Hilda L. Solis: “I rise today also to join with my colleagues in celebrating Patsy Mink. We are going to honor her by naming a post…”

“I rise today also to join with my colleagues in celebrating Patsy Mink. We are going to honor her by naming a post office after her, but she deserves so much more. She was a wonderful human being whom I had a chance to know in my first term here in Congress. She was a warrior, a warrior in the sense that she fought for those who were voiceless. She was a champion for women's rights, equality, civil rights and environmental justice, someone whom I believe will always be remembered in the halls here of Congress. She was a role model not only to women of color but also to the many, many young women who were striving for equality in the sports field, to even the playing field. Today with much honor, I wear a symbol of shattering the glass ceiling. This pin that I am wearing, this brooch, symbolizes women breaking through and challenging and shattering the glass ceiling. Patsy Mink was one of those warriors, someone who was always constantly testing our tenacity, encouraging us as women and new Members here in the House to step forward. She was tremendous in the arguments and debates that occurred on welfare reform. Even though we did not get what we wanted, she was there. I commend the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Case) and the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie), who are paying tribute to her. She is a wonderful individual. I would ask our colleagues to support this measure.”