[JPRT, 107th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Patsy T. Mink
LATE A REPRESENTATIVE FROM
HAWAII
a
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES
AND OTHER TRIBUTES
HON. PATSY T. MINK
a
z
1927 -2002
hon. patsy t. mink
a
z
1927 -2002
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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T2489.001
Patsy T. Mink
Mary Ann Changg Photo/Hawaii
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Memorial Addresses and
Other Tributes
HELD IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
AND SENATE
OF THE UNITED STATES
TOGETHER WITH MEMORIAL SERVICES
IN HONOR OF
PATSY T. MINK
Late a Representative from Hawaii
One Hundred Seventh Congress
Second Session
a
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Compiled under the direction
of the
Joint Committee on Printing,
Chairman Robert W. Ney
CONTENTS
Proceedings in the House of Representatives:
Tributes by Representatives:
Abercrombie, Neil, of Hawaii ................
5, 6, 20, 21, 31, 47, 107, 116
Andrews, Robert E., of New Jersey..............
35
Baca, Joe, of California.......................
64
Berman, Howard L., of California...............
58
Boehner, John A., of Ohio
...............................................
.....
4, 70, 106
Brown, Corrine, of Florida.....................
14
Carson, Julia, of Indiana......................
21
Christensen, Donna M., of Virgin Islands.......
38
Clayton, Eva M., of North Carolina
........................................
41, 109
Crowley, Joseph, of New York...................
78
Cummings, Elijah E., of Maryland...............
66
Davis, Susan A., of California.................
20
Davis, Danny K., of Illinois...................
61
DeLauro, Rosa L., of Connecticut...............
24
Dingell, John D., of Michigan..................
53
Engel, Eliot L., of New York...................
80
Etheridge, Bob, of North Carolina..............
30
Faleomavaega, Eni F.H., of American Samoa......
42, 48
Gephardt, Richard A., of Missouri..............
52
Gilman, Benjamin A., of New York...............
13
Green, Gene, of Texas..........................
51
Gutierrez, Luis V., of Illinois................
56
Hinojosa, Ruben, of Texas......................
5, 57
Holt, Rush D., of New Jersey...................
75
Honda, Michael M., of California...............
32, 72
Houghton, Amo, of New York.....................
30
Isakson, Johnny, of Georgia
...............................................
5, 103, 105
Jackson-Lee, Sheila, of Texas..................
27
Johnson, Eddie Bernice, of Texas...............
25
Jones, Stephanie Tubbs, of Ohio................
73
Kaptur, Marcy, of Ohio.........................
8
Kildee, Dale E., of Michigan...................
76
Kind, Ron, of Wisconsin........................
4
Lee, Barbara, of California....................
22
Lewis, John, of Georgia........................
23
Lofgren, Zoe, of California....................
36
Lynch, Stephen F., of Massachusetts............
82
Maloney, Carolyn B., of New York...............
44
Matsui, Robert T., of California...............
11
McCarthy, Carolyn, of New York
.........................................
4, 54, 108
McCarthy, Karen, of Missouri...................
59
McCollum, Betty, of Minnesota..................
81
McKeon, Howard P. ``Buck,'' of California
...........................
5, 69, 105
McKinney, Cynthia A., of Georgia...............
79
Meek, Carrie P., of Florida....................
19, 20
Mica, John. L., of Florida.....................
11
Millender-McDonald, Juanita, of California
...........................
16, 111
Miller, George, of California..................
14
Norton, Eleanor Holmes, of District of Columbia
34
Obey, David R., of Wisconsin...................
16
Ortiz, Solomon P., of Texas....................
53
Owens, Major R., of New York...................
50, 83
Payne, Donald M., of New Jersey................
65
Pelosi, Nancy, of California...................
46
Pomeroy, Earl, of North Dakota.................
81
Rahall, Nick J., II, of West Virginia..........
63
Rangel, Charles B., of New York................
71
Reyes, Silvestre, of Texas.....................
63
Roemer, Tim, of Indiana........................
68
Roybal-Allard, Lucille, of California..........
55
Schakowsky, Janice D., of Illinois.............
77
Scott, Robert C., of Virginia..................
18
Shays, Christopher, of Connecticut.............
18
Skelton, Ike, of Missouri......................
60
Slaughter, Louise McIntosh, of New York........
67
Solis, Hilda L., of California.................
37
Tierney, John F., of Massachusetts.............
14
Towns, Edolphus, of New York...................
107
Velazquez, Nydia M., of New York...............
35
Waters, Maxine, of California..................
33
Watson, Diane E., of California................
17
Wu, David, of Oregon...........................
42
Proceedings in the Senate:
Tributes by Senators:
Akaka, Daniel K., of Hawaii
...............................................
....
121, 129
Inouye, Daniel K., of Hawaii...................
127
Memorial Service......................................
135
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MEMORIAL ADDRESSES
AND
OTHER TRIBUTES
FOR
PATSY T. MINK
Proceedings in the House of Representatives
Monday, September 30, 2002
PRAYER
The Chaplain, the Reverend Daniel P. Coughlin, offered
the following prayer:
Life is fragile and a lifetime but a moment before Your
eternal presence, Almighty God. Today we mourn the loss of
one of Your servants and dearly elected Members of this
Congress: the Honorable Patsy Mink.
Reward this gentle woman for her gracious service in
this House, to this Nation and the island people of
Hawaii. We know she will be fondly remembered by many and
richly rewarded by You, O Lord. You are the Lord and
master of the living and the dead, and before You we will
all have to appear and render an accounting.
Be now her loving Saviour. Help her staff, family, and
many friends find some footing as You lead them on by Your
kindly light of faith and sustaining love revealed in
those around them. Be now their hope and consolation.
May the Honorable Patsy Mink of Hawaii rest in peace.
Amen.
Tuesday, October 1, 2002
MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE
A message from the Senate by Mr. Monahan, one of its
clerks, announced that the Senate agreed to the following
resolution:
S. Res. 331
Resolved, That the Senate has heard with profound sorrow
and deep regret the announcement of the death of the
Honorable Patsy T. Mink, late a Representative from the
State of Hawaii.
Resolved, That the Secretary communicate these
resolutions to the House of Representatives and transmit
an enrolled copy thereof to the family of the deceased.
Resolved, That when the Senate adjourns or recesses
today, it stand adjourned or recessed as a further mark of
respect to the memory of the deceased Representative.
TRIBUTE TO PATSY MINK
Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. I would like to take a moment
to remember a great colleague and friend in the Committee
on Education and the Workforce, the gentlewoman from
Hawaii. She will be greatly missed and always remembered
for her compassion and dedication to the people of Hawaii.
Mr. BOEHNER. Let me pay tribute to a colleague and
friend, Patsy Mink. It is my understanding the House will
consider and adopt a formal resolution this week honoring
her service to our country, and I am pleased that we will
have that opportunity to pay tribute to her in that
fashion.
Patsy was a vibrant, passionate, and effective voice for
the principles that she believed in. She was a true leader
on our committee, and I am deeply saddened by the news of
her passing. As chairman of the committee over the last 2
years, we worked together on the historic No Child Left
Behind Act, as well as bipartisan legislation to improve
access to higher education for our Nation's youth. Patsy
fought tirelessly for the causes she supported, and I
think we are all grateful for her long record of public
service. Her passing is a significant loss for our
committee, the people of Hawaii, and the people of the
United States. I offer my sincerest condolences to her
family and her constituents. She will be greatly missed.
Mr. KIND. Madam Speaker, I want to preface my remarks by
stating that today is truly a sad day in the House of
Representatives for the people of the Second District of
Hawaii and for the people of the Nation who may not have
seen or appreciated the fine work that Patsy Mink did in
representing her constituents in Hawaii. In all my years
of public service, Madam Speaker, I never met anyone with
a deeper commitment and passion for serving her
constituents than Patsy Mink. I believe she was the first
woman of color to be elected to the U.S. Congress, and I
have had the pleasure of serving with her for three terms
now on the Committee on Education and the Workforce.
She brought a depth of knowledge to the committee on
issues of education that was unrivaled. Also unrivaled was
her fight to ensure that quality of education was a
reality for native Hawaiian children. We will miss her
guidance, leadership and expertise in these areas. Most of
all, we will miss her for what she was, a dynamic
personality with unlimited energy and compassion for the
issues she felt so deeply about. I hope that the people
will in the next week take a little time to read a little
bit about Patsy Mink, the stories being written, to better
understand her contribution for our great democracy and
for the people of the Second District in Hawaii.
Mr. McKEON. Madam Speaker, I associate myself with the
remarks of the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner), the
gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kind), and the gentlewoman
from New York (Mrs. McCarthy) regarding Mrs. Mink. The
gentlewoman will be missed by all of us, but I will
especially miss her because for the last 2 years she has
been the ranking member on this subcommittee, and we have
had the opportunity of getting to know each other and
working well together. I will miss her greatly.
Mr. ISAKSON. Madam Speaker, I want to add my expression
of sympathy to the family of Patsy Mink and to the
citizens of Hawaii and recommend Members read an editorial
that I read on the plane today about the contributions of
her life, in particular in the field of politics and the
law where she broke the glass ceiling for women in an era
and a period where that ceiling was very low. She was an
outstanding colleague and an outstanding individual, and
she shall be missed.
Mr. HINOJOSA. Madam Speaker, I also want to express my
condolences to the family of my good friend and colleague,
Patsy Mink. The people of Hawaii and this Nation have
experienced a tremendous loss. I worked with Patsy Mink
for 6 years on the Committee on Education and the
Workforce and always found her to be a tireless advocate
for children and workers. I will truly miss her wisdom,
her wit, and her fighting spirit. She fought for all
students to have an opportunity to access quality
education and have access to higher education.
MOURNING THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE PATSY MINK
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, it is very difficult for
me to grasp that I would be standing here this evening to
announce to the House, with the most profound regret, that
our dear friend and colleague Patsy Mink has passed away.
I know there are many Members who wish to express their
respects to John Mink and Wendy Mink, Patsy's husband and
daughter, and to share with other Members and perhaps
those who are observing our proceedings the measure of
their feelings for Patsy and about her.
So at the proper time, Mr. Speaker, I will call up a
resolution expressing the sorrow of the House of
Representatives upon her death and offer the opportunity
for such Members as would like to speak to indicate to the
House their feelings on this profoundly sad occasion.
EXPRESSING SORROW OF THE HOUSE AT THE DEATH OF THE
HONORABLE PATSY T. MINK, MEMBER OF CONGRESS FROM THE STATE
OF HAWAII
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I offer a privileged
resolution (H. Res. 566) and ask for its immediate
consideration.
The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:
H. Res. 566
Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow
of the death of the Honorable Patsy T. Mink, a
Representative from the State of Hawaii.
Resolved, That a committee of such Members of the House
as the SPEAKER may designate, together with such Members
of the Senate as may be joined, be appointed to attend the
funeral.
Resolved, That the Sergeant at Arms of the House be
authorized and directed to take such steps as may be
necessary for carrying out the provisions of these
resolutions and that the necessary expenses in connection
therewith be paid out of applicable accounts of the House.
Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions
to the Senate and transmit a copy thereof to the family of
the deceased.
Resolved, That when the House adjourns today, it adjourn
as a further mark of respect to the memory of the
deceased.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent
that at the end of the allotted time, the House rise for a
moment of silence out of respect for the Honorable Patsy
T. Mink.
Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I take this
action. The hearts of all of us here go out in sympathy to
Patsy's husband, John, and her daughter, Gwen; to her
brother, Eugene; to her staff in Washington and in Hawaii;
and to her large family of friends and admirers.
Mr. Speaker, I am devastated by her loss. Patsy Mink was
more than my friend and my colleague; she was a true
daughter of Hawaii. She was a person of enormous spirit,
tenacity and inner strength. I will miss her terribly. I
will especially miss her wisdom, her energy, her readiness
to fight for principle. She fought all her life for social
and economic justice.
Throughout nearly 50 years of public service, she
championed America's most deeply held values: equality,
fairness and above all honesty. Her courage, her
willingness to speak out and champion causes that others
might shun resulted in tremendous contributions in the
fields of civil rights and education. She has earned in my
estimation an honored place in the history of the U.S.
House of Representatives as the co-author of title IX,
which guarantees equality for women in education programs.
Every single woman in this Nation who today has the
advantage of the capacity to command equal opportunity in
education, and by extension in virtually every other field
of endeavor, owes the impetus to that in modern times to
Patsy Mink. She was one of the pioneers who transformed
Hawaii and transformed this Nation. Her legacy will live
on in every campus in America and in the heart of every
American woman who aspires to greatness. Most profoundly,
it lives on in my estimation in hope, hope for the
millions of lives that she touched.
Mr. Speaker, it is difficult for me to realize that I am
standing here this evening paying my respects to the
memory of Patsy Mink because my first memories of her go
back to when I was a student at the University of Hawaii
involved in one of her first campaigns, not for elective
office because she did that when Hawaii was still a
territory.
She came back to Hawaii from her early plantation days,
running around as a little kid in the plantation ditches
over in Maui, encouraged by her family, most particularly
her father, to reach for her star in the Hawaii firmament.
She was turned down for medical school, discriminated
against because she was female, because she was Japanese,
because she came from an unknown territory out in the
Pacific. That is why she went to law school, fought her
way into law school so that she could achieve a degree
that would enable her to fight against the discrimination
she had suffered.
She was a champion then. We all recognized it. She was
smart and she was tough and she was articulate and she
would not quit. She was an inspiration then and now.
Whenever any of us felt some sense of discouragement,
whenever any of us felt some sense of despair or feeling
that we could not succeed, it was only required for Patsy
to come in the room to change the atmosphere.
Patsy Mink had the capacity to make dead air move. Patsy
Mink, this little lady from Hawaii, was a giant in her
heart and in her commitment. With every breath that she
took, she championed those who had no one to stand up and
speak out for them. A little lady with a big heart, a
lioness. We will not see her like again. Someone will take
her place here in the House, that is the way of it in our
democracy, but no one will replace her in the hearts of
the people of Hawaii. No one will replace her in the role
that she played in this House of Representatives. No one
was more beloved than Patsy Mink in this House.
Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the
distinguished gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie), now
the senior Member representing that great State here for
our Republic in the House, and rise in support of his
Resolution with all of our colleagues on both sides of the
aisle to honor our friend and colleague Congresswoman
Patsy Mink, as this beautiful poster indicates, a woman of
hope.
Patsy's service, now 24 years, places her among the
longest-serving women in the House, certainly currently.
She was honest and intelligent, gifted and dedicated, and
leaves behind a stellar record of accomplishments. For
almost half a century, she was a devoted advocate for her
constituents and her native State of Hawaii. She served
America with distinction. She will be deeply missed.
She was a trailblazer. Her career embodied a series of
firsts. She was the first Asian-American woman to practice
law in Hawaii, and the first Asian-American woman to be
elected to the Hawaii territorial legislature. And then in
1964 she became the first, in her own words, woman of
color ever elected to the U.S. Congress, an Asian-American
woman of Japanese-American heritage from the then new
State of Hawaii.
She transcended race and gender throughout her life. She
was a leader on women's rights, social and economic
justice, health care and child care, and no one here knew
more about education. She came to this House at the
beginning of the 88th Congress in 1965, served until 1977,
and then again from 1990 until her untimely passing this
past Sunday.
When Patsy first began her career in this Congress, she
was one of only 11 women serving in the House. She watched
as Members came in the 1980s and began to double the
number of women to 24, up to the current level of 62 with
13 women now in the Senate.
I agree with my colleagues that Patsy viewed as her most
important achievement, the passage of title IX of the
Education Amendments of 1972. She, as the gentleman from
Hawaii indicated, had experienced race and gender
discrimination. She often said her life experiences
challenged her to lead the fight for women and girls to
have equal access to education and athletic opportunities.
Title IX has torn down barriers for women and girls in
America. Title IX has had a dramatic impact on women's
access to higher education opportunities, especially
medical and law school, in addition to the more publicized
impact on girls' and women's athletics.
Throughout our Nation, millions of girls participate in
sports programs today, and millions of girls and women
have more opportunities available to them because of
Congresswoman Patsy Mink. She stood up for them and for
us. Her legacy will survive in every classroom, every
school and every campus. In celebrating the 30th
anniversary of title IX, Patsy stated her belief that ``we
must rededicate ourselves to the continued pursuit of
educational opportunities for girls and women.'' Her
leadership on a wide range of issues--the environment,
poverty, civil rights--helped shape a stronger America.
Patsy will live forever in our hearts and in this great
institution. She truly remains America's daughter for all
time, a woman of hope.
In that regard, Mr. Speaker, I would like to place in
the Record and ask my colleagues to sign a letter being
sent to the Speaker from all of us that asks the Speaker
to work with the membership as the Speaker deems
appropriate to commission a portrait or sculpture of
Congresswoman Mink to memorialize her contributions to our
Nation. We would expect that the costs of this effort
would be privately financed, working with an appropriate
non-profit entity, and that following the completion of
this work of appropriate artistic quality, we would like
to have it placed in a fitting public space here in the
Capitol, perhaps in the new Capitol Visitors Center, so
that her story can continue to inspire the millions of
visitors who come to Washington to learn more about our
democratic system, which she strengthened every day of her
service to our country and indeed the world.
Mr. Speaker, the text of the letter follows:
Congress of the United States,
Washington, DC, October 1, 2002.
Hon. Dennis Hastert,
Speaker of the House, U.S. House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Speaker: Appreciation for the diversity and
accomplishment of our Nation's leaders throughout our
history strengthens people's understanding of freedom's
legacy and potential. This is a key reason why so many of
us have urged that the artwork displayed in the public
spaces of the House be more representative of this rich
history of accomplishment, including correcting the
underrepresentation of women in the current collection on
display.
The passing of our beloved colleague, Patsy Takemoto
Mink of Hawaii, offers us the opportunity to both improve
our representation of women who have contributed to this
institution and our Nation, as well as pay proper
recognition to a woman whose path-breaking efforts have
shaped a more optimistic future for generations of
Americans. Congresswoman Mink's life embodied a series of
firsts.
She was the first Asian-American woman to practice law
in Hawaii, and was the first Asian-American woman to be
elected to the territorial House before Hawaii became a
State in 1959, and she was one of the pioneers that
advocated for Hawaii's statehood.
In 1964, she became, in her words, the first woman of
color ever elected to the U.S. Congress. As the first
Asian-American woman of Japanese-American heritage
elected, she served with distinction twelve terms in the
House of Representatives for two 12-year periods.
Congresswoman Mink transcended race and gender
discrimination throughout her career. Her life experiences
challenged her to lead the fight for women and girls to
have equal access to education and athletic opportunities.
She played the leading role in the enactment of title IX
of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibited for
the first time gender discrimination by federally funded
institutions.
That law has become the major tool for women's fuller
participation not only in sports, but also in all aspects
of education.
Patsy's leadership on a wide range of issues as the
environment, poverty, education, and civil rights shaped a
stronger America. During her tenure in Congress Mrs. Mink
helped write environmental protection laws safeguarding
land and water, and communities affected by coal strip
mining.
For these reasons, Mr. Speaker, we respectfully request
the opportunity to work with you and other officials of
the House whom you deem appropriate to commission a
portrait or sculpture of Congresswoman Mink to memorialize
her contributions. We would expect that the costs of this
effort would be privately financed, with an appropriate
non-profit entity being designated for the receipt of any
contributions.
Following the completion of this work of appropriate
artistic quality, we would like to have it displayed in a
fitting public space of the House, including possibly the
new Capitol Visitors' Center, so that her story can
continue to inspire the millions of visitors who come to
Washington to learn more about our democratic system which
calls for the inclusion of all Americans, regardless of
race, gender, or origin.
We look forward to this opportunity to work with you.
Sincerely,
Neil Abercrombie, Marcy Kaptur,
Robert A. Underwood, Diane E. Watson,
Michael M. Honda, Robert T. Matsui,
Members of Congress.
Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for
yielding time, and I also extend my condolences to the
Hawaii delegation and especially to John Mink, to John and
his daughter Wendy.
It is hard to believe that Patsy Mink is gone. Patsy
Mink was truly an American icon. I had the wonderful
privilege and opportunity to serve with Patsy. She was my
ranking member as I chaired the Subcommittee on Criminal
Justice, Drug Policy and Human Resources. Sometimes in
this body we get to know folks from a distance, but
sometimes when you work with them as I worked with Patsy,
you get to know them as a friend.
This House and this Nation and certainly Hawaii just
received a tremendous legacy from her service. This lady
served in this Chamber as a role model for young women,
for Asian-Americans and for all Americans. I remember
Patsy because of her conviction, because of her
determination, because of her caring and love for people
truly in her heart, and I honestly cannot believe she has
left us. Not only will she be remembered for her public
service in local government, in the territory of Hawaii
and in the State of Hawaii, but for all she has done for
so many people. She worked with me on our national drug
policy, and the education program that we now have
nationally is a legacy from Patsy Mink.
Again, her heart, her trust, and her love was with the
people that she represented. So I salute her on her years
of service. I will miss her from the bottom of my heart.
As I came to the Capitol, I saw the flags flying at half
mast, and how proud she would be that we honor her today
for her service, which she so richly deserves. She was a
great American and a great colleague, Patsy Mink, the
gentlewoman from Hawaii.
Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, first I would like to offer my
condolences to John, Patsy's husband, and Wendy, Patsy's
daughter, and obviously her staff both in Hawaii and in
Washington, for the wonderful job that they have given her
and the people of her State over the past 24 years. And
this goes from the time she was in Congress, from 1964 to
1976, and from 1990 until she passed away last Saturday.
It is somewhat unique when a colleague of ours dies. I
remember when Walter Capps, the Member from California,
passed away. We had a chance then to look at his
accomplishments over the years, and we began then to
realize what a great human being he really was. We see our
colleagues on the floor every day, and we obviously know
them, we like them, we have friendships, but not until
they leave us do we really have an opportunity to really
look at their careers. Unlike Members of the other body
and unlike Governors in statehouses, we do not have an
opportunity to view our colleagues as we do Patsy Mink
today.
Her political career went over 46 years. If one really
thought about it, she was the first Asian-American, she
was the first woman of color to enter the House of
Representatives. I had not known that until this week. I
think many of my colleagues did not know that. She was the
first Asian-American woman to be admitted to the Hawaii
bar, and she had to do it by challenging the residency
requirements because her husband was from Pennsylvania,
and in those days she had to take the residency of her
husband, and so she was first not admitted. But at the age
of 26, Patsy Mink challenged the Hawaii residency
requirements in respect to admission to the bar, and her
life was like that.
I think the gentlewoman from Ohio stated that Patsy was
the one who made an amendment through the Higher Education
Act, title IX, back in 1972. Because of her, young
elementary schoolgirls can say that they want to be like
Mia Hamm. A young woman in college now can aspire to be a
professional player in the WNBA. She has just done so
much.
Two things stick out in my mind about Patsy, if I may
just say this, and I know there are so many speakers that
want to talk about Patsy. When she came back in 1990, Bill
Ford was the chairman of what was then known as the
Committee on Education and Labor. Bill said, ``Patsy Mink,
she's coming back. I'm going to get her on my committee.
She's just a great Member.''
I said, ``Yeah, I know.''
He said, ``No, no, you don't understand. Patsy Mink is a
great legislator. She knows how to bring people together,
she knows how to develop a consensus, she knows how to use
words that are words of art. She is a legislator's
legislator.'' I think all of us that have worked with
Patsy know that.
Last, let me just say that I have worked with Patsy on
welfare and on a number of issues. I have never seen
anyone in this body, or in any body, any more impassioned,
any more committed to the forgotten people, the people
that perhaps do not have the chance that many of us have,
for people that really want to aspire in America. That is
what Patsy Mink means to me and to all of us. She is truly
a role model not just for Asian-Americans or women, but
for all Americans.
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, on days such as this, we sadly
woe the present but nostalgically reflect upon the past.
Hawaii and the Congress has lost one of its great leaders
this week, a Congresswoman whose life and her 24-year
congressional career have been nothing short of amazing.
The passing of Congresswoman Patsy Mink is felt not only
by her family, her husband John and daughter Wendy, and
those close to her, but also by her constituents and all
of us in the Congress who had the privilege to serve with
Patsy.
I served with her on the Committee on Education years
ago. Known for her strong, sincere demeanor, Patsy Mink
has been an outstanding asset to Hawaii's Second
Congressional District. She achieved significant support
for the people of Hawaii. In those respects, Patsy was
close to us all. Mrs. Mink was one of our Nation's
strongest proponents of women's equality, pushing feminism
from a fringe cause to an important rallying cry. Her
sense of what was needed to be done to help her native
Hawaiians and immigrant citizens alike has marked her as a
sympathetic and caring congressional Member. She
championed important reforms in education, such as smaller
class sizes, passage of title IX, and more spending on
special education and school construction, and the need to
provide more assistance for Impact Aid, for which I had
the honor and pleasure of working with Patsy.
All of Patsy's work in education demonstrates her desire
to improve the future of our children who one day will be
our Nation's leaders. This Congress will sorely miss Patsy
Mink. She will be remembered for her leadership, her
concerns, her compassion, for her positive aspects and the
efforts she has undertaken to make Hawaii a strong
political force in our Nation. May it be of some
consolation to her husband, John, to her daughter, Wendy,
that the people of Hawaii and so many others across the
country will not forget our outstanding colleague,
Congresswoman Patsy Mink.
Mr. TIERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my
condolences on the death of the Honorable Patsy Mink.
Mr. Speaker. I rise this evening to join my colleagues
in commemoration of the remarkable life and tremendous
achievements of the woman who served with great
distinction in the House of Representatives, Patsy Mink. I
offer my condolences to the Mink family, especially her
husband John and daughter Wendy, and to the people of her
district who have lost a leader and a friend.
From age 4 when she insisted on joining her brother at
school to her service as the first Asian-American woman to
practice law in Hawaii, and to her election as the first
woman of color to Congress, Patsy broke down barriers--
first for herself, and then for others. Patsy left a
legacy for millions of working families she helped lift
out of poverty with education and job training programs
ranging from the war on poverty to welfare reform, and the
generation of female student athletes for whom she
drafted, passed and implemented title IX, the 30-year
anniversary of which we just commemorated this June.
I was proud to serve with Patsy on both the House
Education and the Workforce Committee and the Government
Reform Committee, where she gave a voice to the voiceless
every day that she served.
Patsy provided vision, courage and leadership--speaking
out on all the vital issues of the day and inspiring us,
her colleagues, with her fiery oratory on the House floor
and policy negotiations that combined her mastery of
education, labor and economic issues with the persuasive
power of Hawaiian chocolate-covered macadamia nuts.
Mr. Speaker, the Members and staff of this great
institution mourn the loss of a valued friend and
colleague whose distinguished service to the House made a
difference in the lives of millions of Americans. We will
miss her dearly.
Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would just make a
quick comment to the family. My favorite scripture is ``To
whom God has given much, much is expected.'' Our colleague
has given much to this country on women's issues and on
education. She has done her work. We have to carry on the
legacy.
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank
the gentleman for yielding me this time, and I thank him
for bringing this together this evening to be able to
express ourselves about Patsy and the wonderful person she
was.
Patsy had a wonderful sense of urgency about being a
Member of Congress. She was so clearly aware that she had
been given a gift by the people of Hawaii, and she was so
clearly aware that it was not to be wasted and not a
moment was to be wasted as long as she was in this body.
When I first came here in 1974, she was a very senior
member of the Committee on Natural Resources and of the
Committee on Education and Labor, and I was the most
junior member. When Patsy came back, I was one of the most
senior members of those two committees, and she was the
junior member of those two committees. The relationship
never changed from the first day in 1974. I admired her
skill on the Committee on Natural Resources as we argued
mining law, public lands issues, forest issues, law of the
sea. I asked her once, ``How do you do it?'' She was so
engaged in the debate, and that is when debate really took
place in the House of Representatives. She said, ``Read
the bill and make them defend it.'' And she did. She read
every word in the legislation. And in those committee
hearings, you had to defend your amendment; you had to
defend your bill. And if you could not, she was not with
you.
No matter what the topic was, whether it was title IX or
pay equity or natural resources or mining law, the issues
that she was involved in span the globe, but the reason
was always the same: economic and social justice. She
never waivered. It did not matter if it was welfare reform
or water reform. She wanted to know what the implications
were for economic and social justice, who was getting and
who was giving.
She never waivered from that, and for that she made many
of us uncomfortable, as we thought we could waiver; and
she would reach out and grab you and say, you cannot do
that. You cannot be for this. You cannot vote for this.
She said it to me when I was her chairman, and she said it
to me when I was her ranking member; and she said it to me
when I was a freshman member. That little woman that the
gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie) described was so
full of commitment that she was compelling in all of our
lives. There are so many firsts in her history.
But her sense of urgency and her sense of justice were
her guiding stars. I think that when I came here at the
end of a war, and here we are on possibly the eve of yet
another war, and of those battles inside of the democratic
study group which basically amends organization, and this
woman went at it toe to head to toe to head on the
arguments of ending the war.
I also think tonight that we send Ben Rosenthal and
Bella Abzug and Phil Burton a great companion in heaven.
Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to highlight
the legacy of one of the most distinguished and honorable
women of this august body, my friend, my colleague,
Congresswoman Patsy Mink.
I shall remember her as a giant who spoke in gentle
tones, but very fierce and very deliberate, whose frame
towered with her ability to rise above the fray and get to
the substantive issues at hand. In a career that began
before territorial Hawaii became a State in 1959, Patsy
Mink, with authority, wit, and clear perspective, became
one of the best-known women politicians in these United
States and, of course, as everyone has said, the first
woman of color.
I stand today to celebrate the role that Patsy played in
the life of this great Nation. Her career spanned over 24
years of service in this House of Representatives; and
Patsy concentrated upon the removal of negative factors,
social, economic, and educational restrictions which had
been directed against minority groups, and which prevented
the full development of an individual's ability and
dignity.
It is hardly possible to stand here today to
recapitulate on the extraordinary career of Patsy Mink,
except to point out that a succession of legislative
victories are owed to her tireless work. Later on next
week, the women of the House will highlight the many
legislative victories that this great woman has brought to
the forefront, like improved opportunity in education,
elimination of much overt discrimination, and modifying
environmental policies which were part of the hallmark of
her career.
Her persistent and passionate campaign for equity for
women is credited as a centerpiece for the Democratic
Party today. I can recall a couple of months ago when
Patsy celebrated 30 years of the passage of title IX, and
I came on the floor to talk with her and I asked Patsy, I
said, ``Patsy, are all of the States in compliance with
this law?'' She says, ``Juanita, I don't know, but why
don't you get on that?'' And Mr. Speaker, I have begun to
get on that. I thank her so much for giving me the courage
and tenacity to move forward on title IX.
Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, until last Saturday, Patsy was
one of the three people left in this House who was here
when I first came. At that time, she was one of a handful
of Progressives who would gather each week to discuss ways
that we could prod our own party into being more
aggressive in pushing for education and health and
retirement needs of working people. I learned so much from
her. She was one of the best debaters in this House. She
was a superb legislative craftsman; and above all, she had
steel, and she had something else. She had a passion for
justice, for women, for minorities, and the poor. She had
a sense of rage about the opportunities that this House
misses every day to do more for the people who have no
other resource. We respected her, we loved her, this tiny
woman with that giant heart. We were very lucky to have
her as long as we had her. She made us all better than we
ever expected to be.
Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I join my
colleagues in paying tribute to an outstanding U.S.
Congresswoman. I am saddened, like the rest of my
colleagues, by the loss of a tireless advocate for civil
rights for women and minorities, especially native
Hawaiians.
First elected in 1965, Patsy Mink was a pioneer for
women across this country. As the first minority woman
elected to Congress, Patsy has always been an inspiration
to me as an elected official. On the path of good policy,
Patsy Mink never backed down and she never gave up. Patsy
was a true champion for American values and ideals. Early
in her first term, she lent her unyielding support to the
creation of Medicare. I first became directly involved
with Patsy and her work when title IX was passed 30 years
ago. Back then, as a member of the Los Angeles Unified
School Board, I was charged with implementing a title IX
plan for the Los Angeles Community College system. I have
followed and I have had admiration for Patsy's work and
for her public service career ever since then.
Now as a Member of the 107th Congress, replacing another
strong public servant prematurely taken from us, Julian
Dixon, and one of the highlights of my short time here so
far has been the opportunity to work with Patsy on welfare
reform. In the fast-moving world of Congress, I was able
to spend some quality time with Patsy after going on a
trip to Sacramento to collect the data on our welfare
reform program. We worked together to compile information
for legislation. We might have been unsuccessful; but in
working with her, I knew I had someone who really
understood what we were trying to achieve.
Mr. Speaker, although our most recent attempt for
meaningful change was rebuffed in committee, I want my
colleagues to know that Patsy, that working with her, she
leaves a legacy that we can all model after. Her
dedication, her strength, her principled and hard-working
self will remain with us forever. Patsy, thank you for
what you have done for all of us, especially women.
Mr. SHAYS. Patsy Mink was a thoughtful, passionate,
kind, strong, gentle, and lovely person who bravely and
courageously fought and spoke out for those who could not
always do it for themselves. She fought undeterred for
social and economic justice in our country and around the
world, and she never gave up. She is, in my eyes, Winston
Churchill's ideal model when he spoke to a group of young
men, young boys during the war, the Second World War, and
told them ``Never, give up. Never give up. Never, never,
never give up.''
She was a giant. I did not even know that she was small
in figure. She always, to me, was a giant, a champion and
someone I wanted to know better. I loved her passion, but
I loved more understanding why she felt so passionate. She
wanted to make a difference in this place. I want her
family to know her efforts were worth every minute. She
did make a difference, a huge difference. I loved, no, I
want to say I love Patsy Mink.
Mr. SCOTT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a
distinguished legislator and an amazing activist and a
wonderful person, Patsy Mink. President Kennedy once said,
``A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces,
but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.''
Because of Patsy, both from her example and her
legislative teachings, we know that quote needs to be
amended, for a Nation is revealed not only by its men, but
also by the women produced, honored, and remembered.
As we know from working with her, Patsy made sure that,
as a Nation, we honored and remembered those who might
otherwise be pushed aside and forgotten. Patsy was a
voice, loud and strong, for those who had no voice, or
those whose voices were in danger of being drowned out.
As the author of title IX, she drew attention to women's
educational needs and abilities. When we consider that
over 80 percent of women in senior executive positions
today report having participated in organized sports after
grammar school, we can know that Patsy Mink's work has
changed the face of the Nation.
Through her years in the House, she tirelessly fought
for women, for the poor, for immigrants, for children, for
workers. She fought for civil rights, for health care,
education, child care, teachers' professional development.
I had the honor of knowing Patsy for the last 10 years.
We were on the Committee on Education and the Workforce,
where I had the privilege of watching her at her best.
Although we mourn the loss of Patsy, I will always honor
the privilege of having served alongside such a tenacious
and thoughtful legislator. The legacy of her life and
accomplishments are great lessons to us all. We owe many
thanks to her work and her memory, and that has revealed a
lot about this Nation. So today we are better for honoring
and remembering the gentlewoman from Hawaii, the Honorable
Patsy Mink.
Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, my dear departed
friend and colleague, Patsy Mink, was a big girl. She was
slight and small in stature, but great in spirit and
heart.
I think God thought about Patsy and decided he needed
somebody in the Congress who could reach out to everyone,
who could make laws, who could extend her hand to
everyone. God needed a very strong person. He needed a
woman who would stand up against everybody and bring a
voice to this Congress for the voiceless people.
That is what he did: He chose Patsy. She came in and
broke down barriers. She opened doors. She did everything
God would have her do. In terms of race, color, gender,
she had nothing to stop her.
Patsy was a woman of great honor, and we come here
tonight to honor her, because God chose Patsy. She spent a
lot of her time working for all of us. Every woman in this
country stands now on the shoulders of Patsy Mink. I feel
much stronger and taller because of what Patsy left, the
legacy she left to us. She was a tireless advocate for her
constituents in Hawaii. She was a great leader. She was a
great model.
I remember the many things, being one of the older women
here in the Congress, of the work that Patsy did: Equal
pay for equal work; all of it. There is a litany of things
that Patsy did which I will put in the Record.
She was a great friend and kindred spirit. She used to
send me candy on my birthday; and I had plenty of those,
Mr. Speaker. She would send me whatever those nuts are
that they grow in Hawaii.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I will keep on doing that
for the gentlewoman.
Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Good. I hope the gentleman will
keep it up.
Patsy Mink was the first woman of color admitted in
Congress, and the first Japanese woman admitted to the bar
in Hawaii.
So I say, I stand on her shoulders, Mr. Speaker, and I
pray that each of us here would take a pattern from Patsy,
because she was a great leader who gave service to God for
the space she occupied.
Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, with real sorrow
I come to the podium today to honor a truly memorable
colleague, the Honorable Patsy Mink. As a freshman Member,
it has been so inspiring to serve on a committee with a
role model who has made a real mark on our society through
her lengthy service in the House of Representatives.
It was an honor for me to join her at this podium on
June 19 in the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of
title IX. Seldom does one get to join forces with one of
the original sponsors of legislation that was not only
landmark legislation for our country, but was so formative
for my children's generation.
When I was a local school board member, I remember how
hard we had to work to change the culture of our society
to implement the equality embodied in this bill. She lived
the battle for equal opportunity that that bill codified.
I was so touched that she thanked those of us who spoke
honoring this legislation by presenting us with the T-
shirt that I wear very, very proudly today.
The comment has already been made: We know how giving
Patsy was, because whenever we did something that she
liked, she showered us with macadamia nuts so we would
have a taste of Hawaii.
I thank my colleague, the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr.
Abercrombie), for bringing us all together this evening.
No one will easily fill the chair of Patsy Mink, but we
were all privileged to call ourselves her colleague, and
we will rekindle the commitment she made to the issues
which empowered her life: working for children, their
education, their homes, and their health care. I thank her
for showing us the way.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Just before I go on, Mr. Speaker, I
most deeply want to thank everyone who has spoken so far.
There are many more people to come, as we can see, Mr.
Speaker, but the depth and the breadth of what Patsy
accomplished I think is now going on the record here in
the 107th Congress. It will be there for all to see and
view, and I know it will be an inspiration.
I am very, very grateful, as are the people of Hawaii,
to all who have appeared so far and are yet to come for
letting everyone know of Patsy's legacy.
Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I want to first
include for the Record comments from my predecessor, the
Honorable Congressman from Indianapolis, Mr. Andy Jacobs,
who was in the class of the honorable gentlewoman from
Hawaii, Mrs. Mink. He wrote a letter to the family, John
and Wendy, which simply says: ``I hurt, dear God, do I
hurt. You are in my prayers and in my heart. Andy
Jacobs.''
The letter referred to follows:
Congressman Andy Jacobs (Ret.)
D-Indiana.
To John--Wendy,
I hurt, Dear God do I hurt.
You are in my prayers and in my heart.
Andy Jacobs.
Mr. Speaker, in the greatest book ever written, in the
most universally read book of all times, it is worth
recalling in this most special period in the U.S. House of
Representatives an inscription in the book of
Ecclesiastes.
It says:
For everything there is a season, and a time for every
purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to
die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which
has been planted.
Representative Patsy Mink represented her seasons and
her purpose under heaven. She planted great, eternal seeds
in her season, and certainly fertilized them well.
Often when I would see Mrs. Mink fight for a cause on
the floor, I was reminded of a cliche that we often used
when we were coming up describing Patsy Mink: She was a
little piece of leather, but well put together.
Today I am filled with sorrow over the passing of
Congresswoman Patsy Mink. She was a remarkable,
extraordinary woman, and certainly a wonderful friend.
Congresswoman Mink had on her Web page a quote from a
1973 news article. She said: ``It is easy enough to vote
right and be consistently with the majority, but it is
more often more important to be ahead of the majority, and
this means being willing to cut the first furrow in the
ground and stand alone for a while if necessary.''
So please know, to the Mink family, her husband John and
daughter Wendy, her many loyal constituents, they are all
in my thoughts and prayers these days. I extend to all of
them my heartfelt appreciation for loaning us Patsy, even
if it was just for a little while, and something called
the chicken pox came through and decided that she needed
to do work elsewhere.
Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding
time to me, and for bringing this resolution honoring our
colleague, the gentlewoman from Hawaii, and our dear
friend.
First I want to begin by extending my deepest and most
heartfelt condolences to Patsy's family, to John, Wendy,
friends, and constituents, and to the entire State of
Hawaii. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this
very difficult period.
In the words of our Secretary of Transportation, Norm
Mineta:
Patsy Mink spoke for the forgotten, the disenfranchised,
the poor, and worked unceasingly to remind the Nation of
its obligations to those whom it sometimes forgets.
Patsy spoke not only for the forgotten, the
disenfranchised, the poor, but also to the conscience of
all Americans. The leadership that Patsy commanded on the
welfare reauthorization debate this year really
exemplified her values and her character.
During that debate and during our work on that bill,
Patsy Mink authored a fair and compassionate bill that
would have helped women provide for their families and
enhance their futures through education. Although that
bill was not voted out of the House, it was really the
right bill, and many of my colleagues, myself included,
supported it. We were determined to stand by Patsy through
this. I am glad we did. She was right.
I also appreciate her passion for peace. Patsy was an
early opponent of the Vietnam war, and accompanied another
great woman, Bella Abzug of New York, to Paris to
participate during the Vietnam-era peace talks.
In 1967, right here on this floor, and I want to quote
this, because Patsy spoke of peace instead of war, she
said right here, ``America is not a country which needs to
punish its dissenters to preserve its honor.'' Patsy said,
``America is not a country which needs to demand
conformity of all its people, for its strength lies in all
of our diversities converging in one common belief, that
of the importance of freedom as the essence of our
country.'' Patsy said that in 1967 right here.
Of course, I have thought long on this issue, and truly
respect Patsy for her courage and her fortitude.
She was tremendously supportive of me on many tough
issues and truly was an inspiration. Patsy had a brilliant
intellect, yet a big heart and a lot of soul. As a leader
and advocate on so many issues, she always took the time
to say thank you, as we heard earlier. Sometimes she sent
candy or flowers or nuts or coffee from her home State as
a token of her appreciation and her friendship.
To know Patsy was really to love her. Many of us, myself
included, have benefited from Patsy's warm hospitality
when visiting her beautiful home, the State of Hawaii. She
happily shared information and knowledge about her home,
and wanted her friends to experience it to its fullest,
and to really feel at home.
Mr. Speaker, let me just say, I will miss Patsy. She was
a woman whose wisdom and genius really helped us make a
better world. May she rest in peace.
Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I know this is a very
hard and difficult time for the gentleman and for all of
us, and for the people of Hawaii.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution
remembering the life and the work of our colleague, the
gentlewoman from Hawaii, Patsy Mink. Patsy was beautiful
and smart. I loved this woman. I loved Patsy Mink.
Sometimes on this floor when Patsy was sitting here, I
would just walk over and say, hello, Patsy, how are you?
What are you thinking about?
I first met Patsy when she was a keynote speaker at a
Democratic convention during the 1960s. Patsy was one of
the most liberal and most progressive Members of this
Congress.
When Patsy spoke, she spoke from her soul. She spoke
from her heart. She had the capacity to get our attention
and hold our attention when she stepped in the well of
this House. She spoke with passion. Determined, dedicated
and committed, Patsy was a fighter. She fought for civil
rights, social justice and equality. She was a champion of
education. Patsy stood by her convictions. She would not
yield to the prevailing wind. She did not put her fingers
into the air to see which way the wind was blowing.
Patsy will be forever missed. We will miss her as a
Nation and as a people. We will never be so lucky, not so
blessed to see her likeness again.
Mr. Speaker, when the Master created Patsy Mink, he
threw away the mold. May the mercy and the grace of God be
with her family and with all of us.
Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from
Hawaii for bringing us together to acknowledge our dear
and loved colleague.
It is a sad day for the House of Representatives. We
mourn the loss of a great American, not only a friend whom
we loved but a dedicated public servant who loved her
country, and through the course of her life literally
changed the course of history. How many people can we say
that about?
We all come to this institution with the hope in trying
to make a difference. Patsy Mink made a difference,
whether it was fighting poverty, standing up for civil
rights, for education, for women's rights or her
passionate and articulate opposition to the Vietnam war.
Patsy Mink was there in the forefront fighting for the
causes she believed in and for the people she believed
society had forgotten. She gave voice to those who did not
have a voice. Her legacy was about more than issues. Patsy
Mink personified the fight for social change, for social
justice, and for equality among all people, no matter
their race, religion or gender. Patsy may have been small
in stature, as we have said; but she was a giant when it
came to fighting for the causes that she believed in.
There would be no title IX without Patsy Mink. She was the
mother of title IX. And when we look at those soccer
fields with those little girls in their uniforms or when
we watch the UCONN women Huskies play that game, we know
who was responsible for making that happen. And only just
3 months ago, we honored her and her 30th anniversary on
title IX, perhaps her greatest triumph in a large and
distinguished career. But when you also think about
education, less than one in five young women completed 4
or more years of college 30 years ago, but by the middle
of this decade women are expected to earn more than half
of all bachelor's degrees.
Patsy Mink made a difference. That we have come so far
is Patsy's legacy. She knew what it required to put our
country on a path to social justice. She knew how to make
her case, to bring people together, and make us a better
and more understanding Nation for it.
Pushing against the social norms is what trailblazers
do, and Patsy Mink was a trailblazer to her core. Patsy
changed so many lives during her time here. We will miss
her passion and her voice; but what we will miss most is
her spirit, her easygoing sense of humor, her laughter,
and her eyes that crinkled up when she laughed. She was a
good friend to me, a kind soul, reliable, and profoundly
decent. We loved her and we will miss her more than words
can say.
Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise
today to pay tribute to my dear friend and colleague,
Congresswoman Patsy Mink. Patsy spoke for the women of the
world, children of the world, and really broke so many
barriers that she also was a role model for women and
children of the world. She was an aggressive fighter for
what was best for citizens of the Second District in
Hawaii, but also for the Nation and for the whole world.
She was a tireless supporter of the Congressional Black
Caucus and its agenda. She was a disciplined and focused
advocate for the voiceless, and she was my dear friend. As
heaven gains another angel, we in Congress mourn our
unfortunate loss. May God be with the Mink family.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay final tribute to my
dear friend and colleague, Congresswoman Patsy Mink.
Congresswoman Mink was able to break through racial and
gender barriers to attain goals that others thought were
impossible. Her career was a series of firsts: the first
woman of color elected to Congress, the first Asian-
American woman to practice law in Hawaii, the first Asian-
American woman to be elected to the territorial House.
Representative Mink entered this world as a fighter for
equality. Born in Maui in December 1927, from her earliest
years, she was encouraged to excel in academic courses. As
a 4 year old, she recalled how she hung onto the shirt of
her older brother, demanding, and eventually winning the
right to accompany him to the first grade.
As Patsy Mink grew up in Hawaii, she saw her life change
overnight with the bombing of Pearl Harbor. She turned 14
the day before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. At that time,
anyone who was looked up to in the Japanese community was
seen as a threat; this included her father. He was taken
away for questioning but returned to the family. Patsy
realized that anyone could be arrested for no reason
except that they were Japanese.
Mink attended Maui High School, where she played
basketball at a time when girls played half-court because,
as Mink put it, ``they said it was too strenuous for us.''
When she ran for student body president during her junior
year in high school and won that campaign, she began her
unofficial political career. In 1944 she graduated as high
school class valedictorian.
Representative Mink went on to attend college at the
University of Hawaii, but transferred to the University of
Nebraska where she faced a policy of segregated student
housing. She arrived at the campus and was housed at the
international house. When she found that this housing was
for the ``colored'' students, she was outraged. Patsy
wrote a letter of protest and sent it to the local
newspaper. The accompanying protests and objections
resulted in the university changing its policies.
However, Patsy was not able to enjoy the changes she had
caused to be made because she became very ill and had to
return to Hawaii where she finished her baccalaureate
degree.
She returned to the University of Hawaii to prepare for
medical school and graduated with a degree in zoology and
chemistry. However, in 1948, none of the 20 medical
schools to which she applied would accept women.
She decided to study law and was accepted by the
University of Chicago because they considered her a
``foreign student.'' Choosing not to inform the university
that Hawaii was an American territory, she obtained her
Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1951.
Getting a job in the legal field was not easy for a
woman at that time, but that did not deter Patsy. No one
was willing to hire her, even as a law clerk. She worked
at the University of Chicago Law School library until the
eighth month of her pregnancy. Six months after giving
birth, she, her husband John and baby daughter Gwendolyn
moved to Hawaii.
When she found no law firm that would hire a
woman, she decided to start her own firm. She became the
first Japanese-American woman lawyer in Hawaii. She also
taught at the University of Hawaii.
In 1965, Patsy Mink was elected to the U.S. House of
Representatives and began the first of six consecutive
terms in the House of Representatives. Again, she was the
first woman of color to be elected to Congress.
Mink's ability to build coalitions for progressive
legislation continued during her tenure in Congress. She
introduced the first comprehensive Early Childhood
Education Act and authored the Women's Educational Equity
Act.
Mink believed one of her most significant
accomplishments in Congress was title IX of the Education
Act, which she helped authored in 1972. It mandated gender
equality in any education program or activity receiving
Federal financial assistance. Title IX has become the
major tool for women's fuller participation, not only in
sports, but in all aspects of education. The law promotes
equality in school athletics. Scholarship money for women
increased from $100,000 in 1972 to $179 million in 1997,
but was equally important in opening academics.
Representative Mink was an early opponent of the Vietnam
war and accompanied fellow Representative Bella Abzug, D-
NY, to Paris to talk to participants in the Vietnam war
peace talks. She supported women's rights, was against the
death penalty and had as her spending priorities
education, housing and health. Mink's strong liberal
stands led conservative opponents to dub her ``Patsy
Pink.''
Her career included an appointment by President Jimmy
Carter as Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and
International, Environmental and Scientific Affairs from
1977 to 1978.
Patsy Mink returned to Washington, DC, in 1990 and has
been here ever since.
Congresswoman Patsy Mink was an aggressive fighter for
what was best for citizens of the Second District in
Hawaii, as well as this Nation as a whole. She was a
tireless supporter of the Congressional Black Caucus. She
was a disciplined and focused advocate for the voiceless.
And she was my dear friend. As Heaven gains another angel,
we in Congress morn our unfortunate loss. May God be with
the Mink family.
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I cannot thank
the distinguished gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie)
enough for bringing us together for this very special
tribute. Might I also add my deepest sympathy to Patsy's
husband and daughter.
I cannot recall when I last saw John with Patsy, but I
can assure you I have never seen such a bond, such a sense
of connection and friendship, such a joy of being
together. And I hope that as he mourns the loss of his
dearly beloved wife, he will remember her with the
wonderful memories that so many of us saw.
This past summer I had the opportunity to speak in
Hawaii, and I took time to visit in and about the area and
mentioned Patsy's name frequently to those I would meet.
And interestingly enough, as I called her name Patsy, it
is not out of disrespect. It is because those who lived
there, they would say, That is our Patsy. That is how we
know her. That is how we vote for her. That is how she
comes to us. That is our Patsy.
That is the way the Congresswoman was to her colleagues
as well, caring and nurturing; and I stand here this
evening just to thank the gods, if you will, to have
allowed me to not be in that timeframe between 1977 and
1990 but to come to this House when Patsy came back to
this House.
We deal a lot now with 9/11 issues and there is fear in
America, but Patsy stood above that fear. And I want to
pay tribute to her ancestry, which is a noted classic
story of immigrants seeking and determined to live a
better life in America for themselves and their families.
Her four grandparents emigrated from Japan in the late
1800s to work as contract laborers in Maui's sugar
plantations. That is why she was a person who believed in
lifting the boats of all others. And if there was ever any
legislation to join, if you knew Patsy had authored it,
you needed to be on it. You needed to be on her welfare
reform legislation because she was ready to fight against
those who did not understand the need for child care and
transportation and training.
And then, of course, if you just take a moment, just a
second of quietness, you can see Patsy running to the
front, coming to this mike, and then speaking in a booming
voice on her beliefs and causes.
Thank you, Congresswoman Mink for title IX because I
knew what it was like when I grew up; but what joy as I
watch the Olympics time after time after time to see young
women rising because of you.
I close briefly because I know time draws nigh to simply
say this in Patsy's words. She was asked what she wished
someone had said to her when she started and she said:
When I was in high school and college I wanted to become
a medical doctor. I wish someone had told me then that
medical schools in the U.S. did not admit women students
except for one all-female school. I wish someone had told
me about sex discrimination and about how deeply embedded
it is and about how every day would be a struggle to
overcome it.
Patsy, they may not have told you, but you were a
fighter. May you rest in peace.
I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the
many colleagues, constituents, friends, and relatives of
Congresswoman Patsy Mink of the Second Congressional
District of Hawaii. A coalition builder for greater
understanding, the Honorable Patsy Mink served in the
House of Representatives for 12 terms as the first woman
of Asian descent to serve in the U.S. Congress.
Representative Mink was the first woman of an ethnic
minority elected to Federal office and had been a member
of the House for 24 years over two different stretches.
She won re-election 2 years ago by a nearly 2-to-1 margin,
and had been considered a sure winner in the November 5
general election.
Her ancestry has been noted as a classic story of
immigrants seeking and determined to live a better life in
America for themselves and their families. Her four
grandparents emigrated from Japan in the late 1800s to
work as contract laborers in Maui's sugar plantations.
She supported women's rights, was against the death
penalty and had as her spending priorities: education,
housing and health. Among her legislative involvement and
victories are the first comprehensive Early Childhood
Education Act and the enactment of title IX of the Higher
Education Act Amendments, prohibiting gender
discrimination by federally funded institutions. Her
legislation has served both as a catalyst and a major tool
for women's fuller participation both in sports and in all
aspects of education.
From her scholastic accolades to her congressional
achievements, Congresswoman Mink accomplished much in
sustaining the American spirit. This very truth was
exhibited throughout her earlier academic years as a
student government representative and on through her
political career. As she galvanized individuals to unite
for the common good, I am reminded of her leadership and
keen ability to build coalitions for progressive
legislation throughout her tenure in Congress.
When asked, ``What advice do you wish you had when you
started?,'' she responded by saying:
When I was in high school and college, I wanted to
become a medical doctor. I wish someone had told me then
that medical schools in the United States did not admit
women students--except for one all-female school. I wish
someone had told me about sex discrimination--about how
deeply embedded it is and about how every day would be a
struggle to overcome it. I wouldn't have lived my life
differently. But I wish I had known that opportunities
would not come easily and that to excel in my work. I also
would have [fought] discrimination, not only for myself,
but for and with others.
Toward this end, she shall be remembered as a lifelong
advocate for equal opportunity.
Further, while we mourn her death, we are greatly
appreciative and shall be ever mindful of the legacy that
she has left for many generations to follow. Let it be
said that she was a champion for the rights of all human
beings and that she was bold in the face of adversity.
Mr. HOUGHTON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to tell you a
story. There was a man called Robert Fulghum and he wrote
a book called ``Everything I Ever Learned I Learned in
Kindergarten.''
He was in college and there was a Greek immigrant called
Dr. Papaderos and at the end of one of the courses he
said, ``What is the meaning of life, Dr. Papaderos?'' And
everybody laughed. And Dr. Papaderos took this thing very
seriously. He said, ``I will tell you a story. When I was
a little boy in Greece I ran across a German motorcycle
and there was a glass on the ground, a mirror. And I did
not have any toys to play with and I picked up the glass
and I ground it and I ground it. Soon it was perfectly
circular. It was a wonderful play thing for me, but as I
grew up and went into life, I realized it was sort of a
metaphor for what we were all about. When I used to shine
this mirror into dark places, it would light up and I
could see things.'' And he said, ``One of the things that
it taught me is that we are not the light, we are not the
source of the light; but through our own lives, we can
shine certain pieces of material, in this particular case
it was the glass, so that we can illuminate an issue.''
This is the thing I think that Patsy did more than
anything for me on the other side of the aisle. She was
able to illuminate and humanize issues in a way I will
never forget.
Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to join my
colleagues in honoring the passing of a great Member of
the U.S. House, Congresswoman Patsy Mink, and offer my
condolences to her family and to the members of her staff
and her many friends.
As others have noted, Representative Mink was a
trailblazer whose career in Congress spanned four decades
and whose service has left our country a far better place.
I want to focus my remarks very briefly on the work that
Patsy and I had an opportunity to do just on education; it
was a passion of hers and certainly is one of mine.
Prior to my service in this body, I served as the State
superintendent of schools in my home State of North
Carolina; and when I came here in 1996, I was appointed as
co-chair along with Patsy and a number of others to the
Democratic Caucus Task Force. I wanted to thank Patsy
tonight for looking after the children of North Carolina
as I did many times.
She was a longtime champion of the efforts to help our
public schools, and she fought when others were not
willing to fight. And as task force co-chairs, Patsy and I
worked side by side with our other colleagues here in
Washington on some very positive progressive policies to
strengthen public education in this country.
We may have seemed something like an odd couple. Me, a
tall lanky Southerner and Patsy a little short lady from
Hawaii, but she was tough as a leather knot, as we say in
North Carolina, and a good Hawaiian lawyer and we made a
good team along with others.
Together with the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa),
the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Roemer), the gentleman
from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez), and the gentleman from New
York (Mr. Owens) and a number of others, we repeatedly
fought back the efforts to cut education, against private
school vouchers and other anti-education items. We pushed
our message so successfully and Patsy was out there
hammering so hard, that the other party's Presidential
candidate borrowed our message and used it to talk about
improving quality public education in this country.
Patsy would be proud of that tonight. Indeed, she made a
difference. The list of her accomplishments have been
listed already. And I thank Patsy for title IX and my
daughter thanks her. All the daughters of America thank
her. She made a difference in this country, in the title I
children that would not have had a chance, the poor
children, and all the others. I could not go through the
list. Others have gone through them. I will not read them.
Most importantly, Patsy Mink was a leader whose country
will forever owe her a great debt of gratitude, and there
is a bright star burning in heaven tonight.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, Patsy was so moved by the
gentleman from North Carolina's (Mr. Etheridge) remarks
that she let him know what she thought about it. She is
our guardian angel here tonight. She makes her presence
known.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/4\ minutes to the gentleman
from California (Mr. Honda), who I might say could also
look Mrs. Mink eye to eye.
Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I think this is what she has
done a lot is draw the podium down to her height.
I thank the gentleman from Hawaii for yielding me the
time and for putting this session together, and I also
would like to share my deepest sympathies with Patsy
Mink's family, John Francis, her husband, her daughter
Wendy and her brother Eugene Takemoto. I also want to
share my sympathies to the people of Hawaii.
Many things have been said here this evening, and as a
child growing up I remember reading about her. I remember
hearing about her in the community, her accomplishments,
Patsy Mink, and this session, my first session, I had the
privilege to get to know her, sit next to her through the
debates and through different issues that came up on the
floor, but what everybody said here this evening was new
to me. So I appreciate the Members sharing.
I appreciate her life. I also appreciate the
accomplishments and the work that she has done because
although we say here tonight of her work, there would be
many people and future generations who will not know of
her work, but will be touched by her work. To her, I thank
her for that.
Many quotes were given that she had said on the floor.
Many thoughts were shared by them of her, and I had not
had the fortune of being able to work with her through
many issues on the floor and in this body, but I am the
recipient of her work. I am the recipient of her toil.
One thing I did learn listening to people tonight is
that many people did say, I did not know that she was the
first woman of color here. I learned that, too, and I
think there will be many people in this country who will
learn and do well by the lessons that she has done through
her life.
When I hear other people talk, I understood that she
took her private and personal life and converted that into
public policy that would affect this country.
Let me close with a quote that she has left behind. Many
things, many people have been memorialized by statues and
by the inscription of their sayings. Here is one I would
like to share with my colleagues that she said, and it is
especially poignant today because of what we face as a
Nation: ``If to believe in freedom and equality is to be a
radical, then I am a radical. So long as there remains
groups of our fellow Americans who are denied equal
opportunity and equal protection in the law, we must
remain steadfast to all shades of man we stand beside in
dignity and self-respect, to truly enjoy the fruits of
this great land.''
Hawaii was found by Polynesians following the stars.
Tonight in the skies of Hawaii there is another star to
lead the islanders.
Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, when the gentleman from Hawaii
(Mr. Abercrombie) said to me last week he was concerned
about Patsy, that he thought she was at risk, I could not
grasp what he was saying to me. I could not think about
her being at the kind of risk that would cause her death.
My sincere condolences to John and to her family. Patsy
was my friend. I knew her long before I ever came to the
Congress of the United States. Patsy was on the cutting
edge of the women's movement. Patsy was there when all of
the great strategies were formed, when all of the great
organizations got started. Patsy was there with Bella
Abzug and Gloria Steinem and women who dedicated their
lives so that women could have justice and equality in
America.
She was there for ERA. She was there for pay equity, and
certainly it has been mentioned time and time again that
she co-sponsored title IX, women's educational equity.
It was just a few months ago that I sat at the WNBA All
Star Game where Patsy was honored for 30 years'
recognition of Patsy's work. As I looked at all of those
strong, tall women out there playing and my dear child,
Lisa Leslie, who won the All-Star honor that evening, I
thought it was a short, little woman that caused this
tall, big woman to be able to realize her dreams, to be
able to hone her talents. What a wonderful moment that
was.
We are going to miss her because she was a woman of
impeccable integrity. She was not about misleading
anybody. She did not do a lot of small talk. She was a
passionate woman, a brilliant woman, who was a passionate
and articulate debater and debate she could. When Patsy
took the floor and she decided to let anybody have it, she
really could do it.
Let me just say, Patsy was an expert on any number of
subjects and certainly on education, but the mark of this
woman was the fact that this brilliant woman devoted her
time to poor women. Many people get very sophisticated and
want to talk about other kinds of subjects once they have
served in the Congress of the United States, but she
stayed with poor women.
She was an advocate for poor women. She fought for poor
women to have a safety net as we debated welfare reform,
and people tried to make it something else. She simply
talked about the need for poor women and their children to
have a place to live and food to eat.
We love you, Patsy. We will miss you.
Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend and
classmate the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie) for
yielding me the time, and I remember that Patsy was here a
few months ahead of us in the special election. She got
the jump on us in seniority. Actually she had been here 25
years ahead of us. Patsy had a second coming, and the
House is all the better for it, but the heart of the House
is broken today. Historic woman, first woman of color,
came here 4 years before even the great Shirley Chisholm,
the first African-American, came to the House.
She is known for two signature issues among the many
issues that are around her name, education and equality.
Patsy, of course, is the mother and the godmother and the
protector and the fighter for title IX. I think she would
want this memorial to serve a purpose, especially today
when title IX is under attack.
I remember 2 months ago when she came to this floor to
commemorate title IX, and she said this: ``We have heard
much about the many successes of title IX, particularly in
athletics. Most do not know of the long, arduous course we
took before the enactment of title IX and the battles that
we have fought to keep it intact.'' And as we remember her
tonight, remember, we are fighting a battle to keep it
intact tonight.
She recounted some of those battles. She talked about
1975 when there was an amendment to keep then HEW from
promulgating regulations under title IX. That is how deep
it got. Even after title IX was passed, she had a way of
piercing to the truth, when they said there is no title
IX. It took four men to summarize what she said on the
floor, 2 months ago, that reductions in men's sports are
due to choices made by college administrators in favor of
the big-budget, revenue-generating programs such as
football and basketball. She told it like it was. She
could not help it.
Let us remember as we commemorate and celebrate title IX
and celebrate Patsy's life what we are going through
today. There is an administration task force. With all her
being, Patsy opposed to fix what is not broken, title IX,
30 years later when we go from 32,000 female athletes to
150,000. Instead of commemorating, the administration is
fixing. Leave title IX alone. Let it stand. Let it be. Do
it for women, and do it for Patsy Mink.
Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, the mark of an American hero
is a person who created reality and shaped the values that
we take for granted today. Patsy Mink is one such American
hero. Each time we look around at what America is today,
we should think of Patsy Mink because our Nation is a
better place due to the contributions she made throughout
her life on education, immigrants' rights, health care,
and protecting the poor.
She fought for civil rights in an era of segregation.
She was an advocate for Asian-Americans after the
internment policy of World War II. She opposed a war
before it made headlines. She fought to provide every
child with a quality education, and she created
opportunities for girls to play college sports, sparking a
revolution for an entire generation that is now the envy
of the world.
She was the first in so many things, the first female
student body president, the first Japanese-American woman
to practice law in Hawaii, the first woman of color to
serve in the U.S. Congress, all things we take for granted
today. We should always remember it was Patsy who fought
to get us here, especially women.
Perhaps Patsy herself could sum up her life and legacy
best when she said, ``My career in politics has been a
crucible of challenges and crises where in the end the
principles to which I was committed prevailed.''
We should all strive to be as dedicated to our process
and as passionate in our arguments as Patsy was to hers.
For the many causes she championed, there was no fiercer
advocate than Patsy Mink. I will miss her friendship, her
spirit and her sense of humanity.
Mr. ANDREWS. I rise in sincere remembrance of a gentle
soul and a good friend, Patsy Mink. I offer my condolences
to her husband John, daughter Wendy, and my thanks to the
service that the entire family has given by permitting
their wife and mother to serve this Nation.
Patsy has gone from our lives, but she will touch the
lives of so many people tomorrow whose names she will
never know. Tomorrow there will be welfare mothers who
will get up and have a first-rate child care center to
take their sons and daughters to because Patsy Mink made
sure that would happen. Tomorrow there will be young women
who will have a chance to learn math or science or go on
to engineering careers because Patsy Mink helped lead the
fight to let little girls know that they could be anything
they wanted to achieve in any discipline through her work
on women's equity in education.
A few hours ago on the East Coast, and Mr. Speaker,
right now across the country, young women are coming home
from sports practice, from soccer and field hockey and all
the other sports that young women play.
And the most talented ones know that they have a chance
to compete now at the intercollegiate level because Patsy
Mink wrote title IX and made sure it stuck.
Patsy Mink will touch my life for years to come. My two
greatest achievements are 9 years old and 7 years old, my
two daughters; and I take comfort at this time of great
loss from the fact that they will live in a world where
they can be anything they set their minds to, reach any
heights to which they aspire, because in large part this
firebrand of a woman stood on this floor and served this
country.
It is my honor to call her a friend. My great expression
of condolences to her family. May God rest her soul.
Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, this is a very sad day. I
remember when I first met Patsy and saw Patsy. It was in
1970, and I was on the staff of then-Congressman Don
Edwards, and I thought this was really somebody, and I
watched her and I watched her on the ERA, and I never
dreamed that many years later after she had gone back to
Hawaii and come back to the House that I would get to
serve with her, and I really value the years I served with
Patsy. I knew her really as just a tireless champion for
the underdog. She believed in the power of education, and
she fought to make sure that every person had the
opportunity to do more in life because they had an
education.
I remember participating in a special order with Patsy
before the August recess, and we think about title IX
rightly about sports; but really Patsy and I were talking
about the other aspect of title IX when there were limits,
there were quotas on how many women would be admitted to a
college, and there were courses of study that women were
not allowed to take. So I know I benefited personally from
what Patsy did on title IX and my daughter still benefits
from what Patsy did.
Patsy made her mark and she changed America. There are
not very many women in the House who are lawyers. Patsy
was one of them, and she had a fine legal mind. She was
someone who I always listened to when she had advice to
give. She was not afraid to lead. And petite as she was,
she was always big enough to share the limelight. How
someone could be so tough and so firm and yet be also warm
and kind is a wonder. She was funny, smart, brave, a
visionary. She helped teach all of us, and we are in her
debt.
I give thanks to her husband, John, and her daughter,
Wendy, for sharing her with us and thanks to the people of
Hawaii for sending her to the Nation. People of Hawaii
have no idea how she and Neil would stand up and fight for
them whenever they needed them to do so. So I know I am
not alone in finding it hard to reconcile myself to her
absence. I miss her and America is profoundly improved by
her gift of time, energy, and pure goodness.
Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, buenos noches, America. Today we
stand here in celebration of a dynamic woman, this woman
here, this face that many of us here in the House have
come to know, and I as a new Member am proud to say that I
was able to witness her intelligence, her tenacity, her
wherewithal, a true steel magnolia, a true profile in
courage, someone who fought even the last few days that we
were arguing about welfare reform, how important it was
for us to decide upon providing women with the ability to
have child care because if they chose to go to work and
could find work, the only way they were going to escape
poverty was to be able to get child care. And she fought
tooth and nail even sometimes against our own leadership,
and many of us stood with her.
I learned a great deal from her, her compassion, and she
did shower us with support and friendship. And as a new
Member here in the House, she was someone I looked up to
in our Committee on Education and the Workforce, always
moving me, pushing me along: ``Hilda, keep going. Do not
give up. Stand up to those people. Do not let people make
you turn your back.''
She taught us a powerful lesson. She is the first in
many categories in her own State and somebody who should
be given the dignity and honor to stand with us forever,
and that is by paying tribute to her and in either having
a commissioned portrait or a statue, a woman to represent
us, so proud, and throughout the world.
I am proud to know her and her family and to have worked
with her staff. Somehow we need to find the courage that
she had to continue the fight because Patsy is watching us
and Patsy is going to hold us accountable, and she is
going to say, ``My work was not done in vain because I
have helped to lift so many people out of poverty and give
them hope.''
And I know she has given us that. I have heard many here
speak about her attributes and everything that she gave so
unselfishly; and I too, like my colleagues, join the world
in praying for her because she is a wonderful, wonderful
role model for so many of us. I thank this House for the
opportunity to be able to pay tribute to her tonight.
Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from
Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie) for making this possible for all
of us to come here to honor our colleague, Patsy Mink,
with the resolution and with memories that say so very
much about this woman that we loved so dearly. But as
everyone has heard, no words can capture the great loss
that we feel. The Congress, our country, and the rest of
this world have lost a most remarkable woman. I knew of
Patsy Mink from Hawaii by reputation for many, many years
before I met her. In fact, Patsy is one of the reasons I
decided to run for the House of Representatives. I was
convinced that I would be a help to her in her work for
civil rights and economic justice; but once I was elected
and sworn in in 1993, I think I was more work to Patsy
than I was help for her because she became a mentor, a
mentor to me, and through her I learned so very much about
standing up for my beliefs even when they were not always
popular, knowing and trusting my constituents, remembering
that those were the people that I work for and
passionately fighting for those who are less well off who
need a hand up.
Women and minorities in our country have benefited
greatly because of Patsy Mink. She has taught us all so
very much. Patsy Mink will never be forgotten, and she
will always be honored.
Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. I rise to join our other colleagues to
pay tribute to Patsy Mink's outstanding legacy which
spanned more than 24 years. Though small in stature, as
many of us have made reference to, the death of our dear
friend, colleague, and leader on so many important issues
has left a very large void in this body. Our hearts and
prayers go out to her husband, John; daughter, Wendy;
brother; and other family members and the community that
she loved and served so well.
I consider myself privileged to have had the wonderful
opportunity to have worked with her on a number of issues.
I have been particularly grateful for her tenacity in our
work to eliminate health disparities for women and people
of color. Just this past spring, Patsy joined me in a
forum on improving health care quality for minority
Americans. As ranking member on the Subcommittee on 21st
Century Competitiveness of the Committee on Education and
the Workforce, the gentle lady from Hawaii used her
position to influence and improve education and work
opportunities for all.
This summer we were all fortunate to be able to follow
her leadership as she worked to craft commonsense welfare
reform legislation which would not only prepare those on
welfare for work but lift them out of poverty and give
them the opportunity to improve their status and the
status of their families. She was always sensitive to the
unique issues of my district and the other offshore
territories.
Congresswoman Mink is most remembered for her work on
title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 to eliminate
sex discrimination in all educational institutions
receiving Federal funds. Patsy Mink displayed a thirst for
justice, a drive to convince others that it is in the best
interest of all that women be treated equally, a zeal to
ensure that no young girl would ever be told that she
could not achieve her goals, and a disdain for any
antiquated approaches which would leave women behind.
By challenging discrimination both at home and in the
Nation at large, she helped this country to better live up
to its obligation to improve the health and well-being of
all its residents and to close the wide gaps in service
and status for women and people of color.
Patsy gave herself generously. She was a warrior who
never shied from the challenge when the cause was just;
and by her life, her service, she has lifted us all. I am,
we are all honored by having had the opportunity to know
her, to serve with her, and partake of her wisdom, her
warmth, and her friendship.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to join our other colleagues to pay
tribute to Patsy Mink's outstanding legacy which spanned
more than 24 years.
Though small in stature, the death of our dear friend,
colleague and leader on so many important issues, has left
a very large void in this body. Our hearts and prayers go
out to her husband John, daughter Wendy, brother, other
family members, and the community she loved and served so
well.
I consider myself privileged to have had the wonderful
opportunity to work with her on a number of issues. I have
been particularly grateful for her tenacity in our work to
eliminate health disparities for women and people of
color.
Just this past spring, Patsy joined me in a forum on
improving health care quality for minority Americans.
As ranking member on the Education and the Workforce
Subcommittee on 21st Century Competitiveness, the gentle
lady from Hawaii used her position to influence and
improve education and work opportunities for all.
This summer we were all fortunate to be able to follow
her leadership as she worked to craft commonsense welfare
reform legislation which would not only prepare those on
welfare for work, but lift them out of poverty and give
them the opportunity to improve their status and the
status of their families. She was always sensitive to the
unique issues of my district and the other offshore
territories.
Congresswoman Mink is most remembered for her work on
title IX of the Education Act Amendments of 1972 to
eliminate sex discrimination in all educational
institutions receiving Federal funds.
Patsy Mink displayed a thirst for justice, a drive to
convince others that it is in the best interest of all
that women be treated equally, a zeal to ensure that no
young girl would ever be told that she could not achieve
her goals, and a disdain for antiquated approaches which
would leave women behind.
By challenging discrimination both at home and in the
Nation at large, she helped this country to better live up
to its obligation to improve the health and well-being of
all of its residents and to close the wide gaps in service
and status for women and people of color.
It is her legacy that allows the women of Congress to
walk these hallowed halls with sure footing. I thank Patsy
Mink for her grateful heart, her strong spirit, for
breaking down barriers, and for leading the way as the
first woman of color in the Congress of the United States.
Through her presence and her determination, she set the
stage to ensure that all issues--that minority issues and
women's issues are also American issues.
To her family, staff and constituents, I express my
sincere condolences and that of my constituents of the
U.S. Virgin Islands.
Patsy gave of herself generously. She was a warrior who
never shied from a challenge when the cause was just, and
by her life, and her service she has lifted us all.
I am, we all, are honored by having had the opportunity
to know her, serve with her, and partake of her wisdom,
her warmth and her friendship.
Mrs. CLAYTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from
Ohio (Ms. Kaptur) for yielding me this time. I thank the
gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie) for organizing and
introducing the legislation allowing us to reflect on
Patsy Mink's life. I think all of us have a sense of loss
and especially those of us who feel that somehow we just
did not take seriously that she was that ill and we just
felt that we will have the rejoicing of her coming back
and to feel that somehow we did not understand that. But
perhaps it was wise that we did not. I was back there when
the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie) mentioned that
too.
I want to extend my sympathy to the family, John, and
her daughter. I got to travel on three occasions with
Patsy, and I also got to feel that I knew her husband. And
I remember Patsy sharing with me why I had wanted to be a
doctor and missionary, and she shared with me she wanted
to be a doctor and she had been discriminated against. She
could not be. I shared with her the reason I did not
become a doctor was because I did not do that well in
organic chemistry. And graduating from the University of
Chicago as a woman in 1971, an honor student, and she told
me she could hardly find a job as a clerk and the
difficulty they gave her in her birthplace to even pass
the bar.
I also went to law school and I did not finish. I had
four kids, but I understood what it meant when she was
denied the right as a person, a resident of Hawaii not to
be allowed to take the bar other than through her husband.
That was a way of discriminating even among her own
natives. I will remember Patsy for a lot of reasons, for
all the legislative reasons that my colleagues know even
better; but one thing I remember about Patsy is that she
was a little person but had a loud voice and a very
forceful voice. And the 58th chapter of Isaiah says this,
and I am reading from the English version. It says: ``The
Lord says shout as loud as you can, tell my people Israel
about their sins.''
Patsy spoke loudly but clearly, eloquently, about the
injustice, inequality, and she also is known not for what
she passed in legislation but what she was willing to
fight against. So we remember Patsy with passion and
dignity, and we pray that her life will be a shining life
for the rest of us to carry on in the same way.
Mr. WU. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our friend and
colleague, Patsy Mink. I was honored to serve with her on
the Committee on Education and the Workforce, and I am
proud to be one of her successors as chair of the Asian
Pacific Caucus.
Patsy was an absolutely wonderful person from a
wonderful place. Mr. Speaker, I can share with my
colleagues that the first time I was ever recognized on
this floor, I was recognized as the gentleman from Hawaii,
and I had to resist the temptation then, representing my
wonderful folks, the sensible folks from Oregon, from
saying yes, yes, I am the gentleman from Hawaii.
Mr. Speaker, Hawaii is a wonderful place, a great
culture, good people and fine Representatives here in the
U.S. Congress. It has a wonderful language, words like
ohana and aloha. Sometimes we wonder whether they found
too much use for consonants, but a wonderful, beautiful
language; and those words embody for me what Patsy and her
service here was all about, community. Communities where
children, where every child would have a chance to build a
better future, where all of us will go forward together
rather than divided against each other.
Aloha, the spirit of aloha where Patsy was so helpful to
us freshmen and junior Members. She was like a gentle
Hawaiian breeze, but we all knew about her issues; she
could storm up like a typhoon. I had the misfortune to
follow her on a podium once, and after my rather tepid
remarks, she pounded home her views and she was Olympian
in her stature, and it was like thunderbolts were coming
from her forehead.
There is a time when God calls us all home; and I have
to say, Patsy, you are fortunate that God has called you
home to Hawaii. We will miss you.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness
that I rise to participate in this special order to share
with my colleagues of the House and with the American
people the tremendous loss to our Nation and the good
people of the State of Hawaii, the recent passing of the
gentlewoman from Hawaii, Patsy Takemoto Mink.
Patsy was more than a friend to this Member. She was my
mentor, my teacher, my senior advisor on the nuances of
this institution. She was my champion fighter on any
issues taken by this body on anything relating to the
rights and lives of millions of American women, children,
minorities, and last but not least, the poor and the
needy.
Some of my colleagues have outlined a listing of so many
of the accomplishments of Patsy's career in public
service. So as not to be repetitious, I want to share with
my colleagues and our Nation how I feel about Patsy Mink
as a person.
Patsy did not share much with me concerning her early
youth. Born of a humble family, she grew up on the Island
of Maui, graduated from high school on Maui, and then
enrolled at the University of Hawaii. But as I can
remember, remember and well imagine the hardships Patsy
had to endure, especially after the sudden attack of Pearl
Harbor by Japanese war planes that Americans of Japanese
ancestry immediately, herded like cattle and placed in
what was then described as relocation camps but I consider
them as concentration camps, I have no doubt that Patsy
and her family were severely affected socially and
psychologically.
How a Nation can unilaterally terminate the
constitutional rights of its citizens solely on the basis
of race--their lands and properties were confiscated, and
some 100,000 American citizens, men, women and children,
who happened to be of Japanese ancestry were placed in
these so-called relocation camps throughout the United
States. Despite all this, at the height of racism, hatred
and bigotry placed against Japanese-Americans during World
War II, some 10,000 Japanese-Americans, like Senator Dan
Inouye and the late Senator Spark Matsunaga among them,
nevertheless volunteered to fight against our Nation's
enemies in Europe. That was part of Patsy's early youth
and the legacy that was given under the 100 Battalion 442d
Infantry and what they did when they fought against enemy
forces in Europe.
Mr. Speaker, this was the kind of atmosphere that Patsy
grew up with. The irony of it all is that Patsy Mink
wanted very much to be a doctor, a healer. I guess after
personally witnessing the horrors of war during her youth,
Patsy wanted to enter a profession that would save lives
rather than destroy them.
Mr. Speaker, I want to convey my sincere aloha pumehana
and my sincere condolences on behalf of our Samoan
community living in the State of Hawaii to Patsy's dear
husband and my friend for many years, John Mink, and their
daughter, Wendy, and her brother, Eugene Takemoto, and to
Joan Manke, her administrative assistant, and members of
her staff.
Patsy Takemoto Mink, may you have a successful journey.
Mrs. MALONEY of New York. It is with great sadness that
we come to the floor this evening to honor the legacy and
hard work of my good friend and colleague, Patsy Mink. She
was a champion for women's rights, education, civil
rights, and America's workers. She was a tireless advocate
for our Nation.
I have a long list of firsts where Patsy was the first
person to do a particular job or make a particular gift to
this Nation, and I would like to enter this into the
Record.
In fact, she told me she never intended to come to
Congress. It was her dream to be a doctor. Like many very
talented and intelligent women, she applied to medical
school, and every single one of them turned her down. She
told me that she faced great discrimination in her life,
yet she turned adversity into a positive life of working
to help improve the lives of women, children, minorities,
and the equality of all people.
One of the things that I loved about Patsy, there was
never an issue that was too large or too small for her to
champion and for her to work extremely hard on. Unlike
many of us, she was able to see the fruits of her hard
work. As one of the principle authors of title IX, she saw
the benefits of a whole generation of young women,
including my two daughters, who have benefited from the
equality in treatment of women in education and sports.
When I first came to Congress, I would sometimes call
one of my friends and mentors from New York, Bella Abzug,
and Bella would always end the conversation by saying,
``Carolyn, why in the world are you calling me when you
could talk to Patsy Mink on the floor?''
Patsy told me that many of her colleagues would call her
in Hawaii, and because of the time difference, they would
wake her up at 2, 3 in the morning; yet she would always
wake up and be there to help.
It is impossible to name all of Patsy's great
accomplishments, but tonight we can take the baton on one
that is tremendously important. Patsy authored the Women's
Educational Equity Act, and I call upon Members to name
this important act for Patsy. I am circulating a letter
which builds on Patsy's work. Patsy was working to restore
the funding for the Women's Educational Equity Act, which
has zeroed out; and the letter calls upon our President to
restore the $3 million and to name this important act
after our beloved friend and colleague, Patsy Mink.
Patsy did so much and I am saddened tonight, and I am
going to close by saying I am saddened for many reasons,
and one is that I can no longer pick up the phone and call
Patsy and say, ``Let me pick your brain.'' She would
always have an idea. She would always have a strategy, and
she was always helpful. We will build on her work, and we
will succeed on the issues Patsy cared about because for
over 150 years women have fought against much larger odds
than the ones we now face in Congress. We will succeed
because Patsy Mink succeeded before us and because of
those who succeeded before her.
Patsy the great, I am honored to have known her. She
will always be an inspiration to me and to women around
the world. My condolences to her family and her
constituents.
Congress of the United States,
Washington, DC, October 1, 2002.
Hon. George W. Bush,
President of the United States, The White House,
Washington, DC.
Dear President Bush: We have stood together many times
with Representative Patsy Mink to help the women and girls
of this country. As you may know, Mrs. Mink was the
strongest proponent of the Women's Educational Equity Act
(WEEA) and worked very diligently in Committee to succeed
in getting WEEA on the list of authorized programs.
Unfortunately, your Administration zeroed out the funding
for this very important act.
Mr. President, in honor of the memory of Representative
Mink, we ask that you fully fund the $3 million for the
Women's Educational Equity Act. We cannot think of a
better way to commemorate the work and dedication Mrs.
Mink offered to this body and to the people of this
country.
As you know, the purpose of WEEA is to promote equal
educational opportunities for girls and women by providing
funds and assistance to help educational agencies and
institutions to meet the requirements of title IX of the
Educational Amendments of 1972. WEEA provides grants and
contracts for the development, implementation, and
evaluation of a broad range of programs at the community,
State, and national levels. WEEA grantees have offered
leadership for inclusive education reform and many of the
participants and beneficiaries of WEEA projects are at the
core of the development of equity initiatives in
education, work, and public life.
Mr. President, on behalf of all girls and women in
America, and in memory of Representative Patsy Mink, we
request full funding of $3 million for the Women's
Educational Equity Act.
Sincerely,
Carolyn B. Maloney, Zoe Lofgren, Lynn C. Woolsey,
Nydia M. Velazquez, David Wu, Jan Schakowsky,
Lynn N. Rivers, Eni Faleomavaega, Robert E. Andrews,
Neil Abercrombie, Corrine Brown, Michael M. Honda,
Eddie Bernice Johnson, Sheila Jackson-Lee,
Bob Etheridge, Eleanor H. Norton, Maxine Waters,
Donna M. Christensen, Marcy Kaptur.
Ms. PELOSI. My condolences go to Patsy's family; and our
condolences, of course, go to the people of Hawaii who
have suffered a great loss.
For almost a generation, anyone who served in this House
of Representatives has had the privilege of serving with
Patsy Mink, has had the honor of calling her colleague.
Anyone who knew her, worked with her on a daily basis, had
his or her day brightened by the communication from Patsy.
She was a patriotic, committed, dedicated American.
She was enthusiastic about America's children. She
worked her heart out for them. She literally gave her life
ministering to their needs, visiting a clinic for poor
children where she contracted chicken pox. It just does
not seem real that we have lost such a valuable person on
this Earth.
I know it was intended by the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr.
Abercrombie) and the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur)
for this to be a resolution with an hour of time, but the
people of Hawaii should know because of the outpouring of
love for Patsy Mink, it has not turned out to be an hour
of debate on a bill, but a vigil in honor of a beloved
Member of Congress.
We all know how much the people of Hawaii thought of
Patsy Mink. We want them to know how much Members of
Congress revered her, respected her as a person, and are
mourning her leaving us so deeply.
I am sure colleagues have spoken about her incredible
leadership on title IX. She conceived this idea and worked
very hard for its passage, and then an accident that
harmed her dear daughter, Wendy, called her away from the
floor on the day of the vote, and the bill lost by one
vote. True to her family values, she left immediately to
go to her daughter's side. Patsy did something so
incredible. She came back to Congress at a future time and
persuaded the speaker, then-Speaker Carl Albert to bring
the bill up again. That was not the normal regular order,
but he did, and it then passed. And now generations of
young women in our country can tear down the ``no girls
allowed'' sign off the school locker rooms and, in fact,
corporate board rooms, because it started momentum for
women and girls.
I thank Patsy for being a mentor to so many of us, a joy
in our lives. Even when Patsy was fighting in her toughest
time, and she would be fighting as hard as she possibly
could, she always did it with a smile. So she attracted
people to her. She attracted people to her point of view.
She attracted people to her State, which she loved; and
some of us will be talking about Patsy for a long time to
come. We will never forget her. We will always be inspired
by her, and we know that although she is no longer with us
physically, that Patsy Mink lives.
She lives in the spirit of young girls playing sports
all over America. She lives in the school rooms of America
for all she did for America's children. She lives in the
spirit that she leaves us with as she departs in such an
untimely fashion.
Again, many of us will be going on Thursday, returning
Friday night. The plane leaves at the close of business. I
hope many Members will join those of us who are going to
Hawaii to bid to our dear Patsy Mink, aloha.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. As we draw the discussion for the
passage of this resolution to a conclusion, I would ask,
Mr. Speaker, that at the appropriate time if you could
indicate to the House that perhaps we could rise and
observe a moment of silence in honor of Patsy Mink with
the passage of the resolution, I would be very
appreciative, and I think it is the appropriate way to
finish our commemoration.
Let me conclude my remarks, then, Mr. Speaker. I had not
intended to speak much further because of the eloquent,
articulate, certainly comprehensive manner in which the
Members tonight have discussed the great contributions of
Patsy to this body and to the Nation. But all through this
evening, Mr. Speaker, I have been unable to avoid looking
at the picture that has been down by the podium on the
floor. That picture of Patsy really captures the essence
of this tiny giant. You can see her steadfastness, her
sense of perseverance, the stalwart person that she was on
behalf of all those who had no hope.
Mr. Speaker, it never occurred to me in my youth that I
would have the honor and privilege of serving in the
people's house, the House of Representatives. I look
around the floor at my colleagues here. I see my dear
friend Dana Rohrabacher and others here on the floor;
Nancy Pelosi, who has just finished speaking of her
friendship and love for Patsy, and I understand what it
was that I knew intellectually so many years ago when I
worked on Patsy's first campaign as a college student at
the University of Hawaii when she first came here to the
House of Representatives. I understood intellectually what
it was to serve in the House of Representatives. But I am
sure, Mr. Speaker, you know, as all of our colleagues do
here in the people's house, that those of us who have
sworn an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution in
this house of freedom know what it means to have had the
presence of someone like Patsy Mink.
Surely, Mr. Speaker, there is no other people so
fortunate as we, free men and women, in the freest country
on the face of the Earth, in the history of the planet. No
one has embodied more the spirit of this House than this
gentlewoman from Hawaii, a true daughter of Hawaii who
celebrated in herself and in her service the true spirit
and meaning of aloha.
Aloha means that our diversity defines us rather than
divides us. In this world of adversity and pain and terror
and cruelty and horror, Patsy Mink was able to stand for
those who could not speak for themselves and was the
living embodiment of what aloha meant not just for our
Rainbow State, not just for our multicultural,
multiethnic, multiracial people, but it gave the message
of aloha to this House, to this Nation and to this world.
Aloha, Patsy.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that the time is appropriate to
call for an expression of assent to the resolution before
us, and if I could ask for that to be in the form of
Members rising, Members and those present to rise with a
moment of silence not only in commemoration of Patsy Mink,
but to constitute passage of the resolution.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness
that I rise to participate in this special order to share
with my colleagues of the House, and with the American
people--a tremendous loss to our Nation, and the good
people of the State of Hawaii--the recent passing of the
gentle lady from Hawaii--Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto
Mink.
Patsy was more than a friend to this Member. She was my
mentor, my teacher, my senior advisor on the resources of
this institution. She was my champion fighter when this
body takes up issues that affect the rights and the lives
of millions of Americans who are women, children,
minorities--and last but not least the poor and the needy.
Mr. Speaker, some of my colleagues have already outlined
a listing of so many of the accomplishments of Patsy's
career in public service. So as not to be repetitious, I
want to share with my colleagues and to our Nation--how I
feel about Patsy Mink the person.
Patsy did not share much with me in her early youth--
born of a lovable family and grew up on the island of
Maui--graduated from high school in Maui and then enrolled
at the University of Hawaii.
But I can well imagine the hardships Patsy had to endure
especially after the sudden attack of Pearl Harbor by
Japanese war planes--that Americans of Japanese ancestry
immediately herded like cattle and place in what was then
described as ``relocation camps,'' but I consider them as
concentration camps. I have no doubt Patsy and her family
were severely affected socially and psychologically--how a
nation can unilaterally terminate the constitutional
rights of its citizens solely on the basis of race. Their
lands and properties were confiscated, and some 100,000
American citizens--men, women and children who happen to
be of Japanese ancestry were placed in these so-called
relocation camps throughout the United States.
And despite all this, Mr. Speaker--at the height of
racism, hatred and bigotry placed against Japanese-
Americans during World War II--some 10,000 young Japanese-
American men--Senator Dan Inouye and the late Senator
Spark Matsunaga--among them--nevertheless volunteered to
fight against our Nation's enemies in Europe.
This was the kind of atmosphere Patsy grew up with--and
the irony of it all, Mr. Speaker, Patsy Mink wanted very
much to be a doctor--a healer--and I guess after
personally witnessing the horrors of war during her
youth--Patsy wanted to enter a profession that would save
lives, rather than destroy them.
Things did not get any better--after submitting
applications to medical schools, Patsy soon realized that
she was denied admission for two reasons: her ethnicity
and her gender.
Patsy's attention turned to law--and thanks to one of
our more progressive law schools in the country, she was
admitted to attend the University of Chicago Law School.
With a law degree from the University of Chicago, and
after gaining admission to practice law in Hawaii, Patsy
Mink started her law practice, but eventually ended up in
the State senate and was elected as a Member of Congress.
It was in this institution that Patsy made her mark not
only as an outstanding legislator to her constituents in
Hawaii, but to our Nation as well. As a senior member of
the House Education and Labor Committee, Patsy was
committed to providing greater educational opportunities
for the less fortunate. The protection of the rights of
women and children throughout our Nation was synonymous
with the name of this great lady from Hawaii--
Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink.
I want to convey my aloha punehana, sincere condolences,
on behalf of our Samoan community living in Hawaii, to
Patsy's dear husband and my friend for years--John Mink
and their daughter, Wendy, her brother Eugene Takemoto,
and Joan Manke her administrative assistant and members of
her staff--Patsy Takemoto Mink--Ia manuia lace faiga
malaga (May you have a successful journey).
Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, Patsy Mink will be remembered
with a broad array of accolades. She was a warm
compassionate colleague, civil and generous even to the
opponents who angered her the most.
For me, she will be remembered as my friend, mentor and
personal whip on the floor. At the door of the House
Chamber she would often meet me with instructions: ``We''
are voting No or ``We'' are voting Yes on this one. I
consider it an honor to have been invited to function as
an ideological twin to Patsy Mink.
In the Education and the Workforce Committee as well as
on the House floor, I was always inspired by Patsy's
convictions. She was always an independent spirit and she
pursued her causes with total dedication. She was not just
another advocate for education, for women, for job
training, for welfare mothers. Patsy Mink was forever a
fiery and intense advocate on these issues. She frequently
exuded an old-fashioned righteous indignation that seems
to have become extinct. For Patsy there were the right
policies and laws which she pushed with all the zeal she
could muster. And there were wrongheaded, hypocritical,
selfish and evil policies which had to be confronted and
engaged to the bitter end. When colleagues spoke of
bipartisan compromise negotiations, Patsy would quickly
warn Democrats to beware of an ambush or a trap.
Her profound wisdom on all matters related to education
and human resources resulted from her long years of
service on the Education and Labor Committee which later
became the Education and the Workforce Committee. Too many
of us have forgotten the value of the institutional
memory. While the House is filled with Members who speak
as experts on education, Congresswoman Mink was among the
few with hard-earned credentials. She was a part of the
development and nurturing of title I to the point where it
has become the cornerstone of Federal education reform.
Title IX as a landmark reform to end the gender gap in
school athletics was conceived and defended by Patsy right
up until the recent skirmish in this 107th Congress. In
this Congress, Patsy also declared war on the oppressors
of welfare women. No one was more incensed and outraged
than the Member from Hawaii when the so-called welfare
reform program of President Bush threatened greater
burdens and smaller subsidies for welfare recipients. All
of Patsy's proposals in the House were voted down. But
briefly Patsy Mink stirred up a long dormant conscience
among Democrats which produced a continuing debate in the
Senate. That fight still goes on.
Patsy Mink was a role model for decisionmakers of this
Congress and for the future. Compassion and righteous
indignation are still vital qualifications for the leaders
of a great nation. Patsy Mink was a great leader for this
great Nation.
Mr. GREEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to remember my colleague
of these past 10 years, Representative Patsy Mink, who
passed away this weekend.
During my first years in Congress, I worked closely with
Patsy when we both served on the Education and Labor
Committee.
Patsy was a wonderful person who believed in the power
of education. She wanted to ensure that all Americans,
especially women, received a quality education.
She was a tireless warrior for women and education,
authoring the Women's Educational Equity Act of 1974,
which provided funding for schools attempting to eliminate
inequities and discrimination against women as required by
title IX.
She worked to increase Impact Aid to Hawaiian public
schools, which helps offset the cost of educating the
children of Federal employees and military personnel.
But Patsy did not limit herself to only education
issues.
She was also a champion of all working Americans,
fighting to protect the landmark Davis-Bacon Act, which
requires Federal contractors to pay local prevailing
wages.
She led efforts to protect the Legal Services
Corporation, which provides needy individuals nationwide
with legal assistance.
In short, Patsy was a champion of the forgotten--the
poor, the homeless, those who needed financial assistance
for college, those who were without health insurance, and
those who were unemployed.
And like the best Members of Congress, Patsy fought
hardest for her people at home.
She was a champion for native Hawaiians, and actively
sought to make sure their interests were protected at the
Federal level.
I have a special affinity for Patsy, for personal
reasons as well. When my son, Chris, graduated from
college, he went to Hawaii to work.
I could always count on Patsy to occasionally check on
Chris, and tell me how he was doing when we both came back
to Washington the next week.
Mr. Speaker, Patsy Mink has been part of the Hawaiian
political landscape since before statehood, and has served
as a mentor to generations of young Hawaiians.
Her presence will be missed, both here in Washington,
but even more back home. This institution will miss her
greatly.
Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Speaker, Patsy Mink was my friend and
my colleague and I am deeply saddened by her death.
Patsy fought hard every day for the values and ideals
that make our Nation great. She worked to ensure access to
good public schools for every American child. She stood
out as a leading voice for women's rights, civil rights
and labor unions devoted to raising living standards and
providing opportunities to all Americans. And Patsy Mink
never lost her passion for righting the economic and
social injustices in Hawaii and across America.
Patsy Mink blazed a trail unlike few members in the
history of the House. She was the first Asian-American
woman admitted to the Hawaii bar, the first Asian-American
woman elected to the State legislature and the first woman
of color to win national office in 1964. She knew first-
hand the sting of discrimination as a young Asian-American
woman growing up in Hawaii, and she had the ability to use
her experience to lift up the hopes and dreams of other
human beings. I will always admire her willpower, courage
and faith in her country and in her fellow Americans.
Through sheer force of her personality, Patsy breathed
life into the values and ideals enshrined in our
Constitution. While she had many legislative
accomplishments, her leadership on title IX deserves
special recognition for opening doors to women's
achievements in athletics and beyond. As a woman of color
advocating for economic and social justice as a leader of
America, Patsy Mink demonstrated that one person, fighting
for what's right, respecting every person, can make a
difference in the lives of her fellow citizens.
I will miss her progressive voice and aggressive
leadership on issues important to the American people. I
hope and pray that this House will dedicate itself to
working in her extraordinary spirit in the important days
and months ahead.
Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker--I rise in sorrow to express my
sadness at the loss of the Honorable Patsy Mink, a
distinguished colleague and great public servant.
She was a great lady, a superb legislator, an idealist
who loved her country and her fellow Americans. She
believed in the Congress and our system of government, and
she worked hard within the institution for its protection
and for the betterment of our people.
She knew she was here to serve, and to serve those who
have the least and need the most. She knew our system is
good, but that it could be made better, and she worked to
make it so, and to make it better serve those who most
need the help of our country to realize their full
potential as valuable, productive and happy citizens.
Patsy worked for the young, for their health and
education, for their nutrition and training.
Patsy used her place in Congress to better the lives of
the young with legislation which helped them to achieve
their real value in our society.
Every program to help people with greatest need enacted
by this Congress during her career bears the mark of her
character, her leadership, and her goodness.
Her labors for the poor, downtrodden and the sick are
her shining monument. Her compassion, her energy, her
dedication and decency are her hallmark, and made her a
leader for those who needed her most.
She is properly loved and will be long remembered for
her goodness and work. She will be missed, and never will
be replaced. We love her, we honor her memory and her
labors and accomplishments.
We pray for her soul, we know God will receive her
lovingly. We know He greeted her warmly, with the
statement, ``Well done, good and faithful servant. Welcome
home. You have earned your place here in Heaven.''
Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, the
gentlewoman from California, Ms. Millender-McDonald, for
organizing this tribute to a giant in the House of
Representatives.
Patsy Mink was a fighter. She fought every day of her
public service for the inclusion of women at every level
of government and society. She was an inspiration to so
many people: women, Pacific Islanders, mothers, children,
and the working poor.
Patsy was my neighbor in the southeast corner of the
Rayburn building for several years. We often walked back
and forth to votes together. We rarely found ourselves on
the same side of political issues, but we always marveled
that our party was big enough to include both of us.
Patsy always spoke candidly, and never strayed from the
business at hand. Her office brightened our corner of the
hallway with beautiful, fresh exotic flowers from Hawaii
every week.
Through her life, and via her work in Congress, Patsy
redefined the possibilities for generations of women to
come. She forced educational institutions to find equity
in education between men and women through her work on
title IX.
Patsy championed her vision of equality and justice in
the Congress. From her support of Medicare in her first
term of service in the House--to her work in education,
labor, and Hawaiian agriculture--Patsy's legacy will live
on in classrooms, union halls and farm fields in Hawaii
and around the Nation.
Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today
saddened by the death of a dear friend and colleague, the
Honorable Patsy Mink. Throughout her public service
career, she was a tremendous force in breaking gender and
racial barriers by being the first Asian-American woman to
be elected to Congress, and the first woman of color. Her
dedication and drive had a major impact both at State and
national levels.
One of Patsy's most influential pieces of legislation,
title IX, which she co-authored in 1972, is credited by
many with changing the face of women's sports and societal
attitudes about women, and bans gender discrimination in
schools that receive Federal funding.
During my 6 years in Congress it was both an honor and a
joy to work with Congresswoman Mink on the Education
Committee. I will always remember her as a strong,
compassionate woman who was not only a superior colleague
but also a great friend.
Not only will I miss her intelligence and her wit, but I
will also miss her generosity. Congresswoman Mink's
generosity was famous here in the House because of the
delicious chocolate-covered macadamia nuts she brought to
late night sessions. Her passing not only leaves a void in
Congress, but also the district and the State she
represented so proudly and honorably. We will all miss
her.
Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart
that I rise to express my deep sadness upon the passing of
my fellow Congresswoman and friend, Patsy Mink.
I had the privilege of knowing Patsy and of serving with
her in the House of Representatives for many years,
specifically on the Budget Committee and in the
Congressional Women's Caucus.
Patsy was a trailblazer, a fighter for the rights of
women and minorities, and a role model for women and
people of color everywhere.
Long before becoming the first Asian-American woman
elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, Patsy was
breaking barriers, refusing to let society's unfair and
discriminatory practices stand in the way of achieving her
goals.
When Patsy was told she could not live in regular
student housing but had to live at the segregated
``International House'' for minorities at the University
of Nebraska, she successfully led the effort that changed
the university's policies.
When no law firm in her home State of Hawaii would hire
her because she was a woman, Patsy opened her own practice
and became the first Japanese-American woman lawyer in
Hawaii.
After losing her first race for Congress, being a woman
of determination and perseverance, Patsy ran again, and in
1964, became the first Asian-American woman and woman of
color elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Patsy Mink will be remembered as a Member of this House
who dedicated her career in Congress to opening doors of
opportunity for others. For example, Patsy played a key
role in the enactment of title IX--landmark legislation
that ensures equal educational opportunities for women and
girls in our country.
Mr. Speaker, Patsy will be sorely missed in this House,
but she will be fondly remembered as a woman who used her
success and talents to tear down barriers and provide
fairness and equal opportunity for others, particularly
women and minorities. Her hard work, perseverance, and
dedication to the principles of equality will serve as an
enduring model to us all.
I join with my colleagues and send my sincere
condolences to Patsy Mink's family and friends, and to the
constituents she represented so well.
Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy
heart to honor and say goodbye to our good friend and
colleague Congresswoman Patsy Mink. For 24 years,
Congresswoman Mink served as a strong and courageous voice
for those who are not always heard in our political
process. She was an unwavering champion and tireless
advocate for women's rights, including authoring the
landmark title IX section of the Education Act. Among her
many accomplishments, we should never forget her ardent
and selfless struggles to promote equal opportunity for
all races, to improve the current education system across
the Nation and to protect our environment.
As impressive as her legislative accomplishments were,
the personal and professional barriers that she had to
overcome in her life were, equal, if not more, impressive:
she was the first Asian-American woman to practice law in
Hawaii; the first Asian-American woman elected to her
State legislature and the first Asian-American woman
elected to Congress. The courageous choices she made in
her life made her a unique role model and afforded
countless others the opportunity to follow in her amazing
footsteps.
Make no mistake about it, what Patsy may have lacked in
physical stature, she more than made up for with a heart
that could fill this room and the courage and tenacity to
match it.
Robert F. Kennedy once said:
It is not enough to understand, or to see clearly. The
future will be shaped in the arena of human activity by
those willing to commit their minds and their bodies to
the task.
To the end, Congresswoman Mink embodied those attributes
and served as role model and beacon in the fight for
social and economic justice. I am humbled to have had the
opportunity to work closely with her.
Congresswoman Mink received her law degree at the
University of Chicago. Although there is no doubt she
would have made enormous contributions to our city, Patsy
was destined to return to Hawaii, where her devotion and
dedication to public service helped shape the State and
also our Nation.
Our hearts and prayers go out to Patsy's husband, John,
and daughter, Wendy.
Congresswoman Mink was a true star from heaven, who
walked among us and touched our lives in countless ways.
She will be greatly missed.
Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to honor one
of my esteemed colleagues, Congresswomen Patsy Mink of
Hawaii, who passed away this weekend, on September 28,
2002. This is a very sad day for me and for all of
Congress as we mourn the loss of a colleague, a patriot
and a friend.
While Patsy's death does bring deep sadness to this
Congress and the State of Hawaii, this is a day for us to
reflect on the wonderful legacy that she has left behind.
I would like to state first and foremost that
Congresswoman Mink was indeed a true pioneer and a
maverick. I am honored to have served on the House
Education and the Workforce Committee with her during my
tenure here in Congress. She served as a great example of
someone who believed in her causes and would stop at
nothing to bring her dreams and those of her constituents
to fruition. Patsy will be remembered as a champion of
minority education, especially title IX legislation that
mandated equal financing for women's athletics and
academics at institutions receiving Federal money. She
will also be remembered as someone who defended workers'
rights and fought for a welfare system that truly helped
people receive the training and child care services they
need to move into the workplace.
Patsy had the great distinction of being the first
Asian-American woman elected to Congress. Most of her
career was spent in politics, where her focus was on
education, childcare, the environment and equal
opportunity. Her dedication and drive resulted in a
significant impact on politics at both the State and
national levels.
Patsy Mink grew up in Hawaii. After graduating as
valedictorian of Maui High School, she went on to the
University of Hawaii in Honolulu with hopes of becoming a
doctor. After the end of the war, Patsy had planned on
going to medical school. Luckily for us in Congress, for
those in her district and for the United States, Patsy
instead was accepted at the University of Chicago School
of Law, married and returned to Hawaii. She became the
first Japanese-American woman lawyer in Hawaii. Since no
law firm would hire her because she was a woman, Patsy
decided to open her own practice. She also taught at the
University of Hawaii. She became increasingly involved in
politics, and she started the Oahu Young Democrats and
then the Hawaii Young Democrats. From there, Patsy worked
on the 1954 elections. She decided to run for Congress and
easily won a seat in the territory of Hawaii House of
Representatives in 1956. In 1959, she became a member of
the territory of Hawaii Senate. When Hawaii became a State
in 1959, Patsy ran for Congress but lost to Daniel Inouye.
In 1960, she attended the Democratic National Convention
and was chosen to give the speech for the civil rights
plank. In 1962, she returned to the campaign trail and
easily won a seat in the Hawaii State senate. In 1964, she
ran for U.S. Congress once more. This time, she won and
was sworn in on January 4, 1965. She had worked long and
hard to win that seat, and she served 12 non-consecutive
terms.
Recently, Congresswoman Mink and I had worked closely on
H.R. 1, the ``No Child Left Behind Act'' which passed both
houses of Congress and the President signed into law.
Patsy served as a key negotiator during our committee's
consideration of that bill. I will always admire her for
being the first member of the Education Committee to stand
by my side when I called for a boycott over the manner in
which the majority was organizing the Education Committee
this Congress. Because of her determination and courage,
all of the Democrats stood beside us. Consequently, we won
the fight, and jurisdiction over Hispanic serving
institutions now resides in the Subcommittee on 21st
Century Competitiveness where it belongs. What is truly
unfortunate for us here in Congress is that Congresswoman
Mink will be unable to play a key role in the upcoming
reauthorization of the Higher Education Reauthorization
Act. Her institutional knowledge of the subject is
irreplaceable.
Again, Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my sadness at the
loss of a great person in Patsy Mink. I wish to express my
sympathy to her family and to her constituents. This
Congress, Hawaii and this Nation have lost a truly
wonderful person. History will be kind to her.
Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, Patsy Mink was a wonderful
person with a compassionate heart and a warm and loving
spirit. She was tireless and forceful in her advocacy for
civil rights, for justice, for the environment, and for
adequate health care and education for the disadvantaged.
Throughout her distinguished legislative career, her
work was characterized by great skill and a
straightforward approach that instilled confidence and won
her a reputation for being forthright and honest. She was
known for her ability to build coalitions for progressive
legislation.
Hawaii was not yet a State when Patsy started down the
path of political activism. As the first Asian-American
woman elected to Congress, indeed the first woman of any
ethnic minority elected to Congress, she took very
seriously her responsibilities as a role model and mentor.
She fought fiercely against words, actions, and policies
that she saw as unfair or intolerant. She spent her life
breaking down barriers and dedicated herself to fighting
for equality.
For me, Patsy was not only a talented professional, but
a friend and I will miss her greatly.
Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to
honor and remember the works of a great mentor, friend,
colleague, and champion in Congress, Representative Patsy
Mink.
I am saddened by the sudden loss of such a great leader
and heroine. She inspired many of us through her tireless
work, commitment, and dedication throughout her tenure in
Congress. I send my love and condolences to Representative
Mink's family, Mr. John Francis Mink, her husband, and
Gwendolyn Rachel Mink, her daughter. You are in my
thoughts and prayers.
Congresswoman Mink was the first Asian-American woman to
serve in Congress. During her time in Congress she
championed many issues including women's rights,
education, the environment, equal opportunity for all
citizens, and title IX of the Education Act. She will
always be remembered as an outspoken advocate for women,
children, the under-represented and humanity. She was the
kind of public servant we all want to emulate.
She left a lasting legacy behind that has inspired us to
continue her work. She touched the lives of many
individuals, particularly women through her work on title
IX, which mandates gender equality in any education
program or activity receiving Federal financial
assistance. Title IX has been instrumental in prohibiting
discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs
and sports activities that receive Federal funding. Before
title IX, many schools saw no problem in maintaining
strict limits on the admission of women or simply refusing
to admit them. Since the passage of title IX, this has
changed dramatically. In 1994, women received 38 percent
of medical degrees, 43 percent of law degrees, and 44
percent of all doctoral degrees. In 1972, women received
only 9 percent of medical degrees, 7 percent of law
degrees and 25 percent of doctoral degrees.
Female participation in sports, like receiving a college
education, has had unexpected benefits for women through
title IX. Studies have shown that values learned from
sports participation, such as teamwork, leadership,
discipline and pride in accomplishment, are important
attributes as women increase their participation in the
workforce, as well as their entry into business management
and ownership positions.
More and more women are entering and graduating from
college and graduate school. More women are entering and
excelling in sports activities. And, more women are
entering the corporate world and holding management
positions. Representative Mink's leadership in enacting
title IX will continue to make a difference for young
women. Thanks to her courage and foresight the country is
better as women have the opportunity to achieve their full
position.
Her work enabled many young women to enter the field of
sports, medicine, law, and business. Women today have been
empowered to reach as far as they want because of the work
Representative Mink championed in Congress.
Representative Patsy Mink's dedication and perseverance
will be admired. She will be forever known as a strong,
intelligent, and inspirational woman. She left a legacy
behind that motivated and touched me deeply. Her work has
allowed women to accomplish and reach for any dream they
desire to achieve. Thank you, Patsy Mink.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, as we gather in the House
chamber with tremendous sadness over the passing of our
dear friend and colleague, the Honorable Patsy Mink of
Hawaii, I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to
the career of a distinguished public servant who dedicated
her life to the people of Hawaii and the United States.
Patsy graduated valedictorian of her Maui High School
class and received a bachelor's degree in zoology and
chemistry from the University of Hawaii and a law degree
from the University of Chicago, graduating as only one of
two women in a class of 200. She practiced law and turned
her sights to public service while mobilizing the
Democratic Party to take control of the Hawaii territorial
government in the mid-1950s. From that time, Patsy served
as an elected representative in the territorial and State
legislatures, a city councilwoman, a Federal official, and
a Member of Congress.
In Congress, as a member of the House Education and the
Workforce Committee, she consistently championed
legislation that would improve education, child care,
welfare, and gender equality. Patsy was an especially
fierce advocate for women's issues and was instrumental in
the creation of title IX of the Federal Education Act,
which has opened many opportunities for women athletes in
schools and colleges across America.
Patsy also cared deeply about the men and women who
serve in our Nation's military. The State of Hawaii and
its citizens play an instrumental role in advancing U.S.
national security presence throughout the Pacific region.
As a representative from Hawaii Patsy recognized the
important military function in her State, and promoted the
welfare of our troops and their families.
As Members of the House pay tribute to the legacy of
this stateswoman, we should also take a moment to thank
Patsy's staff in Washington and in Hawaii for their hard
work and dedication. Because Patsy's office neighbors mine
in the Rayburn building, I have seen her staff members
burning the midnight oil on more than one occasion. With
several time zones between Washington and Hawaii, they
have often worked long hours to get the job done.
Mr. Speaker, Congresswoman Patsy Mink was a remarkable
person who always stood for what she believed. She was a
strong, brave American who is a role model for women
throughout the Nation. Most importantly, however, Patsy
was a dear friend, and I will miss her. My wife Susie and
I offer our condolences to Patsy's husband, John, and to
their daughter Wendy.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, for those who knew
her, Patsy Mink was a tiny woman physically. But don't let
appearances fool you--Patsy Mink was a giant. This Nation
has lost a great public servant and a true crusader for
social justice. For 74 years, every time she came to a
door that was slammed tightly closed--for no good reason--
she used those tiny feet of hers to kick it open--and to
let others follow behind her.
And those who benefited from her tenacity have not
forgotten Patsy Mink's pioneering steps. The National
Organization for Women, in its tribute to Representative
Mink, wrote:
Girls and women . . . lost one of their most valiant and
steadfast champions. Every woman today who is enjoying the
fruits of her education and job opportunities, and every
girl who has a chance to play sports in school, owes a nod
of thanks to Mink who unremittingly and dauntlessly
challenged old stereotypes about ``women's place'' and
helped engineer the steady progress for women over the
last four decades--parallel to Mink's career in politics.
Patsy Mink was born in Maui, Hawaii, in December 1927,
and began her political career when she ran for and won
the election for student body president during her junior
year in high school--she was the first girl to run. She
later went on to graduate as the class valedictorian of
Maui High School--but her academic achievement became less
important than her race and sex when she set off to
college. She attended Wilson College in Chambersburg,
Pennsylvania, and then the University of Nebraska, where
she faced segregated student housing. Patsy Mink worked
with others to end this discriminatory policy. She
returned to finish her studies in chemistry and zoology
from the University of Hawaii in 1948, with full
intentions of attending medical school. However, 20
medical schools rejected her--obviously, it was not
because of her grades, but because they would not accept
women.
She then decided to go to law school, and graduated with
her J.D. degree in 1951 from the University of Chicago.
Ironically enough, she was accepted into the school
because they hadn't realized that Hawaii was an American
territory at the time, and she was accepted as a foreign
student!
Armed with her law degree, Patsy Mink returned to Hawaii
and became the first Asian-American woman to practice law,
the first Asian-American woman elected to the territorial
House of Representatives, and then the first Asian-
American woman to serve in the U.S. House of
Representatives. For 24 years over two different periods
she served in this body, and was re-elected 2 years ago by
a 2-to-1 margin. Incidentally, when she arrived in
Congress, she wasn't allowed in the House gym because it
was a males-only venue.
As a champion for civil rights, family rights,
education, civil liberties, and equal rights and
opportunities, Representative Mink will be remembered for
many things. She wrote the Women's Educational Equity Act,
sponsored the first Early Childhood Education Act, and was
a passionate advocate for poor families, supporting
measures to provide education and skills to assist
families. However, her most crowning achievement was title
IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 to the Civil Rights
Act of 1964. By prohibiting schools that receive Federal
funding from discriminating because of sex, title IX has
singularly been credited with changing the face of
education and sports for American women--and opening up
many of those closed doors. There are many who believe we
would not have seen such a rise in women's athletics were
it not for title IX.
Representative Mink said of title IX:
It's rare as a legislator that you fight for legislation
you believe in and stay around or live long enough to see
it come to fruition . . . To be frank, I thought this was
great, a beginning statement of policy and intent. At the
moment we were doing it, we didn't think it would have
this fantastic momentum and the enforcement of the courts.
I think the Honolulu Advertiser summed it up right when
it said: ``In a day when politics appears driven by polls
and focus groups, Mink stood out as a politician who was
true, first and foremost, to herself and the people she
served.''
I will truly miss working with Patsy Mink, but I am
honored to have served with her. She set the standard for
public servants, and leaves some very big shoes to fill.
Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to
a treasured colleague, Congresswoman Patsy Mink, whom has
passed. I would also like to extend my heartfelt sympathy
to her family and to her staff.
Congresswoman Mink leaves this Earth as a great leader
of her community, a dynamic Member of Congress and as a
strong woman. Most importantly, she leaves a legacy of
work that will continue on after her passing. Patsy Mink
spent a life in public service working to improve the
lives of her constituents, her beloved State of Hawaii,
the environment, the rights of minority communities and
the equality of women. She broke barriers. She opened
doors of opportunity. She gave a voice to causes and
people once silenced in political arenas.
Congresswoman Mink's life was a series of firsts. She
was the first female student body president at Maui High
School where she went on to become the class valedictorian
months later. She was the first Asian-American woman to
practice law in Hawaii and the first to be elected to the
territorial House. And Congresswoman Mink was the first
woman of color to be elected to the U.S. House of
Representatives.
One of Congresswoman Mink's most important legislative
victories opened the doors of collegiate sports to women.
She co-authored the trailblazing title IX of the Higher
Education Act Amendments in 1972 which prohibited gender
discrimination by educational institutions receiving
Federal funds. Thirty years after the passage of this
remarkable legislation we can look back at a great legacy
of American women's athletics and forward to its future; a
future made possible by a Congresswoman's desire to see
that women be treated equally on the playing field.
I join with my colleagues in Congress mourning the
passing Congresswoman Patsy Mink--a trailblazing political
leader, a champion of civil rights, a strong woman and a
great friend whom will be missed.
Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, this House, the State of Hawaii,
and the Nation lost a powerful figure on Saturday. Sadly,
our colleague, Congresswoman Patsy Mink, passed away in
her home State of Hawaii. My condolences, thoughts and
prayers are with her family and friends.
Patsy spent more than four decades advancing civil
rights, expanding educational and health care
opportunities, and combating poverty. Her particular
efforts in promoting women's rights and equality have
helped change the face of this country for the better. My
daughters, and my granddaughter, have had and will have
greater opportunities to achieve their dreams in this
great country, thanks in part to the efforts of Patsy
Mink.
Earlier this year, Patsy played a key role in a joint
retreat of members of the Congressional Black, Hispanic
and Asian Pacific Caucuses, contributing her enthusiasm to
strengthening bridges that unite Americans of different
backgrounds. As the current chair of the Congressional
Hispanic Caucus, it has been a pleasure and inspiration to
work with her on important issues such as providing
assistance to low-income families and protecting
immigrants' rights.
Witnessing the energy Patsy brought to her work this
year never would have led me to believe I would have to
bid her farewell so soon. A woman of her stature,
experience, expertise and dedication will be impossible to
replace. Patsy Mink will be sorely missed.
Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to
Patsy T. Mink, a very special individual to me and to the
entire 107th Congress. She was truly a beloved woman.
Born December 6, 1927, Patsy was destined for greatness.
She made history as the first Asian Pacific American woman
admitted to the bar of Hawaii, the first Asian Pacific
American woman elected to State office in Hawaii, and in
1964 became the first woman of color to be elected to the
U.S. House of Representatives. Furthermore, her vision to
change the status quo and better the livelihood of all
Americans led her to sponsor title IX of the Education Act
of 1972, paving the way for every woman athlete in
America.
Patsy represented her constituents of the Second
Congressional District of Hawaii, to the fullest of her
ability. Before being elected to Congress she served in
both the Hawaii State house of representatives and senate.
With more than 40 years in the political arena she
possessed a wealth of knowledge that poised her as one of
the most revered Members of Congress. She dedicated her
life to serving her fellow Hawaiians through diligently
working on legislation that addressed education, health,
women's and veterans issues. She was a beloved community
figure whose passionate voice spoke for every person
regardless of race or gender.
Patsy is survived by her husband John and daughter
Wendy. My prayers and condolences are with her family and
friends as they have lost a great, loving, and kind woman.
She will be greatly missed.
And so Mr. Speaker, I submit this loving memorial to be
included in the archives of the history of this great
Nation, for women like Patsy T. Mink are unique in their
generous contributions to this country.
Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I join with my colleagues in
expressing profound sorrow over the loss this weekend of
our esteemed colleague, Congresswoman Patsy Mink of
Hawaii. While her passing saddens me immensely, I find
myself reflecting this evening not so much on the loss of
a respected colleague and dear friend but rather on the
remarkable life of Patsy Mink, one of the most courageous
and inspiring women I have ever known.
I had the great privilege of serving on the Committee on
Education and the Workforce with Congresswoman Mink, whose
political journey began in 1956 in the U.S. territory of
Hawaii, where she was elected to the territorial house of
representatives. She had originally intended to become a
medical doctor, but in 1948 few opportunities existed for
women wishing to pursue a career in medicine. Patsy Mink
applied to 20 medical schools, and was rejected by all of
them--not because of her academic record, which was highly
commendable, but rather because of her gender. She did not
abandon her dream of a challenging and meaningful career,
however, she simply shifted her focus. She decided to
pursue a career in law instead, and was accepted by the
University of Chicago School of Law. Upon finishing her
legal education in Chicago, she returned to Hawaii, where
she became the first Asian-American woman to practice law
in the territory. In 1965, Patsy Mink became the first
woman of color elected to the U.S. House of
Representatives. She would go on to serve 12 2-year terms
in Congress. During her time in office, Congresswoman Mink
fought tirelessly for those issues she cared about so
passionately: the environment, poverty, civil rights and,
most notably, education and equality for women. In fact,
she was a pioneer in the struggle for the equitable
treatment of women in education, authoring the Women's
Educational Equity Act. Additionally, Congresswoman Mink
worked to increase funding for research on diseases
primarily affecting women and to expand opportunities for
women to become physicians. Unquestionably, however, her
greatest accomplishment came with the passage of title IX
of the Education Act in 1972, which she co-authored.
Congresswoman Mink played an instrumental role in the
passage of this groundbreaking legislation, which
prohibits gender discrimination by federally funded
institutions. This law has become the vehicle by which
girls and women have achieved greater opportunities in the
professions and, most notably, athletics.
I know that I am not alone when I say that I will sorely
miss the extraordinary Patsy Mink, an admirable woman who
bravely challenged the status quo--tirelessly fighting for
progressive legislation which has transformed not only her
home State of Hawaii but also the entire Nation.
Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the
passing of one of our own--Representative Patsy Mink was
in the truest sense a leader by example, and she will be
missed.
Patsy's life is a remarkable story of achievement and
bravery, of fighting for what she believed in, and--at the
end of the day--of incredible success in improving the
lives of Hawaiians and all Americans.
I think that to understand Patsy's determination to make
the United States a Nation of equal opportunity is to
understand her personal history. Patsy created opportunity
for herself, and in her success, she has helped make
opportunity for all Americans less elusive.
Patsy Takemoto was born to poor parents on a sugar
plantation on the island of Maui in Hawaii. An excellent
student, she was elected president of her high school
class and, after graduation, attended the University of
Hawaii. Patsy then enrolled in the prestigious University
of Chicago School of Law. With her law degree, she
returned to Hawaii and became the first Japanese-American
woman to hold a law license in the State's history. As she
was her entire life, Patsy remained unfazed by doing what
had not been done before--with the bravado and grace that,
as her colleagues, we all know well.
After election to the Hawaii territorial legislature in
1956, and the Hawaii State senate in 1958, Ms. Mink was
elected to the House of Representatives in 1965. Since
then, she has championed causes that mattered to her with
a rare sense of determination.
I have long marveled at Patsy's ability to get things
done. She was a powerful advocate for the equal rights and
fair treatment of American women--among her many
achievements in this arena, she was a leading sponsor of
title IX funding that ensured that women's sports were
supported at equal levels as those of men. She was an
eloquent voice of caution during the unfolding debacle of
Vietnam. She was an ardent supporter of civil rights. She
was, in her later terms, one of the truly wise voices of
this body.
Mr. Speaker, I believe I speak for all of us when I say
that I am a better legislator and this is a better
institution because of Patsy Mink. And I know I speak for
women, minorities, and all disadvantaged communities in
America when I say that this is a better Nation because of
the service of Congresswoman Mink.
I would like to take this opportunity to send my
condolences to the entire Mink family, and to all of the
people who have shared in sustaining this loss.
Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my
friend and colleague, Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink,
beloved Representative from the State of Hawaii for over
24 years, who passed away last week at age 74. She is
survived by her husband John Mink, and their daughter,
Gwendolyn, and I extend my deepest and most heartfelt
condolences to them on their loss.
Congresswoman Mink has had a distinguished and
extraordinary career, both in the private sector and
public service. After serving the Hawaii State
legislature, she was first elected to the House of
Representatives in 1965, and was the first minority woman
to serve in the U.S. Congress. However, this was not the
first barrier she broke through. Congresswoman Mink earned
a law degree at the University of Chicago in 1951, and
subsequently was the first Japanese-American woman
attorney in Hawaii.
Her frustration at her inability to find employment due
to her gender led to her first involvement in politics.
According to the Honolulu Advertiser, Congresswoman Mink
recalled that ``I didn't start off wanting to be in
politics--I wanted to be a learned professional, serving
the community. But they weren't hiring women just then.
Not being able to get a job from anybody changed things.''
Her early first-hand experience with these issues led to
her vocal championing of legislative responses to the
problem--most notably the landmark Women's Educational
Equality Act, otherwise known as title IX, which was
passed 30 years ago and mandates gender equality in any
education program or activity receiving Federal financial
assistance. In the years since, the athletic scholarship
money available to women has increased from $100,000 in
1972 to $197 million in 1997. However, title IX also has a
significant impact in the fight for parity in academic
fields. One of the most important areas to reach parity in
is math and science education and access to technology and
technological training. These areas hold the key to
achievement and employment for women now and in the
future. The gains we have made in each of these areas
could not have been possible without her principled
leadership.
Another issue on which Congresswoman Mink led was
opposition to the Vietnam war. After being elected in the
fall of 1964, she was one of Congress' most vocal
opponents of the prolonged military campaign. Indeed, she
and fellow Member, Representative Bella Abzug of New York,
flew to Paris to talk to participants in the Vietnam war
peace talks. Although this position brought her scathing
criticism from many sources, including her own
constituents, she always did what she felt was right, even
in the face of name calling, as she was labeled ``Patsy
Pink.''
After leaving the House to pursue other political
opportunities in the 1970s, she returned to the House in
1990. Since then, she has continued to be a vocal leader
for progressive causes, most recently as the lead sponsor
of vital legislation on welfare reform. This legislation
would have expanded educational opportunities for women
struggling to leave government assistance, and provided
ample funding for child care. Her commitment to the needs
of women and children could never be questioned. Indeed,
in lieu of flowers, her family has asked that donations be
made to the Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Fund for Low-
Income Women and Children, which will be established in
her honor. What a fitting tribute to her work.
I am proud to have served with such a remarkable woman.
Congresswoman Mink will be greatly missed both in this
Chamber and in her home State.
I thank the Speaker.
Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my heartfelt
condolences to the family of the late Congresswoman Patsy
Mink, including her husband John and daughter Wendy, and
the people of Hawaii's Second Congressional District who
share our recent loss.
Patsy Mink was a dedicated public servant and an
inspiring example of the great strides minority women have
achieved in our society. She was a fierce and courageous
advocate for women's rights and whose powerful voice
during political rallies and congressional debate belied
her petite frame.
I am very proud of my 12 years together with her on the
Education and Labor Committee. I always admired her
compassion, insight, and extensive knowledge of each
matter considered before our committee. My colleagues and
I will miss her presence on the dais, but her spirit will
live on in the memory of her enduring contributions to her
priorities in education, women's rights, housing and
health care.
I believe Patsy's greatest accomplishment was the
addition of title IX to the Education Act, which she
helped write in 1972. This landmark measure has a proven
track record for increasing scholarships for women and
promoting equality in athletics. Her contributions
positively impacted the lives of tens of thousands of
young American women. Without her leadership, the Women's
National Basketball Association, women's soccer and other
athletic endeavors for women would not be flourishing as
they do today. The Women's Educational Equity Act and
Native Hawaiian Education Act were also directly shaped by
Patsy's vision of equality and opportunity.
I will always remember Patsy's friendship, collegiality
and generosity, particularly several boxes of chocolate
macadamia nuts from her native Hawaii that my family and I
have enjoyed so much over the years! My thoughts and
prayers remain with her family and constituents as we
remember Patsy Mink's contributions to Congress and public
service in America.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Grucci). Pursuant to the
request of the gentleman from Hawaii, the Chair requests
that all Members stand to observe a moment of silence in
memory of the late Honorable Patsy T. Mink, a
Representative from the great State of Hawaii.
EXPRESSING SORROW OF THE HOUSE AT THE DEATH OF THE
HONORABLE PATSY T. MINK, MEMBER OF CONGRESS FROM THE STATE
OF HAWAII
Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, the death of Representative
Patsy Mink comes as great sorrow not only to her family,
friends and constituents, but also to the U.S. Congress as
well. We will long feel the loss of one of our most
passionate Members.
I had the privilege of working with Patsy on the House
Education and the Workforce Committee recently in her role
as the ranking member of the 21st Century Competitiveness
Subcommittee, which I chair. She always presented her
views with a rare combination of elegance, conviction and
passion.
As the first woman of color elected to Congress and the
first Asian-American woman to practice law in Hawaii,
Patsy was a trailblazer and a role model to young women
across the Nation.
While Patsy has a long list of accomplishments, female
college students in America will forever be heirs to the
legacy of title IX, which she was integral in passing.
Title IX prohibits gender discrimination at any
educational institution receiving Federal funds.
I am deeply saddened by this news of my friend and I
offer sincere condolences to her family.
Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, last weekend, the members of
our committee lost a friend and colleague. The people of
Hawaii lost a strong and trusted voice. And the people of
our country lost a leader.
Patsy Mink was a vibrant, passionate, and effective
voice for the principles she believed in. She spent most
of her life serving her beloved State of Hawaii and the
people of the United States. Her service to the Nation as
a Member of this House came in two chapters: she first
served here from January 1965 to January 1977; then she
returned more than a decade later, in 1990, to resume her
work on behalf of her constituents.
I was elected to the House that same year--1990. As
incoming members of the Education and the Workforce
Committee, we didn't see eye to eye on many issues. Our
committee was the scene of some of the nastiest partisan
sparring in the House, and there wasn't a lot of
communication between Members from different parties.
Over the years, I went up against Patsy directly several
times, on the issue of the Native Hawaiian Education
Programs and Hawaii's Bishop Estate Trust. I won't mince
words: I lost--each and every time. During those debates I
learned first-hand what a fierce advocate she could be.
Take it from me: when Patsy Mink decided she was going to
fight for something, it wasn't much fun being on the
receiving end.
As I mentioned, there wasn't much opportunity to get to
know Patsy when I first joined our committee in the early
1990s. But our committee is a different place than it was
10 years ago. And on days like today, it's a little bit
easier to understand why that's so important. Republicans
on our committee eventually got the opportunity to not
only know Patsy Mink, but to work with her side by side on
issues like education reform. I know I speak for all the
Republican members of our committee when I say I'm
sincerely grateful we got that chance.
Patsy Mink's passionate commitment to the issues she
believed in gave our committee a spark that will not be
easily replaced. Many of the bills we've moved in the last
year and a half bear her unmistakable imprint. As ranking
member of the Subcommittee on 21st Century
Competitiveness, Patsy played a key role in passing the No
Child Left Behind Act, the bipartisan education bill
signed in January by President Bush. And this year, she
worked closely with the gentleman from California, Mr.
McKeon, on legislation to reduce Federal red tape in
higher education.
I'm truly disappointed we won't have the chance to
continue this partnership with Patsy. We'll never know
exactly where it might have led, or the things that might
have been accomplished. But I do know one thing. I'm very
grateful for the chance to have served with her, and to
have worked alongside her to achieve some of the goals for
which she strived.
Patsy Mink's passing is a significant loss for our
committee, the people of Hawaii, and the people of the
United States. I offer my sincere condolences to her
family and constituents. She will be greatly missed.
Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to join
with my colleagues in paying a richly deserved tribute to
the memory of our esteemed and devoted colleague here in
the Congress, Congresswoman Patsy Mink.
The character of the life she lived could be summed up
in just a few words: she was compassionate, dedicated,
strong-spirited, a tireless worker, a real trailblazer,
and an inspiring leader. Congresswoman Mink was self-
sacrificing and sincerely devoted to her constituents and
to this House.
After becoming the first Asian-American woman elected to
Congress in 1964, Congresswoman Mink won a reputation for
taking the lead on issues involving civil rights,
education, the environment and poverty, as well as
opposition to the Vietnam war. She was one of the first
legislators to call for the impeachment of President
Richard M. Nixon over Watergate, and her pioneering
campaign for equality for women was credited with helping
to make the issue a focal point of Democratic politics.
Congresswoman Mink was extremely proud of the leading
role she played in 1972 in the passage of title IX of the
Education Act which as a result opened many doors and
provided opportunities for young women in athletics. More
recently, she opposed the toughening of welfare laws
signed by former President Bill Clinton.
Congresswoman Mink has served in the U.S. Congress for
24 years. She was a ``voice for the voiceless'' and worked
diligently for those who are oftentimes forgotten such as
the poor and the disenfranchised.
Congresswoman Mink was a petite woman with a big heart
and great intellect. It was a privilege to serve with her
in the House and observe as she combined charm with an
unlimited energy and the highest integrity. Her leadership
and passion for justice will be missed not only by those
who served with her, but by her constituents which she
proudly served.
In closing and to sum up the impact which I believe
Patsy Mink has had, I would like to paraphrase the words
of Abraham Lincoln who stated in a memorable address:
``The world will little note, nor long remember what we
say here, but can never forget what they did here.''
My deepest condolences to her husband John and daughter
Wendy, and to the constituents of the Second District of
Hawaii.
Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from
Hawaii for yielding, it is with great sadness that I rise
today to address the House.
I offer my deepest sympathies to Patsy Mink's family,
husband John Francis Mink, daughter Wendy and brother
Eugene Takemoto. Anyone who was fortunate enough to have
been touched by her life knows that this Nation has lost a
true warrior in the constant struggle for justice.
We will all miss her counsel and guidance as well as her
friendship.
She encountered early on the difficulties of prejudice
and sexism. She also understood the importance of
coalition building that she would carry on for the rest of
her career.
She was a person of firsts: first Japanese-American
woman to become a lawyer in Hawaii in 1952, first Asian-
American woman and woman of color elected to Congress,
being 1 of only 12 women total in 1964.
Her abilities in awakening all of our social
consciousness through her tireless advocacy, work and
dedication, inspired students, community leaders,
political appointees and especially elected officials of
the APA community and beyond.
Congresswoman Mink's record as an advocate for civil
rights is unassailable, a crowning achievement being the
passage of title IX of the Education Amendments in 1972.
This landmark legislation banned gender discrimination in
schools, whether it was in academics or athletics.
As I have indicated, she has been a role model for
countless women as well as those of us from the Asian-
American and Pacific Islander community. Though she is not
physically present, her spirit and legacy will live on
through those of us who believe that the fight for
fairness and equity is never over.
Mr. Speaker, as we all know, Patsy had a fierce passion
for freedom and equal treatment for all persons and during
these tense times as our Nation faces growing poverty
rates and international turmoil, I'd like to close with
two quotes from Patsy Mink. The first quote underscores
her passion for the need to stand up for the under-
represented and the second quote makes the point that when
our national security is tested, we as a people must not
ignore the basic principles that this country was founded
on:
If to believe in freedom and equality is to be a
radical, then I am a radical. So long as there remain
groups of our fellow Americans who are denied equal
opportunity and equal protection under the law * * * we
must remain steadfast, till all shades of man may stand
side by side in dignity and self-respect to truly enjoy
the fruits of this great land.
America is not a country which needs to punish its
dissenters to preserve its honor, America is not a country
which needs to demand conformity of all its people, for
its strength lies in all our diversities converging in one
common belief, that of the importance of freedom as the
essence of our country.
We all know that Hawaii was founded by Polynesian
travelers guided by the stars. Today in the skies of
Hawaii shines yet another star in the constellations to
still guide the islanders and those of us here on the
mainland.
I will miss her very much.
Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in
remembrance of my colleague Congresswoman Patsy Mink who
served in the House of Representatives for 12 terms. She
was the first woman of Asian descent to serve in the U.S.
Congress. Representative Patsy Mink's ancestry is the
classic story of immigrants seeking a better life in
America for themselves and their families. Her four
grandparents emigrated from Japan in the late 1800s to
work as contract laborers in Maui's sugar plantations.
Representative Mink began college at the University of
Hawaii, but transferred to the University of Nebraska
where she faced a policy of segregated student housing.
Working with other students, their parents, and even
university trustees, this policy of discrimination was
ended. She returned to the University of Hawaii to prepare
for medical school and graduated with a degree in zoology
and chemistry. However, in 1948, none of the 20 medical
schools to which she applied would accept women. She
decided to study law and was accepted by the University of
Chicago because they considered her a ``foreign student.''
Choosing not to inform the university that Hawaii was an
American territory, she obtained her Doctor of
Jurisprudence in 1951. Newly married, she became the first
Asian-American woman to practice law in Hawaii.
In 1956, she was elected to the territorial House of
Representatives. It was the beginning of a long and
effective political life. In 1959, Hawaii became the 50th
State. In 1965, Patsy Mink was elected to the U.S. House
of Representatives and began the first of six consecutive
terms in the House of Representatives. She was the first
woman of color to be elected to Congress.
Representative Mink's ability to build coalitions for
progressive legislation continued during her tenure in
Congress. She introduced the first comprehensive Early
Childhood Education Act and authored the Women's
Educational Equity Act.
In the early 1970s, she played a key role in the
enactment of title IX of the Higher Education Act
Amendments. Written in 1972 to be enacted by 1977, title
IX, which prohibited gender discrimination by federally
funded institutions, has become the major tool for women's
fuller participation not only in sports, but in all
aspects of education. Title IX is the reason why girls and
women have made such gains in education and particularly
in sports. In 1971, only 294,015 girls participated in
high school athletics. Today, over 2.7 million girls
participate in high school athletics, an 847-percent
increase, according to the Department of Education.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reiterate the importance of
the legacy of my dear friend Patsy Mink. Congresswoman
Mink will be remembered for her deep concern and support
of education, women's rights, and Pacific Islander issues.
Her struggles and accomplishments bear witness to the
strength of the American spirit.
Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and
remember the works of a great mentor, friend, colleague,
and champion in Congress, Representative Patsy Mink.
I am saddened by the sudden loss of such a great leader
and heroine. She inspired many of us through her tireless
work, commitment, and dedication throughout her tenure in
Congress. I send my condolences to Representative Mink's
family, Mr. John Francis Mink, her husband, and Gwendolyn
Rachel Mink, her daughter. You are in my thoughts and
prayers.
Congresswoman Mink was the first Asian-American woman to
serve in Congress. During her time in Congress she
championed many issues including women's rights,
education, the environment, equal opportunity for all
citizens, and title IX of the Education Act. She will
always be remembered as an outspoken advocate for women
and children. She was the kind of public servant we all
want to emulate.
Patsy left a lasting legacy behind that has inspired us
to continue her work. She touched the lives of many
individuals, particularly women through her work on title
IX, which mandates gender equality in any education
program or activity receiving Federal financial
assistance. Title IX has been instrumental in prohibiting
discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs
and sports activities that receive Federal funding. Before
title IX, many schools saw no problem in maintaining
strict limits on the admission of women or simply refusing
to admit them. Since the passage of title IX, this has
changed dramatically. In 1994, women received 38 percent
of medical degrees, 43 percent of law degrees, and 44
percent of all doctoral degrees. In 1972, women received
only 9 percent of medical degrees, 7 percent of law
degrees and 25 percent of doctoral degrees.
Female participation in sports, like receiving a college
education, has had unexpected benefits for women through
title IX. Studies have shown that values learned from
sports participation, such as teamwork, leadership,
discipline and pride in accomplishment, are important
attributes as women increase their participation in the
workforce, as well as their entry into business management
and ownership positions.
More and more women are entering and graduating from
college and graduate school. More women are entering and
excelling in sports activities. And, more women are
entering the corporate world and holding management
positions. Representative Mink's leadership in enacting
title IX will continue to make a difference for young
women. This is why today in the Education and the
Workforce Committee we passed a bill to name title IX
after Patsy Mink. Thanks to her courage and foresight the
country is better as women have the opportunity to achieve
their full position.
Her work enabled many young women to enter the field of
sports, medicine, law, and business. Women today have been
empowered to reach as far as they want because of the work
Representative Mink championed in Congress.
Representative Patsy Mink's dedication and perseverance
will be admired. She will be forever known as a strong,
intelligent, and inspirational woman. She left a legacy
behind that motivated and touched me deeply. Her work has
allowed women to accomplish and reach for any dream they
desire to achieve. Thank you, Patsy Mink.
Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply saddened by the
recent loss of my beloved colleague and dear friend, Patsy
Mink of Hawaii. While serving together on the Education
and the Workforce Committee, we developed a long-lasting
friendship and mutual admiration for each other. Patsy's
impact on this institution and our Nation's history should
never be overlooked or forgotten. Her legacy will remain
an inspiration for all those who struggle to overcome
social, racial and economic injustice.
Patsy Mink will forever be remembered as a modern day
pioneer of gender and racial equality in government.
Throughout her distinguished career, Patsy continually
overcame insurmountable obstacles to achieve success and
acceptance in her professional and political career. In
Hawaii, she became the first Asian-American woman to
practice law and the first Asian-American woman to be
elected to the territorial House before Hawaii became a
State in 1959. While serving in the territorial House, she
became one of the leading advocates for Hawaii's
statehood. In 1964, she had the honor of becoming the
first Asian-American woman of Japanese-American heritage
to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
During her tenure, Congresswoman Mink became a leading
advocate for racial, gender and social equality. Inspired
by her lifelong challenges, Congresswoman Mink fought for
women to have equal access to education and athletic
opportunities. Thanks to her leadership and steadfast
commitment, title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
helped dismantle gender discrimination in schools across
this country. In order to preserve and protect her beloved
State of Hawaii, Congresswoman Mink also helped write
tough environmental protection laws safeguarding sacred
lands and fragile waters from over-development and
exploitation.
I feel absolutely privileged to have served with this
historic and wonderful woman. Despite all the obstacles
and challenges, Patsy Mink was still able to achieve her
dreams and goals. Her perseverance and determination
should continue to be an inspiration for future
generations of Americans. I will forever admire my friend
and colleague for her lifelong commitment and service to
her country. Although it is difficult to say goodbye to my
colleague, I know that her profound contributions and
legacy will continue to influence our Nation's future.
Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Patsy
Mink, a leader, a visionary, a mentor, and a true advocate
for so many who had no voice. Patsy Mink was a woman I
looked up to, learned from, and was inspired by. As the
first woman of color elected to the U.S. Congress in 1964,
Patsy knew what it meant to break down barriers. Her
passion was for those who were otherwise forgotten or
pushed to the side.
Patsy was a strong fighter for women's rights. Her
leadership in the fight for equality for women and girls
in education and sports has made an everlasting impact on
this country. The passage of title IX has literally
changed the lives of millions of young girls and women. It
opened the doors to countless opportunities for women and
girls and allowed us to dream bigger than we ever had
before. It allowed more people to see women as Olympic
athletes and competitors. It allowed parents to see their
daughters as softball players and runners. It challenged
school administrators and coaches to see the potential in
female athletes and embrace it.
Patsy was a relentless fighter for low-income and poor
families. She had great compassion for those who were
struggling against the odds to work and provide for their
families. She wasn't afraid to make her voice heard in
standing up for fair treatment of women receiving welfare
benefits, workers' rights and fair pay, and children who
were lacking food or a good education. Patsy was a
fearless fighter for the environment. She helped protect
Hawaii's natural beauty in national parks and worked at
the local level to help communities preserve their lands.
Patsy was a lifelong fighter for civil rights. She knew
what it meant to stand up in the face of adversity and she
worked hard to break down barriers so those coming after
her would instead experience justice and equality.
Patsy was tough and passionate. I can see her now
shaking her small but mighty fist as she eloquently
challenged an injustice. Patsy was a pioneer and a
trailblazer. As we honor the memory of Patsy Mink today,
we should also think about the future that she would want
and work to achieve it. Patsy would want us to pass a
Labor/HHS bill that truly leaves no child behind. She
would want us to fully fund the Women's Education Equity
Act. She wanted to see passage of a welfare bill that
lifts women and children out of poverty, not just off the
welfare rolls. Patsy wants us to make sure that all people
have a fair chance.
Today, as I mourn with my colleagues and extend my
condolences to her family and to the people of Hawaii, I
honor the memory of Patsy Mink and all that she stood for.
And I deeply miss her beautiful smile.
EXPRESSING SORROW OF THE HOUSE AT THE DEATH OF THE
HONORABLE PATSY T. MINK, MEMBER OF CONGRESS FROM THE STATE
OF HAWAII
Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in sadness at the
passing of my colleague and friend Patsy Mink.
But I also rise in great joy and gratitude as I reflect
on the paths she cleared for so many people.
Patsy Mink blazed trails for women and people of color.
She was a stalwart progressive voice and aggressive leader
on issues important to the American people.
She is known all over this great country for her work on
minority affairs and equal rights. Various groups have
called her an inspirational role model for students and an
``American political trailblazer extraordinaire.'' The
National Organization for Women called her a valiant
champion.
One of her greatest successes was the passage of title
IX, which she sponsored. Title IX literally leveled the
playing field for women in academics and athletics,
bringing countless women into athletics in high schools
and colleges and universities, and helping to fuel the
successes of many professional women's teams today.
Patsy Mink's biggest fans were also her most important
fans--the people she represented in Congress for 24 years,
as well as the Hawaii Legislature and the Honolulu City
Council, where she consistently advocated on behalf of and
delivered for her constituents. This tireless work
explains why her local papers described her as ``a true
champion of the people.''
While there are words in honor of her vibrant life in
service to the American people, perhaps the most fitting
tribute is to strive to capture her extraordinary spirit
in this great House as we continue the critical work she
devoted her life to achieving--expanding job and education
opportunities for women, promoting peace in our troubled
world, and fighting for social justice.
My own special memory of Patsy was of the annual gift of
chocolate-covered macadamia nuts she gave Members of
Congress from her native Hawaii. She was not only
thoughtful, she was an all-around class act.
Mr. Speaker, we all came to Congress to help better the
lives of people we represent. We fight hard every day to
achieve results that will improve the quality of life for
people in our hometowns. But few can claim the results
that Patsy Mink delivered for the people of Hawaii. She is
an inspiration to all of us. While being a role model for
so many young people in Hawaii and across the Nation, she
is also a role model for each of us.
God bless her distinguished career in public service.
And may God bless her family.
Ms. McKINNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to remember our
colleague, Representative Patsy Mink.
It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of
my friend and colleague, Congresswoman Patsy Mink this
weekend.
I offer my deepest condolences to Patsy's family, her
constituents, and the State of Hawaii. Her passing is a
loss to us all.
Patsy was a leader on many issues during her 23-year
tenure in Congress, and I believe that she truly did do
what many, if not all Representatives seek to accomplish
here in Washington, DC--she made a difference.
Patsy was the co-author for title IX of the Education
Amendments Act of 1972, which mandated gender equality in
education. Thanks to her work, millions of women were
afforded greater access to education, school grants and
scholarships, and athletic opportunities.
Patsy was also a leader on an issue that is close to my
heart, the Freedom of Information Act. In 1971, Patsy
filed suit along with 32 other Members of Congress to
force disclosure of reports on underground nuclear attacks
in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. This case was later
cited as precedent by the U.S. Supreme Court in its ruling
for the release of the Watergate tapes.
Patsy Mink was also an advocate for the protection and
conservation of the natural resources of our Nation, and
of Hawaii. A former Assistant Secretary of State for
Oceans and International, Environmental and Scientific
Affairs, where she helped strengthen protection of whales
and regulations of toxic dumping and ocean mining, Patsy
brought her advocacy back to Congress with her. In the
107th Congress, she introduced legislation to create the
East Maui National Heritage Area, to expand the Pu'uhonua
Honaunau National Historic Park, and to establish the
Kalaupapa National Historic Park. Further, Patsy was
involved in the successful effort to reform laws
permitting strip mining. It is fitting then that Patsy was
a recipient of the Friends of the National Parks Award
from the National Parks Conservation Association.
On these, and many other fronts, Patsy was a dedicated
and devoted leader and champion. I consider it a privilege
to have served with Patsy, and I believe that Congress has
lost an important and respected Member.
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of
our colleague, Patsy Mink. I was extremely saddened by the
news of her death this weekend. Yet I am comforted by the
fact that her story will serve to inspire young men and
women all over the Nation to serve their country.
Patsy's life was one of constantly overcoming barriers.
As a student at the University of Nebraska, Patsy worked
to end the policy of housing desegregation. Patsy wanted
to be a medical doctor but was prevented from doing so
because medical schools did not, at that time, accept
women. She then applied to law school, graduated from the
University of Chicago, only to be blocked from getting a
job as a lawyer because of her gender. Never allowing
barriers to stand in her way, Patsy started her own law
practice in Hawaii.
As a Member of Congress, Patsy worked tirelessly to
fight for civil rights, our Nation's children, the
environment, and equal opportunity. Furthermore, as a
member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee
she led the fight for title IX which mandated gender
equality in any education program or activity receiving
Federal financial assistance. Today's great female
athletes, such as Mia Hamm, owe their success in part to
Patsy. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to serve
with someone who fought so indefatigably for economic and
social justice for all Americans.
I am proud to have called Patsy Mink a friend and a
colleague. She will be sorely missed.
Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, during my days in grade
school, the full participation of women in school
athletics was not only discouraged, but also frowned upon.
That all changed in 1972 when one woman challenged the
system, changed the rules and inspired and empowered a new
generation of young women. That woman is Patsy Mink.
I offer my deepest condolences to Patsy Mink's family. I
know that they will miss her, as will all of us in
Congress who were fortunate enough to know her, not only
as a colleague, but also as a leader, mentor and friend.
Patsy Mink was a pioneer--she opened so many doors for a
generation of women and for our daughters. She was the
driving force behind title IX, which mandated gender
equality in education.
Without this landmark piece of legislation, our
daughters, granddaughters, nieces and young women
everywhere would not have the opportunity to excel and
display their talents in the classrooms and the playing
fields across this Nation.
Without Patsy's unwavering efforts to implement this
law, title IX would have been the great idea that never
came to be.
I am honored to have served with Congresswoman Mink on
the House Education and the Workforce Committee and feel
privileged to have worked closely with her on the
Subcommittee on 21st Century Competitiveness. I know
firsthand her intense drive, dedication and devotion to
her home State and her constituency.
As the first Asian woman elected to Congress, she
displayed unparalleled determination in fighting for human
rights, civil rights and the rights of minority groups
everywhere. We must now be vigilant and continue the
crucial work that Congresswoman Mink undertook on behalf
of people everywhere who felt they had no voice.
Women, people of color and individuals throughout this
Nation owe a debt of gratitude to Patsy Mink and her
trailblazing efforts. Her legacy of equality and integrity
will live on not only in the Halls of Congress, but on the
playing fields and in the classrooms across this Nation.
Mr. POMEROY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a friend
and colleague, the Honorable Patsy Mink. I have known
Patsy since being elected to Congress nearly a decade ago,
and it was with heartfelt sadness that I learned of her
passing on September 28, 2002.
Patsy Mink, the first Congresswoman of Asian descent,
was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1964.
Throughout her career, she earned a reputation as a
fearless and outspoken advocate for minorities, women, and
children. Even at the age of 74, Patsy continued to be a
stalwart for social and economic justice in the House of
Representatives.
In one of her proudest moments in 1972, Patsy co-
authored and passed a landmark law prohibiting sex
discrimination in federally funded education programs,
popularly known as title IX. As a result, the number of
girls participating in high school sports has exploded in
recent decades, leading to increased opportunities for
women.
Patsy Mink's tenacity and dedication to the Civil Rights
movement during the 1960s and 1970s shaped the Democratic
national agenda, making the interests of women and
minorities a centerpiece of the party's platform. During
the 1990s, her ability to build coalitions in a divided
Congress has made it possible to move much progressive
legislation to the floor.
All of us here in Congress--Republicans and Democrats
alike--owe Patsy so much. She was known on both sides of
the aisle for her determination, courage and tenacity, and
was an inspiration for all of us in public service. We are
better legislators and better human beings for having
known and worked with this distinguished woman.
Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for this
opportunity to remember and pay tribute to our dear
departed colleague, Patsy Mink of Hawaii. I am deeply
saddened by her passing, Patsy Mink was a wonderful woman
and a great leader for her constituents of Hawaii and for
our Nation.
I had the honor and privilege of serving on the
Government Reform Committee with Congresswoman Mink.
During my short tenure on the committee, Patsy Mink's
passion and her belief in her work was evident and could
be felt by all that knew her.
Mr. Speaker, Patsy Mink will always be remembered for
her legislative achievements. Her ability to build
coalitions for progressive legislation led to the first
comprehensive Early Childhood Education Act and authored
the Women's Educational Equity Act.
Her constituents benefited from her dedication to
equality for women and she played a key role in the
enactment of title IX of the Higher Education Act
Amendments, which prohibited gender discrimination by
federally funded institutions. This legislation has become
the major tool for women's fuller participation not only
in sports, but also in all aspects of education.
Most significantly, I have admired Patsy Mink for her
tireless commitment to the people of the Second District
of Hawaii. While this tribute cannot begin to communicate
her greatness as a leader and friend, I can say that this
body has been made better by her presence and is truly
diminished in her absence. She was a role model, and
always led by example.
Mr. Speaker, when you come to Congress, you look to
certain people that set the framework on how you should
act and how you should conduct yourself. You cannot find a
better example of that than Patsy Mink. I consider myself
fortunate to have had the opportunity to know and work
with her. Congresswoman Mink's mark on this institution
has been left, and she will never be forgotten.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in
honoring the memory and celebrating the accomplishments of
Congresswoman Patsy Mink.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. SANDLIN. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution
566, I move the House do now adjourn in memory of the late
Honorable Patsy T. Mink.
The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 11 o'clock and
43 minutes p.m.), pursuant to House Resolution 566, the
House adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday, October 2,
2002, at 10 a.m. in memory of the late Honorable Patsy T.
Mink.
PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
Under clause 2 of rule XII, public bills and resolutions
were introduced and severally referred, as follows:
By Mr. ABERCROMBIE:
H. Res. 566. A resolution expressing the condolences of
the House of Representatives on the death of the Honorable
Patsy T. Mink, a Representative from Hawaii; considered
and agreed to.
Wednesday, October 2, 2002
TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE PATSY MINK
Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by
congratulating my colleagues who provided the review of
the irresponsibility of the Republican majority toward the
economy and my previous speaker, the gentlewoman from
Ohio, in terms of her spirit of indignation expressed
about cavalier attitudes towards war.
I think the subject that I want to talk about tonight,
the lady that I want to talk about, the Congresswoman I
want to talk about tonight, would very much approve of
what our previous colleagues have done here already
tonight. I want to talk about Congresswoman Patsy Mink,
who recently passed away in Hawaii.
Patsy Mink is known for many things, but I knew her as
an individual who was filled with righteous indignation
and anger against injustice, and my colleagues have
presented tonight very intelligent presentations, well-
documented presentations, but that will get all the time.
I think I heard in their voices also some outrage. They
were upset. They were angry about the irresponsibility of
the Republican majority, and that we have all too little
of here in this Congress, all too little righteous
indignation and anger.
We are going to miss Patsy Mink because she was a lady
with great righteous indignation against injustice. She
was angry at the kind of callous approach to human welfare
that was exhibited too many times on the floor of this
Congress.
Yesterday we had a resolution on Patsy Mink, and many
people spoke. I was not able to speak, but I did submit
for the Record a tribute to Congresswoman Patsy Mink, and
I would like to start with that tribute and make comments
on it. The tribute, of course, is in its entirety in the
Record, Tuesday, October 1.
In Tuesday's Record this appears in its entirety, but I
would like to repeat it and comment as I go, because I
heard my colleagues yesterday talk about Patsy in many
ways. Most of the references were personal. I would like
to focus primarily tonight on Patsy Mink as a policy
manager, Patsy Mink as a champion of the poor, Patsy Mink
as a champion of women, Patsy Mink who could be very
intense, although she always was polite and warm, and lots
of people talked about that yesterday.
Patsy Mink will be remembered with a broad array of
accolades. She was a warm, compassionate colleague. She
was civil and generous, even to the opponents who angered
her the most. As a member of the Committee on Education
and the Workforce, which when Patsy Mink first came to
Congress was called the Committee on Education and Labor,
as a member of that committee, in any long markup, and we
could have some long markups, we always knew that Patsy
would pull out macadamia nuts for all of us, and she would
share macadamia nuts with everybody, those who were
opponents as well as those who were allies.
I remember her chiding me, joking with me when I talked
about how much I loved macadamia nuts. I was a macadamia
nut junkie, but I said to her, ``Do not bring any more
because I am on a diet, and these things certainly do not
help anybody's diet.'' The next time she came with
macadamia nuts, they were chocolate-covered macadamia
nuts, and they are even more delicious than regular
macadamia nuts and even more calories. But that was the
kind of person she was.
She was quite warm, cared very much about everybody, but
she could be angry. She could be a piece of chain
lightning.
For me, she will be remembered as my friend, mentor and
my personal whip on the floor. Often at the door of a
House Chamber, Patsy would meet me with instructions.
``We,'' she said, ``are voting no,'' or, ``We are voting
yes on this one.'' I did not consider that to be
intimidation at all. I considered it always an honor to
have been invited to function as an ideological twin to
Patsy Mink. She was not telling me or instructing me. She
was making assumptions about how we would be together in
our analysis of the problem, our conclusions about what to
do with respect to voting. That was a great honor, and I
am going to miss that.
In the Committee on Education and the Workforce, as well
as on the House floor, I was always inspired by Patsy's
convictions. She was always an independent spirit, and she
pursued her causes with total dedication. She was not just
another advocate for education or for women or for jobs
for welfare mothers, not just another one. Patsy Mink was
a special advocate.
She was forever a fiery and intense advocate on these
issues. She frequently exuded an old-fashioned righteous
indignation that seems to have become extinct in the Halls
of Congress. For Patsy, there were the right policies and
laws which she pushed with all the zeal she could muster,
and there were the wrong-headed, hypocritical, selfish and
evil policies which had to be confronted, and they had to
be engaged to the bitter end.
When colleagues spoke about partisan compromise
negotiations, Patsy would quickly warn Democrats to beware
of an ambush or a trap. I think Patsy in her encyclopedic
approach to her mission, encyclopedic concern about
anything that affected human beings, would have very much
appreciated the presentation by my colleagues before the
1-hour presentation on the economy.
On the Committee on Education and Labor where Patsy
served and I have served for the 20 years that I have been
here in Congress, we used to have hearings and testimony
from economists, because this committee was charged and is
still charged with overall responsibility with respect to
the economy as it impacts on working families and working
men and women, and as the human resources interact with
the other factors in our economy. So we used to have many
economists come, and our approach was certainly not a
tunnel-vision approach.
She would have been concerned and has been concerned all
year long about the fact that the economy has been
deteriorating, the fact that unemployment is increasing.
The unemployment rate averaged 4.1 percent in the year
2000 and reached a 30-year low of 3.9 percent in October
2000; but today the unemployment rate has increased to 5.7
percent nationwide. We have presently 8.1 million
unemployed Americans, an increase of 2.5 million compared
to the year 2000. The number of Americans experiencing
long-term unemployment over 27 weeks has almost doubled in
the last year.
Some of this my colleagues heard from my previous
colleagues who spoke on the economy. I think this is
summarized very well by my colleague the gentleman from
California (Mr. Waxman), the ranking member of the
Committee on Government Reform. Job creation has reversed.
In the year 2000, the year before President Bush took
office, the economy created 1.7 million new jobs. This
trend has been reversed, and the economy has lost almost
1.5 million jobs since President Bush took office in
January 2001. Poverty is increasing. After decreasing for
8 straight years, decreasing for 8 straight years and
reaching its lowest level in 25 years, the poverty rate
increased from 11.3 percent in 2000 to 11.7 percent in
2001. In the first year of the Bush administration, 1.3
million Americans slipped back into poverty, with a total
of 32.9 million Americans living in poverty in 2001.
Incomes are falling. Hundreds of thousands of Americans
are filing for bankruptcy. Mortgage foreclosures are at a
record high. The Federal budget deficit is increasing. In
2000, the year before President Bush took office, the
Federal budget, excluding Social Security, showed a
surplus of $86.6 billion. The most recent figures from the
Congressional Budget Office indicate that for 2002 the
Federal budget excluding Social Security will show a
deficit of $314 billion. This represents the largest
budget decline in U.S. history, and it is the third
largest on-budget deficit in history, exceeded in size
only by the deficits of 1991 and 1992 under the first
President Bush.
I think Patsy Mink would be, has shown all year long,
that she is very concerned about all of these matters.
Patsy Mink, in the 107th Congress, was one of the great
spirits continually pushing to get more activists going in
response to the decline of the economy.
Patsy was a policymaker. Patsy should be remembered as a
policymaker, as a fighter. Whatever else we remember about
her as an individual, we should not trivialize her role in
the dynamics here in the Congress with respect to making
policy. Her profound wisdom on all matters related to
education in particular and matters relating to human
resources, whether it was job training or occupational
health and safety, whatever matters relating to human
resources, she had a profound wisdom about that because
she had been here for quite a long time. Her long years of
service on the Committee on Education and Labor, which
later became the Committee on Education and the Workforce,
afforded her that kind of wisdom.
Too many of us in the Congress have forgotten the value
of institutional memory. While the House is filled with
Members who speak as experts on education, Patsy Mink was
among the few who had hard-earned credentials with respect
to education. She was a part of the development and the
nurturing of title I to the point where it has become the
cornerstone of Federal education reform. She was here
during the Great Society program creation. She served with
Adam Clayton Powell and Lyndon Johnson in the years that
they passed more social legislation than has ever been
passed in Congress.
Title IX was a landmark reform to end the gender gap in
our educational institutions, in school athletics; but
also many other aspects of higher education. Title IX
belongs to Patsy. She conceived it decades ago, and she
had to fight all the way to the President. Even recently,
in this 107th Congress, there were skirmishes seeking to
cut back on the funding for title IX. Title IX was passed
in 1972, but right up until recently, the grumbling and
the attempts to undercut have persisted.
I will talk more in greater detail about some of the
things that have happened along the way as Patsy was
forced to fight to keep title IX. As I said, she had an
encyclopedic approach. She was involved in many issues.
There were certain issues she would focus on tenaciously.
And because she focused on them, she was prepared to
defend them, and she very effectively saved many of these
programs from the jaws of those who would roll back
progress.
Title IX, like many other Federal policies and programs,
was considered to be impossible, something else we could
not afford. We could not afford to have equality in our
education activities for women. That would be a burden on
our higher education institutions. That would be a burden
on higher education athletics, college athletics, or
school athletics. Always those who want to conscript and
limit the opportunities for a class of people insist that
it is not doable.
Social Security originally was attacked. We know we did
not get a single Republican vote when Social Security was
implemented and passed. Social Security was attacked as
something that would wreck the economy. The minimum wage
was attacked. The minimum wage provision was attacked as
another item that would wreck the economy. Always reasons
are found to stop the spreading of the benefits of our
great American democracy and our great economy to all.
They particularly hold on with respect to matters
relating to women. We are way, way behind, even in liberal
America, liberal and progressive America. We are still way
behind in recognizing full unfettered rights for all
women. There is no more category of human being more
oppressed in the world than women. If you want to look at
numbers, the greatest number of people oppressed
throughout the world are women. In all societies, just
about, there is oppression. In societies that suffer from
racial prejudice, an oppression because of race, or in
others who suffer as a result of colonialism, and all
those societies where everybody might suffer, the women
still suffer most of all because of male dominance. Male
chauvinism seems to hold on. It seems to be
institutionalized in certain religions. And when we
liberate women finally, we will have arrived as a
civilization.
But there is a great need to have the fullest possible
liberation for women in America. We are more advanced in
this respect than probably any society. The mountaintop is
in view, and we should certainly go on to make certain
that all of the pathways are cleared so that women and men
are clearly equal in one society in the world, that is the
American society, and that this will spread first in the
Western world and on and on and break down any shibboleth
that may remain in terms of religions that insist that
women are inferior and women do not deserve complete
equality with men.
Patsy was an advocate for total equality for women, and
that is quite appropriate. Her spirit will be missed. We
should remember Patsy as an advocate for women. She was
the co-author of title IX of the Higher Education
Amendments of 1972 that prohibits sex discrimination in
all education institutions receiving Federal funds. This
law, which Patsy cited as one of her greatest
accomplishments, has had a dramatic impact in opening up
opportunities for girls and women in the professions and
most visibly in athletics.
In 1970, before the passage of title IX, only 8.4
percent of medical degrees were awarded to women. By 1980,
this figure had increased to 23.4 percent. By 1997, women
were earning 41 percent of medical degrees. So in addition
to athletics, in an area like medicine, Patsy's title IX
opened the way for women.
I think her colleague, Senator Akaka, in honoring Patsy,
was able to bring some light on her personal travails as a
woman. Patsy wanted to be a doctor. She applied for
medical school after studying zoology and chemistry at the
University of Hawaii. She applied in 1948 to a medical
school there, but she was rejected, along with other
bright young women who were aspiring to be doctors at a
time when women made up only 2 to 3 percent of the
entering class. Patsy went on to apply to a law school
instead. She gained admission to the University of
Chicago.
It was during her years at the University of Chicago
that she met and married her husband. Patsy returned to
Hawaii and gained admission to the Hawaii bar in 1953. But
as a woman, even then, she had difficulty, because it was
said that her husband was a native of Pennsylvania, and a
woman had to gain her bar admission in the area where her
husband lived. She challenged that piece of sexism and she
won. She was admitted to the Hawaii bar, and she became
the first Japanese-American woman to become a member of
the bar in Hawaii.
In 1965, Patsy brought her views to the national stage
when she became the first woman of color elected to the
U.S. House of Representatives to represent Hawaii's Second
Congressional District--1965. You can see that she was
here during the time when Lyndon Johnson put forth his
Great Society programs, and she was a colleague of Adam
Clayton Powell as each one of those measures came through
the Committee on Education and Labor on its way to the
floor of the House to be passed successfully by a
democratically controlled Congress and Senate. So the
institutional memory, the institutional achievements of
Patsy Mink ought to be remembered as part of the Record.
She is a role model that the present Members of Congress
should look up to. She is a role model that should be held
up to future Members of Congress. We need role models that
go beyond the fact that we are all very intelligent men
and women who come to this Congress. You will not find a
single person elected to Congress who is not intelligent.
You do not get here unless you are very intelligent. Most
of us have extensive formal education. Most of the Members
of Congress are college graduates. Many are people who
have gone beyond college and have professional degrees. So
intelligence is not a problem here.
If intelligence were the kind of cleansing overall
virtue that I once believed it was when I was in high
school and college, that intelligent people always do the
right thing, intelligent people understand the world, they
understand what is right, and they do what is right.
Intelligence does not automatically lead to correct and
appropriate, democratic, generous, progressive, and
charitable behavior. So intelligence is not the problem
here in this Congress. The quality that is missing here is
indignation, righteous indignation, dedication to the
proposition that all men and women are created equal. And
if they are all created equal, they all have a right to
share in the prosperity and the benefits of this great
country.
We have to make a way for them to do that, even if they
are people who are very poor and at one time or another
have to go on welfare. At one time or another they have to
be the recipients of the safety net benefits of our
Nation. We have safety net beneficiaries who are rich
farmers, yet we never are critical of them. But we have
safety net beneficiaries who are welfare mothers, mothers
of children; and you do not become a woman on welfare
unless you have children. It is Aid to Families with
Dependent Children. So welfare women, who we refer to, are
really mothers of children who are covered by the law Aid
to Families with Dependent Children.
In this Congress, Patsy declared war on the oppressors
of welfare women. It was a lonely army that she led. A
very tiny platoon, I would say, that she led as she made
war on the oppressors of welfare women. No one was more
incensed and outraged than the Member from Hawaii when the
so-called welfare reform program of President Bush
threatened greater burdens and smaller subsidies for
welfare recipients. Patsy came to me often and said we
must fight this, we must do something, we must not allow
this to happen. We must point out the fact that welfare
benefits have been greatly reduced in most of the States.
We must point out the fact that in the model State of
Wisconsin, the State where the Secretary of Health and
Human Services, former Governor Thompson presided, they
have reduced the welfare benefits for a family of three to
less than $300 a month; and they are praising him for
having made that reduction. That is wonderful; that a
welfare family of three only gets less than $300 a month.
That same Governor Thompson had transferred welfare
money that would have gone to welfare beneficiaries to
other functions in State government. Maybe he had a few
other cronies he wanted to employ, maybe he gave a few
more State banquets, who knows where the money went; but
the Federal money that was meant to go to welfare
beneficiaries, the law allowed him, if he saved it by
curtailing the benefits for welfare families, then he
could use it in other ways. No one was more incensed and
outraged by that kind of activity than Patsy Mink.
Patsy said, We must do something. The Democrats are
going to be rubber stamps to the Republican proposals. The
Democrats are going to be rubber stamps to President
Bush's proposals. Patsy Mink came forward, and we had made
many proposals. We fought the greater burdens and smaller
subsidies for welfare recipients. All of Patsy's proposals
in the House were voted down. We did not pass anything at
all. But I admire and will always praise Patsy Mink for
leading the fight which stirred up the long-dormant
conscience among Democrats.
Democrats did come to the floor with an alternative
bill. We did produce a fight on the floor. We did have a
debate on the floor. We offered an alternative. We set the
stage for what happened after the bill left this House and
went to the other body. We would like to believe that the
fact that deliberations on this very important matter,
welfare reform, continues and is stalled because we fought
valiantly under the leadership of Patsy Mink, and that
fight still goes on as a result of the record. We united
behind Patsy. We were voted down, but we were together.
As I said before, Patsy Mink is a role model for what
needs to happen in this House. Some Members of Congress
focus on housing issues. Some focus on transportation
issues. Some focus on health issues. Whatever the issue,
they need to bring to it the kind of indignation and
determination that Patsy brought to the issues she cared
about. She cared about education and welfare mothers.
Nobody knew better than Patsy about the correlation
between poverty and poor performance in education. She had
many poor people in the rural parts of her district, and
Patsy Mink understood the correlation.
There is a correlation between poor performance and the
ability of students to take full advantage of the
educational opportunities offered, and poverty. Poverty
and education should not be discussed separately, they
should be discussed together. What we do to welfare
families hurts education. When a welfare family has their
budget curtailed to the point where children go to school
hungry, and the best meal they get is the school free
lunch because supper is not going to be adequate,
breakfast is not adequate, and at some schools we have
begun to provide breakfast because of that, why not
provide higher benefits and substitutes for the families
so the children who are going to school get over that
first hurdle and they come to school prepared to learn
because they have a wholesome environment at home.
We had on the floor today several resolutions which
attempted to force the issue. Again, I think Patsy Mink
would have been very pleased with what happened this
afternoon in the regular session. We had four resolutions
which showed some outrage, some indignation. We want to
force the issue. We do not want to bide time here in this
Congress the way that the Republican majority has decided
we should. We do not want to just be here and not deal
with the issues. I would hate to read history 50 years
from now and hear how the historians analyzed what
happened to the great America; that at its apex when it
was most powerful, most prosperous, the leader of the
entire world, the only remaining superpower sat around
and, like Nero, fiddled while Rome was burning.
There are so many issues related to the changing
patterns of the weather, the climate, so many things that
reach beyond our economy; and, of course, the ongoing
fight against terrorism. That is no less an issue, but we
have to chew gum and walk, sing, dance and do a lot of
things at the same time, and we are letting most of our
resources, the tremendous brain power of the Congress lie
fallow, unutilized. There is tremendous brain power and
energy. The Congress is not being utilized because, for
political reasons, somebody has decided that it is best
for us to tread water and do nothing.
My colleagues in the Democrat Party, the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Holden), the gentleman from Ohio (Mr.
Brown), the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Visclosky), and
the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey), they offered
resolutions saying let us do something.
The gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Holden) offered a
resolution relating to family farmers and bankruptcy. Be
it resolved that the House of Representatives should call
up for consideration H.R. 5348, the Family Farmers and
Family Fishermen Protection Act of 2002, which will once
and for all give family farmers the permanent bankruptcy
protections they have been waiting for for over 5 years.
Mr. Speaker, why not? We are all here. Why do we not
debate an act on this vital resolution? No, the Republican
majority chose to vote it down. With a motion to table,
all you need is a majority of the votes, and a motion to
table takes effect.
The gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown) wanted to deal with
the fact that patent drugs, the drug companies are playing
with patent law so they can hold on to patents longer and
keep the cost of drugs higher and avoid the utilization of
generic drugs. That was voted down, too.
The Brown resolution attempted to call for some
constructive action, but it was also voted down, but he
did it, and Democrats rallied behind the gentleman
overwhelmingly out of a sense of indignation. Those of us
who are sick of being victimized by the majority, we are
held paralyzed. We are here, but we can do nothing. At
least we can vote for a resolution to call for action, and
we did. But again, the majority had the most votes, and
this resolution was voted down.
The next resolution was by the gentleman from Indiana
(Mr. Visclosky). It was a simple resolution, after all of
the whereases, resolved that it is the sense of the House
of Representatives that the Congress should provide States
with the resources they need to fully implement the No
Child Left Behind Act as promised less than a year ago.
Less than a year ago we passed the No Child Left Behind
Act. It was a bipartisan vote on final passage. I voted
for it. I voted for it because of the promises that were
made with respect to funding. The President said he would
double title I over a 2-year period. The President said he
would provide and support the funding for the
implementation for No Child Left Behind, meaning the
tests, the training and the administrative costs related
to that. The President said that he would support an
increase in the special education funding, but he has
reneged on those promises.
We would like to see the resources provided by passing
the Health and Human Services and the Education and
related agencies appropriations. The gentleman from
Indiana (Mr. Visclosky) offered that resolution.
I would like to note that Patsy Mink said No Child Left
Behind was a piece of legislation that was an ambush; it
was a trap. She voted against it in committee, and she
voted against it on the floor of the House. And now she
has been proven to be correct.
We made some stringent requirements there. We placed on
the backs of school systems and teachers and students a
lot of new regulations and threats, provisions for
monitoring tests, and now we have reneged on paying the
costs of all of that, leaving it to them. In Patsy's
district, she complained several months ago that the
provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act were beginning
to upset parents because there are provisions that say if
your individual school is failing in terms of the
achievements of the students in reading and math, if it is
failing, then you have a right to go to another school,
transfer to another public school.
Well, just about all of the schools in a certain area of
her district are failing, and the parents are frustrated
because they want to use that right, but in order to go to
another school, they would have to have air
transportation. The island is constructed such that the
only way they can get to a school that is better than the
schools in that locale would be to have planes to
transport them. The cost of transportation is so
prohibitive that the law has no meaning for them. She was
angry because they were angry at her, but they have been
stirred up by the promise that was offered by the No Child
Left Behind legislation.
I think that the next resolution that was offered by the
gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey), who is the ranking
member of the Committee on Appropriations, was in the same
vein, concerned about the fact that we have reneged on the
promises of the legislation that we all voted for, most of
us voted for, in a bipartisan compromise. Patsy did not
vote for it. She said we would regret the compromise, and
now we are living to regret it.
The Obey resolution resolved that it is the sense of the
House of Representatives that the Congress should complete
action on the fiscal year 2003 Labor, Health and Human
Services and Education and related agencies appropriation
before recessing, and should fund the No Child Left Behind
Act with levels commensurate with the levels promised by
the act less than a year ago.
Mr. Speaker, we are here. We should act now. Why have we
defaulted on action to the point where there is a
discussion of nothing significant is going to happen until
after the election. Nothing significant is going to be
done about any appropriations issues until after the
election. That is a swindle. We owe it to the American
people to take action on critical activities and
demonstrate what we are made of. Let us have a record. Let
us go forward and not play with the public opinion polls
where we know that the great majority of the American
people rank education as a major issue. Education is
ranked as a major issue, and, therefore, we pay lip
service to education, but we do not want to really do
anything.
The indignation shown by these resolutions, the attempt
to force some action or at least to dramatize it, the
mobilization of one party to make certain that this issue
was on the floor I think Patsy Mink would be quite proud
of.
Patsy was always concerned about the fact that education
was so highly publicized by both parties. Patsy was
concerned about the fact that there barriers put up about
education costing too much, although in America we are
only spending in terms of Federal funds, we only pick up 7
percent of the cost of education. There is a continued
drumbeat that education costs too much. The Federal
Government should not be more involved in education.
Our answer was, what activity is it that the American
Government is involved in that does not need education as
more than a footnote? Education is a force in whatever
activity we are engaged in and, therefore, what fools we
are to continue to ignore education when we talk about
critical issues. The Homeland Security Act, for example,
the creation of a homeland security agency does not talk
in any significant way about the role that education will
play. The Education Department is barely mentioned. Yet
the Homeland Security Act is a complex mechanism which
will not work unless it has very educated people. It will
not work unless it has cadres of people who are well-
trained in various ways. Homeland security will not work
unless we train tremendous numbers of people in the
cleanup of anthrax or the cleanup of biological warfare
materials. We are preparing for that. We are discussing
each day how we have enough vaccine to vaccinate our whole
population in 10 days.
There are a number of things happening, but we are not
discussing who is going to do it. Where are the people who
will give the vaccinations? We have a shortage of nurses.
We have a shortage of basic technicians in our hospitals.
We certainly cannot deal with complicated biological
warfare as exhibited by the way we handled the anthrax
emergency here in Washington.
What happened in the anthrax emergency here in
Washington? I will not go through the whole scenario, but
Congress was threatened and the focus of attention of all
the experts was on Congress. The post office, on the other
hand, where the anthrax had to come through, was ignored.
Even when they discovered that there was anthrax in the
post office, all of the personnel were still focused here,
all the expertise.
So we had two people die here in Washington. They were
postal employees, postmen, who died, because we did not
have enough personnel to do the total job and the total
job was not really of epic proportions. The anthrax
attack, whoever did it, they still do not know who did it,
of course, it was small in comparison to what terrorists
could do. I fear anthrax more than I fear nuclear weapons.
After watching what happened here in Washington, after
having been locked out of my office for several weeks,
even now we have to irradiate our mail, after watching it
take 4 months to clean up the anthrax in one Senate
building; and the experts, the hygienists who handle
anthrax, whoever the experts were, were so limited, the
technicians so limited till they only focused on the
Senate building. There were not enough to go around. We
could not deal with the post office. We still have not
dealt with the cleanup of post offices the way we should.
So we have a shortage of people who can deal with
anthrax; and that is a clear and present threat, or
something similar to anthrax. But in the Homeland Security
Act, there is no provision for the training of more people
in this area. There is no provision for dealing with the
fact that we have a shortage of nurses. Who is going to do
all these vaccinations in case we have an epidemic as a
result of a biological attack? We have shortages of people
who are going into police departments. We have shortages
in fire departments in big cities like New York, for
example. They are working madly to recruit people to
replace the numerous firemen who lost their lives, but in
general there has been an attrition over the years of
applicants in terms of these agencies.
Many of these positions do not require a Ph.D., graduate
education; but they do require some education. Getting
people to pass a basic test involving literacy and simple
calculations, getting graduates of our schools who can
pass those simple requirements has become a big problem.
We need to invest whatever is necessary if we are serious
about homeland security, or if we are serious about
fighting terrorism.
One of the factors that keeps coming up is the very
embarrassing fact that we had a lot of data collected.
Many of the facts that had been assembled by our
reconnaissance agencies, by our satellites in the sky,
picking up electronic communications, many of those items
were there which told things that would have been very
useful in counteracting what happened on September 11; but
we did not have Arab translators. We did not have enough
translators.
I have said here on the floor many times, that is
inexcusable, that there were not enough Arab translators
to stay current with the great amount of data that was
being collected from Arab sources. Arabs have been
terrorists for quite a long time. Since Ronald Reagan's
reign when they bombed the barracks in Beirut and killed
200 Marines, on and on, every major act of terrorism,
sabotage, Arabs have done it. So surely Arabs should have
been high on the radar screen and the number of people who
interpret Arabic should have been great. But it is not
there.
I heard advertising on the radio and television in New
York a couple of months after September 11 advertising for
people who might want to be Arab interpreters. On and on
it could go, including the fact that in the field in
Afghanistan, where our troops have been victorious and
conducted a high-tech war in a very effective way,
nevertheless, the casualties, if you look at the
casualties that we have suffered, the majority of them
have been from friendly fire as a result of human error.
We have suffered casualties ourselves as a result of human
error and friendly fire. We have had a couple of
embarrassing incidents with respect to the Canadians and
with respect to some tribal groups as a result of human
error. So as war becomes more high tech, education becomes
an even more important factor.
There is a recognition in the military world of the
value of education. I would like to juxtapose the fact
that they place a great deal of value on education on
specific things related to the military while at the same
time ignoring the greater funnel, the mass education that
has to funnel people into the military. For example, we
have quite a number of military academies beyond West
Point. Most people only think of West Point, the Navy at
Annapolis, the Air Force Academy; but we also have an
Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National War
College, Army War College, Naval War College, Naval Post
Graduate School, Air War College, Air Force Institute of
Technology graduate school and long-term training
arrangements and continued service arrangements which
allow members of the military to go to graduate schools
anywhere when needed.
There is a great deal of understanding in the military
of the value of education. Their personnel are constantly
being put through a process of improving their education.
The military is not afraid to spend money, also. It costs
money to educate youngsters in this day and age.
I hear complaints that education costs too much, that
when I was a kid we were only paying teachers so much and
school costs were at very low levels per child, but now
teacher salaries are too high, and we want computers. That
is the way of the modern world. When World War II started,
we only had four or five vehicles in the Federal arsenal
of transportation. Roosevelt had a car and four or five
other Cabinet Members. We were at that stage. Now we have
a whole fleet of cars. We have a fleet of planes. The
world has changed.
If it has changed in every other respect, then surely it
has changed in respect to education. But we do not
recognize that when it comes to education. We do not look
at the fact that our military academies are spending
tremendous amounts of money. I have only got figures for
way back in 1990. They do not let you have current
figures. In 1990 we were spending tremendous amounts of
money for the Army academy, which is West Point; Naval
Academy, et cetera. But more important than what they were
spending overall, which is hard to deal with, as of 1996,
the budget office study showed again with 1990 figures,
that the amount of money being spent per officer, that is
where we can make some comparison.
They say right now at Harvard and Yale, Ivy League
schools may cost you between $40,000 and $50,000 per
student per year now. In 1990, the cost per officer
commissioned in the Army was $299,000--$299,000 per
officer commissioned. In the Navy it was $197,000 per
officer commissioned. In the Air Force, $279,000 per
officer commissioned. We are willing to spend tremendous
amounts of money when it involves personnel serving the
military directly. If we are willing to spend $299,000 per
officer commissioned, surely we can spend more than $8,000
per child in the New York City school system and
understand that modern costs are such that $8,000 per
child is not going to get you very much in terms of what
is needed in this day and age.
I checked before Ron Dellums left as the head of the
Armed Services Committee. I did get some figures which
showed that the cost at that time, I think that was about
7 or 8 years ago, was down to $120,000 per cadet at West
Point, if you left out the actual cost of the military
training and just the academic training. The academic
training at that time was $120,000 per student while
Harvard and Yale at that time were estimated to be about
$30,000 in the Ivy League. So either way you can see the
difference. We are willing to spend tremendous amounts of
money when we think it is important.
Patsy Mink and I used to talk a great deal about the
great hypocrisy of American policymakers. In private
schools, the cost per child is far higher than $8,000 per
child, as it is in the New York City schools. The average
in New York City is $8,000 per child because it has so
many different schools. There is a low end in my district.
There are some schools where they are spending only $4,000
per child; and there is a high end where they are spending
$12,000 per child because the expenditure costs are driven
by the personnel costs. The greatest cost of personnel,
the more experienced teachers and administrators are in
certain schools in certain districts that they consider
highly desirable places to be. So their salaries raise the
cost per child in those districts, while the poorest
schools suffer from too many substitute teachers and
uncertified teachers and you have a very low cost. But
what I am saying is that as a Nation, we are investing
very highly in a well-qualified, well-educated military.
We are blind to the fact that all the other sectors must
go along.
A complex, modern Nation, the leader of the free world,
needs to have a comparable concern about education across
the board. All of these Department of Defense graduate
institutions, is there a single peace initiative we have
which has Federal funding for graduate institutions? Is
there a single graduate institution that we know of? There
is a peace institute which you can hardly find in the
budget, it is so small; and it is very cautious about what
it does. But there is no place where we are training
diplomats. There is no plan to make certain that the
greatest Nation on Earth, the last superpower, has
knowledge of all the other societies on Earth.
We not only have a shortage in people who can translate
Arabic but in Pakistan and some other countries, they
speak Urdu. In Afghanistan they speak Pashto. We have more
than 3,000 colleges and universities in this Nation. If
you have a plan, if the Homeland Security Act cared about
really dealing with terrorism across the world, you would
have a plan which showed that somewhere in America there
is a college or a university that has an institute or a
center which is not only learning the language, teaching
the language, but also teaching the culture of any group
of people anywhere on the face of the Earth.
Certainly any nation in the United Nations, we should
have a program which has people who are studying it. We
can afford to do that. By chance we have experts probably
on everything, but single people who decide they want to
go off and study and are ready when we need them for these
kinds of assignments, that number is decreasing.
Why not have a plan which guarantees that we will always
have enough people who speak Urdu to deal with increasing
our friendship with Pakistan? Pakistan is a friendly
Muslim nation. Pakistan is our ally in the fight against
terrorism. We need to know more about its culture and be
able to deal with it. If we are going to have nation-
building, that is a word that was trivial, used and
ridiculed a few years ago, but now it is understood that
we cannot fight terrorism without nation-building. We do
not invest a large amount of energy, time, lives, effort
in a nation like Afghanistan and then walk off and leave
it to crumble back into the kind of primitive savagery
that existed under the Taliban. If we do not stay and we
do not do nation-building, we will have to do it all over
again in 10 or 20 years. So nation-building is part of a
process that we should have in our overall plan to fight
terrorism.
Homeland security, military readiness, all that, we
should look at education first and foremost. The funnel
which feeds everything we do has to come up through our
public school system. Fifty-three million children are out
there in our public school system. They could supply every
expert we need, every category of technician, but they are
not doing it when they come out of high school, and they
can only barely read and write properly, when calculations
are minimal.
A large part of public school is inhabited by
minorities, and one of the problems is, which Patsy and I
talked about many times, as the minority population has
increased in certain school systems, the big city school
systems in America, the commitment of the locality and the
commitment of the State government has gone down, and we
cannot get away from an observation that racism is at work
in decisionmaking.
Doing less for the schools has happened as the
population has changed, but let us take a look at what
that means for America in one area. In our military those
same minorities who are being neglected in our public
schools make up a large part of our military relative to
their percentage of population. African-Americans are
considered by the Census Bureau to be about 13 percent of
the total population. In the Army African-Americans total
25.5 percent of the Army population; 480,435 people are
African-Americans. Hispanics are 9.3 percent. In the Navy
African-Americans, which are only 13 percent of the
population, are 18.9 percent of the Navy. African-
Americans, who are only 13 percent of the population, are
16 percent of the soldiers in the Air Force. In the
Marines African-Americans are 18.9 percent.
These same African-Americans who are in the inner-city
schools predominantly, the supply that goes into our
military, is jeopardized if you do not provide appropriate
education now. What would it be like in a few years? What
is it like now? Is the quality of the soldiers declining
at a time when the high-tech complexity of the military is
increasing?
We should take a hard look at all the various activities
of our society and how they complement each other.
Patsy Mink, as I said before, had an encyclopedic mind
when it came to looking at human resources and looking at
the various missions of a civilized society like ours
should have. Patsy Mink and I have talked about the fact
that it is ridiculous to have a homeland security program
which allocates no significant role to the Department of
Education or to the universities and colleges in America.
It is sort of doomed to failure.
I would like to conclude by just refocusing on one
particular project or program that is identified most
immediately and specifically with Patsy Mink. That is
title IX. Many women who are doctors and lawyers, who had
a basically equal treatment in the university system and
graduate schools, have no idea what it was like before. I
think one of the women on the Supreme Court told a long
story about how she was denied access to decent jobs in
the law firms when she first came out of college and later
denied promotions, et cetera. So there are individual
stories that can be told, but the figures were outrageous
before title IX.
Title IX has made a big difference, but title IX has
been fought step by step all the way. It was signed into
law in 1972, and Patsy had to go to war and fight the
Tower amendment in 1974. She had to fight certain other
Senate amendments that were attempted by Senator Helms and
S. 2146 in 1976 and 1977. On and on it goes. There have
been attempts to gut title IX.
So title IX, the welfare rights, the welfare reform, all
of it was part of why I say that Patsy Mink was a role
model for decisionmakers of this Congress, and she is a
role model for decisionmakers in the future. Compassion
and righteous indignation are still vital qualifications
for the leaders of a Nation. Patsy Mink was a great leader
of this great Nation.
Thursday, October 3, 2002
APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO ATTEND FUNERAL OF THE LATE
HONORABLE PATSY T. MINK
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution
566, the Chair announced the Speaker's appointment of the
following Members of the House to the committee to attend
the funeral of the late Patsy T. Mink:
Mr. Abercrombie of Hawaii; Mr. Gephardt of Missouri; Ms.
Pelosi of California; Mr. Obey of Wisconsin; Mr. George
Miller of California; Mr. Sensenbrenner of Wisconsin; Mr.
Faleomavaega of American Samoa; Ms. DeLauro of
Connecticut; Ms. Waters of California; Mrs. Clayton of
North Carolina; Ms. Eshoo of California; Ms. Eddie Bernice
Johnson of Texas; Mr. Mica of Florida; Mr. Scott of
Virginia; Mr. Underwood of Guam; Ms. Woolsey of
California; Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas; Ms. Lofgren of
California; Ms. Millender-McDonald of California; Ms. Lee
of California; Mr. Kind of Wisconsin; Mr. Wu of Oregon;
and Ms. Watson of California.
Monday, October 7, 2002
RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF PATSY T. MINK
Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules
and pass the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 113) recognizing
the contributions of Patsy T. Mink, as amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
H.J. Res. 113
Whereas Patsy Takemoto Mink was one of the country's
leading voices for women's rights, civil rights, and
working families and was devoted to raising living
standards and providing economic and educational
opportunity to all Americans;
Whereas Patsy Takemoto Mink was a passionate and
persistent fighter against economic and social injustices
in Hawaii and across America;
Whereas Patsy Takemoto Mink was one of the first women
of color to win national office in 1964 and opened doors
of opportunity to millions of women and people of color
across America;
Whereas Patsy Takemoto Mink won unprecedented
legislative accomplishments on issues affecting women's
health, children, students, and working families; and
Whereas Patsy Takemoto Mink's heroic, visionary, and
tireless leadership to win the landmark passage of title
IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 opened doors to
women's academic and athletic achievements and redefined
what is possible for a generation of women and for future
generations of our Nation's daughters: Now, therefore, be
it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled, That
title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C.
1681 et seq.; P.L. 92-318) may be cited as the ``Patsy
Takemoto Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act''.
Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House
Joint Resolution 113 to recognize the many contributions
of Patsy Mink. Patsy Mink provided a great service to
Congress and the Nation as a whole; and she always
represented her constituents with grace, commitment, and
absolutely with determination. Patsy Mink was a
trailblazer as the first woman of color to win national
office. She was truly a person of honor. Patsy Mink stood
by her word and did not step away from controversial or
difficult issues. She never made decisions based on what
was politically easy; she made decisions based on what was
right. I am honored to have worked with her and to have
had the opportunity to know her drive, dedication, and
devotion to her home State and to her constituents. A
tribute to our former colleague and the legacy she leaves
behind is most appropriate. Patsy Mink's passing is a
significant loss to all of us, and I offer my heartfelt
condolences to her family and to her constituents.
On a personal note, Mr. Speaker, I first met Patsy Mink
4 years ago when I was elected to the Congress of the
United States. She had served many years before I came and
her career before my election was far more important than
any election of mine. She had broken the glass ceiling for
women in Hawaii. She had been an outspoken leader. Patsy
and I were of a different sex, a different ethnicity, a
different generation, and a different political party. But
as goes so often unreported in this body but is so often
reality, those of us regardless of our differences come
together for what is right and what is best for the
American people. It should not go unnoted on this evening
that it was Patsy Mink as a member of the working group of
H.R. 1, No Child Left Behind, who articulated and fought
for her beliefs, found common ground, and allowed this
Congress and this country to address the needs of
America's most needy and deserving students.
While it is easy for all of us to find fault from time
to time about what we in this House have not done, we must
always recognize that which on countless, thankless hours
has been accomplished by dedicated leaders of commitment
and perseverance. Patsy Mink was a lady. She was a friend,
she was a Member of this Congress, and she will be missed.
Ms. WOOLSEY. I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of
H.J. Res. 113, which recognizes the many contributions
that Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink from Hawaii made to
the people of this country, particularly to girls and
women. That is why it is fitting that this resolution
renames title IX of the Higher Education Act Amendments of
1972 the Patsy Takemoto Mink Equal Opportunity in
Education Act.
In the early 1970s, Patsy played the key role in the
enactment of title IX, which prohibits gender
discrimination by federally funded institutions. When most
people think of title IX, they think of women's sports,
and the impact of title IX on women's sports can clearly
be seen. In fact, in 1972 scholarships for women's sports
nationally added up to $100,000 and in 1987 the
scholarships equaled over $200 million. Did she make a
difference? Yes, she did. We can see the impact of title
IX in the impressive accomplishments of American female
athletes at the Olympics and when we turn on the TV to
watch professional women's basketball or soccer, but we
should not forget that title IX has also been a major tool
for increasing women's participation in other aspects of
education as well.
As we stand here on the floor today, title IX ensures
that girls have equal access to classes that lead to high-
wage jobs so that women can support themselves and their
families as well as their male counterparts. But title IX
was only one of Patsy's contributions to girls and women
of America. She also authored the Women's Educational
Equity Act, known as WEEA, in 1974. WEEA remains the
primary resource for teachers and parents seeking
information on proven methods to ensure gender equity in
schools and communities. WEEA represents the Federal
commitment to ensuring that girls' future choices and
successes are determined not by their gender but by their
own interests, aspirations, and abilities.
Mr. Speaker, there has been no stronger voice in
Congress for girls and women and minorities than Patsy
Takemoto Mink, and it will do Congress proud to remember
her and honor her by passing H.J. Res. 113 and renaming
title IX The Patsy Takemoto Mink Act.
Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. Speaker, I would just close by
acknowledging all of the accomplishments as were cited by
the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey), and on
behalf of all the colleagues in the Congress of the United
States, our deep sympathy to the family of Patsy Mink and
to the people of Hawaii, but the great joy all of us
should have in recognizing her accomplishments on behalf
of her State, on behalf of all women in America, and on
behalf of this Congress. I urge all my colleagues to vote
unanimously for this resolution commending a great woman
and a great Member of Congress.
Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House
Joint Resolution 113 to recognize the many contributions
of Congresswoman Patsy Mink.
As the Ranking Member of the House Education and the
Workforce Subcommittee on 21st Century Competitiveness,
Patsy Mink provided a great service to not only our
subcommittee, but the Nation as a whole. Her commitment to
our Nation's students and to her constituents never
wavered and she always represented them with grace and
determination.
While I could talk about a great number of instances
where my friend, Patsy Mink, and I worked hand and hand to
improve academic achievement for our students, I want to
take this moment to highlight an issue that we recently
worked on that we both believed in--making postsecondary
education better and more accessible for students and
families. Last year, Patsy and I began the Fed Up
initiative in an effort to streamline a number of
burdensome regulations within the Higher Education Act.
She worked with me from its earliest stages, stood firm in
her commitment to me about how the process would move
forward, and during a difficult vote, she kept her word
and voted in a way that forced her to step away from her
own party's politics. She did this because she was a
person of honor and did what was right, even when it was
not easy.
Patsy was a trailblazer as the first woman of color to
win national office, taking on one of many challenges she
would face. She never stepped away from controversial
issues if she believed what she was doing was right.
I am honored to have worked with Patsy on our
subcommittee and to have had the opportunity to know her
drive, dedication and devotion to her home State and her
constituency.
This tribute to our former colleague and the legacy she
leaves behind is more than appropriate. Patsy's passing is
a significant loss for all of us and I offer my heartfelt
condolences to her family and her constituents.
Mr. Speaker, I stand with my colleagues in support of
this resolution and appreciate the opportunity to express
my thoughts and gratitude for Patsy Mink.
Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House
Joint Resolution 113 to honor and recognize the many
contributions of Patsy Mink. I want to thank my friend and
colleague from California, George Miller, for introducing
this most appropriate resolution.
We were all stunned and saddened by the news last week
of the passing of our friend and colleague, Patsy Mink. As
I have stated before, not only did we lose a passionate
and committed Member of this body; the State of Hawaii and
the country as a whole lost a compelling and persuasive
representative voice.
Patsy Mink placed a great emphasis on service to her
constituents and always stood firm in her beliefs. Patsy
did this even when it wasn't the easy or politically
popular thing to do. She had strong convictions by which
she lived and worked. While we did not always agree, I
know I, and the rest of us, are all better for having had
the experience of working with her during her tenure in
this House.
In her role as ranking member on the Subcommittee on
21st Century Competitiveness, Patsy Mink played an
important role in passing the No Child Left Behind Act,
and worked closely with Chairman McKeon on legislation
reducing red tape and burdensome regulations in
postsecondary education. With her passing, we will miss
the opportunity to continue that partnership in working on
these and other critical issues facing our Nation.
I will miss Patsy and her commitment to her State, her
constituents and to the ideals of this body. I am grateful
to have had the opportunity to work with her over these
many years.
This resolution is an appropriate tribute to our former
colleague and the legacy she leaves behind. Patsy Mink's
passing is a significant loss for all of us and I offer my
sincere condolences to her family and her constituents.
I know my colleagues will join me in support of this
resolution, Mr. Speaker, as a means of collectively saying
thank you and goodbye to a distinguished colleague and
friend.
Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.J.
Res. 113 in honor of our late colleague, Patsy Mink.
I had the honor to serve with her on the House
Government Reform Committee after she returned to Congress
in 1990. I was particularly struck by her passionate
defense of progressive democratic policies. For example,
Patsy's commitment to such policies led her to actively
oppose the 1995 Welfare Reform Act because of its
implications for many poor women and their children. Her
opposition helped to limit some of the more draconian
provisions in the final version of the bill that was
enacted into law. Patsy could always be counted on to
defend the interests of all poor and disadvantaged
Americans. But she will always be remembered for her
leadership in guaranteeing equal opportunities for women
in education and athletics. One of the first women of
color elected to the House of Representatives, Patsy was a
trailblazer who will be sorely missed not only here in
Congress but also in her home State of Hawaii. I am proud
to have known and served with her.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my
strong support for this resolution and to thank the
leadership of the House for moving so expeditiously to
bring it to the floor.
I have had the honor to share the responsibility of
representing Hawaii in the U.S. House of Representatives
with Patsy Mink for the last 12 years. However, my first
memories of her go back 40 years when I was a student at
the University of Hawaii involved in one of her early
campaigns. I admired her then and I hope through this
resolution to secure for her an honored place in the
history of this institution and this country.
Throughout nearly 50 years of public service, Patsy Mink
championed America's most deeply held values: equality,
fairness, and above all honesty. Her courage, her
willingness to speak out and champion causes that others
might shun resulted in tremendous contributions in the
fields of civil rights and education. Every single woman
in this Nation who today has been given an equal
opportunity in education, and by extension in virtually
every other field of endeavor, owes the impetus to that in
modern times to Patsy Mink. She was one of the pioneers
who transformed Hawaii and transformed this Nation. Her
legacy will live on in every campus in America and in the
heart of every American woman who aspires to greatness.
Most profoundly, it lives on in my estimation in hope;
hope for the millions of lives that she touched.
Someone will take Patsy Mink's place here in the House,
that is the way of it in our democracy, but no one will
replace her in the hearts of the people of Hawaii. No one
will replace her in the role that she played in this House
of Representatives. With the renaming of title IX as the
Patsy T. Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act, Congress
secures her memory as a heroic, visionary, and tireless
leader of this great Nation.
Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, we have seen
many Members of Congress pass through these halls. Many
have done some great things but, in my opinion, very few
have left this place being defined as one of the ``great
ones.'' We have just lost one of the ``great ones'' with
the passing of Patsy Mink.
Legislating and getting things done here can be very
frustrating. But I would advise that whenever we think
frustration is getting the best of us, we need only
remember what, in spite of adversity, Congresswoman Mink
accomplished during her tenure because of her dedication,
perseverance, and never-ending fight for what she believed
in.
From her earliest days, she advocated for noble causes.
When she was segregated into international housing at the
University of Nebraska, she sought to change
discriminatory policies and succeeded.
After receiving her law degree from the University of
Chicago, she was in disbelief over the simple fact that
her gender disqualified her from positions she applied
for. Instead of accepting defeat, she opened her own
practice and became the first Asian-American woman lawyer
in Hawaii.
In her first run for the U.S. Congress in 1959, her
defeat to Daniel Inouye didn't deter her from running
again. In 1964 she ran for U.S. Congress again and won,
making her the first woman of color to be elected to
Congress.
Most significantly, over 2.7 million young women
participate in high school athletics compared to just
under 300,000 in 1971. This is because of the key role
Congresswoman Mink played in the enactment of title IX.
Title IX bans gender discrimination in schools that
receive Federal funding. Young women can now look to the
memory of Patsy Mink to thank for the chance to
participate in school athletics.
The passing of one of the ``greats'' leaves a major void
in not only Congress itself but also in each one of us. We
need move on from this day forward with as much heart and
devotion as Congresswoman Mink did every day of her life.
Tuesday, October 8, 2002
FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF H. RES. 114, AUTHORIZATION FOR
USE OF MILITARY FORCE AGAINST IRAQ RESOLUTION OF 2002
Mrs. CLAYTON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to include for
the Record an editorial on Patsy Mink. I remind my
colleagues that we lost Patsy Mink almost 10 days ago. In
the Honolulu Advertiser, the editorial is entitled
``Remember Patsy Mink: Slow the Rush to War.''
Mr. Speaker, that is very wise advice for us too.
Remember Patsy Mink: Slow the Rush to War
As Patsy Mink is honored today in our State Capitol's
atrium, her colleagues in the Nation's Capitol begin in
earnest a debate on the language of a resolution
authorizing the use of military force against Iraq.
How we wish she were there to participate in that
debate.
Thirty years ago, Mrs. Mink, seemingly tilting at
windmills, ran for President of the United States in the
Oregon primary election in a campaign that made withdrawal
from Vietnam its only issue. Ignoring such epithets as
``Patsy Pink,'' she won a scant 2 percent of the vote--and
the moral high ground.
Today a handful of voices have been raised in warning
as this Nation teeters on the brink of war. They warn of
``unintended consequences.'' By 1972, of course, most of
the dreadful consequences that Presidents Eisenhower,
Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon had failed to foresee in
Southeast Asia had become painfully clear. What had begun
as a war against a backward peasant nation became in many
ways, both home and in Vietnam, a wasted decade.
Mrs. Mink, of course, would not fail to recognize the
evil intent of Saddam Hussein. Yet in today's debate, she
would not stand for one minute for her party's strategy
that says the quicker they can settle the war question,
the quicker they can turn the page to the domestic issues
on which they think they can get the traction needed to
make gains in the upcoming midterm elections.
In this unseemly haste, the debate ignores momentous
issues: whether the United States must fight and pay for
this war alone, and what it would do to our global
standing; whether the Bush administration has any plan at
all for a post-Saddam Iraq; whether it has considered the
destructive forces that might be released from this Nation
hastily carved from the Ottoman Empire after World War I,
with its disparate population of Shiite, Sunni, and Kurd
and Turkmen peoples; whether it has accurately assessed
the cost of treasure and young blood in what could become
another decade of armed neo-colonialism.
The Democrats have allowed this debate to become so
narrowly framed as to be nearly meaningless. The debate,
in essence, is over how soon we invade Iraq. That is, if
the Democrats get their way, they will need to be assured
by President Bush that he has exhausted diplomatic means;
that U.N. sanctions and inspections haven't worked; and
that the new war won't set back the ``old'' one--the war
against terrorism.
These conditions may slow the coming war by weeks or
months, but they won't stop it.
Omitted entirely from the debate is Bush's new National
Security Strategy, which advances a doctrine of ``pre-
emptive'' war-making that suggests that Iraq is only the
first step in a violent reordering of the world.
Congress has already effectively ceded to Bush the
authority to wage a unilateral, pre-emptive war against
Iraq, whether or not the United Nations approves.
We urge the rest of Hawaii's congressional delegation to
reflect well on Mink's honorable legacy of peacemaking--
and to carry it back with them to the debate in
Washington.
Wednesday, October 9, 2002
RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF PATSY T. MINK
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The unfinished business is the
question of suspending the rules and passing the joint
resolution, H.J. Res. 113, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the joint resolution.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Isakson) that
the House suspend the rules and agree to the joint
resolution, H.J. Res. 113, as amended, on which the yeas
and nays are ordered.
This will be a 5-minute vote.
The vote was taken by electronic device, and there
were--yeas 410, nays 0, not voting 21.
So (two-thirds having voted in favor thereof) the rules
were suspended and the joint resolution, as amended, was
passed.
The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
The title of the joint resolution was amended so as to
read: ``Joint resolution recognizing the contributions of
Patsy Takemoto Mink.''
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
Wednesday, October 16, 2002
ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED
Mr. Trandahl, Clerk of the House, reported and found
truly enrolled joint resolutions of the House of the
following titles, which were thereupon signed by the
Speaker:
H.J. Res. 113. Joint resolution recognizing the
contributions of Patsy Takemoto Mink.
Monday, October 21, 2002
BILLS PRESENTED TO THE PRESIDENT
Jeff Trandahl, Clerk of the House, reports that on
October 17, 2002 he presented to the President of the
United States, for his approval, the following bills.
H.J. Res. 113. Recognizing the contributions of Patsy
Mink.
Tuesday, November 19, 2002
TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSWOMAN PATSY TAKEMOTO MINK
Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, we gather today to
highlight the legacy of one of the most distinguished and
honorable Members of this august body, my colleague and
friend--Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink.
Though Patsy made it to one of the highest elected
offices in the land, she never lost the common touch.
Patsy was a champion of the dispossessed; the downtrodden;
the disenfranchised; the forgotten; she was the people's
representative. She was a mentor to many of us in
Congress. As the co-chair to the Congressional Caucus for
Women's Issues, she helped me many times to redirect my
course if barriers were placed in front of me! But that
was vintage Patsy. She was always able to redirect her
course if barriers were placed before her. Having been
denied entrance to medical school, she chose the legal
profession and was the first Japanese woman to pass the
bar in Hawaii. As I received the call of Patsy's passing
by my daughter Valerie, I was saddened only for a short
time, because I began to recall all the fond memories we
had together as a source of strength.
We must all draw on those memories. We must celebrate
the life of our dear friend Patsy and remember how her 24
years of distinguished services shaped the lives of those
who had social impediments, economic inequality and
educational restrictions. The passage of the landmark
title IX legislation, which opened doors that had been
closed to girls in the athletic programs at schools around
this Nation, will be a lasting memory of how tenaciously
she fought to improve the lives of girls for generations
to come.
In a career that began before territorial Hawaii became
a State in 1959, Patsy Mink, with authority, wit and clear
perspective, became one of the best-known women
politicians in the United States, and the first woman of
color elected to Congress. Patsy challenged us all! She
challenged us with the question, ``Does it matter whether
women are involved in politics?'' Her career speaks
volumes to that question and her accomplishments exemplify
the answer. Decisions are being made at the national level
that will determine the quality of our lives into the next
generation.
Patsy Takemoto Mink--by crossing our paths--has given us
the leadership tools to advance the agenda for the common
good. Thank you Patsy! Mr. Speaker, on behalf of many
women and Asian-American organizations, I would like to
submit to the Congressional Record, the following
statements that highlight the life and legacy of
Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink.
Tribute to Congresswoman Patsy Mink
Remarks of Karen K. Narasaki
President and Executive Director, National Asian Pacific
American Legal Consortium
I believe that Patsy is looking down on us today and
smiling at the beautiful mosaic of faces. It is fitting
that this memorial has brought together so many strands of
her work--organizations and congressional leaders who
advocate on behalf of women, civil rights, immigrants,
workers, children and the poor have all come together to
celebrate her life.
The Asian-American and Pacific Islander community misses
her greatly. She served as a role model and an inspiration
for so many of us. She forged a path that made it possible
for Japanese-American women like me and other women of
color to pursue our dreams and aspirations. She taught us
that it was possible to obtain great stature without
having to be physically tall, by defying the stereotypes
that too often become barriers for Asian-American women
who come from cultures where women were expected to be
seen and not heard. She was a feminist before being a
feminist was cool and she remained one her whole life.
The other day, my niece in third grade ran for student
body secretary. I asked my sister to tell her that when
she was ready to run for Congress, I would work on her
campaign. Julia asked my sister to tell me that she
intended to be the first woman President and didn't see
any reason to start with Congress. This is one of Patsy's
greatest legacies--because of her life and work it is
possible today for a young Japanese-American girl to
believe she can be President.
Like many others in this room, I can still hear her
voice gently and not so gently pushing us to challenge
authority and popular opinion and fight fiercely for those
most vulnerable in our communities. She was a tough
taskmaster who was never one to suffer fools gladly and
she asked a lot of her talented and loyal staff, but never
more than she asked of herself.
I remember her call for fairness for immigrants and
families in poverty when she voted against the tide on
harsh welfare reform legislation. I hear the echoes of her
passionate speeches on the floor of the House about the
need to invest in quality education for all and job
training that would allow working families a living wage
and access to health care. Because she was never one to
toot her own horn, people visiting Washington would be
surprised when I told them to try to catch one of her
speeches because she was one of the last of the great
orators. She was always about the work--always focused on
the people she served.
Robert F. Kennedy once said, ``each time a man stands up
for an ideal or acts to improve the lot of others or
strikes out against injustice he sends forth a tiny ripple
of hope . . .'' When Patsy stood up, she sent out tidal
waves of hope and the lives of all Americans are the
better because of her.
a
Remarks of Dr. Jane Smith
Thank you. I am Jane Smith, the Chief Executive Officer
of Business and Professional Women/USA.
I join the many Members of Congress and other
representatives from the women's community here today
because Congresswoman Mink and BPW share a very long
history. The Congresswoman was a member of BPW for at
least 4 decades. But Congresswoman Mink was not simply an
affiliate member. She truly epitomized what BPW considers
its greatest strength--the grassroots member.
Congresswoman Mink attended the meetings of her local
BPW organization regularly and even cast votes in BPW's
leadership elections. She spoke at our annual policy
conference many times, sharing her insight on the ins and
outs of what was happening here on Capitol Hill. In fact,
each year before BPW's policy conference she would call
her BPW contacts in Hawaii to find out who would be
attending the conference and when the BPW members arrived
in Washington she took them all out to lunch.
One of my favorite stories about the Congresswoman took
place about 6 years ago when BPW's leadership was asked to
testify in front of the House Education and Workforce
Committee about increasing the minimum wage. A number of
BPW members, who were also small business owners,
presented testimony and at the conclusion of the hearing
Congresswoman Mink said that the hearing was her proudest
day as a BPW member.
In 1998, the BPW Foundation awarded Congresswoman Mink a
Women Mean Business Award and BPW's political arm--
BPWPAC--has endorsed her for Congress every time she ran.
BPW has honored Congresswoman Mink because she was a
grassroots member who exhibited incredible leadership and
vision. In the words of BPW's past national president and
BPW/Hawaii member--Leslie Wilkins, ``We have lost one of
our greatest mentors. My only solace is the legacy she has
left behind. She has inspired countless women--and men--to
go forward with her work.''
a
Remarks of Bernice R. Sandler
Senior Scholar, Women's Research and Education Institute
Title IX was easily passed because hardly anyone
recognized the enormous changes it would require, and
because it was hidden away in the Education Amendments of
1972. It passed easily because two women laid the
groundwork for it in the House Committee on Education and
Labor, Representative Edith Green who introduced the bill
and shepherded it through the Congress, and Representative
Patsy Mink. They were the only 2 women on the committee
with 32 men. But together they forged a revolution.
Of course after title IX was passed, people found out
what it would do. Between 1974 and 1977 there were at
least 10 bills introduced to weaken title IX, and Patsy
Mink was in the forefront defending title IX. If
supporting title IX and other women's issues were all she
had done, it would have been enough. But she didn't stop
there.
Let me start by telling you about Arlene Horowitz, then
a secretary on the Hill who came to me about an idea for a
congressional bill in 1971, before title IX was even
passed. She asked: Why not have a bill so that the
government will fund materials for teachers and others
about women and girls to counter the effects of sex role
stereotyping? I thought Arlene was crazy and--no one in
their right mind in Congress would ever support such a
bill. Arlene, fortunately did not listen to me. She went
to other women who were also skeptical, and then to Patsy
Mink. Patsy Mink did not think Arlene was crazy. She gave
us the go ahead and so the Women's Educational Equity Act,
affectionately known as WEEA, was born.
Even while we worked on the drafting of the bill, many
of us still thought it wouldn't pass but that if hearings
were held, maybe it would send a message to publishers to
begin publishing such materials on their own. In 1973,
Patsy Mink held hearings and convinced Senator Mondale to
do the same in the Senate, and in 1974 the bill passed.
Just like title IX, WEEA was hidden away in another
bill, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Patsy
Mink knew her politics.
As the mother of the Women's Educational Equity Act, she
started a program that has developed hundreds of all kinds
of resources for educators and others concerned about the
education of women and girls. Yesterday I looked through
the catalog of the Educational Development Center which
publishes and disseminates WEEA materials. In addition to
materials such as ``600 Strategies That Really Work to
Increase Girls' Participation in Sciences, Mathematics and
Computers,'' there were materials about working with
immigrant girls, Native-American women and girls, Latina
women and girls, materials about women of the South, about
Cuban-American women, single sex education, a resource
manual for single mothers, materials for working with
disabled girls and yes, even materials for providing
equity for boys. All of these materials have had an
enormous impact on not only on teachers but on so many the
children and women in our educational institutions. Patsy
Mink leaves us a legacy--not only the legacy of defending
title IX but one which enriched title IX. She gave us the
educational tools to deal with the effects of sex
discimination and indeed to prevent sex discrimination
from occurring in the first place. Thank you, thank you,
Patsy. You have made a lasting difference.
a
Remarks from the Every Mother Is a Working Mother Network
Grassroots women suffered a great loss with the passing
of Congresswoman Patsy Mink. Herself a woman of color, she
stood for us, she stood with us, and she stood as one of
us and we wonder now who will be our voice on the Hill. We
are proud to have known Congresswoman Mink, to have worked
with her and to have her encourage us. The last time we
saw her was at a congressional briefing we held in June of
this year on valuing the work of caregivers in welfare
policy. We invited her to the briefing because we wanted
to honor her for her unswerving insistence that the work
of mothers and other caregivers be valued. She told us
that we should not be honoring her, that instead she
should be thanking us for our work in the face of all
odds.
You must understand we were not a typical beltway crowd.
We were a rather ragtag multiracial group of mothers and
grandmothers on welfare, some of us with disabilities,
some with our grandchildren in tow, who along with other
caregivers had gathered our pennies and traveled to
Washington, DC, to press our case from cities on the West
and East Coasts, as well as the Midwest. We are women who
are studied but not listened to, spoken about but not
given an opportunity to speak for ourselves. But her tone
to us was one of respect. She spoke to us as a sister, as
a friend, as people to whom she was accountable. Many of
us who heard her at our briefing speak with such truth,
conviction and clarity were moved to tears.
From South Central LA to inner-city Philadelphia,
grassroots women in our network were devastated by the
news of Congresswoman Mink's passing and devastated
further by her passing being treated in much of the
mainstream media as merely a passing event. She touched
the lives of those living daily the impact of welfare
``reform'': those of us on the bottom taking care of
children and other loved ones. To her colleagues on the
Hill, we hope she will always be a shining example of
principle, commitment, integrity and compassion from which
you can draw courage. To advocates we hope you will not
forget her message. EMWM honors Representative Patsy Mink,
her spirit; her courage in the face of sexism, racism and
ageism is one that will continue to inspire us, and lives
on in us in our daily work for justice. Congresswoman
Mink, you honored us, and we now in return are honoring
you. Our deepest condolences to Wendy and other loved ones
you have left behind.
a
Remarks by Kim Gandy on behalf of the members of the
National Organization for Women
President
The world lost one of its greatest citizens on September
28 with the death of Hawaii Congresswoman Patsy Mink.
Girls and women also lost one of the most valiant and
steadfast champions. Every woman today who is enjoying the
fruits of her education and job opportunities, and every
girl who has a chance to play sports in school, owes a nod
of thanks to Patsy Mink who unremittingly and dauntlessly
challenged old stereotypes about ``women's place'' and
helped engineer the steady progress for women over the
last four decades--parallel to Mink's career in politics.
Patsy Mink stood up and showed up for girls and women,
often outnumbered and sometimes outmaneuvered. But she
persisted, cajoled, humored and demanded of her colleagues
that Congress attend to the business of over half its
constituents. Among many accomplishments, she was a leader
in shepherding the passage of title IX in 1972 to promote
educational equity. One of only two women ever to receive
this honor, Patsy Mink was named a NOW Woman of Vision in
June 2002, in a ceremony honoring the 30th anniversary of
title IX. In celebrating her life we must rededicate
ourselves to protecting her legacy by preventing the
current efforts to dismantle this landmark legislation.
In the last decade of her political leadership, Patsy
Mink was a vigorous advocate on behalf of poor families.
Faced with the bipartisan tidal wave that pounded poor
women, insisting that they ``get to work,'' Mink worked
tirelessly to promote policies that truly addressed the
realities of poverty and last year garnered substantial
support in the House of Representatives for her
legislation to provide additional education and skills
that would support true self-sufficiency.
Patsy Mink will always be remembered with love and
respect and gratitude. She was our champion--a tireless
advocate and a hero to women and girls everywhere.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit to
the appropriate Congressional Record, the following
statements on Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink.
On the Passing of the Honorable Patsy Takemoto Mink
Statement of Jacqueline Woods
Executive Director, American Association of University
Women
October 1, 2002
On behalf of the 150,000 members of the American
Association of University Women (AAUW), we express our
profound sadness at the loss of Congresswoman Patsy
Takemoto Mink. Congresswoman Mink was a true pioneer in
breaking down barriers in education and the workplace for
women and girls, and ensuring that the rights of all
Americans are advanced and protected. Mrs. Mink often said
that her greatest accomplishment was passage of title IX
of the Education Amendments of 1972. AAUW will continue to
ensure that title IX is protected in order to carry on
Congresswoman Mink's legacy so that future generations can
enjoy full access to all aspects of education. AAUW's
mission is to promote equity for all women and girls,
lifelong education, and positive societal change.
Congresswoman Mink's lifetime commitment to these issues
has made it possible for AAUW's mission to be realized in
so many areas that have touched the lives of countless
numbers of women and families. AAUW's long-term
relationship with Congresswoman Mink included her
membership with the Hilo Branch of AAUW of Hawaii and that
partnership was maintained throughout her stellar career
and lifetime. It was an honor and pleasure to work with
Congresswoman Mink to promote educational equity for all
women and girls, and we will continue in these efforts in
her honor and in her memory.
a
Irene Natividad
Women Vote
For anyone who still asks ``What difference does a woman
make in public office?,'' just tell them about Patsy Mink.
She was the force behind that one bill that created an
earthquake in women's and girls' lives. Whenever I see a
little girls soccer team playing on the weekend, or hear
about a great woman basketball player, or about another
women's team winning Olympic Gold, or the predominance of
women students at all levels of higher education, I think
of how much we owed to her. She changed American women and
girls' lives forever.
I have been to many women's sports events, when women
athletes invoke with knowing familiarity title IX (they
even know the number) and I come away impressed that they
know their debt to this piece of legislation that the
average person does not know. Yet, I regretted that they
did not know their debt to an Asian-American women
legislator who crafted the language that made their
athletic or educational lives possible. There are women
leaders who did not know of Patsy's role in this piece of
legislation. There are Asian-Americans who don't know of
Patsy's great gift to all Americans, whether female or
male.
But that is not their fault. Patsy Mink was an original.
She was extremely effective but not self-promoting. She
seemed slight and small, but she possessed a spine of
steel, as anyone who ever worked with her on a bill would
know. She seemed so polite and self-effacing, but she was
full of determination and passion. I told her one time how
I loved to watch people's reactions when she spoke. They
see this tiny woman and out springs from her mouth this
great big voice and this electric presentation. She said
``There's value in being underestimated. We surprise them
each time.''
I was proud to have had Patsy Mink as one of my
political mothers, along with Bella Abzug and Shirley
Chisholm. When I first came to Washington many years ago,
Bella gave me a piece of advice: ``Honey, just watch
Patsy. She'll show you how to get things done.'' And
indeed she has. Bella loved Patsy and she thought the
world of her and her work.
In this town full of statues and buildings to
commemorate men's achievements, it is important for us
here in the room to remember not to let our heroines leave
us without acknowledging their great work while they're
still with us.
Ma. Cristina Caballero
President, Dialogue on Diversity
October 16, 2002
Dialogue on Diversity counted Patsy Mink a friend,
supporter, and inspirer. With our organizational goal of
advancing a creative dialog among women of America's and
the world's many diverse ethnic and cultural communities,
we found a natural ally and kindred spirit in
Representative Mink, and an energizing source of
encouragement and counsel in her ideas and passions as
they had evolved over a long and illustrious career in
public service.
It was our great honor to present to Patsy Mink the
Diversity Award as part of Dialogue on Diversity's Public
Policy/Legislative Forum of 1997. Representative Xavier
Becerra, who presented the award, recalled his own first
days in the Congress. He had been brought under heavy
pressure to vote against a measure that his good
conscience told him was proper public policy.
Representative Mink came to him and asked: Are you going
to cave on your first day in Congress? No more needed to
be said. Conscience won on that occasion, and it was the
powerful moral and political presence of Patsy Mink that
ensured it did. We were delighted to welcome
Representative Mink to our conferences and forums on
several occasions. She generously gave her precious time
and attentive counsel, and brought her ever persuasive and
heartening message to her hearers.
Patsy Mink was a person of passionate energies and of
great vitality of intellect as she busied herself with the
wide range of issues concerning women, minorities, and
others among the often forgotten and disadvantaged in
every corner of the Republic. To reflect on her career and
her friendship is to call forth a great many memories of
the battles and achievements in the civic life of America
in the last quarter of the 20th century, and to focus on
her figure, the untiring champion of those in American
society who most needed her aid. It is therefore hard to
realize that she is gone from our arena of action. Her
example has its own vitality, of course, which persists in
her many colleagues and admirers, and in a nation of
friends.
Tribute by Marcia Greenberger and Nancy Duff Campbell
National Women's Law Center
The National Women's Law Center is celebrating its 30th
anniversary this year, along with title IX.
So, from the Center's very beginning, we have known of
and been grateful for the work of Congresswoman Patsy
Mink. Title IX has been one of the most important laws
ever enacted to expand young women's horizons and
transform their lives. In the Center's efforts since its
founding to ensure that title IX is enforced, we have
relied on Patsy Mink's ringing words in the floor debates
on title IX's sweeping purposes and its broad reach. Her
words have been especially powerful in court cases we have
brought to secure strong interpretations of title IX's
reach and effectiveness. The Center has called on her
wisdom and leadership to keep title IX strong in Congress
and in the court of public opinion as well--up to the very
time she became ill this summer.
Make no mistake--title IX is under attack, and her
willingness to speak up and speak out was essential. On
the occasion of the National Women's Law Center's 30th
Anniversary Dinner this November 13, 2002, we will honor
Congresswoman Mink for all she did to make and keep title
IX strong, as well as for the battles she waged, in which
the Center has joined, to fight poverty and to create real
support systems for women and families most in need.
Of course, her legislative accomplishments and
leadership are remarkable, and have enriched our Nation
and the world. But she also gave of herself for the
National Women's Law Center. She served on the board of
the National Women's Law Center at a key juncture in its
history, and even gave the Center its name. She exhorted
us as advocates to always persevere, but never set for us
a higher standard than the one she followed for herself.
She taught us to never give up, and never give in to the
status quo of unfairness and inequity. And she supported
us and was always there to fight with us and lend us her
expertise.
She has made such a difference, and will into the
future. She will live on, we hope, in the work that we do
and the work of so many others with whom we join. We are
proud to count among our colleagues her daughter,
Gwendolyn Mink, a professor of women's studies at Smith
College, whose scholarship and activism--like her mother's
public service--have focused on ways to improve the lives
of the least fortunate women and children in our society.
As Patsy Mink well knew, and often said, our children are
our future. May we not only hold that thought, but
continue to act on it.
Daphne Kwok
Executive Director, Asian Pacific American Institute for
Congressional Studies
October 16, 2002
Thank you so much Congresswoman Millender-McDonald for
the invitation to participate today. I would like to begin
by saying to Patsy Mink's former and current staff members
a very big thank you for all of their work that they did
for the national Asian-Pacific-American community all of
these years. We greatly appreciated the commitment you had
to all of our needs and for helping to advance the Asian-
Pacific-American agenda.
How will the Asian-Pacific-American community remember
Congresswoman Patsy Mink? We will remember her as: the
tireless advocate who always voted her conscience--from
fighting for justice for 2,000 Asian-Pacific-American
cannery workers of the Wards Cove Packing Co. left out of
the Civil Rights Act of 1991 to voting against campaign
finance reform because of a provision that would deny
legal permanent residents the right to contribute to
political campaigns.
The fighter who was always ready to make a verbal
statement or a symbolic statement on the issues that she
was so passionate about. How can we ever forget the image
a few years ago of the Reverend Jesse Jackson and a mass
group of Members and advocates flooding a House Committee
mark-up session on an anti-affirmative action bill. The
overwhelming support against the bill caused the chairman
to cancel the mark-up. The group then marched over to the
Senate side. And guess who was standing next to Reverend
Jackson and standing just as tall as him? Patsy!
Or the time that we were at the Lincoln Memorial on a
blistery cold winter day for a press conference demanding
that Bill Lann Lee receive a Senate vote for his
nomination as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights.
Who was there all bundled up in a big wool coat, scarf,
hat and gloves, with her fiery oratory keeping us warm as
she ignited the flames within us of this unfairness?
Patsy!
But most especially, we will remember Patsy for the
generous time she carved out from her jampacked schedule
to always graciously meet with and inspire Asian-Pacific-
American elected officials, Asian-Pacific-American student
interns, Asian-Pacific-American community leaders, and the
Asian-Pacific-American grassroots community sending them
home with pearls of wisdom and a charge to do good for
others and to serve this Nation.
This is how the Asian-Pacific-American community will
forever remember the incredibly vibrant Congresswoman from
Hawaii--Patsy T. Mink.
Proceedings in the Senate
Monday, September 30, 2002
HONORING CONGRESSWOMAN PATSY T. MINK
Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I rise to offer a few words in
tribute to a distinguished colleague and dear friend,
Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink, who passed away
Saturday afternoon in Honolulu, HI. I am deeply saddened
by the passing of my friend and colleague, Patsy Mink, and
I join our congressional delegation, and the people of
Hawaii and the Nation in extending heartfelt sympathy to
John and Wendy Mink, her husband and daughter, Eugene
Takemoto, her brother, and all of Patsy's extended family
and her loyal staff in Washington and Hawaii.
I feel a tremendous sense of loss at the untimely death
of Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink. Her passing leaves a
void in the House of Representatives, the Hawaii
congressional delegation, and the political life of our
Nation. It is difficult to put her spirit into words, but
those that come immediately to mind as fitting
characterizations of the woman we honor today include
courageous, forthright, tenacious, gutsy, outspoken, bold,
meticulous, and determined. She was my friend, a dedicated
public servant for Hawaii, a strong pillar in our State's
delegation, and an advocate for those in America who feel
scared, small, alone, mistreated, neglected or forgotten.
Patsy was a petite woman with a powerful voice and a
peerless reputation as a champion for equal opportunity,
civil rights, and education. She was a courageous and
tenacious leader whose lifetime of public service made
Hawaii a better place. Her leadership in health,
education, child welfare, and social services will endure
and continue to benefit Hawaii's people and all Americans.
In the course of her life, Patsy was a pioneer, a
trailblazer for women, workers, minorities, the poor, and
the powerless. In the history of Hawaii and our Nation in
the 20th century, Patsy Mink is one of the giants whose
vision of hope and passion for justice led Hawaii to
statehood and whose efforts broke down barriers and opened
doors to opportunity for everyone, regardless of race,
gender, or religion. Her passing silences a dynamic voice,
but her many accomplishments, her unimpeachable integrity,
and passion for justice stand as an incredible legacy to a
magnificent woman.
I commend to my colleagues and all those interested in
Patsy's remarkable life, a biography by Esther Arinaga and
Rene Ojiri included in a book titled Called from Within:
Early Women Lawyers of Hawaii, edited by Mari Matsuda. I
wish to recap some of her brilliant life and career for
the Record.
Born on December 6, 1927, in Paia, Maui, Patsy was
independent and ambitious from the start. As an
illustration, one family story recalls that she insisted
at age 4 on beginning school a year early. She was driven
throughout her young life, and was elected student body
president at Maui High School. She graduated as
valedictorian in 1944, a year marked by global strife and
war.
Patsy's childhood curiosity about medicine led her to
study zoology and chemistry at the University of Hawaii.
After graduating in 1948, she applied to medical school,
only to be rejected along with other bright young women
aspiring to be doctors, in a time when women made up only
2 to 3 percent of an entering class. Another factor
daunting her efforts was the return of our war veterans
and a resulting boom in applications for graduate and
postgraduate programs. Although discouraged, Patsy took
wise counsel from a mentor and applied to law schools. She
gained admission to the University of Chicago. It was
during her years of law studies that she would meet and
marry John Mink, a respected hydrologist and geologist,
her loyal campaign advisor, and her lifelong companion. It
was in Chicago that they would have their daughter, Wendy,
a professor at Smith College.
Returning to Hawaii, Patsy gained admission to the
Hawaii bar in 1953, but only after a successful challenge
of a statute that required a woman to take the residency
status of her husband, who was a native Pennsylvanian.
Such an action represented only one of several challenges
to sexism that she would undertake during her professional
career. In being admitted to the bar, she also logged one
of many firsts by becoming the first Japanese-American
woman to do so in Hawaii.
In the 1950s, Patsy began to take a serious interest in
politics and making her mark on the Democratic Party by
helping to build the party and draw many young people into
its ranks. Patsy's first step into public elected office
in the territorial legislature in 1956 awoke for Hawaii
and the world a powerful voice that would only gain
strength in its impact and not be silenced until the new
millennium. From that moment forward, Patsy's professional
and political record would run as if by perpetual motion.
The momentous year of 1959 brought statehood for Hawaii,
and by then, Patsy had easily won election to the
territorial senate. Leading up to statehood, while the
legislature worked on landmark issues that would lend
shape to Hawaii's new society, Patsy authored an ``equal
pay for equal work'' law and scrutinized the Department of
Education toward improving education for Hawaii's
children--a cause close to my heart, as one who previously
served as a teacher and principal in Hawaii's schools.
In 1965, Patsy brought her views to the national stage
when she became the first woman of color elected to the
U.S. House of Representatives to represent Hawaii's Second
Congressional District--a seat I was proud to hold for
almost 14 years, before I entered the Senate. Patsy was
articulate about the causes she tenaciously shepherded.
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's fireside chats,
heard years ago on Maui by a young Patsy, had provided her
with a foundation of ideals and rhetoric from which she
would draw upon for many years in her political career.
During her first tenure in Congress, Patsy served her
various constituencies, both in Hawaii and around this
Nation, with a strong commitment to wide-ranging domestic
issues, including education, the environment, child care,
open government, workers' rights, and equal opportunity.
She introduced the first Early Childhood Education Act,
authored the Women's Education Equity Act, supported strip
mining regulation, and became an early critic of the
Vietnam war. In 1971, she entered the Oregon Democratic
Presidential primary. Her candidacy reflected her
determined independence and frustration with government
cutbacks in social services spending and the ongoing war.
In 1971, in connection with planned underground nuclear
tests at Amchitka Island in the Aleutian chain, she filed
suit with 32 other Members of Congress to compel
disclosure of reports under the Freedom of Information
Act, FOIA. She took issue with alleged Presidential
authority to exempt certain information from FOIA and
withhold it from judicial or legislative review. In the
final outcome, in what had been described by Patsy as a
sort of Waterloo of the Freedom of Information Act, the
U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that Congress could legislate
new disclosure guidelines to permit judicial review of the
President's actions. In the end, the case gained
tremendous historical significance when the U.S. Supreme
Court cited it as precedent for the release of the
Watergate tapes.
In perhaps her farthest-reaching accomplishment, Patsy
co-authored title IX of the Higher Education Act
Amendments, which prohibits gender discrimination by
educational institutions receiving Federal funds. The
landmark provision was enacted in 1972 and has since, in
its 30 years of existence, introduced equality in college
sports and contributed greatly to the rise in women's
athletics.
An unsuccessful Senate bid ended her first set of years
in Federal office in 1977, but it did not quiet her
political involvement or public service. Indeed, in 1990
she returned to the House. In the interim, she assumed the
position of Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and
International, Environmental, and Scientific Affairs,
where she helped to strengthen environmental policies,
particularly with regard to protection of whales, toxic
chemical disposal and ocean mining. In 1980, she took the
helm as the first woman president of the Americans for
Democratic Action. Two years later, she returned to
elected office in Hawaii by taking the gavel as
chairperson of the Honolulu City Council. She twice ran
unsuccessfully for other office, this time for Governor
and mayor of Honolulu, then triumphed in 1990 in a special
election for the remainder of my term in the other body,
at the passing of our beloved colleague, Spark Matsunaga.
Since 1990, she continued in characteristic style,
advocating and articulating the ideals that she had
espoused during her first terms in the other body. I
remember Patsy marching up the Capitol steps with vigor,
alongside her other female colleagues, to show her support
for Anita Hill in 1991. I was pleased to work with Patsy,
the distinguished senior Senator from Hawaii, Senator Dan
Inouye, the Honorable Secretary of Transportation, Norm
Mineta, and my other colleagues in the establishment of a
congressional caucus to address the needs of Asian-
Americans and Pacific Islanders in 1994.
I recall her leadership in 1996 on a successful boycott
of a joint session speech by French President Jacques
Chirac, in protest of French nuclear testing in the
Pacific, much in line with our shared commitment to
championing the disenfranchised peoples of the Pacific in
our respective bodies. As we hope to complete action on a
welfare reauthorization bill in this session, I remember
Patsy's steadfast efforts before the passage of the 1996
welfare reform law in keeping us mindful about the
possible effects of social policy changes on children. She
had continued the battle cry with the current welfare
reauthorization and ensured that the voices of the
smallest and most vulnerable were heard.
Patsy was one of the last Members of the 107th Congress
who served in the historic 89th Congress that passed much
of the landmark Great Society legislation. Patsy's
lifelong efforts to open educational access to countless
Americans and ensure them the best educational
opportunities were the achievements that brought her the
greatest satisfaction. ``Anything for the children,'' was
Patsy's guiding conviction. I believe we shared the same
view about education that this crucial area is where we
can do the most good for the most people.
A great spirit has come and gone before us. Patsy's
vigor and courage to tackle difficult issues in the wide
realm of social policy will be sorely missed. There are
fewer trails for women and minorities to blaze, thanks to
Patsy's determination and spirit. Indeed, her trailblazing
efforts will not end with her death, for the things she
put into place will continue to benefit the lives of
countless individuals, in our lifetime and for generations
to come, in ways that may not ever be truly appreciated.
We are enjoined to carry forth the mission that my dear
colleague pursued during her remarkable career. With great
sadness, we bid a final farewell and aloha pumehana to a
fearless and remarkable lady, the most honorable Patsy
Takemoto Mink.
SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS--SENATE RESOLUTION 331--RELATIVE TO
THE DEATH OF REPRESENTATIVE PATSY T. MINK OF HAWAII
Mr. DASCHLE (for himself, Mr. Lott, Mr. Inouye, and Mr.
Akaka) submitted the following resolution; which was
considered and agreed to:
S. Res. 331
Resolved, That the Senate has heard with profound
sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of
the Honorable Patsy T. Mink, late a Representative from
the State of Hawaii.
Resolved, That the Secretary communicate these
resolutions to the House of Representatives and transmit
an enrolled copy thereof to the family of the deceased.
Resolved, That when the Senate adjourns or recesses
today, it stand adjourned or recessed as a further mark of
respect to the memory of the deceased Representative.
DEATH OF REPRESENTATIVE PATSY T. MINK OF HAWAII
Mr. REID. I ask unanimous consent the Senate proceed to
the consideration of S. Res. 331 submitted earlier today
by the majority and the Republican leaders.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the
resolution by title.
The legislative clerk read as follows:
A resolution (S. Res. 331) relative to the death of
Representative Patsy T. Mink of Hawaii.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to the
consideration of the resolution.
Mr. REID. I ask unanimous consent the resolution be
agreed to and the motion to reconsider laid on the table,
with no intervening action or debate.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so
ordered.
The resolution (S. Res. 331) was agreed to, as follows:
S. Res. 331
Resolved, That the Senate has heard with profound
sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of
the Honorable Patsy T. Mink, late a Representative from
the State of Hawaii.
Resolved, That the Secretary communicate these
resolutions to the House of Representatives and transmit
an enrolled copy thereof to the family of the deceased.
Resolved, That when the Senate adjourns or recesses
today, it stand adjourned or recessed as a further mark of
respect to the memory of the deceased Representative.
ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 9:30 A.M., TOMORROW
Mr. REID. If there is no further business to come before
the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate stand
in adjournment under the parameters of S. Res. 331, as a
further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased
Patsy Mink.
There being no objection, the Senate, at 6:16 p.m.,
adjourned until Tuesday, October 1, 2002, at 9:30 a.m.
Tuesday, October 1, 2002
TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSWOMAN PATSY T. MINK
Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, on Saturday, September 28,
2002, Hawaii lost a beloved and extraordinary daughter,
Patsy Takemoto Mink, who represented Hawaii in the U.S.
House of Representatives for 24 years. I extend to her
husband, John, and daughter, Wendy, my sincerest
condolences.
The passing of Congresswoman Mink is a great loss for
our Nation and our State, and it is a personal loss for
me. She was an honorable colleague and a dear friend
throughout our political careers.
I was privileged to work with Patsy in 1956 when we were
both members of the Hawaii territorial house of
representatives. She was the first Asian-American woman
elected to the Hawaii Legislature. In the 1960s, we both
gave speeches at Democratic National Conventions. She was
Chairwoman of the Honolulu City Council. In 1964, she
joined me as a member of Hawaii's congressional delegation
when she became the first Asian-American woman elected to
the U.S. House of Representatives. For 24 years, she was
an integral part of the Hawaii delegation. I appreciated
her honesty, I respected her thoughts, and I admired her
resolve.
Throughout her public service, Patsy concerned herself
with making our country a better place for all people. She
will be remembered for her powerful and passionate voice
as she championed causes for women, children, the elderly,
and the needy. For those who were vulnerable or
mistreated, she was their able and loyal defender.
Born Patsy Takemoto in a plantation community in Paia,
Maui, on December 6, 1927, Patsy had the intelligence and
work ethic to succeed in any profession. However, medical
school eluded her and the legal community did not embrace
her after she received her law degree from the University
of Chicago in 1951. The reason she was rejected by medical
schools and legal circles? Her race and her gender.
Rather than accept defeat, the strong-willed Patsy set
out to eliminate the societal barriers of the day, and ran
for office in the U.S. House of Representatives, which at
that time was comprised of mostly white and mostly male
Members. She won the election and went on to pave the way
for new generations of women to more fully enjoy their
rights as citizens of a great Nation.
Patsy co-authored and spearheaded the difficult passage
of title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which
prohibits discrimination in educational opportunities
based on gender at institutions receiving Federal funds.
It opened academic opportunities for women, and
revolutionized the world of sports. Since the passage of
this landmark legislation, participation by girls in high
school athletics nationwide has increased nearly tenfold,
and college participation has grown almost five times.
College scholarships awarded to women in 2002 were worth
$180 million. Title IX serves as the foundation of the
careers of today's top professional U.S. female athletes.
The U.S. women soccer team's 1999 World Cup triumph, U.S.
women's domination of Olympic sports, and the birth of the
women's professional National Basketball Association are
rooted in title IX.
To fully appreciate the significance of title IX,
compare women's sports in 1972 to today as reported by the
Honolulu Advertiser. In 1972, the only woman with an
athletic scholarship at the University of Hawaii was a
drum majorette. Of UH's $1 million athletic budget, $5,000
was given to women's club sports. Today, UH spends $4
million annually on 11 women's teams.
Patsy's reputation as a relentless and formidable
lawmaker extends beyond the passage of title IX. She
advocated for civil rights, peace, education, health care,
and the environment with equal eloquence and
effectiveness.
I last spoke with my friend, Patsy, in August at a
fund-raising event in Hawaii. She mingled and talked with
constituents with her trademark vim and vigor. Her deep
love for her constituents and her Nation was evident. She
was focused on the future and continuing her service to
the people of Hawaii.
Patsy answered the call to public service to the end,
and her work immeasurably improved America's landscape for
the under-represented and downtrodden for whom she had so
much compassion. As my colleagues and I continue our work,
we will long be able to look to Mrs. Patsy Mink's life of
service for inspiration and hope.
Wednesday, October 2, 2002
MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE
At 3:27 p.m., a message from the House of
Representatives, delivered by Ms. Niland, one of its
reading clerks, announced that the House has agreed to the
following resolution:
H. Res. 566. Resolution stating that the House has heard
with profound sorrow of the death of the Honorable Patsy
T. Mink, a Representative from the State of Hawaii.
Tuesday, October 8, 2002
By Mr. AKAKA (for himself, Mr. Inouye, Mr. Kennedy, Mr.
Reed, Ms. Mikulski, Mr. Wellstone, Mr. Jeffords, Mr.
Edwards, Mr. Bingaman, Mr. Dodd, Mrs. Clinton, Mr.
Lieberman, Mr. Kerry, Mr. Torricelli, and Mrs. Boxer):
S.J. Res. 49. A joint resolution recognizing the
contributions of Patsy Takemoto Mink; to the Committee on
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I rise to introduce a
resolution passed last night in the other body, along with
my colleagues Senators Inouye, Kennedy, and others, which
continues our tribute to Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink
in the wake of her untimely passing on September 28, 2002.
The resolution honors a remarkable woman and her
accomplishments for equal opportunity and education by
renaming after her a provision in law commonly known as
title IX that consists of few words but has had
incomprehensible and tremendous positive impact on the
lives of countless numbers of girls and women in our
country. With our combined action, title IX of the
Education Amendments of 1972 will now be known as the
Patsy Takemoto Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act.
As we honor our colleague, we can also recount some of
the milestones in the 30-year history of title IX and the
efforts to establish standards of equal opportunity of
women. The progress we as a Nation have made in 30 years
has been remarkable, and we have Patsy and a few of her
visionary colleagues to thank for the equal opportunities
our children enjoy today. In 1970, the U.S. House of
Representatives Committee on Education and Labor held the
first congressional hearings on sex discrimination in
education. At those hearings, Patsy made the following
statement,
Discrimination against women in education is one of the
most insidious forms of prejudice extant in our Nation.
Few people realize the extent to which our society is
denied full use of our human resources because of this
type of discrimination. Most large colleges and
universities in the United States routinely impose quotas
by sex on the admission of students. Fewer women are
admitted than men, and those few women allowed to pursue
higher education must have attained exceptional
intellectual standing to win admission.
She went on to state,
Our Nation can no longer afford this system which
demoralizes and demeans half of the population and
deprives them of the means to participate fully in our
society as equal citizens. Lacking the contribution which
women are capable of making to human betterment, our
Nation is the loser so long as this discrimination is
allowed to continue.
In April, 1972, Congresswoman Mink introduced the
Women's Education Act of 1972. On the day of introduction,
on the floor of the other body, she said,
We need the input of every individual to continue the
progress we enjoy. All persons, regardless of their sex,
must have enough opportunities open so that they can
contribute as much to their lives and this society as they
can.
She further noted that,
It is essential to the existence of our country that
sincere and realistic attention to the realignment of our
attitudes and educational priorities be made. I suggest
that education is the first place to start in a
reexamination of our national goals.
On June 23, 1972, Congresswoman Mink, working with
Congresswoman Edith Green of Oregon and others on the then
Education and Labor Committee, saw their efforts on an
important education package come top fruition as the
Education Amendments of 1972 were signed into law. Title
IX was included in that package. Final regulations for
title IX were issued on June 4, 1975. On June 17, 1997,
President Clinton announced that he issued an executive
memo directing all appropriate Federal agencies to review
their title IX obligation and report their findings within
90 days to the Attorney General. In all, although the
reach of title IX has been felt the most in the athletics
arena, the landmark statutes about gender roles in our
society have helped to correct inequalities in areas such
as educational attainment by women, educator pay, and the
wide range of extracurricular activities enjoyed by female
students of all ages. Much of this would not have been
possible were it not for the immense vision and
determination of Patsy Mink.
Last Friday I attended a most fitting and moving
memorial service for Patsy in Honolulu, HI. I joined the
senior Senator from Hawaii and many dignitaries from the
other body, as well as many of Hawaii's other
distinguished elected officials and thousands of Hawaii
residents, in attendance to pay tribute to Patsy Mink.
Among the eloquent speakers, University of Hawaii
Assistant Athletics Director Marilyn Moniz-Kahoohanohano
called herself, ``a living example of Mrs. Mink's vision
of equality for women.'' Marilyn recounted how she had
just graduated from high school after the passage of title
IX, and the University of Hawaii formed the Rainbow Wahine
athletic teams. She recalled, with joy, how she and her
team placed second for the national volleyball title and
took pictures with Patsy on the steps of the Capitol.
Marilyn's powerful words on Friday range true for many
female athletes in Hawaii and around the country, as she
said, ``Because of you, we can play the game.''
I urge the Senate to act quickly on this resolution to
honor the groundbreaking efforts of Congresswoman Patsy
Takemoto Mink on behalf of countless girls and women of
America. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the
text of the joint resolution be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the joint resolution was
ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows:
S.J. Res. 49
Whereas Patsy Takemoto Mink was one of the Nation's
leading voices for women's rights, civil rights, and
working families and was devoted to raising living
standards and providing economic and educational
opportunity to all Americans;
Whereas Patsy Takemoto Mink was a passionate and
persistent fighter against economic and social injustices
in Hawaii and across the Nation;
Whereas Patsy Takemoto Mink was one of the first women
of color to win national office in 1964 and opened doors
of opportunity to millions of women and people of color
across the Nation;
Whereas Patsy Takemoto Mink had unprecedented
legislative accomplishments on issues affecting women's
health, children, students, and working families; and
Whereas Patsy Takemoto Mink's heroic, visionary, and
tireless leadership to win the landmark passage of title
IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 opened doors to
women's academic and athletic achievements and redefined
what is possible for a generation of women and for future
generations of the Nation's daughters: Now, therefore, be
it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. PATSY TAKEMOTO MINK EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN
EDUCATION ACT.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C.
1681 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``SEC. 910. SHORT TITLE.
``This title may be cited as the `Patsy Takemoto Mink
Equal Opportunity in Education Act'.''.
Wednesday, October 9, 2002
MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE
At 1:20 p.m., a message from the House of
Representatives, delivered by Mr. Hays, one of its reading
clerks, announced that the House has passed the following
bills and joint resolution, in which it requests the
concurrence of the Senate :
H.J. Res. 113. A joint resolution recognizing the
contributions of Patsy Takemoto Mink.
Thursday, October 10, 2002
PATSY TAKEMOTO MINK
Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that
the Senate proceed to the consideration of H.J. Res. 113,
which has been received from the House and is now at the
desk.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the joint
resolution by title.
The legislative clerk read as follows:
A joint resolution (H.J. Res. 113) recognizing the
contributions of Patsy Takemoto Mink.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to
consider the joint resolution.
Mr. REID. I ask unanimous consent that the joint
resolution be read three times, passed, the motion to
reconsider be laid upon the table, the preamble be agreed
to, and that any statements relating thereto be printed in
the Record, with no intervening action or debate.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so
ordered.
The joint resolution (H.J. Res. 113) was read the third
time and passed.
The preamble was agreed to.
Wednesday, October 16, 2002
ENROLLED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTION SIGNED
The message also announced that the Speaker has signed
the following enrolled bills and joint resolution:
H.J. Res. 113. A joint resolution recognizing the
contributions of Patsy Takemoto Mink.
Thursday, October 17, 2002
MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE
enrolled bills and joint resolution signed
At 11:02 a.m., a message from the House of
Representatives, delivered by Ms. Niland, one of its
reading clerks, announced that the Speaker has signed the
following enrolled bills and joint resolution:
The following enrolled bills and joint resolution,
previously signed by the Speaker of the House, were signed
on today, October 17, 2002, by the President pro tempore
(Mr. Byrd).
H.J. Res. 113. A joint resolution recognizing the
contributions of Patsy Takemoto Mink.
Patsy Takemoto Mink
1927-2002
In Memoriam
Friday, October 4, 2002, 10 a.m.
State Capitol Rotunda
Honolulu, Hawai'i
Music
Herb Lee
Queen's Prayer
Van Horn Diamond
Hale O Na Alii
Presiding
Richard Port
Former Chair, Democratic Party of Hawai'i
Opening Prayer
Reverend O.W. Efurd
Executive Director, Hawai'i Pacific Baptist Convention
Kanaka Waiwai
Danny Kaleikini
Speakers
Governor Benjamin Cayetano
State of Hawai'i
Congressman Richard Gephardt
Minority Leader, U.S. House of Representatives
Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi
Minority Whip, U.S. House of Representatives
Karen Ginoza
President, HSTA
U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye
U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka
Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey
Marilyn Moniz-Kahoohanohano
Congressman George Miller
Congresswoman Maxine Waters
Congressman James Sensenbrenner
Congressman Neil Abercrombie
June Motokawa
Educator
Secretary Norman Mineta
U.S. Department of Transportation
Message of Comfort
Reverend O.W. Efurd
Family
Calvin Tamura
Benediction
Reverend O.W. Efurd
Hawai'i Aloha
U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka
Hawai'i Aloha
E Hawai'i e ku'u one hanau e
Ku'u home kulaiwa nei
'Oli no au i na pono lani ou
E Hawai'i, aloha e
Hui:
E ha'u'oli na 'opio o Hawai'i nei
'Oli e! 'Oli e!
Mai na aheahe makani e pa mai nei
Mau ke aloha no Hawai'i
Richard Port. We welcome with deep appreciation all of
you who have come from near and far to attend this
memorial service, as well as those of you watching this
service all across Hawaii Nei and across our Nation.
We honor today a very special lady, Congresswoman Patsy
Mink, who has served our State and our Nation so well as a
member of our territorial and State legislature, a member
and chair of the Honolulu City Council, Assistant
Secretary of State in the Department of State under
President Carter, and as a Member of Congress from 1965 to
1977 and again from 1990 to 2002. However, it is not
merely the length of her service or even the range of
positions that she has held that brings us here today, but
the quality of her performance. It is her achievement on
our behalf and the honesty, integrity, and
conscienciousness that she brought to her service that
calls us and compels us to be present today.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Patsy's husband, John
Mink, to their daughter Gwendolyn and to Patsy's brother
Eugene and to her entire family. We can only imagine their
pain as they watched by Patsy's side for almost a month
hoping against hope as all of us did for Patsy's recovery.
To begin our memorial service today, I call upon
Reverend Efurd, executive director of the Hawaii Pacific
Baptist Convention.
[Reverend Efurd gave the opening prayer.]
[Benjamin Cayetano, Governor of the State of Hawai'i,
spoke.]
Richard Gephardt. John, Gwendolyn, Senator Inouye,
Congressman Abercrombie, my colleagues from the House of
Representatives, State and local officials, distinguished
guests. We are so honored to be here today. We appreciate
the opportunity to share with you some reflections on the
life of an amazing woman, my friend, our colleague, Patsy
Mink. To Patsy's husband John, her daughter Gwendolyn, her
brother Eugene, Patsy's friends, Patsy's constituents and
to all of her staff present and past; we say to you today
that our hearts and prayers go out to you at this time of
grief and sorrow in your lives. I came to the Congress in
1977. That was the year that Patsy Mink was leaving. So in
the early years in my experience in the Congress, I knew
Patsy Mink's reputation. I heard about it often for
women's rights, for human rights, for health care, for
education, for the people of Hawaii. Then in 1990, Patsy
returned. I was finally really her colleague. And for me
the human being now merged with her reputation and I
quickly learned that she was one of those rare individuals
who when you're with them day after day always exceed
their reputations. Let me spend a moment reflecting on
what I think Patsy Mink accomplished as a human being and
a public servant.
First, she was a pioneer in the true sense of the word.
In the 1940s, she tried to enroll in 12 different medical
schools. She wanted to be a doctor. She was turned down 12
times because she was a woman. She finally convinced the
University of Chicago to let her go to law school. Then
she came to Honolulu to try to join one of the large law
firms here.
She was refused because she was a woman. She was the
first Asian-American woman ever admitted to the bar in
Hawaii. She was the first Asian-American woman elected to
the State legislature in Hawaii. She was the first woman
of color to win national office in the House of
Representatives in 1964. So she was a pioneer. She blazed
trails. She made it possible for others to follow in her
wake, but she also fought for human rights. I'm sure that
when she was refused entrance in the medical school or in
the law firm, she was angry, but she didn't get consumed
with her anger. She didn't get consumed with hatred. She
simply did something about it. She had the patience and
the perseverance to see it through.
Robert Kennedy once said, ``Some see things as they are
and ask why? I see things as they should be and ask why
not?'' Patsy Mink asked ``Why not?'' And then she
authored, in 1972, Title IX of the Education Act. And I
could assure you in 1972, no one quite knew what that
title meant or what it would do. This week, the House of
Representatives renamed Title IX of the Education Act to
be called the Patsy Mink Act.
That many years ago this strong-willed woman changed the
face of America forever. Imagine just commonplace now the
thousands of young women who have access not just to
sports but to education, to opportunity. Doors have been
open for thousands of women because of Patsy Mink. And
hear this, because of the Patsy Mink Act, college athletic
scholarships went from $100,000 in 1972 to $179,000,000 in
1997.
Women all across this country, known and unknown, seen
and unseen, are today thanking Patsy Mink for what she did
for them. She helped propel one of the great revolutions
of our society, the women's movement, into the mainstream
of American life. She got human rights for millions of our
citizens that were denied those rights for years and years
in this country. Thousands have benefited not only in
America but across the world because of her work. She was
a patriot. She loved this country. She honored our beliefs
and our tradition. She loved it so much that she was a
constant reminder that we must not lose our way, that we
must protect our rights and our freedom. More than once
she would confront me on the floor or in the caucus. And
believe me you don't want to be confronted by Patsy Mink.
She put her finger in my chest and she said, ``You're not
doing this right. This is not the tradition of our country
and our party. We've got to change our ways.'' And she
always made her point. She was such a patriot that she
voted against the Patriot Act and she voted against the
Homeland Security Act because they did not measure up to
her sense of patriotism. They did not protect the values
that we are fighting for.
She loved this State. Oh, did she love this State. She
would talk to us about how beautiful this State is. She
would talk about the environment in this State and how it
had to be protected. She would talk about the needs of the
people in this State and about 5 years ago I was here and
she took me to a meeting to meet people who were
participating in your universal health care coverage in
this State. She said all of America could have what Hawaii
has, which is universal health care for all of the people
of Hawaii.
And finally, she was an unabashed, unapologetic, proud,
liberal Democrat. I loved her so much for that. In a time
when politics is cautious and careful and filled with
sound bites and TV ads, Patsy was the genuine article. She
knew what she believed and she said what she believed no
matter what the political fallout. She cared about the
poor and the discriminated against, and always put them
first. And she believed that government has a higher
responsibility to always think first of the poor and the
discriminated against and the downtrodden in this society.
She never wavered from this view. Her campaigns for office
were not highly financed, highly consulted campaign
efforts. Her entire campaign staff was her family and they
won every election she got involved in.
And finally, she always argued her views. The
positives--not negatives, with passion--not anger, with
respect--not bitterness, with love--not hate. And so today
all of us together with her family, her friends, her
constituents, her colleagues yield her to the complete,
perfect, ultimate love of God. And in that place she will
surely be at home because she loves all of us so very
much.
Nancy Pelosi. Aloha. I'm very pleased to join our
minority leader, Representative Sensenbrenner here
representing Speaker Hastert, the Speaker of the House, of
course our colleague Neil Abercrombie and Senators Inouye
and Akaka in extending to John, Wendy and Eugene, and to
the entire Takemoto family the deepest sympathy of the
families of our colleagues and of our constituents. We are
so very saddened about Patsy's untimely passing. Everyone
who knew Patsy, knew how much she loved her family, how
much she loved John and Wendy and the Takemoto family and
how proud she was of her Japanese-American heritage. With
her wonderful family and her magnificent education, Patsy
could have had a comfortable, normal life away from the
rough and tumble of politics, but as has been written
about Eleanor Roosevelt, Patsy too, had a burdensome
conscience. She dedicated her life to helping people and
challenging our conscience. As the Governor said, Patsy
considered public service a noble calling and her public
service was distinguished by a deep patriotism and a love
of America. That's why I am so pleased to see our dear
precious Patsy draped in the American flag. How
appropriate. No one understood or worked harder to protect
the principles for which that flag stood and stands. She
truly deserves that honor. Maybe Patsy loved America so
much because she knew what it took to make Hawaii part of
the United States as the 50th State. Maybe it was because
of what she experienced as a young Japanese-American
woman. Maybe it was because of the extraordinary intellect
she possessed. Whatever the reason, Patsy understood
America. Patsy understood America's possibilities. Patsy
took her oath of office to protect and defend the
Constitution of the United States from all enemies foreign
and domestic very seriously. She was a fighter for the
freedoms in the Constitution and especially freedom of
speech and dissent. She cherished our civil liberties and
staunchly defended them. That's one part of America. And
viewed with a Hawaiian love of nature, Patsy became a
champion of America's patrimony from sea to shining sea;
from the mountains to the prairies to the ocean,
especially the Pacific Ocean. She not only led the way,
but she mentored future leaders like George Miller who's
here and who did become the chair of the Natural Resources
Committee. She mentored leaders to preserve that natural
legacy for generations to come. Patsy was about the future
and nothing spoke more to the future than our children
America's children. Patsy worked to improve the quality of
education and the quality of life for children and her
work is legendary. As mentioned by our leaders, Patsy left
a powerful legacy that includes changing the way America
educates girls and women. Title IX which opened the locker
room doors to women in sports simply could not have
happened without Patsy's leadership. With a twinkle in her
eye, that dazzling smile, that wonderful laugh, Patsy
worked her magic on our country and made history and
progress.
When Hawaii became a State it lifted the spirits of
America. It was a wonderfully exhilarating experience for
all of the United States. When Patsy came to Congress, she
lifted the spirits of the country and of Congress. Like
Hawaii, Patsy was irresistible and that was a good thing
because she never took no for an answer. Just on a
personal note, I remember one day she said to me, ``You
have to come to Hawaii for my dinner.'' ``When is it?''
She told me. I said, ``I'm sorry Patsy, I have to speak
that day in San Francisco.'' ``What time''? she asked. I
said, ``10 in the morning.'' She said, ``That's OK, you
can be on a 1 o'clock flight to Honolulu.'' ``But Patsy I
have to speak the next morning in San Francisco.''
``That's OK, you can go back on the redeye.'' And of
course, I was honored to come to Hawaii for 5 hours, have
a good time, half of which time was spent coming and going
from the airport to tell the people gathered at the dinner
the high regard and enormous respect and great love that
her colleagues in the Congress felt for her and how
important she was to Congress. You know how important she
is we just want everyone to know how Congress regards her
work. So anyway, I got more mileage out of that trip.
Patsy told that story over and over and how fortunate for
me she gave me an opportunity to show my love to her. I
have many stories about Patsy but we have many speakers. I
will say one more thing and that is the Members of
Congress would follow Patsy anywhere and we have stories
of where she took us to do one thing and another because
it was right. And Patsy would say it's the right thing to
do. And one of the things where many Members heeded
Patsy's call was in 1996 to follow her and her successful
boycott of a speech that the President of France made to a
Joint Session of Congress. He came and practically nobody
was there. In doing so we were joining Patsy in protesting
the French nuclear testing in the Pacific and we joined
Patsy on behalf of the Pacific Islander people and the
environment of the Pacific. When Patsy said it isn't right
to go, we didn't go.
Patsy took great pride in representing Hawaii. I'm sure
you know that. She told us all a great deal about Native
Hawaiian education, health care and housing. And all that
she did in Congress she brought great honor and dignity to
this magnificent State. Thank you, Hawaii, for sending
such a remarkable spirit to Congress. Thank you, John and
Wendy, for sharing Patsy with us. We all know how much she
loved her family. I hope it is a comfort to you that so
many people mourn her loss and are praying for you at this
sad time. Yes, Patsy will be missed as a beloved wife, a
loving and proud mom, a pioneer, a teacher, a lawyer, a
legislator and a friend. I will want to acknowledge Patsy
as a great patriot. Her work to protect our Constitution,
our natural resources, our country's future and our
children is legendary. And so today, as we mourn Patsy's
passing we know one thing--that on the day she was born
God blessed America. Thank you.
Karen Ginoza [reading a statement by Reg Weaver,
President, National Education Association]. With the
passing of Representative Patsy Mink, we at the National
Education Association have lost a wonderful friend, a
stalwart ally, and a feisty champion of public education.
We have lost Patsy. But what a legacy she leaves behind--a
legacy that is visible on campuses, in classrooms, and on
playing fields all across America. Bear in mind that
Patsy's great legislative achievement, Title IX, did even
more than open the door to women's fuller participation in
sports; it opened the door to women's equal participation
in all aspects of education. Our daughters and
granddaughters live in a world of opportunities and
options that were made possible, in large measure, because
Patsy Mink dreamed and dared to demand change. So, this
week, we grieve that Patsy lost her last battle with
illness. But we celebrate her many victories on behalf of
women, children and public education. In absentia, I am
honored to join with Patsy's many family members, friends,
and supporters in remembering this wonderful woman and
passionate public servant. Today, we stand not in Patsy's
shadow, but in her light.
Karen Ginoza. President Lyndon B. Johnson said, ``I
believe a woman's place is not only in the home, but in
the House and Senate and throughout the government.''
Representative Patsy Mink made a home for herself in the
U.S. House of Representatives and for this we are
extremely fortunate. She was a champion, a prizefighter
who never gave up on a good cause.
Public education was one of her good causes. From her
first day in office, she fought on our behalf, making a
better, stronger country one child at a time. There was
never a time when she was too busy to help, never a time
she was too overwhelmed to make headway, never a time she
was even tempted to drop the gloves and abandon the fight.
Patsy also was a dreamer. She was constantly dreaming
about how she could put her office to work to make life
better for others. Her dreams led her to build classrooms
in the sky. After building these dream classrooms, she
went about laying the foundation under them. She knew that
good schools need equality for every child, so she battled
for Title IX. She knew that good schools require adequate
funding, so she captured every dollar she could bring our
way. Children in Hawaii and all over the country are
reaping the benefits of Patsy's dreams.
The National Education Association took notice of all
that Patsy did and bestowed upon her the annual ``Creative
Leadership in Women's Rights Award'' in 1977. This award
recognizes individuals whose leadership, actions, and
support have contributed to the improvement of American
women at the national level.
While women and children stood in this, waiting for
their chances at equality, Patsy was at the head of it,
quietly holding the door open, shepherding everyone
through it. Her passing leaves a void in our community,
and today we grieve for our lost friend, dreamer, and
ally. But we are heartened by knowing that her legacy will
live on in the lives of Hawaii's schoolchildren.
Thank you, Patsy. We will continue in your good name.
Rest in peace.
Senator Daniel K. Inouye. Aloha. John, Wendy, our hearts
go out to you. My fellow Americans and ladies and
gentlemen we gather this day in mourning but we also
gather this day to celebrate the life of Patsy Mink.
As some have indicated this morning, Patsy was an
American patriot. She was an authentic American hero. Her
shield was her integrity, her weapons her words--her words
of inspiration--her words of wisdom--her words of
compassion. She could not tolerate abused and abandoned
children and abused and abandoned wives and she called us
all to arms. She could not tolerate discrimination and
hatred and prejudice. Her mark is clearly made in our
Nation's history. And she wanted every child to have a
decent education. But coming from the plantation, she felt
that it was not only a constitutional right but a Godgiven
right for every person who can work to have a job and to
organize if that is his wish. She stood tall for the labor
movement. Her voice is still now. We will not have the
privilege of listening to her again but somehow I feel she
is with us here today and she will be with us for the rest
of our lives. I can almost see Patsy at this moment
embarrassed because of accolade after accolade being
poured upon her with words of praise. Sometimes I wonder
why we wait until one passes away to say these words of
praise and gratitude, but I can also see Patsy smiling
with a little twinkle in her eyes and saying to herself it
was worth it. It was not in vain. We love you, Patsy.
Senator Daniel K. Akaka. John, Wendy, Eugene, members of
Patsy's extended family and her Hawaii and DC staff,
congressional colleagues, Governor Cayetano and friends,
we all share your profound sense of loss with the passing
of Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink. Her passing leaves a
void in the House of Representatives, our Hawaii
congressional delegation, our State--which Patsy loved so
much and served so well--and her passing leaves a void in
the political life of our Nation. It is not easy to put
her spirit into words, but those that come immediately to
mind as fitting characterizations of the woman we remember
and bid aloha today include courageous, forthright,
tenacious, gutsy, outspoken, bold, meticulous and
determined. Patsy was my friend, a dedicated public
servant for Hawaii, and an advocate for those in America
who feel scared, small, alone, mistreated, neglected or
forgotten. Her lifetime of public service made Hawaii and
our great Nation a better place. At the U.S. Capitol, many
expressions of condolences from colleagues, staff, and
police officers were received.
Patsy was a pioneer, a trailblazer for women, workers,
minorities, the poor and the powerless. In the history of
Hawaii and our Nation in the 20th century, Patsy Mink is
one of the giants whose presence has forever altered
Hawaii's and America's political landscape. Her vision of
hope, passion for justice, and commitment to equal
opportunity shaped our young State and Nation. Her efforts
broke down barriers and opened doors to opportunity for
everyone. Her passing silences a dynamic voice, but her
many accomplishments and her unimpeachable integrity stand
as an incredible legacy to a magnificent woman.
Since 1990, it has been a privilege to serve with Patsy
in our Hawaii delegation. She returned to Washington in
characteristic style, advocating and articulating the
ideals that she had espoused in Congress as a member of
the historic 89th Congress that passed much of the
landmark Great Society legislation. Patsy's lifelong
efforts to open educational access to countless Americans
and ensure them the best educational opportunities were
the achievements that brought her the greatest
satisfaction. ``Anything for the children,'' was Patsy's
guiding conviction, certain that this crucial area is
where we can do the most good for the most people.
I remember Patsy marching up the Capitol steps, leading
other women of the House, to show her support for Anita
Hill. I was pleased to work with Patsy, Dan, Neil, and our
friend Norm Mineta, now Secretary of Transportation, to
establish a congressional caucus to address the needs of
Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders in 1994. Whether it
involved protesting nuclear testing in the Pacific,
championing the interests of children in welfare reform
legislation on the House floor, or helping a widow in Hilo
deal with the Social Security Administration, Patsy stood
with and spoke for the disenfranchised and the powerless.
Her determination ensured the voices of the smallest and
most vulnerable were heard in the corridors of power.
A great spirit has come and gone before us. Patsy's
vigor and courage will be sorely missed. There are fewer
trails for women and minorities to blaze, thanks to
Patsy's determination and spirit. Indeed, her trailblazing
efforts did not end with her death, for her legacy
benefits the lives of countless individuals, in our
lifetime and for generations to come.
As we bid our dear friend and colleague aloha, I am
reminded of a passage from Scriptures, from the book of
Matthew 25:23, ``His Master said unto her, Well done, good
and faithful servant; you have been good and faithful . .
. Now enter into the joy of your Master.'' We are enjoined
to carry forth the mission that our dear colleague pursued
during her remarkable career. With great sadness, we bid a
final farewell and aloha pumehana, our warmest love, to a
fearless and remarkable lady, the Most Honorable Patsy
Mink.
Lynn Woolsey. Aloha. Standing here before you, Patsy's
family, John, Wendy, Eugene and extended family, Patsy's
friends, her staff, her constituents, and her colleagues
is truly an honor. But it is an honor that I want to
forestall. It's an honor I don't want to have for many
many years to come. We are not ready for a world without
Patsy Mink.
We still have work to do to protect the civil liberties
and the civil rights we enjoy here in our country--rights
that Patsy helped to achieve and always worked to protect.
She was always a leader--a leader in providing equal
opportunity for girls and women in education, in sports
and in employment. Patsy brought women a long way for a
true equality, but who will make sure we don't slide back.
Who will insist we finish the job that she started. And oh
my, families, particularly women and children in need.
Those particularly on welfare lost an ally with the
passing of Patsy Mink. She knew without a doubt that
education is the prevention and the cure for poverty. We
cannot and we must not forget what Patsy has taught us
about the needs of those less fortunate, about those who
have yet to benefit from equal opportunity and equal
treatment under our laws and about the importance of
education for every single human being on this globe.
Patsy showed us that you don't have to be physically large
to have a big vision and a big effective voice. In fact,
this week after Patsy's passing, one of our newer
colleagues came up to me because we have had several hours
on the House floor talking about Patsy and what she meant
to us and many people remarked at her tininess how her
size was small but her will and her vision was so large.
He said you know I never even thought of Patsy Mink as
being small. And I looked up at him because he was a big
guy and I said but I bet you were scared to death of her
weren't you? She taught us the importance of passion, the
necessity of knowing your issue and your topic inside and
out. She proved that some efforts can be accomplished a
step at a time, that no effort can be allowed to languish
and never should we go backward.
Patsy Mink knew what was important for our world, for
our Nation, for her wonderful Hawaii and for her
constituents who she truly loved and we must promise every
single one of us here and now to continue her work. We
mustn't stop until we have a just and peaceful world. A
world that Patsy would be proud of, but I cannot imagine
that world without her.
Marilyn Moniz-Kahoohanohano. Today we are here to
celebrate the extraordinary life of a remarkable woman--a
woman ahead of her time, of the generation of my parents
(my dad was a Maui boy), growing up in the forties during
war time, experiencing first-hand discrimination when
pursuing her dream to become a physician. Instead Patsy
Takemoto went to law school and became an attorney,
practiced law, became politically active, became a State
legislator, and then Congresswoman and the rest of her
life is history in the making.
Over 30 years ago Congresswoman Mink played an
instrumental role in the passage of Title IX of the
Education Amendments which simply states ``No person in
the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded
from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be
subjected to discrimination under any education program or
activity receiving financial assistance.'' She labored
long and hard to get it to pass the House and as recently
as the late nineties continued to champion the cause of
Title IX fighting of any amendments attempting to weaken
its impact in the athletic arena. In order to combat this
move Mrs. Mink asked GAO to review and report on Title IX
contributions to changes in higher education academically
and athletically focusing on men's and women's
participation in higher education. She wanted to document
the positive impact that Title IX had on women and try to
combat those who emphasize the negative impact on men's
participation. She was ever vigilant.
No other law has impacted the lives of girls and women
more, as Congresswoman Mink knew how important access to
higher education was. Title IX is known as the equal
opportunity law and was borne out of her strong sense and
passion for fairness, equality and justice. As a result of
participating in sports, girls and women have changed
their life view, their confidence in their abilities has
risen, and their horizons have broadened.
I am a living example of Mrs. Mink's vision of equality
for women and I represent almost 1,000 Rainbow Wahine
athletes over the past three decades who received the
opportunity to play. I graduated from high school in May
1972. Title IX passed in June and in fall 1972 the Rainbow
Wahine athletics program was born. In 1975 the team played
at Princeton. Patsy honored the team at the State Capitol.
Mrs. Mink's destiny was to change the world and her legacy
will live on forever. My role models were Dr. Donnis
Thompson, the first women's athletic director who
implemented Title IX and Mrs. Mink who coauthored Title
IX. Both worked together to ensure the athletics program
got off to a good start and ever since Mrs. Mink has been
our program's guardian angel, taking pride in our growth
and accomplishments. She is and will always be an honorary
member of our Rainbow Wahine Hui--our support group--in
fact she was always interested in our progress gender-
equity-wise and made it a point to review our Annual
Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act Report to make sure we
were making progress. It is part of my job to ensure we
are complying with Title IX and providing equal
opportunity for our athletes.
She has long been an advocate for girls and women in
need, and those who have been treated unfairly at the
local and the national level. She is truly an exceptional
leader--bold, strong, and tough. In November 1999 she
wrote me after the reauthorization of the Women's
Educational Equity Act, which she was fighting the fight
to retain the gender equity provisions and said ``this
victory will ensure that a girl's future is determined not
by her gender but by her own aspirations and abilities.''
Through her life accomplishments, she has empowered,
strengthened, inspired, and encouraged us so we can
continue to do our good works, to take a stand, to fight,
to persevere . . . there is still a lot of work to be done
before we achieve equity. Congresswoman Mink's original
dreams have come true for countless little girls and how
many lives have been improved because she cared . . .
because she dared to make a difference for generations to
come. In the twinkle of a little soccer player's eye,
Patsy's legacy will go on.
We will miss you terribly, our fearless leader, our
advocate, our role model, our champion. Because of you we
can play the game. You have left our world a better place
and we are comforted to know that you will continue to be
our guardian angel . . . we love you Patsy!
John and Gwen--Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are
with you from the athletic department and the Rainbow
Wahine. Aloha.
George Miller. We are here today to pay tribute to a
trailblazing legend in the history of women's rights and
the Congress, Patsy Takemoto Mink. I am one of a
delegation of her colleagues and frineds in the House of
Representatives who flew here from Washington to honor her
for her many years of leadership, of service and of
example.
Before just about any of us was elected to the Congress,
Patsy Mink was not only a Member, but a star. A fearless,
outspoken, intelligent legislator who knew what she wanted
to do, and knew how to do it. And like the best of
legislators, she never lost her enthusiasm or her faith
that she would prevail.
And she did prevail, more often that most. Her
victories were victories not just for Patsy Mink, but for
millions of women past, present and future, whose
opportunities in school, in sports, in the professions,
and in politics are fundamentally greater because Hawaii
shared Patsy Mink with the Nation for a quarter century of
service.
And because she retained her drive and her dedication
to the end, her sudden passing last weekend stunned the
Members of Congress and especially the members of the
Committee on Education and the Workforce where she served
so long. It is no exaggeration to say that it is difficult
for many of us to conceive of either the Congress or the
committee without the commitment, energy, and wisdom that
Patsy Mink brought to work every day.
It is difficult to summarize her life and achievements
in this sad moment. But earlier in the week, our committee
found a bipartisan way to pay tribute. When future
generations see a young woman win a gold medal, or a
girls' soccer team win the city trophy; when a young woman
gets her law degree, or convenes a board meeting, or takes
her oath of office--the spirit of Patsy Mink is standing
next to her because Patsy not only broke through barriers,
but she held the door open for others, too.
And that is why our committee voted unanimously to name
the Title IX Equal Opportunity Program for Women in honor
of Patsy Mink, and I am very hopeful the full House and
Senate will follow suit before the 107th Congress
adjourns.
No person was more closely associated with enactment of
that landmark legislation which has changed the lives of
tens of millions of women. When you look at the faces in
Congress today and compare it to the day Patsy took her
seat in 1964 as the first Asian-American woman ever
elected to that body, it is a very different institution.
Women and minorities are not only Members, but senior
Members with legislative power and leadership skills. And
Patsy Mink stood at the fore.
But people in Congress did not look to Patsy simply
because she was a woman or an Asian-American. Whether on
the environment, or education or labor issues, Patsy was a
moral filter for the Congress, a questioning and
unflappable inquisitor of whether an initiative moved
justice forward in America and the world, or did not. And
woe to the proposal that she judged if it failed to meet
that test. Her questioning and determination made people
uncomfortable and maybe frustrated; but in the end, she
forced us closer to the ideal goals of economic and social
justice in this country, and we all owe her an unrepayable
debt of gratitude.
To John, her partner since graduate school, and to
Wendy, whose scholarly work on welfare reform and women's
history both continued her mother's tradition and expanded
on our understanding of these important topics, we thank
you for the sacrifices that come with being the family of
a Member of Congress.
To the people of Hawaii, to her colleagues Dan Inouye
and Danny Akaka, and Neil Abercrombie who serve your State
so well, we thank you for sending us one tough lady whose
leadership will not be forgotten, and who assuredly has
changed our Nation for the better forever.
Maxine Waters. Aloha. To John and Wendy and all of
Congresswoman Patsy Mink's relatives, friends and family.
To all of our elected officials who are here today, the
appointed officials, leaders of groups and organizations
and especially to my friend Neil Abercrombie who has kept
us connected with these last difficult days of Patsy
Mink's existence. I have traveled to Patsy's beloved
Hawaii to pay my respects to a tremendously accomplished
woman of grace and substance. I am here today to add my
voice to the voices of her many friends, colleagues, and
constituents as we memorialize a pioneer, a leader and one
of the finest and most respected public policymakers that
ever served in the Congress of the United States of
America.
I am so proud to have had Patsy Mink as one of my
friends and colleagues. I first met Patsy Mink in the
early 1970s when we had the opportunity to assist in the
organizing and founding of the First International Women's
Year Conference in Houston, TX, in 1977. This conference
brought together the giants of the women's movement who
were leading this Nation toward justice and equality for
women. Congresswoman Patsy Mink was there. She negotiated
with then-President Carter along with Bella Abzug, Gloria
Steinem, Barbara McKowsky and others to help create the
National Women's Commission to advise and lead the
President on women's issues. Well, we encouraged President
Carter to appoint Bella Abzug to chair that commission. It
was not long after that he invited her to resign. And we
got together and decided we would all resign with Bella
Abzug. And we did that because we were on a mission and
Patsy Mink was playing a leading role in the advocacy of
the equal rights amendment. She helped to forge the fight
for pay equity and freedom of choice and developed all of
the important strategies that were moving women forward in
this country. Her work is well documented in so many ways.
Her signature is recorded in history on the celebrated
Title IX of the Federal Education Act.
This year, I sat in the great Oracle Center in
Washington, DC, and Patsy was honored at the Women's
National Basketball Association's All-Star game in
recognition of the 30th anniversary of Title IX. Patsy
Mink was called to the center of the arena where young
women basketball players some standing 67" tall learned
for the first time that their dream to play professional
basketball was realized because a woman small in physical
stature but with a giant vision for women's equality had
paved the way for them to have programs, training and
development that help them realize their potential. Patsy
Mink the trailblazer. The first Asian-American woman
lawyer in Hawaii. Patsy Mink--the first minority woman
elected to Congress. Patsy Mink--a woman of courage who
became a leading voice for civil rights, an uncompromising
spokeswoman for poor people and children, education and
the environment. Patsy Mink--a woman of impeccable
integrity lived a life of commitment to public service.
She truly believed that indeed we are all created equal
and endowed by our creator with certain inalienable
rights. And when Patsy took the floor of Congress to
debate the issues of justice and equality, her sincerity
and her passion defined her character and her values. Her
legacy is embodied in her tremendous work and her
accomplishments. She never shied away from the difficult
issues. As late as May of this year her remarks are
recorded in the Congressional Record because during that
debate on the Personal Responsibility, Work and Family
Promotion Act of 2002, Patsy Mink took time to remind all
of the Members of Congress not to politicize welfare
reform. She said, ``welfare should be about children but
sadly this debate is not about what is good for children
in poverty. Congress and the White House have turned
welfare into a hardball game aimed at single moms.'' Now
that's the stand-up woman I'll always remember. That's the
woman whose integrity and passion has inspired me on so
many occasions. That's the woman we all love. That's the
woman we shall always remember.
James Sensenbrenner. John, Wendy--I am here as the
representative of Speaker Dennis Hastert, who
unfortunately could not make it today. I am here to
express his personal condolences and that of the entire
U.S. House of Representatives on the loss of your wife,
mother and most of all, your best friend.
From my perspective sitting on the opposite side of the
aisle that Patsy sat on, I perhaps can give you a little
different insight than my democratic friends who have been
extolling Patsy's virtues. And as one who has been on the
receiving end of the fiery features that Patsy was so
famous for giving, I can tell you that even though I
disagreed quite often with the positions that Patsy took
there were two things that came through loud and clear
whenever she took the microphone in the House of
Representatives--sincerity and integrity. When Patsy got
up to speak you knew she meant what she said and you knew
that she was prepared to give every favorable argument on
behalf of her position that there was to give. And that's
why she had an impact far beyond those words that were
written in the Congressional Record and are sent off to
the Library to gather dust with so many other speeches
that many of us give.
And the second trait that Patsy had was she was a woman
of unimpeachable integrity. She never tried to game the
system either for personal advancement or for the
advancement of the point of view that she expressed. But
she was also a wife and a mother. And one of the things
that many of us who serve in public office frequently
forget is that we are human beings, we have obligations to
our family and to our friends. Long before I got to
Congress 24 years ago, Patsy did something that I think
showed her character. There was a big debate going on in
the House of Representatives, and I was told about this
several years after it happened. And it was on an issue of
great importance to her. It involved the rights of women
and the place women played in modern American society. And
during that debate, it was about the time that roll was
being called, she got the word that her daughter had been
seriously hurt and she walked out of the Congress to do
her responsibility as a family member and as a mother, and
she was criticized for it by some of the groups that were
the biggest supporters of her particular point of view.
Then-Speaker of the House, Carl Albert, called a press
conference and said, ``Look, we are human beings. We have
family obligations and just because some Governor signs a
certificate of election doesn't mean that we have to
forget about all the votes.'' So when there is a family
crisis, our public officials expressed their family values
by doing what any other family member would do and that's
exactly what Patsy did even though she cherished the issue
that was being debated and voted upon. Since the First
Congress met in 1789, over 14,000 men and women have been
chosen by the citizens of their communities to represent
them in the U.S. House of Representatives. Fifty years
after most of us leave Congress, very little of what we
have done while in Congress will be remembered by anybody.
Patsy Mink is an exception because what we have been
hearing today about her accomplishments, the ideas that
she helped shepherd into law and most important, help
implemented once the bill signing ceremony in the White
House Rose Garden was over will shape American society.
Patsy, whether you are a Republican or a Democrat, a
liberal or a conservative, you've made your mark on this
country. God bless you.
Neil Abercrombie. Aloha everyone. Aloha John and Wendy,
Eugene, all the family, staff and dear friends of Patsy
throughout Hawaii.
We are engaged in a great ritual as my dear friend
George Miller has indicated or perhaps at a time in the
program taking place today when the words begin to blend
into one another. The atmosphere becomes perhaps a bit
trying upon us, but ritual is the great conserver of
value. All creatures pass from this Earth, but our species
has the capacity of no other creature on this Earth--the
capacity to reflect. We pass judgment on ourselves in our
lives. The fact that we know that we are passing from this
Earth does not make us morbid. It does not make us
despair. On the contrary, it gives meaning to our lives.
It gives us the understanding that what we are and who we
are accounts for something. It's not a question of
accomplishment. It's not a question of achievement. It's a
question of respect for ourselves in our knowledge that
what we do and who we are and how we act and what we say
and what we think has meaning and has consequences for
others. We are an island people. We know where the edge of
our existence is. We know that these islands were thrust
up out of the ocean by great forces of nature and that no
one and no thing was on these islands and that everything
that we have and everything that we are and all that we
mean to one another comes as a result of the humans who
came from afar starting with our Polynesian ancestors who
came over the ocean to people these islands and all those
who have come since including as we speak now as we share
our grief with one another today someone is coming to
Hawaii today seeking justice, seeking opportunity, seeking
freedom hoping to make a better life. And that person as
humble as their circumstances might have been upon their
origin on this Earth will be the direct beneficiary of the
life of Patsy Mink because she embodied all of those
things that we cherish among our island people.
This morning as I went to pick up my dear mother-in-law,
Ellen Caraway, Nancy and I stopped up at Manoa Gardens
where many of our seniors are spending their retirement
years. Joseph Martin came up to the window of the car,
reached in and grabbed my hand. He knew I was coming here
today and asked me to express on his behalf, not the
behalf of those of us who are privileged to sit on this
platform and reflect upon her life or be given the
privilege to speak, but on behalf of all the people of
Hawaii. I hope these cameras have played upon the crowd
that's gathered here today and is representative of the
Joseph Martins all across these islands. As he said to me
holding my hand she was our voice she was our voice and
this voice will not be still because everything that she
represented and everything that she was will be carried on
by those of us who have not only respect for that but the
understanding that if we truly loved her, if we truly want
to honor her that we will live everyday and bask in the
reflective light of the glory that was Patsy Mink.
June Motokawa. To John, Wendy, Eugene. There is so much
sorrow and sadness in me; my deepest condolences to you.
My heart is heavy as I stand humbly honored to speak to
you about Patsy Takemoto Mink, a woman I loved and looked
up to. A woman of such clear vision, passion, courage and
commitment for the quality of life for all of Hawaii's
people. You know the story of her work for justice for
all. I'd like to share with you her work for education for
schools, public schools where 90 percent of America's
children are educated. Patsy's focus in the U.S. Congress
was working in the Education and Workforce Committee. She
sat on the committee from 1965 to 1977 and then from 1990
to this past Saturday for 24 years. She was the ranking
member of the many subcommittees from Early Childhood to
Post Secondary Education. Patsy believed that education,
public education, is a major vehicle for shaping our
society--a place to educate all children and a place to
enable them to become responsible contributing
participants in our democracy. Her energies and
contributions from the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Act,
a primary vehicle for funding to support public education,
her 1972 landmark Title IX legislation, and I heard that
they will be renaming Title IX. I'm so pleased to hear
that. We have heard of those two issues over and over.
We're so proud, but let me tell you about some other
issues that we educators are very concerned about and that
she championed. She stood up for us. She championed the
battle against school vouchers, the use of public dollars
for private schools. She championed the battle for
targeted funds for the poor and disadvantaged students
instead of block grants to States where funds could go to
other uses. She championed and battled for Americans to
gain access to college education by improving student aid.
She championed to keep provisions for unbiased teaching
materials, programs and projects such as drop out
prevention programs designed to help pregnant teens and
parenting teens to stay in school. She championed shifting
the focus on reducing welfare to reducing poverty. As you
know a very large percentage of our children are in
poverty. And last, out of the long long list, I really
wanted to say this. She was a champion and helped
tremendously to defeat at least the movement called
English only. All schools, preschools to graduate schools
have lost a champion. It's truly a sad time for us. We
will miss Patsy's voice for us. Aloha.
Norman Mineta. Each of us faces tests in life. We are
tested by adversity, both from the circumstances of our
lives and sometimes from the attitudes of others.
Patsy encountered adversity in ways that many Americans
today have forgotten.
She was born into a Nation that thought an American of
Japanese ancestry was a contradiction in terms. She was
born into a Nation that, far too often, barred women not
only from achieving their dreams, but even from the right
to try.
She witnessed the internment of Japanese-Americans on
the mainland during the Second World War, and she saw the
discrimination and distrust to which our community was
subjected here in Hawaii.
She was denied entry to medical school because of her
gender. And she was discouraged early in her career as a
lawyer and as an elected official, both because of her
gender and as an Asian Pacific American.
If many Americans today do not remember the kind of
discrimination that Patsy faced in her life, it is because
she dedicated her life to removing it.
If many Americans today do not remember the barriers
that she encountered, it is because she dedicated her life
to removing them.
The world had a set way of doing things when Patsy came
into the world.
And Patsy didn't like it.
Guess who won?
She had a talent for making people rethink the
boundaries of possibility--something she did in a very
direct way--by simply exceeding them herself.
She was the first Japanese-American woman admitted to
the bar in Hawai'i. She was the first Japanese-American
woman elected to the Territorial (State) legislature. In
1964, she became the first woman of color elected to
national office in the history of this Nation when she was
elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
And she became the first woman to run for President on a
major party ticket.
Of all the battles she fought and won, there is one that
will always stand out--one that she rightly considered her
proudest legislative achievement: and that was Title IX of
the Education Act.
Her contribution to that act--its ban on gender
discrimination in education--was nothing less than an
emancipation proclamation for the women of America--
because it gave them the right to pursue their dreams.
We may never know exactly how many Americans were
inspired by her achievements, or how many were prompted to
reconsider the limits of what they thought they could
achieve.
But there is one standing here at his podium today.
Patsy had already served in the U.S. House of
Representatives for a decade when I arrived on Capitol
Hill in 1974. She was already a role model. I was
privileged to call her a mentor, and was honored to call
her a friend.
Throughout her public life, she used her voice to call
for the best from the people of Hawai'i and the people of
the United States. And she never gave us any less than her
best.
John and Wendy, there are no words to express the depth
of our sorrow at Patsy's passing.
Patsy's loss is one that can never be replaced.
But her legacy will be that she left the United States a
better and more noble Nation than she found it.
Each of us, as Americans, will forever be in her debt.
Richard Port. We have heard today from many
distinguished elected officials. What have Hawaii's
ordinary citizens had to say about Congresswoman Patsy
Mink. Here's just a sample.
A citizen from Kalaheo, Kauai, wrote:
The State of Hawaii and our country mourn the passing of
our beloved Congresswoman Patsy T. Mink. Her unquestioned
resolve, integrity, honesty and ethics are examples for
all who serve and wish to serve in public office. There
was no one better than Patsy.
A citizen from Wailuku, Maui, wrote:
Patsy was concerned about the needs of people who had
disabilities. We will miss her at this year's annual Maui
Disability Alliance Legislative Forum. She was truly an
inspirational and remarkable woman.
Still another citizen from Maui wrote:
My admiration for Patsy Mink started in the late 1960s
when I became aware of her political contribution, one of
which was her sponsorship of education bills that
significantly help kids get money for college. I was one
of them.
A citizen from Oahu wrote:
Thank you, Patsy Mink, for the many years of passionate,
dedicated service you have given the citizens of Hawaii
and in particular the women of Hawaii. You were brave
enough to follow your instincts as the humanitarian that
you are. Thank you for being you.
Another citizen from Oahu wrote:
Patsy made a mark not only on our society and our
history, but in our hearts.
And this from a former staff member in Long Beach, CA:
How many heroes do we get in a lifetime. Saturday I lost
one of mine, but I know she will always be with us so long
as I and the many others whose lives have been influenced
by her are able to live up to the standards she set as an
individual, as a member of the community, and as a public
servant.
And one of our two daily newspapers, the Honolulu
Advertiser, wrote:
Hawaii has lost a true champion of the people. In a day
when politics appears driven by polls and focus groups
Patsy Mink stood out as a politician who was true first
and foremost to herself and the people she served. Hawaii
will miss her greatly.
And finally, the Honolulu Star Bulletin wrote:
Patsy Takemoto Mink forged an outstanding career in
politics with her tenacious battles for civil rights,
education, and environmental protection by breaking
through the walls of an arena that women and minorities
had not penetrated before. Hawaii has lost a dedicated
public servant whose string of firsts marked the opening
of the halls of power to those who had previously been
denied entry.
At this time, I call forward Reverend Efurd for a
message of comfort.
[Reverend Efurd gave the message of comfort.]
Calvin Tamura. Aloha. I have been asked to deliver the
thank you's from the family. So let me begin by first
telling you a little bit about that family.
It began on Maui. A couple--farmers. They lived in a
dirt floor house and they had 11 children, and within 2
generations that family couldn't have imagined that they
would have doctors, engineers, accountants, school
teachers, computer programmers, museum curators, rock
musicians, hotel workers and of course, yes, one U.S.
Congresswoman.
So let me begin with the thank you's. To the worthy
opponent whether it be Republican or Democrat, Libertarian
or Green, thank you. For if you fought for what you truly
believed in then you raised the level of discussion and
understanding and my cousin would like that.
To her supporters on all of our islands. You have been
called upon to silk screen, stuff envelopes, lick stamps,
knock on doors, wave signs and in fact even make sushi.
Thank you for no matter what you were asked to do you were
there because you believed in the message and yes you
believed in the messenger.
To those who have traveled far to get here today,
whether it be from Waipahu or Waianae, Maui, the Big
Island, California or Washington, DC, we appreciate your
effort that you have come to honor this woman. Your words
of support will echo with us forever.
To the office and campaign staff past and present from
each of our islands and from Washington, DC. To Laura,
Joan and Helen. I know it was never easy, but you
accomplished miracles and Patsy was always grateful for
your tireless grasp of the minutia. Thank you for always
being brilliant.
To John and Wendy and Eugene. Thank you for sharing
Patsy with us. She will always be remembered as a
firebrand, a lightning rod, a rebel. But we know that she
was really a very shy, private person in a very public
place. And away from the public arena she was soft spoken,
funny and really loved to laugh.
And finally, to the voters of Hawaii. As a politician,
Patsy always asked at each campaign for you to leave the
comfort of your home to express your opinion by casting
your vote. Sometimes she lost, or Patsy would have been
Mayor, Governor, or the President of these United States.
She won often enough however to serve over 50 years.
Thank you for your vote of confidence. And if I may be
allowed to paraphrase my cousin, get out there and vote.
We must fight, fight, fight, for what we believe in so we
can all win.
And so a story has been told in the great Pacific Ocean.
A stone has fallen into the deep blue water. And even as
it comes to rest, the ripples from the journey will shape
our future forever.