The Speaker, On the Passing of Chairwoman Juanita Millender-McDonald

[Rose Siding]

On behalf of all Members of Congress, today I express my deepest condolences to the family of Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald, especially her husband, her five children, and her seven grandchildren.

Since learning of her illness, her many friends in Congress have expressed their love and respect for her.

As the first African American woman to chair a committee in Congress, Juanita Millender-McDonald was a trailblazer, always advocating for the full participation of all Americans in the success and prosperity of our country. She was a strong defender of the right of every eligible voter to have full access to the polls, and a tireless proponent of a fair election process that ensured that every vote would be counted.

As chair of the House Administration Committee, Congresswoman Millender-McDonald’s deep commitment to diversity was mainfested in her actions on hiring and contracting within the House of Representatives.

The loss of Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald is a personal one for me. She was always optimistic and determined to make a difference. The dignity with which she faced her illness was an indication of the determination with which she always served the people of her district. They have lost an effective leader and spokeswoman, and I have lost a dear friend.

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http://www.speaker.gov/blog/?p=278