Barbara Lee: “I thank Congresswoman Jackson Lee for reminding us of Shirley Chisholm's history here in the Capitol as a member of the…”

“I thank Congresswoman Jackson Lee for reminding us of Shirley Chisholm's history here in the Capitol as a member of the Agriculture Committee. Now, you know I worked for the late Ron Dellums starting in 1975, and I worked for him for 11 years. I got a chance to be with Congresswoman Chisholm many times, also with Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, so I got a chance to know her and her brilliance and her stately demeanor and her huge intellect. And I remember very clearly that Congresswoman Chisholm also was on the Rules Committee. And I know she was only the second woman to ever be appointed to the Rules Committee. Again, I have to go back to 1789 because I want the public to understand the centuries that took place during the interim. First, Congresswoman Chisholm was the second woman on the Rules Committee since 1789, and I believe--and we are checking--I think that she may have been the first member of the CBC on the Rules Committee also. But also, in terms of Congresswoman Chisholm's history and bringing it current, she was an original board member, first honorary copresident in 1969 of the National Abortion Rights Action League, better known as NARAL, and she was a fierce advocate for women's reproductive rights and justice.…”