On the recordJuly 22, 2024
Madam Speaker, first, I thank the distinguished gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson) for hosting this important Special Order hour to honor our friend, our beloved colleague, Judge Jackson Lee. It is a blessing to be able to serve in the people's House with giants--Madam Speaker, you have had the opportunity tonight to hear from several--to be able to serve with Congresswoman Lee and to serve with Congressman Mfume, among many others, and to hear their perspectives on their time serving with Judge Jackson Lee. Mark Twain is credited with saying that history doesn't often repeat itself, but it does rhyme. As Mr. Mfume was describing the late Judge Jackson Lee and her adulation, respect, and admiration for Barbara Jordan, the first Black woman to ever be elected to United States Congress from the State of Texas, I am reminded of a story. At the end of Congresswoman Jordan's life, she had a bone-deep devotion to the Constitution, bone-deep devotion and faith in the Constitution, which was shown on full display during her service in the Congress, in particular during the Watergate proceedings. In 1996, when Barbara Jordan passed away, they were searching through her belongings, and they found in her purse a copy of the U.S. Constitution.…





