Gillibrand, Crowley Introduce Resolution to Honor Geraldine A. Ferraro

Press Release

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx) introduced matching resolutions in the Senate and House to honor the life and accomplishments of former Congresswoman and Vice-Presidential candidate Geraldine A. Ferraro. The resolutions, which recognize Ferraro's service to Queens and New York, as well as pay tribute to her indelible impact as a trailblazer in American politics, passed the Senate by Unanimous Consent late last night.

"Geraldine Ferraro was more than a pioneer who inspired me, and generations of women, she was also a great friend and mentor," Senator Gillibrand said. "I will greatly miss her many words of wisdom, encouragement and advice. While her passing is a great loss for our country, I know that her legacy will live on forever. I was inspired by her convention speech when she said, "The issue is not what Americans can do for women, but what women can do for America,' and am humbled to be part of the next generation of women leaders carrying on her life's work. I am proud to join Rep. Crowley in introducing a resolution honoring the extraordinary life of Geraldine Ferraro."

"Gerry may have made her mark on the nation's consciousness as a member of Congress and a candidate for vice president, but she was much more. She was a wife, a mother, and above all, an inspiration to both those who knew her and those who simply knew of her," said Congressman Crowley. "As the Representative of her former district, Gerry was a great mentor and friend, and she had a profound influence on my service to the people of Queens. It is with great honor that I join Senator Gillibrand in introducing a resolution to honor the life and legacy of this incredible woman who will forever remain a fixture not only in American politics, but in our hearts."

The resolutions, co-sponsored by the entire New York State delegation, recognize Ferraro for helping to "tear down barriers to the full and equal participation of women in national politics." From working her way through law school, to being one of 16 women in the House of Representatives, to her selection as the first woman to be a candidate for Vice President on a major political party's ticket, Ferraro paved the way for the next generation of American women.

The resolutions also laud Ferraro's fight for women's rights, marking her legislative achievements while serving the 9th Congressional District of New York, as well as her efforts to fight for women's rights around the world when she later served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. Additionally, the resolutions highlight Ferraro's distinguished career as a district attorney in New York, her rise in the Democratic Party's leadership, and her life-long commitment to public service.

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