the 
financial burden from being carried on the backs of the middle class 
and the disadvantaged.
  Mr. Speaker, Congresswoman Meek has been an asset to this country and 
it is important that we recognize her lasting contributions to her 
district and our nation. It is always my pleasure to honor an 
individual with such exemplary character and integrity such as my dear 
friend Congresswoman Carrie Meek.

                          ____________________