Jared Huffman: “I thank the gentlewoman from Florida and my other colleagues for their kind words about our friend, my predecessor and…”

“I thank the gentlewoman from Florida and my other colleagues for their kind words about our friend, my predecessor and our former colleague, Lynn Woolsey. Lynn is a one-of-a-kind, barrier-breaking trailblazer and a lifelong advocate for women and working families. In her 20 years of service in this body, she was a passionate voice for progressive values, unflinching in her convictions and ahead of her time in so many ways. Speaker Pelosi often called her the conscience of the Congress. She was born and raised in Seattle, Washington, but she put her roots down as a young woman in Sonoma County, raising a family, becoming a civic leader, and eventually launching a political career. She chaired the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women and then served on the Petaluma City Council before being elected to the House in the ``Year of the Woman.'' Congresswoman Woolsey understood firsthand the challenges and struggles confronting single mothers because she lived them. She never forgot the hardships she faced when she was forced to go on public assistance to keep her family afloat. It was because of this journey as a former welfare mother--the first to ever serve in Congress--that she fought so hard for children and families. She dedicated her career to improving education and empowering American workers through her service on the Education and Labor Committee and as ranking member of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee.…”