Statement Honoring The Life Of Claudia Taylor "Lady Bird" Johnson

Floor Speech

STATEMENT HONORING THE LIFE OF CLAUDIA TAYLOR ``LADY BIRD'' JOHNSON -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 16, 2007)

* Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate the life and outstanding works of Claudia Taylor ``Lady Bird'' Johnson, the former First Lady of the United States.

* Lady Bird Johnson was born on December 22, 1912, to Thomas Jefferson Taylor and Minnie Lee Patillo. As a child, Lady Bird was a tremendous student who expressed great love for classical literature before going on to earn degrees in art and journalism from the University of Texas in 1933 and 1934. She married Lyndon Baines Johnson on November 17, 1934.

* When Lyndon Johnson became the 36th President of the United States, Lady Bird showed groundbreaking leadership in developing new opportunities for our First Ladies. Lady Bird conceptualized and secured congressional support for the Highway Beautification Act, which President Johnson signed into law on October 22, 1965. This important piece of legislation ordered the removal of certain junkyards and overly intrusive advertising along our nation's highways. She also championed the creation and strengthening of the Head Start program, which has helped ensure that all children have access to vital early-childhood education, regardless of their parents' income.

* After her time as First Lady, Lady Bird continued to show leadership in the causes dear to her, especially the preservation of our wildlife. In 1970, she published her diaries of her time as First Lady, White House Diary, which detailed her pioneering accomplishments and inspired young women across the country. In 1982, Lady Bird founded the National Wildflower Research Center, which works to expand the sustainable use and conservation of wildflowers and plants. She also served as National Geographic Society trustee emeritus and Kennedy Center Honorary Chair.

* As a result of her numerous good works, Lady Bird Johnson earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 1988. These honors were well deserved and serve as testament to the exemplary life of Lady Bird Johnson.

* Mrs. Johnson's passage yesterday is a tremendous loss for the Johnson family and for our country. It is with great sadness that I pass on my condolences to Lady Bird Johnson's family and friends, but with great pride that I honor her incredible life and accomplishments.

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