Expressing Sorrow of the House at the Death of the Honorable Juanita Millender-McDonald, Member of Congress from the State of California

Floor Speech

EXPRESSING SORROW OF THE HOUSE AT THE DEATH OF THE HONORABLE JUANITA MILLENDER-MCDONALD, MEMBER OF CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

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Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, Congresswoman JUANITA MILLENDER-MCDONALD was a remarkably committed legislator. As the first African-American woman to chair a full committee in Congress, she was deeply dedicated to the work of the House Administration Committee. Through her chair, she was working on landmark legislation to ensure the integrity of our voting system.

At home, Representative MILLENDER-MCDONALD worked every day for her constituents on the issues of healthcare, economic development and housing. Representative MILLENDER-MCDONALD was engaged in a serious effort to revitalize the public housing in her district and was involved in a series of tours and meetings with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Alphonso Jackson, at both Imperial Courts and Nickerson Gardens aimed at providing better housing options for her constituents.

Recently, we joined together to lend our voices to the chorus of community leaders and residents in a successful effort to extend funding for Martin Luther King Hospital.

Representative MILLENDER-MCDONALD will be missed not only by her constituents in the 37th district, but by all of the people who were touched by her service.

Ms. HARMAN. Madam Speaker, in my office is a wonderful photograph of JUANITA and I, arms raised in victory, It was taken as I announced my intention to run for Governor of California in 1998. She was right there, and I was clearly buoyed by her presence. Our friendship was forged in that tough campaign, and it remained strong.

JUANITA was a popular and highly regarded Member of this House. Those are not easy things to achieve in a very competitive workplace, so it is worth asking how she did it.

First, she was a loyal friend. Once she decided to endorse or support you, she never flinched--no matter how hot the heat. And second, she was a pro. She had a clear idea of what legislators can do, and she worked hard.

The results are obvious. JUANITA MILLENDER-MCDONALD served California's 37th congressional district well.

When she came to Congress, she decided to add ``Millender'' to her name in order to honor her mother. Surely she honored her mother. But she also honored her constituents--and this Congress.

A good friend, superb colleague and class act, JUANITA, you will be missed.

Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart as I remember my dear friend and colleague, Congresswoman JUANITA MILLENDER-MCDONALD. JUANITA passed away April 22nd in her home State of California. She will be remembered as a strong woman and formidable legislator who broke down many barriers by becoming the first African-American woman in history to chair a committee in Congress, the House Administration Committee, and the first African-American woman to serve on the Carson City Council and the first to chair two committees in the California State Assembly.

I really got to know JUANITA when I co-chaired the Congressional Caucus on Women's Issues and subsequently when she became the co-chair. She was a strong advocate for women's and minority rights and was a strong ally in the effort to combat human trafficking. JUANITA came to work with a passion and determination that is rarely found. She represented the 37th Congressional District with dignity and pride, proving to be an effective leader and caring Representative.

I especially want to extend my condolences to Congresswoman MILLENDER-MCDONALD's husband, James, and to her five children and grandchildren. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

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