Gabby Giffords: “Today I rise to recognize the accomplishments of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to serve on the United…”

“Today I rise to recognize the accomplishments of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court. Just last week, the House unanimously passed a resolution in recognition of her distinguished career during Women's History Month. Justice O'Connor truly embodies the Arizona spirit of hard work and rugged individualism. After growing up on her family's ranch, the Lazy B located in the high deserts of Arizona, she quickly achieved success. Justice O'Connor graduated cum laude from Stanford University in 1950 and in the top three of her class at Stanford University Law School. Justice O'Connor began her career in public service as the Arizona Assistant Attorney General in 1965 and went on to the State legislature. She became the first woman in the country to serve as a Senate Majority Leader. Justice O'Connor was catapulted into our Nation's limelight when President Ronald Reagan nominated her to the United States Supreme Court in 1981. She served 24 terms on the Supreme Court in a centrist role with her commitment to uphold law and our Constitution. Just last year she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, the highest recognition for any civilian. Today we honor Justice Sandra Day O'Connor because this Friday we celebrate her 80th birthday. This resolution is a small birthday gift to a daughter of Arizona from a grateful Nation that she so proudly served.”