Barbara Lee: “She prided herself on bipartisan work. Actually, when I introduced the first resolution honoring her, I called her from…”

“She prided herself on bipartisan work. Actually, when I introduced the first resolution honoring her, I called her from the Cloakroom. She couldn't understand why there were no Republicans except Connie Morella on the floor speaking on behalf of the resolution. She was really upset because she said: Has so much changed that the Republicans don't know me? They don't remember I worked with them? I explained to her that the bill was on suspension, that it was the first night we came in, and that we had bipartisan support. However, she was pretty upset about that because she really wanted Democrats and Republicans to vote for this resolution. Mr. Speaker, the first and only time I pulled a bill from suspension was that night. I pulled it from suspension and called for a recorded vote so she could see all of the green buttons that were punched, all of the lights. So I ran back, and I called her. I said: See, Shirley, Republicans and Democrats remember you. They remember your legacy, and you didn't have one ``no'' vote on this. Finally, I will just say, Caribbean-American Heritage Month is June, and, again, Shirley Chisolm inspired me with my work in the Caribbean. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke is a daughter of the Caribbean and, of course, exemplifies Shirley Chisolm's spirit.…”