Remembering Governor Anne Armstrong

Floor Speech

REMEMBERING GOVERNOR ANNE ARMSTRONG -- (Senate - July 31, 2008)

Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart for the loss of one of Texas' strongest, most influential women, Anne Armstrong. More importantly, I rise today to honor and commemorate her incredible service to Texas and the Nation as a whole.

To understand what kind of a woman Anne Armstrong was, you first need to understand where she came from. A valedictorian graduate of Vassar in 1949, Anne's career started out, not in politics, but on a ranch in southern Texas' Kenedy County with her husband Tobin.

Although she was born in Louisiana, Anne quickly took to Texas life, and enjoyed working on one of Texas' historic ranches, settled in the 19th century. Owning a ranch taught Anne to be tough when necessary, and always polite. She also learned how to talk politics with her husband and his friends, and quickly proved to have a sharp insight into the issues facing our country.

Although her family always came first, Anne's passion for politics led her to become the Kenedy County Republican Party chair. From there she took off, serving next as Texas Republican Party chair, and eventually as the first woman ever to cochair the Republican National Committee.

One year later Anne made history again when she became the first woman ever to deliver a keynote address to a national party convention.

But Anne's service was never about the notoriety, it was about improving the government of America. In a time when a woman in politics was almost unheard of, Anne Armstrong forced herself into the game, and proved that she belonged there. She became the first ever woman to hold a Presidential Cabinet Position, serving as an adviser to Nixon and to Ford.

When President Ford joked at her swearing-in that his wife was ``always needling'' him to appoint women to higher positions, Anne quickly retorted ``I have the feeling Abigail Adams would have been just as excited as Betty Ford and I.''

In her role Anne worked to further advance the roles of women in America. She established the White House Office of Women's Programs, an office dedicated to recruiting and assisting females in obtaining political appointments and high level government employment. Her work, as well as her example, helped lay the groundwork for countless women who have followed her. I know that my colleague, Senator Hutchison, attributes much of her success to Anne's example and mentorship.

After serving in the White House, Anne again made history as the first female Ambassador to the United Kingdom. During that time, Anne Armstrong nearly became the first woman on a Presidential ticket, as she was considered by President Ford for the vice presidency.

In what would be her last national position, Anne served at the request of President Reagan on the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board. She served as the first and only female chair to that board, and served under both Presidents Reagan and Bush.

Utimately, Anne Armstrong was an adviser to four different presidents, a mentor to many of today's prominent politicians, and a beloved friend to all who had the pleasure of working with her. In 1987, recognizing her distinguished service, President Reagan awarded Anne with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

But as passionately as Anne Armstrong worked in politics, nothing could take priority over her family. After serving in national politics for roughly 20 years, Anne returned home to her ranch and her family in Kenedy County.

Even after such a remarkable career in politics, Anne Armstrong could not resist the call to serve her community. When she passed away on Wednesday, Anne Armstrong was still serving as the county commissioner. At the age of 80, battling cancer, Anne Armstrong continued to serve her beloved community, her home of Texas.

Whether as a mother, a wife, a rancher or a politician, Anne Armstrong's commitment and dedication was unmatched. Without a doubt, Texas, and the Nation as a whole, is richer for her service.

Anne's legacy is survived by her 5 children and 13 grandchildren--as well as the countless others whose lives she touched. That is why I have come today to introduce a resolution honoring the life and service of a pioneer of women in politics, and a great Texan, Mrs. Anne Armstrong.

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