On the recordAugust 1, 2013
I wish to pay tribute to an incredible woman--former Congresswoman and Ambassador Lindy Boggs--who was a trailblazer for women and a passionate advocate for the people of Louisiana and people across the country who too often don't have a voice in Washington. When I first became a Member of Congress in 1983, Lindy was one of only 21 women serving in the House of Representatives. I will always be grateful for the kindness and generosity she showed in taking me under her wing--and it was the same for so many other women who followed her in Congress and found in her a role model of such dignity and strength. No one will ever forget her courage in the face of unspeakable tragedy--the loss of her husband, Congressman Hale Boggs, whose plane disappeared during a campaign trip to Alaska in 1972. Louisianans, including her husband's closest friends, urged her to run for the seat in a special election the next year, and she became the first woman elected to Congress from the State where she was beloved. I remember visiting Lindy's home State of Louisiana years later and being overwhelmed at the outpouring of love and respect the people she represented had for her--and with good reason. Throughout her time in Congress, she was a champion for civil rights, women's equality, and social justice. During her first term in Congress, Lindy was assigned to the House Banking Committee.…
