Honoring Judy Lichtman for Thirty Years of Leadership

HONORING JUDY LICHTMAN FOR THIRTY YEARS OF LEADERSHIP -- (Extensions of Remarks - November 16, 2004)

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend and a Washington legend, Judith Lichtman, who recently stepped down as president of the National Partnership of Women & Families after 30 years at its helm.

Judy has been at the forefront of the women's movement for more than 30 years, and used her considerable talents as a lawyer and a strategic mind to transform the National Partnership, originally the Women's Legal Defense Fund from a small volunteer group to a national organization with thousands of members and a reputation for taking on the tough issues and delivering results.

Judy's vision, and the National Partnership's strength and direct leadership, led to the passage of some of the most important legal protections for American women and families, including the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 and the Family and Medical Leave Act, FMLA, of 1993. In 1996, the National Partnership helped shape key provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, HIPAA, that make it easier for women and their families to get and keep health coverage. More recently, Judy led efforts to promote patient protections and to bring paid family and medical leave to California. I am proud to have worked with her in drafting the Healthy Families Act, which will ensure that Americans have at least seven days of sick leave a year.

Judy has been recognized by civic and legal organizations, business and labor leaders, and others for her strategic abilities, political savvy, effectiveness in creating powerful and diverse coalitions, and most importantly, her tireless commitment to building a truly just society. Judy has always been a great support to me in drafting legislation to improve women's economic security, and I could also rely on her for creative ideas and sage advice.

The National Partnership for Women & Families will now be in the very able hands of Debra Ness, with Judy serving as a Senior Advisor. The lives of men, women and children across this nation have been enriched by Judy's work over the last three decades, and I know her change in title will not change her commitment to the cause. I wish Judy the best of luck in this new phase of life, and thank her for her dedication over the years.