Lynn C. Woolsey Post Office Building

Floor Speech

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Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Florida and my other colleagues for their kind words about our friend, my predecessor and our former colleague, Lynn Woolsey.

Lynn is a one-of-a-kind, barrier-breaking trailblazer and a lifelong advocate for women and working families. In her 20 years of service in this body, she was a passionate voice for progressive values, unflinching in her convictions and ahead of her time in so many ways. Speaker Pelosi often called her the conscience of the Congress.

She was born and raised in Seattle, Washington, but she put her roots down as a young woman in Sonoma County, raising a family, becoming a civic leader, and eventually launching a political career. She chaired the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women and then served on the Petaluma City Council before being elected to the House in the ``Year of the Woman.''

Congresswoman Woolsey understood firsthand the challenges and struggles confronting single mothers because she lived them. She never forgot the hardships she faced when she was forced to go on public assistance to keep her family afloat. It was because of this journey as a former welfare mother--the first to ever serve in Congress--that she fought so hard for children and families.

She dedicated her career to improving education and empowering American workers through her service on the Education and Labor Committee and as ranking member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. She was a champion for healthier school meals and sponsored the first-ever expansion of FMLA to ensure that military families have access to leave to prepare for a deployment or to care for a wounded warrior.

Lynn also served as co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, using that platform to push for workers' rights, environmental justice, and equity for all as well as a people's budget that would invest in working people instead of corporate tax cuts and military campaigns.

Her passion for conservation and protecting our national heritage can be seen throughout my district. From the rebuilding of Hamilton Wetlands and Bel Marin Keys, to the cleanup of Skaggs Island, to the dredging of critical waterways, her work will ensure future generations can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of California's north bay.

One of her greatest, hardest-fought achievements was the expansion of the Cordell Bank and Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuaries. Because of her work, one of the most productive marine areas off the West Coast is now permanently protected.

Since she was a young child, Lynn wished for a more peaceful and just world. Mr. Speaker, you have just heard some words about her advocacy for peace and the way she spoke against the Iraq war. Together with Barbara Lee and Maxine Waters--they called themselves the Triad--she formed the Out of Afghanistan and Out of Iraq Caucuses to promote a safe, responsible way to bring our troops home and to put an end to those conflicts.

As some of the floor staff may remember, Lynn gave nearly 500 Special Order hour speeches advocating for what she called smart security, a progressive approach to global engagement and foreign policy, one that emphasized diplomacy and humanitarian assistance rather than military force.

Her work in Congress was all about fighting for children and families, and nothing made her prouder than her own children and family. Anyone who knows Lynn understands that she considers them her greatest legacy of all.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my colleagues, I am so honored today to ask for you to vote ``yes'' and join me in honoring Congresswoman Woolsey's unique and exemplary career and service by passing this legislation.

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