Expressing the Condolences of the House of Representatives on the Death of the Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones, a Representative of the State of Ohio
Floor Speech
EXPRESSING THE CONDOLENCES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON THE DEATH OF THE HONORABLE STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES, A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE STATE OF OHIO -- (House of Representatives - September 08, 2008)
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Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today joining my colleagues in tribute, sharing kind words and memories of our colleague and dear friend Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones.
I was deeply saddened when I heard the news of her death. My sincerest thoughts and prayers go out to her son Mervyn, to all her family, and to her friends and supporters during this difficult time. '
Stephanie Tubbs Jones was an inspiration and a tireless advocate for her constituents. She was a fighter. A strong woman of conviction and intelligence, whose values and experience guided her advocacy and fearlessness.
Stephanie broke molds, she broke glass ceilings, and then swept away the stereotypes. Stephanie was never one to be absorbed into the folds of a monochrome following. She was outspoken and proactive, bold in demeanor and action. Her always bright and powerful attire spoke to her outgoing personality, which never shied away from a challenge and approached every day with enthusiasm and confidence. Her skill in crafting intelligent and responsible legislation shows that she viewed the world through this diverse spectrum of color, dismissing the notion that solutions to complex problems can come from a world of simply black and white.
Justice and inclusion were at the heart of her work. In her 10 years in Congress and her lifetime of service she always put justice, opportunity, and equality atop all other pursuits. Stephanie did not come from a life of privilege simply to serve the privileged. She came from a working class community and put her heart and soul into lifting up that community with every step of the ladder she climbed.
I remember how highly coveted she was by the then members of the Ways and Means committee, when joining the powerful committee soon after her election. My husband Bob served on the then committee and recognized in her character the genuine desire to serve her Nation, her constituents, and those whose voices had yet to be fully heard. Her experience as a prosecutor and judge gave her arguments tenacity and her decisions finality.
Stephanie Tubbs Jones effectively represented her Cleveland district for over a decade. Yet she never dismissed the acknowledgment that her success as a groundbreaking figure touched many outside her district's boundaries. Her work looked beyond district lines and party lines to affect, inspire, and speak for those in need of justice and advocacy.
My heart goes out to her loved ones. I know that she will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. Her impact will continue to be felt, not only in her Cleveland district and the U.S. House of Representatives, but by the many individuals who benefited from her service.
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